Tolstoy uses the test of infectiousness, not only as a descriptive measure for what should count as art, but also as a standard for good art (#28-32). What does he mean by this standard? How does he suggest we apply this test to evaluate art? Is this a useful proposal for evaluating the quality of art? If you disagree with this proposal, how would you challenge it?

In his work, Tolstoy conveys the message that art needs to move people. The artist must create a piece full of meaning and emotion that people can connect to. He believes art should bring people together in unity to relate to the meaning of the piece. So many people in this world are feeling isolated, they need something that will help them overcome that isolation and feel like they are part of that which is bigger than themselves. Something that is so great it influences a lot of people but he also wants something that can make the audience feel the way the artist felt when creating his/her work.

He suggests we apply this test to evaluate by checking three things. The first is how original the feeling is that the art gives its viewers. Tolstoy says “on the greater or lesser individuality of the feeling transmitted.” He means raw feeling, like personal kind of feelings that the artist is sharing – a personal story or experience of some kind. The second is how clear the feelings are shared. When Tolstoy says “on the greater or lesser clearness with which the feeling is transmitted,” he is asking has the artist conveyed these feelings in such a way that the viewer is feeling them also? Using great detail and writing from the deepest depths of your soul is the way to best convey the feelings to your audience. The third is how sincere the artist is when he/she creates their piece of work. Tolstoy says “on the sincerity of the artist, I.e., on the greater or lesser force with which the artist himself feels the emotions he transmits.” He means that using the personal experiences to connect with the viewer is an essential part of what makes it art. I believe this is a useful proposal for evaluating the quality of art because art should evoke natural, pure emotion. The whole point of art is the meaning behind the work you are trying to share with the world. It is how you want the world to see it through your eyes. When you create something from all the emotions and feelings inside of your body, something amazing will come out. It has to be raw and original.

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