Dana Gioia's Why Literature Matters

If you were to change something about the education system in the U.S, what would you change? How would you critique the quality of education? Education historian Diane Ravitch answers these questions in her excerpt that was published in 2014, “The Essentials of a Good Education.” In her text Ravitch argues that the education system is flawed and that the vision of a good education is unfair and unequal. Ravitch supports her claim by providing examples of the negative effects of the educational system and using historical context. The author’s purpose is to wake up the policymakers of the educational system in order to raise the standard of the quality of education each child receives regardless of income. Ravitch writes to an audience that are invested in the construction of the educational system and the parents along with other interested readers. Ravitch establishes a formal and professional tone for her audience. In this essay I will be focusing on a particular element Ravitch

As the digital age comes upon us, more and more Americans become dissatisfied with the state of literacy in this generation. Because the Internet paves the way for shorter and shorter interactions, namely articles versus novels and six-second viral videos versus films, many people that grew up in the age of the Internet have a preference for this condensed form of entertainment. Dana Gioia of The New York Times asserts in his essay “Why Literature Matters” that the decline of reading in America is destined to have a negative impact on society as a whole.

One major theme authors universally write their stories around concern the power of human relationships. Though writers may take different paths to communicate this, the strength that comes from these unique connections that exist between individuals resonates with everyone. Authors clearly articulate through a myriad of rhetorical devices that maintaining relationships is a fundamental part in personal growth and allows for a stronger sense of self. In finding companionship and comradery. people become capable of evolving and arriving at better understandings of who they are.

Throughout history, writers have challenged society through the use of controversial art. From author Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 touches on the suppression of literature by the government and the power of language. Due to the harsh realities present in the book, many schools and individuals believe it should be banned. However, Fahrenheit 451 is necessary in schools curriculums because it reveals the power of language to the reader, which drastically outweighs the dilute possible negative influences.

Books have a history of impacting the views of the masses, influencing thought and bringing about the most spectacular inventions; the Bible, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Republic, and so many more. With books playing such a role in society, it is hard to imagine a world without literature. This is the goal of Ray Bradbury’s book, Fahrenheit 451: to explore a world where reading is outlawed, and to show how books, or the lack of, change the way people feel and connect. The general people who do not read, including the protagonist, Guy Montag, seem discontent with their lives and derive no real joy. Conversely, the readers and the thinkers are kinder, bolder, and humorous; Faber and Clarise, for example, leave powerful impacts on Montag with their thinking. Even those who do not like books yet are well-read, like Montag’s boss, Captain Beatty, are incomplete yet interesting in a way the other characters are not. The connection between books and personality is direct and proportional. In Fahrenheit 451, there is a clear difference in the quality of life between people who read and those who do not, as those who do read seem more engaging, interesting, and generally

She believes the syllabus provided to students do not include any challenging books, and her belief toward high school teachers becoming too lazy to examine thoroughly if the book the education system provides them with represent any true and significant value is a recurring concern of hers’- therefore ineffective to students. All in all, Prose used ethos, pathos, logos and the usage of specific words to help her argument. She successfully persuades her point of view and makes it clear that if schools want their curriculum to improve, they must change their way of teaching and push their students to view literature in a new

1. The forces acting on Montag are Clarisse and his society. Clarisse is the force that helps Montag realize his dilemma.

In the article, “Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia, he states that the decline of interest in literature—especially from young teens—will have a negative outcome in society. Notably, he informs the readers by utilizing strong vocabulary, as well as rhetorical appeals to persuade his audience that the decline in reading will have a negative outcome. This allows readers to comprehend his views and join his side of the argument.

“While the books went up in sparkling whirls and blew away on a wind turned dark with

In Frye’s The Educated Imagination, the audience is introduced to the topic, why one should educate their imagination. Frye begins by informing the reader that the imagination is made of intellect and emotions. A person who lacks these two areas is unable to think and feel. While, a person who is educated in these areas is morally just and socially informed allowing him to view the world in a different perspective. Members in society constantly use their imagination so it is of utmost importance to educate your imagination so you may express yourself, use your imagination to create your own ideas, and finally to appreciate the study of literature. Frye explains that the first level of language, the language of consciences or awareness is our

What we read affects us in many ways. It can be instrumental in forming our ideas about the world. This is why the content of literature is so important. See as how most of us want to live in a healthier and friendlier world, it makes sense that are literature should help to bring this about by encouraging us to be accepting of one another. In Rudolfo Anaya 's essay, “Take the Tortillas out of of our Poetry” he explore the responsibility of media to reflect the multicultural nature of our nation.

Literature is truth. Whether it be fiction or nonfiction, somewhere in the world, it is someone 's truth. The lines dance and sing a story that becomes ideas and veracity in our society. It is expression for those who cannot find it in voice. It is a vast world in which any one can live and explore, thrive. Ideas and knowledge are stored. Mistakes are logged and learning is developed. Literature defines humankind. So why would the Government take it away? In Ray Bradbury’s novel, Fahrenheit 451, Guy Montag lingers in a world where literature is burned by fireman in front of the reader’s eyes. The Government fears intellect and view-points, so they remove it. They burn it. And Montag never questioned this. In fact, he loved it. He loved to burn. But after meeting a strange intellect named, Clarisse, he started questioning everything he ever believed as routine. Ray Bradbury asks the question whether a censored, innovative society keep peace and prosperity? Or does it lead to a shallow, colorless world where the earth cries out for your attention but you are moving too fast to see it.

literature is in society.In the essay poet Gioia goes on to state that literature is beneficial to society

We as young scholars can easily comprehend the importance of literature, but if our reach to success is limited to only one source of information then we would not be able to comprehend the full expansion of knowledge. The fictional novel Fahrenheit 451 written by Ray Bradbury expresses the critical aspects and values of reading books and that censoring out books including fiction limits the knowledge of a society. Although non-fiction adds additional preparation towards the understanding of information of the real world, fiction should absolutely be a primary part of the learning experience at least until college levels because it allows students to expand their imagination to spark creative ideas, does not limit their capability of expression through literature, and gives them a passion to reading.

In this article “ Why literature matters” by Dana Gioia explains that American art has changed. It points out the fact that literary knowledge is declining. Some of the changes that were pointed out is that most people no longer read. His main purpose is to encourage people to begin to read again and that will help them improve their intellectual level. In the article Gioia expresses reasoning and includes evidence of the importance of reading.