In a message dated 8/30/99 10:27:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
 
<< It is an idealist elitism, and the argument against it is reasonable. That
is, how hard should a person have to work to unlock the meaning of a poetic
expression? How much homework do? >>
 
 
in the first place, I doubt seriously that Bill was referring to "an idealist
elitism" in his remarks in support of See & the Washington Post, the phrase
he uses is "elitist snobbery."  but in response to Robert's remarks, perhaps
one could paraphrase: how hard should anyone have to work to get good at
anything?  I can't help but see this comment as an attempt by Robert to
further his claim that Pound is only of interest to academics ...  er...
serious folks.  as regards Mauberly, these days it requires very little work
to "access" its meaning -- the only requirement is that one be able to read
anyone of the many studies it has generated.
 
by the by, no one has referred to See as a "brute," although I believe that a
strong argument could be made for the Post in this regard.
 
jb....