The article contradicts itself on the subject of leitmotivs.  They are initially described as “easily to ridicule” (270).  Later, leitmotivs “could state or suggest ideas in emotional terms, over and above the intellectual terms provided by mere words…[and] were guaranteed to impress audiences of the nineteenth century” (272).  Were leitmotivs considered art during Wagner’s time, or just nonsensical bits of music?  If they were considered art, why could they be easily ridiculed?