Abstract
With his militant stance towards industrial civilization and mass culture, as well as his adherence to and promotion of elite culture, F. R. Leavis has become a pivotal figure in the tradition of British cultural criticism. However, as the editor-in-chief of the literary journal Scrutiny, Leavis wrote a large number of influential literary critical articles, many of which remain illuminating for contemporary literary criticism, yet they have not received sufficient attention in Chinese academia. In terms of literary criticism, Leavis opposed the application of theories in a rigid manner, emphasizing the critic's “sensibility” and unique gifts, as well as the importance of “close reading” of the text. Morality also occupies a central place in his work, but Leavis has his own understanding of it. In his view, morality is not about constraining vibrant human nature, but about stimulating, celebrating, and affirming the vitality of life. Meanwhile, through the journal Scrutiny, Leavis spared no effort in promoting his critical principles, cultivating discerning critics and positioning them as a pivotal force within cultural life.
Keywords
F. R. Leavis, literary criticism, “sensibility”, life, Scrutiny
First Page
50
Last Page
58
Recommended Citation
He, Weihua. 2026. "Reaffirming “Sensibility”: F. R. Leavis and the Critical Community." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 46, (2): pp.50-58. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol46/iss2/5
