Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/772

 756 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Art collections are in every way elevating in their tendency, and their value as popular educators cannot be overestimated. They will at the same time bring those whom they are able to reach to a higher sense of civicism ; but it must be noted that they do not attract a great many people. Even on free days museums of art are never crowded. Fine work in painting and sculpture is not only not recognized by the masses, it is not even attractive to them. The discriminating sense that finds delight in it is the product of considerable previous culture. These forms of art occupy a height which can be viewed with appreciation only after an amount of hard climbing. Their beau- ties are not universally penetrative and irresistibly compelling.

The institution which is most universal and irresistible in its fascinations is the stage. It has been so among all cultured people and in all ages, and most of all when art in general has been at its greatest height and loyalty to the city has been most intense. This is the only phase of art which meets with uni- versal acceptance, for the reason that it delights the senses before it engages the thought. Even high dramatic art is universally pleasurable. Artistic stage-setting and costuming, graceful movements, and pleasing elocution, blending with the harmonies of orchestral music, may be as purely sensual in their appeals as a shaded brook on a summer day. This combination of effects will compel the enjoyment of all sorts and conditions of men. A purified and elevated municipal theater and opera would serve two great ends — they would educate the people, and impress the consciousness of civicism.

As a culture influence the stage presents great possibilities. High art here will attract all classes. With many the discrimi- nating capacity will at first be absent ; only the capacity to respond to sensual appeals will be present ; but under wholesome circumstances the growth of the spiritual and intellectual out of the sensual is inevitable. The discriminating sense comes with familiarity with the best, and then the low and vulgar in acting becomes hateful and repellent.

To elevate the masses to an appreciation of fine acting would be in itself a great achievement, but the educative influence of