Analyzing Tim Gillespie's Article 'Why Literature Matters'

“Literature is the expression of society.”- Charles Nodier. In his article “Why Literature Matters,” Gillespie identifies a problem with today’s academic and business world regarding the importance of literature and the conflict regarding this topic, even among literature enthusiasts. From this, he tells us three significant valid points as to why literature is an essential aspect of one’s mind and development: imagination, empathy, and a form of escapism from reality. I will be utilizing the following works to support Gillespie’s argument: “Why Literature Matters” article by Tim Gillespie, 1984 novel by George Orwell, Brave New World novel by Alduos Huxley, and finally Neuromancer novel by William Gibson. Gillespie states, “This is the first

However, through literature, one cultivates optimism and hope for a better life and improvement. As social media has become a big part of our lives, all kinds of news have easily become accessible. We view daily news of people dying, women and elders being assaulted, animals brutally murdered, etc. With these types of news being consumed daily, it is easy for people to lose hope in humanity and the advancement of the world. Furthermore, in situations where one is situated in a place where they can’t escape, literature acts as a form of escapism for one’s reality. We can see this in Brave New World, when John, an alien to his surroundings, is consistently ostracized and bullied by his “community” for being an “outsider.” However, he receives The Complete Works of Shakespeare from the Pope, and he is completely smitten with the book. He learns all kinds of things through the book, particularly the ability to express his feelings and ideas through words. However, as he only reads books with a one-dimensional point of view on society and the values that must be employed, he rejects any other type of principle. “Othello’s good, Othello’s better than those feelies.”(Huxley