Meaning: This quote by Leslie Fiedler, a prominent literary critic, expresses his disdain for detached, analytical writing. Fiedler was known for his bold and often controversial views on literature and culture, and this quote reflects his preference for passionate and engaged criticism over detached observation. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is necessary to explore Fiedler's background and the context in which he made this statement.

Leslie Fiedler was an influential literary critic and scholar who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of American literature, particularly his analysis of the cultural and psychological implications of literary texts. Fiedler's approach to criticism was characterized by its boldness and willingness to challenge established norms and conventions, earning him a reputation as a provocative and controversial figure in the academic world.

Fiedler's quote reflects his belief in the importance of emotional and personal engagement in literary criticism. He rejects the idea of detached chronicling and cool analysis, preferring instead a more passionate and involved approach to understanding and interpreting literature. This stance aligns with Fiedler's broader intellectual project, which sought to explore the deep-seated cultural and psychological undercurrents that shape literary works.

The quote also sheds light on Fiedler's view of the role of the critic in relation to the text. For Fiedler, the critic should not simply observe and analyze literature from a distance; rather, the critic should be actively engaged with the work, allowing their own emotional and intellectual responses to inform their interpretation. This approach reflects Fiedler's commitment to understanding literature as a deeply personal and subjective experience, one that is inseparable from the critic's own lived reality and emotional landscape.

Fiedler's rejection of detached chronicling and cool analysis can be seen as a response to the dominant trends in literary criticism during his time. In the mid-20th century, the academic study of literature was often characterized by a focus on formal analysis and detached observation, with critics striving for an objective and dispassionate understanding of literary texts. Fiedler's quote can be understood as a rejection of this approach, advocating instead for a more subjective and emotionally engaged form of criticism.

In conclusion, Leslie Fiedler's quote encapsulates his rejection of detached, cool analysis in literary criticism and his advocacy for a more emotionally engaged and subjective approach to understanding literature. This quote reflects Fiedler's broader intellectual project, which sought to explore the deep-seated cultural and psychological undercurrents that shape literary works. Fiedler's views continue to provoke discussion and debate in the field of literary criticism, and his quote remains a powerful statement of his passionate and engaged approach to the study of literature.