Comprehension Passage
Read the given extract and answer the following questions -
‘’The anxiety of influence is something quite different from the absurd notion of "influence" that contemporary criticism has reduced the history of literature to. To believe that Shakespeare or Milton can be explained by citing the textual influences that contributed to their greatness is to harbor an idealist delusion of a kind that embarrasses me. Shakespeare did not become Shakespeare by being influenced; he became Shakespeare by transcending, by thinking for himself.’’ ( Harold Bloom)
‘’The anxiety of influence is something quite different from the absurd notion of "influence" that contemporary criticism has reduced the history of literature to. To believe that Shakespeare or Milton can be explained by citing the textual influences that contributed to their greatness is to harbor an idealist delusion of a kind that embarrasses me. Shakespeare did not become Shakespeare by being influenced; he became Shakespeare by transcending, by thinking for himself.’’ ( Harold Bloom)
What does Bloom think of contemporary literary criticism?
1
He believes it is overly focused on influence
2
He thinks it is an essential part of the writing process
3
He thinks it is helpful in understanding great writers like Shakespeare and Milton
4
He believes it is too focused on the writer's personal life
5
Question Not Attempted