Meaning: Mary McCarthy's quote, "The theater is the only branch of art much cared for by people of wealth; like canasta, it does away with the brother of talk after dinner," offers a thought-provoking insight into the relationship between wealth, leisure, and the arts. This quote comes from her book "The Company She Keeps," which was published in 1942. McCarthy was an American novelist, critic, and political activist known for her incisive wit and keen observations on society and culture.

In this quote, McCarthy draws a parallel between the theater and the card game canasta, suggesting that both are favored pastimes of the wealthy elite. The comparison to canasta, a popular card game in the mid-20th century, evokes an image of post-dinner social gatherings and leisurely activities enjoyed by affluent individuals. By likening the theater to canasta, McCarthy implies that both serve as forms of entertainment that provide a diversion from mundane or trivial conversation.

The reference to "the brother of talk" in the quote suggests that the theater, like canasta, offers a departure from the customary small talk that often accompanies social gatherings among the wealthy. Instead of engaging in superficial or banal conversations, attending the theater or playing canasta allows people of wealth to immerse themselves in a more intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching experience. McCarthy's use of this metaphor highlights the notion that the theater provides a sophisticated and intellectually engaging alternative to idle chit-chat.

McCarthy's assertion that the theater is the only branch of art much cared for by people of wealth raises questions about the intersection of art, class, and social status. It prompts us to consider why the theater, in particular, holds a special appeal for the affluent. Historically, the patronage of the arts has been closely linked to wealth and power, with affluent individuals and institutions providing financial support for artistic endeavors. The quote alludes to the idea that the theater, as a live performance art form, holds a unique allure for those who have the means to appreciate and indulge in its offerings.

Furthermore, the comparison to canasta underscores the idea that leisure activities and cultural pursuits often reflect the social and economic standing of individuals. The choice of pastimes can serve as a marker of status and privilege, with the theater being positioned as a sophisticated and refined pursuit favored by the upper echelons of society. McCarthy's astute observation sheds light on the cultural preferences and lifestyle habits of the wealthy, highlighting the significance of the theater as a cultural institution that holds a privileged place in their leisure pursuits.

Moreover, the quote invites contemplation on the role of the arts in shaping social interactions and leisure practices. By suggesting that the theater and canasta serve as alternatives to post-dinner conversation, McCarthy implies that these activities contribute to the cultivation of refined and intellectually stimulating social experiences. The arts, in this context, are portrayed as integral to the fabric of social life among the elite, providing a means of intellectual engagement and cultural enrichment that transcends mere entertainment.

In conclusion, Mary McCarthy's quote offers a penetrating commentary on the relationship between wealth, leisure, and the arts. Through the comparison of the theater to the card game canasta, McCarthy illuminates the cultural preferences and social dynamics of the affluent, while also prompting us to consider the broader implications of art as a marker of privilege and social distinction. Her incisive observation invites us to reflect on the role of the arts in shaping social interactions and leisure practices, as well as the enduring appeal of the theater as a cherished pastime for people of wealth.