Monday, October 5, 2009
The Big Picture
Through out these first weeks of school we've been learning the basic elements of stories. In class we've discussed symbols, themes, irony etc. Behind all these confusing terms and concepts we've only begun to grasp the meaning and context behind these strategically placed words. All the talk about disecting literature to find its golden glory- its theme brings up the big question: if the author intends the story to be that way, but has to depend on the reader to understand it, and then tell it to the audience, is writing these brilliant pieces of literature worth it? If every work of literature was understood fully and to its greatest context then we would have a perfect understanding of all literature and writing; but since not every person understands the meanings and themes behind the words is it really worth evaulating literature or writing these deep pieces? And if so why?
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I feel like the topic we're dealing with here is like a catch-22 (ironic that it's a piece of literature from last year!). You say that many people, actually most people, don't truly comprehend "good" literature, if they ever read it at all, and I agree with that. But the reason for their lack of understanding is usually due to their ignorance toward literature, the real world (and its REAL problems), and most significantly due to their lack of education. Unfortunately, good literature is meant to educate those who read it, but if those who read it don't understand it, they are unable to learn from it as well. But for those who do understand, as in those of us in Mr. B's AP english classes ;), it is definitely worth while for authors to continue writing great pieces of literature, and for people to continue reading them, for the purpose of further educating "the educated," who tend to be the leaders of our society.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting question you brought up, Maryssa. I agree with Reiko that it is worth it for authors to continue writing for readers who do understand it. That's a good reason for them to keep writing, but I think they don't even need that reason. The only reason they really need is that they love it. Sure, many books (at least the ones we read for this class) have hidden messages or social commentaries the author hopes the readers will notice, but I think the authors should keep writing deep pieces as long as they enjoy writing them. I kind of see writing as an art; many artists and musical artists also paint or write music with a message, but they got started because of their love for the art.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenna. If you love something that is really the sole purpose for doing it in the first place. It doesn't matter what you get out of it. If you right a great piece of literature noone understands than it should not bother you if all you wanted to do was write something that meant something to you. Going off of what Jenna said about artist and musicians, they to compose the piece of art becuase they love to. I know that Carter Burwell wrote what has become known to the world as Bella's Lullaby because his now wife had broken up with him and he had this emotion that needed to get out. He really did not intend for it to be put into a movie when he first wrote it but he wrote it for himself and for his now wife (sorry I cannot remember her name at the moment) and to him that is all the song will ever be. A song for him and his wife.
ReplyDeleteI don't think authors write only so that someone can interpret their meaning. They do it because it's what makes them happy. And maybe they do want to put a certain meaning into a story, but as long as it's a good story, I think the author is happy. One person might read the story and say "Oh, wow, good book." While the other says "Oh, wow, good book. And that theme was really insightful as well." Either way, the book was good.
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