How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"My brothers and I were all excellent observers. Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. Don't you think? It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see." Fyodorov spoke slowly. He gave long pauses between his sentences so that Gen would not have to struggle to keep up, but because of this it was difficult to tell whether he was finished speaking. (7.122)
Maybe shouting crowds don't carry somebody around on their shoulders for being a great listener of music or a great observer of paintings. But the novel seems to be telling us that Fyodorov is right: it takes a special talent to appreciate art. And it's even better because anyone can learn the talent of learning to notice things and appreciate them. It's just getting in the mindset to do it that counts. Like being stuck in a house for months, for these folks.