Leo Tolstoy compares art to speech by mentioning that art is a form of communication. The communication that Tolstoy talks about in “What is Art?” is of two types, good and bad. According to Tolstoy, good art is what leads humanity toward perfection (Tolstoy 383). It is this forward movement of humanity which is emphasized by Tolstoy. Tolstoy informs his readers that speech is what teaches the knowledge of human history, but art is what teaches the emotions of humanity's past. As knowledge becomes obsolete in society, it is replaced by new and more relevant information. Tolstoy says that emotions act in the same way. The purpose of art is to express new and more relevant feelings for humanity. The new sentiments aim for the good of humanity, allowing a progression of morality in society. It is instructive for the reader to point out that Tolstoy's use of the word "art" speaks of a wide sphere of artistic expressions. Among these expressions are literature, poetry, painting, sculpture and music. According to Tolstoy, it is art that brings humanity together and highlights the common points of humanity. Tolstoy describes these commonalities as man's need to be united with God and with each other. Good art, for Tolstoy, is art that expresses itself through religious perception. This religious perception is how the culture of its current era views its most important values. This is similar to William Wordsworth's ideas for literature. It is important to Wordsworth that the author of the work expresses emotions that the common man can relate to. It is fundamental for Tolstoy, as for Wordsworth, that the work be accessible and understandable for everyone. This is why Tolstoy assumed that music was the...... middle of paper......t. It is important that art is both accessible and enjoyable to ordinary people. According to Tolstoy, a work of art need not follow all the guidelines given in the past, such as Aristotle's teaching on the Units, as long as it conveys the principles of instruction and pleasure. Tolstoy believes that the greatest unity is that found in God and with neighbor. The goal of art is to highlight and influence this unification.Works CitedTolstoy, Leo. “What is art?” » Kaplan, Charles and William Anderson. Review: MajorStatements. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2000. 382-393. Print. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. “Biographica Literaria” Kaplan, Charles and William Anderson. Criticism: major statements. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. 261.Print.