Literature: A Reflection of Society

In 1445, Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press and changed the world forever. Before this miraculous invention, the only way people could copy literary texts was by hand, which was a very tedious and expensive process. With the help of Gutenberg’s genius, reading materials spread across Europe with more speed than ever because the inexpensive cost of bookmaking led to a rise in sales from the people during that time period. The first book printed was the Bible in Latin, which has since gone on to be the most translated and purchased book in the world. After that was printed, however, the masses demanded more types of literature in their own languages. Ancient works on things such as science, government, and philosophy were rediscovered and led to immense changes in thought on how society was functioning during that time, especially within religion. This period of literary, scientific, and artistic brilliance was labeled the Renaissance, which translates into “rebirth” in French. Without the printing press and spread of many forms of literature, would the amazing accomplishments of the Renaissance have even happened? This is something one should consider when he or she thinks that literature has no impact on society whatsoever.

Literature is not the sole instigator of vast amounts of social change, but there is solid proof that it has influenced society for centuries, both directly and indirectly. Entertainment is certainly one of its main goals, but many authors do not purely write for the amusement of others. Whether it is in the form of a fictional or nonfictional novel, play, short story, speech, essay or poem, literature is chock full of ideas and opinions of its creator, and these ideas usually reflect something abo...

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