Should famous, brilliant poets be able to handle criticisms?

Question

When they are referred to as pretentious and overrated, should they run away from these suggestions or confront them?

Answer 1

Poets Usually don't like criticism. Take any thing from them, and they 'll be glad to hand it in, but not their word(s). They 'd fight for it, argue, rationalize, and make  every effort not to take back their word(s). For them each poem is a child of their own. Who 'd like his/her child to be criticized in public ?

Logically speaking, I'd say yes they should be able to handle criticism. Practically, its a different matter. Technically, its a burden for the (brilliant) critic and the ( brilliant) poet; for each 'd fell burning (and being burned by) the other. Call it Arrogance, Pretentiousness, or whatever, but in the end is the necessary stage , without which he/she can not perform.

Interesting question !  Thanks.

Answer 2

Maybe if they're overrated, the critic should criticize the audience, hah.

Answer 3

Brilliant poets should be able to shrug off criticism. People that think they are brilliant should come up with ways to handle criticism.  

Answer 4

They should probably be confronted, but the one you encountered just minutes before you posted this question is so busy having his butt plastered with kisses that I doubt he'd even notice.  Incidentally, you were dead on and it's about time somebody said it.  Congratulations, earthling...

Answer 5

Yes, by brilliant critics who are neither pretentious nor overrated.