Understanding the Journey of a Critic

The speaker shares their journey from aspiring writer to jazz critic, influenced by various literary critics. Initially interested in literary criticism, they transitioned to jazz criticism after recognizing a gap in the field. Influential figures like Dwight McDonald and Edmund Wilson shaped their path. The speaker's passion for criticism led to a deep engagement with various critics and their works, culminating in a senior thesis on notable literary figures.

What was the speaker's initial career aspiration?

• Actor

• Painter

• Writer

• Musician

What subject did the speaker initially expect to write about?

• Jazz

• Literary Criticism

• Film

• Science Fiction

What was the speaker's first job after school?

• Jazz Critic

• Film Critic

• Musicologist

• Literary Critic

Why did the speaker decide to focus on jazz criticism?

• They were a musician

• They felt jazz criticism was lacking

• They disliked film criticism

• They were asked by a friend

Which critic was the first to significantly influence the speaker?

• Edmund Wilson

• Dwight McDonald

• Dan Morgan Stern

• James AG

What book by Edmund Wilson did the speaker find challenging?

• Painted Veils

• Classics and Commercials

• The Shores of Light

• Axel's Castle

Which critic's work did the speaker become obsessed with, despite them being less read today?

• Max Beerbohm

• James Gibbon Huner

• George Bernard Shaw

• Matthew Arnold

Which critic's music criticism did the speaker admire?

• Dan Morgan Stern

• Max Beerbohm

• George Bernard Shaw

• James AG

What was the subject of the speaker's senior thesis?

• Jazz Music

• Theater Criticism

• Film Criticism

• Edmund Wilson, T.S. Eliot, and Hemingway as critics

What did the speaker ultimately decide was clear for them?

• Writing a novel

• Pursuing a career in criticism

• Becoming a musician

• Becoming a film director