"Not content to have the audience in the palm of his hand, he goes one further and clinches his fist"

In this quote, Kenneth Tynan catches a vibrant moment of theatrical or performative proficiency, using it as a metaphor to convey the strength and control put in by an entertainer. The images of having "the audience in the palm of his hand" recommends a performer who has actually skillfully mesmerized his viewers, holding their attention and feelings completely. This expression is frequently utilized to describe someone who is so compelling and charismatic that the audience's responses and sensations are completely determined by their performance.

However, Tynan takes this image further by suggesting that the entertainer "goes one additional and clinches his fist". This action implies a move from simply holding the audience's attention with finesse to exerting a more assertive, perhaps dominating control over them. While having an audience in one's palm represents assistance, reassurance, and subtle power, clinching a fist suggests a transformation to something more intense, purposeful, or forceful. This shift may represent the entertainer's desire to make an enduring effect, leaving the audience not just amazed but maybe awe-stricken or overwhelmed.

Tynan's use of this metaphor could suggest criticism or appreciation, depending on the context. On one hand, it might show a kind of creative sparkle where the entertainer's capability is so profound that it transcends simple captivation and ventures into mastery. On the other hand, it could discreetly critique the entertainer's need to dominate instead of simply enchant, suggesting a performance style that is more aggressive or controlling than essential.

In essence, the quote illustrates the level of a performer's power over his audience, catching the vibrant interaction in between impact, control, and the desire to leave an enduring impression. It evokes a powerful picture of the fragile balance in performance art between appeal and command, subtlety and force.