What is the function of criticism according to T. S. Eliot from his in Selected Essays, 1917-1932?

Eliot believes emphatically that the true purpose of
criticism is for the critic to present the facts of the work being assessed to the
reader. In this he means the technical facts related to the work itself and not facts
about its creator. Such details are insignificant. The true critic is objective and
open-minded and turns attention from the artist to his work. The critic therefore
assesses the work itself and is not concerned about or influenced by any factors related
to the artist.

In this regard then, it is essential that
the critic is knowledgeable about the 'facts' related to a work of art, i.e. its
setting, structure, origin etc. This knowledge, Eliot emphasises, is a rare gift and can
only be developed over an extensive period of
time.

Furthermore, the critic should have a highly
developed sense of tradition. Eliot viewed all forms literature, from the past to the
present, as forming part of the same stream and the critic should understand this
connection. A work of art therefore, is not isolated from its tradition or
history.

The function of the critic is to not just
criticize a work of art or to pass judgment, but to present the facts so that the reader
may make his or her own judgment. The critic should be able to compare different works
of art and present his findings objectively. In this manner, the critic provides the
reader the opportunity to develop his or her own aesthetic sense and intellect. As such,
the reader would have greater insight into the work and have a deeper appreciation
thereof.

Therefore, the function of criticism is to inform
and educate (within the parameters provided above) and not to
judge.