[SauronOfMordor]

I cut my own throat in class one day by stating that I felt ideological critiques of literary works were nothing more than intellectual masturbation.

I think that any critiques of literary works are intellectual masturbation. Just READ the damn stuff. If it speaks to you, then great. If it doesn't, find something that does.

I just think that too many literary critics are trying to cover up their own creative constipation

[RepoGirl]

I just think that too many literary critics are trying to cover up their own creative constipation

Amen! My writing mentor use to remind us, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, become critics."

Look at Roger "fatboy" Ebert. His one and only screenplay was Valley of the Dolls (come to think of it, he might have also written Pirahna...) Fine films, indeed.