Matthiessen Lectures On Marxist Concepts Of Artist in Society

"I am a Socialist and a Christian, not a Marxist, but I've learned much from Marxism," warned Francis O. Matthiessen, professor of History and Litterature, last night before a discussion meeting on "The Artist and Society" of the John Reed Society in the Leverett House Common Room.

Professor Matthiessen stressed the two Marxist concepts of "art as a reflection of society" and "art as a weapon," pointing out that to Marx and Engels the great artist is the man who can "give the fullest picture of the reality of his time, not a future historical solution of the basic conflict he is describing." Marxists thus are more interested in the functions of art, not the aesthetic values of its form.

However, using "stupid" works of art as a propaganda means in times of unrest, as Soviet Russia frequently does today, rather than depicting a true and realistic glimpse of society, is deplorable. "No Hamlet or Lear could be produced," said Professor Matthiessen, "if pessimism were only a thing of the past."