1. Discussing the qualifications of an ideal critic, Pope begins with the remarks that only a poet can be an ideal critic:
"Let such teach others who themselves excel,
And censure freely who have written well".
And censure freely who have written well".
He further says about a poet and critic:
"Both must alike from heaven derive their light, those born to judge, as well as those to write".
"Both must alike from heaven derive their light, those born to judge, as well as those to write".
Divine inspiration is essential equally to the critic and the poet:
"A perfect judge will reach each work of wit
With the same spirit that its author writ".
2. The critic and the poet should both have wit, taste and judgment in equal measure. All the same, the ideal critic is aware of his limitations. He knows "how far his genius, taste, and learning go". He will not launch "beyond his depth".
3. Furthermore, the ideal critic would not be guided only by the prescribed rules. He should have an instinctive sense to feel and understand the nameless graces which no methods or principles can teach. He has the taste to notice "a grace beyond the reach of art". His judgements are well nourished and developed.
4) He is not satisfied with ' a little learning' which is 'a dangerous thing'.
5) He is blessed with an exact taste and has knowledge of books and humanity in right proportions. He is:
"Generous to converse, a soul exempt from pride,
And love to praise, with reason on his side."
And love to praise, with reason on his side."
6) The ideal critics duty is to give advice. He is pleased to teach and he oaught to be proud of his knowledge yet he should be unbiased and unprejudiced. In the true spirit of literary criticism there are no friends or foes. So Pope says:
"Modestly bold, and humanely severe,
Who to a friend his faults can freely show,
And gladly praise the merit of a foe."