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Effect of literature on culture
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Food for the Soul People read for many reasons, some of which are to pass the time, to seek out new experiences, for the sheer pleasure of the language and for the quest of knowledge. Literature is an art, and like art can be very subjective. What one person or society values as good literature may not be looked upon in the same light by another person or society. Some literature transcends time, and will continue to be relevant hundreds of years after it is written, and some literature is relevant at the time it is written, however later may be largely forgotten. For literature to be considered great it must stand the test of time and be captivating, able to elicit an emotional and/or intellectual response. It should also enlighten …show more content…
Leo Tolstoy argues that literature must serve a social purpose. Though these two ideas are contradictory, they both have merits and are both thought provoking . Literature can sometime serve a social purpose when it gets people reflecting on it and conversing about what the work is about and what it means . A poem or a story can serve as a method of getting …show more content…
It takes the reader to an imaginary world on an adventure where a father tells his young son to beware of the creatures in the forest, sending him off on a journey to kill the Jabberwock, which through the imagery and the nonsense words appears to be a fire breathing dragon. This is a simple tale, told in ballad form and the rhyming and nonsense words makes it fun to read and to listen to read aloud. It is the kind of story that both children and adults can appreciate especially due to its beautiful made up language. It is a true work of art , and although written in the 1800s still fascinates both children and adults and will most likely continue to delight generations to come. It is colorful, vivid and imaginative; truly something entertaining, and pleasurable and a treasured work of
When you read, especially fiction, you experience a broad sweep of human life. You gain access to the thoughts of others, look at history through another person’s eyes and learn from their mistakes, something that you otherwise would not be able to experience.
readers a dose of reality and human experience. People read literature and end up learning
Literature is such a beautiful thing because it does not give us an answer to it's questions. There are so many iffy spots that leave us to develop our own thoughts and feelings toward the piece of work. This is an interesting factor because at many times it affects us in a different way and can develop us as an individual. When reading a piece of literature, one person can interpret it in different ways than another person reading the same piece of work. I remember analyzing poems with my English class in the previous years and when we were asked to interpret it, we all had different answers. Sometimes what I got out of the poem didnt even go close to the direction that my classmate was going in. However, when I saw it from her view I saw more of where they were coming from I learned more about them.
The questions become evident: why aren’t high schools educating their students on “the classic” works of literature? What is considered to be more important? Shouldn’t there be a mandatory list of titles students should be required to read before graduating high school to get a better grasp on understanding how to interpret literature?
Just because a person reads a lot of books doesn 't technically make that person a good reader. Richard Rodriguez clearly emphasizes this in his article The Lonely, Good Company of Books published in 1982 from The Hunger Of Memory: The Education Of Richard Rodriguez. As a child Richard did not like reading he saw "reading at best, as only a chore".(Rodriguez pg.227) Not truly understanding the pleasures and education he could gain from reading books.
The details provided about the forest, how one gets lost upon entering it, and can only go to this rumored castle in the middle, within whose walls dwells a beast who talks like a man, meet the criteria for modern fantasy as well. The rumors are found to be true after her father encounters the Beast and in exchange for his life, the Beast tells her father he must return with one of his daughters or the beast will come after them. The theme is worthwhile for children, an added requirement for modern fantasy. It encourages children to look past appearances of others, to be hard working and to strive to live up to the virtues represented with the names of the girls; Grace, Honor, Hope and Mercy.
Literary art for example serves to express feelings and in many cases serves as a social or political statement. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a perfect example of the effect that literature has on society. From Elizabeth’s point of view in the novel, a reader is able to not only follow her changing emotions towards Mr. Darcy, but also have insight to the strict class systems and women’s role in society at the time. Although this novel can be an escape for the reader and serve as a form of amusement, the underlying message that it has, makes the reader question the opinions they formulate about others. In turn, they will be analyzing the way they carry themselves around others as well as their own prejudices. This will be beneficial as a whole because the novel will have served as a method of improving human behaviors to reflect and gather facts before we make
Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, Victor Hugo, and Ralph Waldo Emerson are of many iconic authors that have influenced the minds of individuals with their mesmerizing publications, and through their highly acclaimed novels their ideas and beliefs have transcended into public life resulting in the change of perspective on the humane lifestyle of society. Through these works of literature and advertising it has opened the human mind on the advantages of reading literature on a daily basis rather than on an inconsistent schedule because of the benefits that are associated with the reading of literature. Literature has been for generations a source of ventilation for authors to express their voices on the matter of society and the current persona of individuals. With this freedom it allows for fascinating publications to occur, and results in the population
...n be explained, it can be appreciated; however, it takes getting absorbed into a story for a real connection to be established. I don't think the majority of the people who claim that movies are better than their novel counterparts have ever been absorbed into a novel. It's interesting to think that 200 years ago, literacy rates were a fraction of what they are now. It has only been in the last century where large amounts of intelligent, critical thinkers have been able to examine literature in a way that only certain members of the aristocracy could a few centuries ago. In this context, literature has never been more relevant.
Literature is an essential part of society in the present day and enables the communication between multiple parties in a written form. Texts can provide a vast knowledge on subjects dependent on content whereas novels are often seen as being purely for leisure and enjoyment. However it can often be seen that prose
Literature allows reflection. It helps us to shape our own thoughts. It builds on rich histories of thought and expression. Literature represents and explores the ways in which the world is viewed and experienced by people in that society.
Literature has had a major impact on society, and, also our history. Literature has reformed and shaped civilizations, changed political systems, and has exposed injustices (3). Our literature has changed and developed as we have, keeping up with our society. “...literature is crucial for the advancement of society (3).” With literary works, we can convince others to view things a certain way, share our opinions, and more. Literature is greatly intertwined with our society and everyday lives, and they would not be the same without it. Literature plays an irreplaceable role in our
“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become,” said C.S. Lewis, noted author. This quote, to me, is the most appropriate description of the importance of literature in our lives. Literature reminds us of stories, epics, sacred scriptures and classical works of the ancient and modern times, in which the book To Kill a Mockingbird clearly does. Literature is defined as the body of written works of a language, period or culture, produced by scholars and researchers, specialized in a given field. Why is literature important? Well, let’s see as stated in the quotation by C.S. Lewis, literature not only describes reality but also adds to it. Yes, literature is not merely a depiction of reality; it is rather a value-addition. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. They are an illustration of the different facets of common man's life. Literary works serve as a food for thought and a tonic for imagination and creativity. Exposing an individual to good literary works, is equivalent to providing him/her with the finest of educational opportunities. On the other hand, the lack of exposure to literary works is equal to depriving an individual from an opportunity to grow as an individual. To Kill a Mockingbird provides its readers with the ‘finest of educational opportunities’ and that is why it is an important literary work. Harper Lee’s book is a powerful literary work because of the following literary devices employed: Setting, Allegory, and point of view. However before one can dissect the devices used, one must h...
In today's world, many people are losing their sense of what a true, fine piece of literature really is. It is rare to find someone who likes to read for their own pleasure. It is even rarer to find someone who likes to read the classics, such as Shakespearean plays or a prose written by Edgar Allan Poe. Some of the oldest tales have greatly influenced the world as we know it in many ways. A few famous people in history who have made a positive impact on the world of literature are Aesop, Dante Alighieri, and Charles Dickens.
"How Much Land Does A Man Need?," by Leo Tolstoy was influenced by his life and times. Leo Tolstoy encountered many things throughout his life that influenced his works. His life itself influenced him, along with poverty, greed and peasant days in 19th century Russia.