ABSTRACT
As a critic, Mr. Eliot is first of all a master and a connoisseur of lyric verse. His usual practice, especially in his earlier work, is to assume the poetry, and then by means of careful discriminations, and very apt quotation, to present a single sharp, suggestive insight, which stimulates his readers to further reading of their own. Mr. Eliot says that he is still exploring the weaknesses of this play, and perhaps his critics should emulate him in this respect, and not try to estimate The Cocktail Party until it has had time to sink in. If one thinks over the series of Mr. Eliot's plays, one is inevitably reminded of Henry James's adventures in practical play writing. It is true that Mr. Eliot has certain gifts which James lacked, especially an intellectual inclusiveness which augurs well for his success.
