art (and art appreciation) are prominently displayed in this society. artists receive press coverage comparable to that of today's movie stars. hardly less glamorous are the art critics, each of whom has a pet theory about art. a critic also acts as an agent and manager, promoting the work of one or more artists, especially if their work seems to support his ideas. the story revolves around one of these pampered artists, who sometimes finds himself uninspired, due to the lack of major conflicts in society.