Meaning of phrases in a passage from nytimes

Solution 1:

This seems to be about simultaneous contrasting use of writing or notions that are far apart (high or low) in a spectrum of meaning. Hence the pairs Sartre (high) and Star Fever (low), literate (high) and lurid (low).

Similarly, risible material is ludicrous, or folly that provokes laughter. Lovable material provokes affection, warmth, empathy.

I suspect the same polarised analysis applies to class to trash. He brought overtones of high class literacy and good taste to what is normally regarded as low class, light, insubstantial, ephemeral and badly written.

I hope I have expressed this well enough to help.