Now that I've read your reply and re-read the OP I can see why you wrote what you did.
It comes across as smug, know it all, arrogant and I really didn't mean for it to be read that way. What I mean is, I've read novels and writing that get a bad reception and while I agree on a sort of intuitive level I can never explain or assess it in my head in a coherent manner.
It's like when you watch a schlock film, you know it's bad but you can't articulate why it's bad in the language of film.
You can't really "hone" your tastes.
Just admit you have subpar taste when it comes to literary criticism.
not a shit advice, it's practically what I've been doing. The problem is when I want to explain why I find certain writing to be bad, I can't always refer to Shakespeare or other superior writers.
thanks, will give them a read
I have subpar taste when it comes to literary criticism.
Now explain to me why Dan Brown's writing is terrible
Things just "are" terrible. Explaining "why" is kind of where you get stupid.
I want to explain it to myself, is more the point.
Consider the inverse, if you can't explain why something 'is' 'bad', then how can you explain why something is good?
Your problem is asking "why" over and over again is the mindset of a child. Your questioning attitude has not matured, if indeed you are no longer a "child."
I gotta say, I was really not expecting that kind of reply.
soup rise!
*holds up sork* xD!