In order to understand the social and dynamic significance of modern dramatic art it is necessary, I
believe, to ascertain the difference between the functions of art for art's sake and art as the mirror of
life.
Art for art's sake presupposes an attitude of aloofness on the part of the artist toward the complex
struggle of life: he must rise above the ebb and tide of life. He is to be merely an artistic conjurer of
beautiful forms, a creator of pure fancy.
That is ...