The Social Significance of the Modern Drama

Emma Goldman Printed by permission of S. T. Kajiwara

EMMA GOLDMAN
BOSTON: RICHARD G. BADGER TORONTO: THE COPP CLARK CO., LIMITED

Copyright, 1914, by Richard G. Badger
All Rights Reserved
The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A.
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.