Final answer:
A critic should focus on analyzing the artistic elements of a play, separate from its social, political, or cultural context, to provide an objective assessment of its artistic merit. However, it is also valuable to consider the historical and cultural context to enrich the understanding and interpretation of the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
A critic should treat a play as an aesthetic object separate from its social, political, or cultural context. This means that the critic should focus on analyzing the artistic elements of the play, such as the writing, acting, staging, and overall production, rather than getting caught up in the play's real-world implications. By separating the play from its context, the critic can provide an objective assessment of the work's artistic merit.
For example, when analyzing a Shakespeare play, it is important to consider the language, themes, and characters within the play itself, rather than imposing modern concepts or interpretations onto it. By doing so, the critic can appreciate the play's historical and literary significance, without being influenced by contemporary ideas.
It is worth noting that while a critic should focus primarily on the aesthetic elements of a play, it is also valuable to consider the historical and cultural context in which the play was written and performed. This background knowledge can enrich the critic's understanding and interpretation of the play, but it should not overshadow the primary focus on the artistic aspects.