There is little doubt that a link between literature and society exists. In fact, there are three theories that describe their relationship. The first hypothesizes that literature is a reflection of society [1]. In this theory, society affects literature. The writer’s experience is used as inspiration for his/her creations. The work may be a stylized retelling of an event or it may even be set in an alternate universe where events are based on true stories and ideas. These works are passed on from generation to generation and they continue to be a way of documenting the different trends and ideas that have come and gone. The second is that literature shapes society [1]. Different literary texts contain their own life lessons and morals. By reading these writings, children and adults alike learn them and thus may knowingly or unknowingly embody their ideologies. Literature provides alternate methods for learning since they are able to immerse readers in a world different from their own, which may provide some useful insight. The third theory implies that literature has social-control [1]. By presenting similar ideologies over and over again, literature can set what is viewed as normal, thus presenting how one is expected to act in society. All three of these concepts are seen in relation to the book “This Earth of Mankind” written by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. Literature reflects society Toer’s book, “This Earth of Mankind” is the first among a four-part series known as
Pervagatus Oppressio “Oh! Come and see the violence inherent in the system! Help, help, I'm being repressed!” -Dennis Literature exists to express, and thus is tied to the oldest and finest art in human expression, complaining. Complaints can take many levels, from the trivial to the hefty and legitimate. Literature then is often used to illustrate some issue, be it political, social, antisocial, intrinsic, extrinsic, people not being friendly enough, people being overbearing, people being people, men being men, imagined, concrete, abstract, modern, postmodern, post-postmodern, meta-post-postmodern, timeless, classical, the faults of the young, the faults of the old, the faults of the very old and now dead, endemic, exdemic, tenacious,
Foster puts into words how these determine the setup and meaning of literature using examples and ideas that are useful for high school and college students.
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.
Many artists utilize their work to evoke emotion, push political agendas, and spark change. Thomas C. Foster wrote, in his book How to Read Literature Like a Professor, that “writers tend to be men and women who are interested in the world around them. That world contains many things, and on the level of society, part of what it contains is the political reality of the time…” (Foster 122). George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and Ray Bradbury use their literary works to urge their audiences to be mindful of all-powerful states and rapidly advancing technology.
All books that young adults read have power. Their power results in their ability to sway and to change the reader in so many ways, not the least of these is morally. These books can create a moral sense in the young by demonstrating what is morally right and what is morally wrong. They can raise and resolve ethical issues. The reader may not agree with each resolution, but is certainly forced to think about issues he or she may never have thought about before (Smith 63).
In conclusion, throughout Fahrenheit 451, the social standard consisted of a lack of deep relationships with others and a blind acceptance of society’s norms. Outliers, such as Clarisse, who wanted more than what was fed to them through the “funnels,” were thought to be rebellious and antisocial. However, though Bradbury’s depiction of this society may appear far-fetched, it still bears similarities to our own civilization and social
Since literature has been analyzed and questioned for hundreds of years, I think it is safe to say that it is a platform for expression. Not just expression of the author, but expression of that time period. The world’s overall actions, issues, and movements all influence the author greatly. Thus, creating an author's education, which is all seen through the piece of art. This is exactly how Arthur Miller wrote his play, The Crucible.
Neil Gaiman once wrote, “some books exist between covers that are perfectly people-shaped” (Gaiman xvi). The idea that books can be defined as the sharing of thoughts and information between people reveals a deeper meaning in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. In Fahrenheit 451, the protagonist faces a society in which books are censored and, thus, burned. This, according to his definition, means that if books become banned, certain connections between people will, too, be destroyed. Ray Bradbury reveals the theme (the importance of books) through the protagonist’s dynamic character, which comes as a result from his conflicts with society.
A novel such as How to Read Literature like a Professor brings joy to the reader because it awakens the senses he or she has become numb to in reading. This novel brings fun and irony back into reading literature and makes the reader remember why literature is important. In the eyes of non-professors, books are just a way to keep records and entertain the few. This is true, however, in reality, books serve the eternal purpose to expand communication between humans and bring
In this essay, "Why Literature Matters", author Dana Gioia sets up an argument about literature. Which she uses various ways to persuade her audience be in favor of her proposal; by showing statistic evidence, facts, and historical evidence, as well as some ironies, diction, and the appeals to reader's emotion. First of all, Gioia begins with strong appeals to reader's logos by clearly laying out the statistic source. For example, "According to the 2002 survey of Public Participation in the Arts, the reading population of the Americans is declining. " In turn, is an attempt to point out the thesis statement and make the readers to think out about this topic wile reading through her essay.
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. Gioia’s word choice assists in showing the magnitude of the text by stressing the meaning and importance of his argument.
Literature is a medium that enables people to effectively express their opinions and perspectives. Being the vast genre that it is, fiction presents writers with the opportunity to utilize literary devices in their pieces. These devices help in communicating the message of the author’s work. Several fictional texts use common literary devices such as metaphors, similes, symbols, and imagery. These devices allow for writers to personally involve readers with the author’s message.
Science has proven that reading can provoke positive changes in us as human beings. Annie Murphy Paul is the author of the article ‘Your Brain on Fiction’ published on March 17, 2012. Annie explains how researchers have discovered that reading can initiate different parts of the brain, this is the reason why sometimes literature can make the reader so engaged and attached to a piece of writing. Research also explains how reading has the ability to produce activity in our brain’s motor cortex. Finally, Annie explains how reading fictional pieces can change how you interact with other individuals.
Every literary work has its own purpose of existence and no literary is the same. There is always literary work for someone to be interested in. the authors use different techniques in order to attract the readers, such as rhythm, rhyme, characters, settings, characters, theme, and conflict and other techniques. One of the elements that literature allow the readers to use is the imagination in order to visualize what the author message is in his story or poem. Some stories, poems or drama are based from the writer’s personal experience, such as the conflict with they have with society because of their race, gender or ethnicity.
Everyone knows that reading is important, but have you ever asked yourself why is that so? Reading is one of the most beneficial and practical activities that a human being can do. Unfortunately it is a disappointment that people these days read less. As we know, books were the main source of entertainment centuries ago, but with the widespread of technological advances such as the cinema, television, internet, among others, many people left their books on the bookshelf. The purpose of this speech is to present the benefits and the importance of reading.