"Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves"
- Brendan Behan
About this Quote
In this quote, Brendan Behan compares critics to eunuchs in a hareem. Eunuchs were castrated guys who acted as guards in hareems, where females were kept for the enjoyment of rich males. Likewise, critics observe and evaluate the work of others, but they are unable to produce something themselves. They may have a deep understanding of the craft and have seen it done numerous times, however they lack the capability to in fact do it. This contrast highlights the aggravation and constraints of being a critic, as they are continuously surrounded by the art they can not totally participate in.
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