{T}his is how it will remain until ... literary criticism discards its sociological, religious, philosophical and other textbooks, which only help mediocrity to admire itself. Only then will you be free to say what you please. {F}or God's sake stop that irrelevant chitchat.
In Vladimir Nabokov's "The Gift," he critiques the influence of various established disciplines like sociology, religion, and philosophy on literary criticism. He argues that these influences promote mediocrity by encouraging superficial admiration instead of genuine engagement with literature. This critique suggests that until such distractions are eliminated, true freedom of expression in literary discourse will be hindered.
Nabokov urges critics to abandon irrelevant discussions that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of literature. He believes that only by focusing on the text itself, devoid of external baggage, can critics genuinely articulate their thoughts and appreciate literature's true essence. His call for a return to a more focused and liberated approach highlights the need for authenticity in literary criticism.