The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

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Pope's contempt

The Common Reader • 1594 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Alexander Pope's 'An Essay on Man' claims that our world is the best of all possible worlds, but this idea has faced strong criticism for being overly simplistic.
  2. Pope's other works, like 'An Essay on Criticism,' showcase his sharp wit and talent for satire, where he critiques bad poetry and blind admiration for the classics.
  3. Pope's knack for biting commentary and humor makes his critical works more engaging than some of his philosophical writing, suggesting it's often easier to criticize than to create.

Autumn by V.S. Naipaul

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Autumn is described as a beautiful and rich time for writing, inspiring many poets and novelists. The changing colors and nature's transformations during this season evoke deep appreciation.
  2. In literature, autumn often symbolizes change and reflection. It can bring a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of the cycle of life, seen in the works of many famous authors.
  3. The imagery of autumn can vary greatly, offering a mix of beauty and decay. It serves as a backdrop for emotions, where the landscape reflects internal feelings, such as loneliness or introspection.

AI Is Missing the Point

The Algorithmic Bridge • 796 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Large language models are built to predict and complete text, so they naturally push toward closure instead of lingering or refusing to end.
  2. People use punctuation and sentence flow to control time, breath, and emotion, and sometimes deliberately refuse closure as an expressive or aesthetic choice.
  3. AI can mimic those patterns statistically but doesn’t feel breath, fatigue, or true agency, so its meandering is simulation rather than genuine expression, which raises questions about alignment and how writing will change.

Secret Squirrel writes about Alice Munro

The Common Reader • 1594 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Alice Munro connects creativity and sexuality, exploring how our erotic nature can sometimes be brutal. Her stories examine the darker sides of humanity as well.
  2. Munro writes about local history and community life, often focusing on family dynamics and sexual norms in her fictional settings. She provides insights into the changes in society during the sexual revolution.
  3. By living between traditional and modern values, Munro gains a unique perspective on what has changed and what remains the same in people's lives over time.

When Bad People Make Good Art

The Honest Broker • 18551 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. It's tough to enjoy art when you know the artist has done bad things. People often wonder if listening to music or watching movies means they support those bad actions.
  2. There's a lot of gray area in cancel culture. Sometimes it's hard to decide if we should stop enjoying a particular artist because of their past, and it can feel overwhelming to investigate all the claims.
  3. The impact of one artist on a larger group, like a band or a film crew, complicates the issue further. Should everyone be punished if one person does something wrong?
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Is Melania The Worst Film Ever Made?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 412 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The Melania documentary is widely panned and many viewers call it one of the worst films they’ve seen because it’s boring, lifeless, and unintentionally funny.
  2. It feels like a bought, clumsy PR piece — a cobbled-together vanity film financed and scripted to flatter Melania and backed by sketchy people.
  3. Melania is portrayed as shallow and inauthentic: the voiceovers sound robotic, scenes are staged with endless shoe close-ups, and the film’s sympathetic lines clash with her husband’s actions.

Friendly And Hostile Analogies For Taste

Astral Codex Ten • 19615 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Taste in art can feel very subjective, with many believing that what they like is good while critics might argue otherwise. It's confusing when different groups don't agree on what is 'good' art.
  2. Just like there are fashion rules that people follow, there are also rules for taste that might seem arbitrary. Sometimes, these rules change quickly, and what's considered 'good' or 'bad' can shift over time.
  3. People often feel a strong reaction to art or style they dislike, similar to how some think bad grammar is wrong. This suggests that our sense of taste might be more about learned reactions than fixed truths.

Don't Draft Shakespeare into Your Genre Wars

Counter Craft • 482 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. History helps explain today’s political violence and recurring patterns, so read historical accounts to see how past eras echo the present.
  2. Autofiction is most interesting when writers stop flattering themselves and instead embrace their flaws and failures; that brutal honesty and formal freedom can make the work sharper and more memorable.
  3. Don’t anachronistically shoehorn past writers into modern ‘genre’ vs ‘literary’ teams — genres are historical, cultural ecosystems, so read across traditions and avoid proud ignorance in literary debates.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dirty Little Secret of Ambition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 922 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Ambition is often a private, shameful secret people hide, and many feel embarrassed to talk about their success or lack of it.
  2. A frank, candid portrayal of naked ambition can strongly resonate with readers and make them recognize their own desires and drives.
  3. For many, ambition replaces other powerful urges as the main motivating force, quietly shaping choices and behavior.

The Invisible Force Blocking Your Creativity

Changing The Channel • 6039 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Criticism
  1. Resistance is an invisible force that aims to prevent us from pursuing our deepest desires and goals.
  2. Procrastination is a common manifestation of Resistance and serves as an easy way to rationalize avoiding our work.
  3. Critics and naysayers, including those close to us, may stem from their own fears and insecurities, projecting them onto our creative endeavors.

It's time to reboot Back to the Future

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Blockbuster fatigue: Big-budget franchises and recycled IPs have dulled the appeal of going to the cinema.
  2. Online critics and endless content: Instant critical consensus and access to almost all films make people less willing to risk new releases, so they often rewatch familiar favorites instead.
  3. Back to the Future reboot potential: Despite reverence for the original, a thoughtful reboot could be a major critical and commercial success if it’s handled with care.

Writing Today: As Gawker to the 2010s, so The Ringer to the 2020s

Freddie deBoer • 4362 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Gawker was all about being mean and stylish, which made it popular in the 2010s. It had a vibe of being cool yet cruel, reflecting a certain snarky attitude in media.
  2. The Ringer is a friendly and approachable media brand today, focusing on pop culture and sports. It aims to make everyone feel included, which is different from the harshness of Gawker.
  3. Both Gawker and The Ringer represent their respective eras in media, but they show how the tone and purpose of media have shifted from making bold statements to being more about companionship and fun.

Writing Today: Scouting Reports

Freddie deBoer • 4548 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Writing styles vary greatly among authors, showing how personal experiences shape their perspectives. Each writer has a unique voice that reflects their individuality.
  2. Good criticism helps readers understand deeper meanings in pop culture and social issues. Writers use their styles to engage with readers while shedding light on complex themes.
  3. The tension between personal voice and societal expectations presents challenges for writers. They navigate these by balancing personal expression with the pressures of their audience and industry.

What's Up With All the Theme Parks?

Story Club with George Saunders • 78 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Using exaggerated elements like theme parks or ghosts is a deliberate way to unsettle a habitual voice and make the writing more playful and energetic, rather than just to illustrate a theme.
  2. Placing random or hard-to-reconcile elements together forces the mind to invent connections during revision, letting unexpected meanings and relationships emerge organically.
  3. Craft is largely about getting out of your own way: embrace doubt, allow language and voice to go wild, and rewrite until the story finds its own internal logic and emotional truth.

The New ‘Animal Farm’ Movie Is Less Equal Than the Book

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The new animated Animal Farm softens Orwell’s pointed critique of Stalinism and changes key elements of the original allegory.
  2. Andy Serkis directed a big, star-studded 21st-century remake; Woody Harrelson voices Boxer and Kieran Culkin voices Squealer, and it opens in U.S. theaters on May 1.
  3. Orwell’s novella was a clear anti-Soviet allegory — so influential that the CIA backed a 1954 adaptation — but the new film downplays that specific political critique.

On the Calculation of Volume, vol. III

The Common Reader • 992 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The main character, Tara, is stuck in a time-loop and is searching for meaning and happiness in a world that feels lost to her. Her journey highlights the struggle to adapt to a new reality.
  2. The story explores how characters, feeling trapped in time, come together to find a new way to live and improve their circumstances, showcasing the power of human resilience and creativity.
  3. Tara's quest shifts from nostalgia for the past to embracing her current situation, surrounded by new companions, emphasizing the importance of moving forward despite challenges.

The Innocent And The Beautiful Have No Enemy But Time

Astral Codex Ten • 12526 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Time is the only true enemy of those who are innocent and beautiful. It can take away love and youth.
  2. Embracing simplicity and purity brings happiness, even if it seems fragile. Pure intentions often face challenges.
  3. Beauty and innocence should be cherished, as they stand out in a complex world. They may be vulnerable, but they are worth protecting.

Titanic Awards Season Post

Gideon's Substack • 16 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Hollywood looks strained: ticket sales and original adult-oriented hits are down, while the top-grossing films are mostly sequels, reboots, or franchise IP.
  2. Awards season still functions as a public ritual to show the industry is alive, and it highlights a mix of big studio spectacle and smaller, arty or foreign films.
  3. Critical reactions are mixed and personal—some acclaimed pictures feel overrated, while original, character-driven films like Sinners, Sentimental Value, and It Was Just an Accident get strong grassroots support for major awards.

Mr Wilde and Mr Hyde (Part 2)

The Fry Corner • 2697 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Oscar Wilde's writing is captivating and uses beautiful language that can draw readers in.
  2. Understanding Wilde's life and struggles can give a deeper appreciation for his works.
  3. Reading about Wilde's trials helps reveal the challenges he faced as a gay man in a strict society.

Beyond Interpassivity

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 656 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Using AI for writing is becoming more common, and it can be just as valuable as human writing. It's important to focus on how the text impacts readers, regardless of who or what wrote it.
  2. The idea of blending human and machine writing is gaining acceptance, and it might change how we judge quality in writing. This change could lead to new standards that respect all forms of creative expression.
  3. Overall, the goal is to create texts that challenge and inspire readers, no matter the source. This approach emphasizes results and reader experience over origins.

Choose Nonbook Review Finalists 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 4611 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. There are 141 entries for a Non-Book Review Contest that need to be narrowed down to about a dozen finalists. Everyone is encouraged to help out by reading and rating these entries.
  2. You should try to read different reviews randomly to get a fair spread of votes. If you read them in order, early reviews might get too many votes compared to the later ones.
  3. The voting deadline is June 20, and the finalists will be announced after counting the votes. So make sure to participate before then!

Things Worth Remembering: Why the Critics Got Billy Joel Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3023 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. Billy Joel has sold over 160 million records and is highly successful, but some critics still look down on him. That's surprising given his achievements.
  2. Despite the harsh criticism, many legendary musicians admire Billy Joel and view him as a true artist. This shows that talent can be recognized in different ways.
  3. Joel has a strong connection with his fans and often stands up against critics, even using humor to push back and keep performing. His resilience is inspiring.

Epiphanies

Dada Drummer Almanach • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. He finds freedom inside musical limits, stretching time and phrasing like a jazz musician to make his drumming and singing constantly surprising and expressive.
  2. He lives simply and generously in retirement, valuing small pleasures, leftist principles, and warm, kind interactions with fans and friends.
  3. His work turns ordinary details into deep feeling and has profoundly influenced other musicians, teaching new ways to play drums and sing.

My interview with G.K. Allum

The Common Reader • 673 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Literature is deeply personal and becomes meaningful at different ages; for some, it can start as young as thirteen, sparking a real love for poetry and language.
  2. The phrase 'marketplace of ideas' is confusing; it suggests a way of trading thoughts, but ideas don't require a purchase, they're more about sharing and discussion.
  3. Old and modern readers often appreciate poems that offer clear wisdom or emotional connection, showing that the purpose of literature has remained consistent over time.

"Were I a writer, and dead..."

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The idea of the 'death of the author' suggests that the author's intentions shouldn't dictate how we understand their work. Instead, we should focus on the text itself and what it communicates.
  2. Experiencing literary theory can be overwhelming and exciting, especially for students. It often opens the door to new questions and perspectives that challenge previous understanding.
  3. Roland Barthes encourages readers to think about the little details in life. Even small aspects, like a mark on someone's shoe, can carry deeper meanings and connections.

Shorter Writing is Not Better Writing: An Argumentative Treatise

Freddie deBoer • 8694 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Short writing isn't always better writing. Sometimes, longer pieces can explain complex ideas better than short ones.
  2. The push for brevity in writing often leads to dull and similar-sounding work. Good writing should capture unique voices and ideas without fear of being too lengthy.
  3. Many writers feel pressured to write short because of trends, not because it's the best way to express their thoughts. Confidence in one's own style is important.

Mrs Warren's Profession. A splendid play performed almost pefectly.

The Common Reader • 2090 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Imelda Staunton gives an amazing performance in 'Mrs Warren's Profession.' She really captures the emotions and nuances of the play without just being loud or intense.
  2. The production is mostly well done, but the director added unnecessary elements like ghosts and emotional music that distract from Shaw's original message.
  3. Despite these flaws, the play is still worth seeing. Staunton's talent makes it a wonderful experience that shouldn't be missed.

The 29 "Best" (?) Movies of the 21st Century

Read Max • 2739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Lists of great movies can be very different depending on personal taste. Some people choose popular films everyone knows, while others pick lesser-known gems.
  2. Counter-consensus opinions in film criticism are valuable because they challenge the common views and spark interesting conversations. It's good to mix popular choices with surprising or personal favorites.
  3. Creating a movie list can be a fun way to reflect your unique style and feelings about films. It can show how quirky or serious your tastes are.

Hazlitt's Committed Disinterest; Wuthering Lows; Dark Enlightenment's fell philosopher

Unpopular Front • 27 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. A great landscape painting can unify mood and scene so strongly that nature feels vast, strange, and freshly alive, pulling you into one atmospheric feeling.
  2. Myths like Orion’s journey from blindness to the rising sun show how art can serve as an awakening, restoring clarity and changing how you see things.
  3. Contemporary cultural writing often blends criticism, interviews, and event promotion, and frequently depends on subscriptions or reader support to sustain the work.

Literature in the Octagon

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Poetry slams have turned poetry into a competitive sport, making it more popular but also more theatrical. Some think this takes away from the true meaning of poetry.
  2. There seems to be a growing trend of focusing on identity in both poetry and fiction, which some argue makes the writing less relatable or enjoyable.
  3. Literature slams could be a fun way to showcase fiction, but many writers may feel it’s too casual or worry about how the audience will react.

Baum's original Oz is darker and stranger than Wicked

The Intrinsic Perspective • 6165 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Baum's original story of Oz is much darker and stranger than the musical Wicked. It includes more intense and unsettling elements.
  2. Dorothy is portrayed as a flawed character in the original book, which adds complexity to her role as a hero.
  3. The original Oz has elements like odd transformations and eerie landscapes that contribute to its unique charm and depth.

Revisiting Renata

Vague Blue • 958 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Renata Adler's writing focuses on critical acuity and a strong ethical use of language
  2. Renata Adler's work emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctions and avoiding polarization in discussions of violence and ethics
  3. Adler's nonfiction stands out for its searing righteousness, honesty, and fearless exploration of truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and political complexities

Virginia Woolf's other centenary

The Common Reader • 3012 implied HN points • 21 May 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Virginia Woolf's book _The Common Reader_ is a significant work of critical essays that deserves more recognition. It's often overshadowed by her novel _Mrs. Dalloway_ and should be celebrated too.
  2. Woolf was influenced by Samuel Johnson, a major critic from the past. She adopted his style of mixing biography and criticism, and her essays reflect his impact.
  3. Today’s literary essays often focus too much on personal opinions rather than solid criticism. Woolf’s approach can inspire critics to return to more insightful and meaningful analysis.

Posts from Underground IV-V

The Lifeboat • 355 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Some people get a weird pleasure from performative suffering, turning pain or misery into sarcastic moans that feel gratifying because they show their own degeneration.
  2. Heightened consciousness and overthinking tend to paralyze people, making them bored and prone to invent drama, guilt, or forced feelings just to feel alive.
  3. Modern tools like smartphones and the internet create an underground space where isolated, hyper-conscious personalities multiply and turn their inner life into conscious shitposting and performative personas.

This Is Hardcore

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The French word for 'fox' is incorrectly thought to be 'renard'; the real word is 'goupil'.
  2. The character Renart from the medieval epic is a classic trickster who harms others for his own gain.
  3. Renart represents pure malice as he focuses entirely on his selfish desires, contrasting with other character types that may pursue different interests.

What is spite?

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Spite is a powerful emotion that drives people to act out of scorn or dislike towards others. It can inspire creativity and productivity, especially in art and literature.
  2. Much of what we do is shaped by personal spite, which reveals our histories and motivations. Even great works of literature often stem from this complex feeling.
  3. The study of spite is intertwined with biography, as understanding a creator's life often uncovers the spiteful influences behind their work.

Arnold Bennett's ten step plan for learning to appreciate poetry

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Clear your mind and forget any ideas you have about poetry before you start. This helps you be open to new interpretations.
  2. Read and re-read key texts like Hazlitt’s essays and poems by Wordsworth to get better at understanding and feeling poetry.
  3. Take your time with different styles and forms of poetry. Explore what resonates with you, and don’t be afraid to follow your own interests.

The Tyranny of 'Just'

The J. Burden Show • 2376 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The phrase 'just' is used to diminish aspirations and heroes, promoting a sense of mediocrity and weakening the idea of heroism in modern society.
  2. Current narratives often focus on highlighting the flaws of historical figures and heroes to degrade their legacy and virtues, rather than showcasing them as examples to be admired and followed.
  3. The concept of 'just' contributes to a culture that belittles heroic actions, leading to a society that discourages bravery and valor, instead fostering a mentality of cynicism and self-deprecation.