A Defense of Literature Influence of Literature

Nonetheless, the issues raised by literature should not be ignored. The very fact that society's leaders are concerned about the effect of literature goes to prove that the issues raised by literature are important to a large number of people. Otherwise, what would there be to fear from literature? The fact that a large number of people find the issues raised in literature compelling should mean that the literature in which these issues are raised should not be ignored. Furthermore, in the interest of human knowledge and happiness, these issues should be explored.

Literature allows both the author and the readers the chance to explore issues about which they may be concerned. It also reveals issues about which we may not have thought very much, but which affect our lives by opening our minds. Also, it can introduce us to people and cultures that we may never be able to learn about directly. In "Paul's Case," Willa Cather addresses the very serious issue of suicide. While pe

. . .
is created. Walker makes it clear that Dee does not realize that heritage is created by "everyday use" and not by hanging Polaroids and quilts on a wall or putting a churn-top on a coffee table. Alice Walker's story allows the reader to question their own heritage and how firmly they believe in it or represent it. It should be read and studied because it can apply to anyone and it can help people who do not know anything about another culture to understand why people live the way they do and believe the things they do. In a different way, Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" also allows the reader to question the traditions by which they live. Every year in the small village in which the lottery is held, the villagers stone to death a person whose name they pull out of a box. Jackson makes it clear throughout the story that the villagers are not really sure why they still hold the lottery every year. She never even makes it clear to the reader why the lottery began or why it is still held. Consequently, the reader is able to see what can happen when people blindly follow tradition without questioning the reason for the tradition. How Does It Change Our Lives? Literature can change our lives by changing or affirming our bel
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Plato Puritans, English Puritans, Alice Walker, Rocking-Horse Winner, Wilbur Wessen, Jackson's Lottery, Graham Greene, Richard Connell, Winner Destructors, Lives Literature, issues raised, people treat, material possessions, rocking-horse winner, reader question, raised literature, allows reader question, issues raised literature, allows reader, story allows reader, heritage created, throughout story, learn people,
Approximate Word count = 1628
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

More Essays on A Defense of Literature Influence of Literature