Literature is intimately related to society. Viewed as a whole, a body of literature is part of the entire culture of a people. The characteristic qualities that distinguish the literature of one group from that of another, derive from the characteristic qualities of that group. Its themes and problems emerge from group activities and group situations, and its significance lies in the extent to which it expresses and enriches the totality of culture. It is an integral part of entire culture, tied by a tissue of connections with every other element in the culture. Society influences literature in many ways, and the connections of literature with society are integral and pervasive. In fact, the range for social influences on literature is …show more content…
A very fine example of the effect of social conditions on the literature of the period is provided by the literature of Shakespeare’s time. The thing that strikes every reader to-day, is the difference between the vivid Elizabethan drama—which, in its best examples, stands still as nobly as on its first day, speaking directly to us, and appearing imperishable on account of its psychological vitality and true representation of life—and the poetic literature, or the narrative literature, of the same period, which in spite of the poetic talent it reveals, seems to us centuries older, because it lives in a world of ideas that no longer has anything in common with our own. The main reason for this is that the determining sociological factors differ in two cases. Pure literature was dominated at the time by the social group of the aristocracy. Any one who wished to get his works printed had to seek the patronage of a great lord; anyone who wished to secure any return from the printing secured it only in the form of the gracious presents made in return for enthusiastic and fulsome dedications. The poets of that epoch largely obtained their sustenance in their patron’s castles, where they did not occupy a place of honour, and were considered among the servants. Thus Spenser, the greatest poet of that age, says of his greatest work, The Faery Queene, that
Think about life hundreds of years ago, think about their literature, and what their writings were based off. Society has a significant impact on art, music, and literature. Over the years American literature has evolved. This evolution is a reflection of history. Time periods reflect changes in society, politics, and religion. Each time period has a distinct characteristic. The evolution of literature is shown by
Literature is rolling hills and fields of daisies. It is black smoke billowing from narrow streets. It is twinkling lights and rivers of gold-- and the dark secrets hiding behind them. Literature encompasses both the hopes and dreams of humanity. It is the purest form of human existence and those who pursue it are the messengers of times past to our future selves. The quote by Amy Lowell, “All books are either dreams or swords, / You can cut, or you can drug, with words” (“Sword Blades and Poppy Seed”), exemplifies the idea that literature has a profound effect on human emotions by reflecting all aspects of the human experience.
Literatures work has always played an important role in our society throughout the history. Each works serves with different purposes and provide the readers with great benefits. It does not only give the audience enjoyments from the works, but it is also another way to teach the others in many different ways. Most work from the Native Americans that we learned from the lecture are to teach and persuade other people of strong values of life, such as “Iktomi and the Dancing Duck” and “Origin of the Sun Shower.” Literature is one of the most important ways to preserve wide range of knowledge and to pass down to each generation, which can also help the audience understand different things from the past. There are many literature works that were
literature has meaning and a sturdy purpose. Three words with important meaning in society appear in
Some topics are more interesting to read than others. In an article called ‘Why Literature Matters’ written by Dana Gioia, this article can be viewed as highly persuasive because of the techniques he uses to get his points across to the audience .Gioia is able to build arguments though his use of evidence and different literary techniques.
In an age where the printed novel has been somewhat on the decline, and the necessity of readable fiction has almost faded into obscurity. I believe that literature still harbours a crucial part within our society; from the very foundations of most theatrical adaptations, to preserving the culture and encapsulating the feelings of generations past. In this case literature cements itself as one of the most decisive elements of our civilisation, and combining it with history makes it become a testament to who we are as people, as well as the conservation of both our progression and degradation. I have always enjoyed reading literature, from reading J.R.R Tolkien’s classic ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy within my childhood, to perhaps more sophisticated,
“Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia is a persuasive text on how literary interests have fallen. Gioia starts this claim by giving very promising information. The information has a great accomplishments but, Gioia also tells of how our literary interests as Americans have fallen drastically. A 2002 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts shows that eight of nine major forms of literature show decreased participation by many Americans. The “2002 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts” gives staggering results according to Gioia about many young Americans neglecting enjoying reading literature.
The article helped a great deal to enlighten me on the cultural and social norms during the time when Shakespeare wrote the play. Understanding the social environment of the Renaissance helps to
Throughout all of time, literature has played an important role in people’s lives. Books are more than just stories to laugh at, cry with, or fall asleep to, but books can teach. Literature
“Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia is a brilliantly written essay highlighting the exact reason as to why literature really matters. The introduction to the essay is pulling and interesting, but has a stronger powerful feeling than actual facts. The second paragraph is, on the other hand, mainly factual. Gioia uses a survey to legitimize his claims, and describes the organization that distributes said survey. This provides the reader with a deeper sense of understanding, and builds a trust for the author.
Quality literature is important to society’s functionality. In Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 society’s right to have quality literature is taken away. In Joe Fassler’s “How Literature Inspires Empathy” spoken by Alaa Al Aswany, the positive impact of quality literature is displayed. Literature, or the lack thereof, has the ability to drastically change the way a reader views the world.
Since the mid 20th century literature has been a prominent aspect of life in American culture, beginning how to read it in our childhood to benefiting by it throughout adulthood. Throughout the texts of “Heels over Hemingway”, “Why Literature Matters” , and “Good-bad books” all similarly argue the idea that Literature has changed over the years, due to the fact that American has changed as well effecting literature. For this reason Dowd, Orwell, and Gioia assert to their audience the importance of literature, and that it should have a place in society by utilizing rhetorical strategies such as analogy, ethos, pathos, logos, and diction.
Literature is used by authors to entertain and inform readers as well as to teach important lessons. Readers take pleasure in being swept away to varying worlds as the eloquent words and powerful characters transport them from the reality of one’s daily lives, into mysterious places that entice one to read on. Authors successfully captivate readers because of their dedication and inspiring words that help readers comprehend their beliefs and motives for writing. Lessons are also used in literature to teach readers about issues that could be applied generations later. Many times an author will not come out and tell one what these lessons are, they are embedded deep in the author 's characters and
There are different forms and examples of exemplary and classic literature which have been deemed as significant works that are highly esteemed worldwide. These examples of literature would awe the world with how much literary skill they entailed when they were composed and written: attention to details as to formation of characters, the most crafty of plots, the most eloquent speeches and lines, the most astounding of twists of scenes, and most of all, the most universal and meaningful of themes. The theme of any literary work is what makes it great as it should be able to encompass the immense diversity of the world and as it would be able to transcend the boundaries of religion, age, race, gender, etc. Two examples of this great and
beauty of such creations and imaginations is that often times it helps society and individuals deal