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Analyzing Tim Gillespie's Article 'Why Literature Matters'

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“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 …show more content…

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

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In “Why Literature Matters”, the Dana Gioia emphasizes the importance of literature. Using logos and pathos, he justifies his claim on how the waning interest in literature is affecting America’s society in many negative ways. In the sixth paragraph, he uses logos to appeal to the working class by referring to a poll in 2001 taken by the National Association of Manufacturers. The poll was taken on their members about the skill deficiencies among their workers.

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The decline of the reading of literature is diminishing interactions and individuality. Dana Gioia, the author of “Why Literature Matters” persuades his audience that the decline of literature is negatively affecting current generations. The decline will also continue to affect future generations. Gioia uses statistics and studies to show his audience proof that the absence of literature has a negative effect on minds. He explains his ideas with common sense and logical reasoning.

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Matthew Blount Mrs. Cox English III: A-2 17 January 2023 Persuasive Techniques are the Basis of an Enthralling Article The decrease in American literature prompted Dana Gioia to write a persuasive article arguing that the decline of reading in America will leave a long lasting negative effect on society. In his article “Why Literature Matters,” Gioia constructs his argument by using credibility through ethos and cause and effect. Through this approach, Gioia attempts to persuade readers about the criticality of literature in the future of America.

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In the article Why Literature Matters, Dana Gioia writes about the concern of how the decline of reading in American will impact society. He fears for the cultural and artistic values that reading helps you to possess. Gioia stands strong in his belief that literature benefits not only those who read it but the nation as a whole as an effect. He persuades the audience to believe his point of view about this issue through evidence and reasoning. Gioia’s main source of persuasion comes from the evidence he provides.

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Today you would most likely see people on electronics texting, watching videos, listening to music, or playing games, then reading a book. This book’s impact on me was more logical than emotional. I looked more towards the reasonings of the characters actions. It was surprising that people in this make-believe society were willing to die for books and they had a lot of courage.

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Bradbury emphasizes the power of books have to evoke emotions and ideas that we may not even be aware of by saying; “There must be something in books, things we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.” While yelling this Montag argues that television, while entertaining, is ultimately a tool of oppression that encourages conformity, apathy, and a lack of critical thinking. In contrast, books provide a deeper understanding of the world and enable individuals to think for themselves and challenge the status quo. Overall, Fahrenheit 451 is a warning about the dangers of a society that prioritizes entertainment over education and emphasizes the importance of preserving knowledge and critical thinking to ensure a free and open

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Humans are becoming less and less interested in reading literature. Dana Gioia tells her readers why it is astronomically important to stop this. In her essay, "Why Literature Matters," Dana Gioia exemplifies the importance of reading literature and how the declining percentage of Americans reading is severe. Gioia builds an urgent tone using logos, examples, and argumentation. Interest in literature has diminished, and although most Americans think nothing of it, it is riskier than they can imagine.

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Books have a history of impacting the views of the masses, influencing thought and bringing about the most spectacular inventions; the Bible, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Republic, and so many more. With books playing such a role in society, it is hard to imagine a world without literature. This is the goal of Ray Bradbury’s book, Fahrenheit 451: to explore a world where reading is outlawed, and to show how books, or the lack of, change the way people feel and connect. The general people who do not read, including the protagonist, Guy Montag, seem discontent with their lives and derive no real joy. Conversely, the readers and the thinkers are kinder, bolder, and humorous; Faber and Clarise, for example, leave powerful impacts on Montag with their thinking.

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Novels flourish a persons imagination and present advances in their independent knowledge. Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451 displays a society deprived of novels, leading Montag to the realization of affects novels have on people. Montag fought for what he believed in, the right to read and learn from numerous novels, containing various topics ranging from innocent child books to vulgarity stricken novels. “The School Library versus the School Board: An Exploration of the Book Banning Trend of the 1980s” contains several arguments Montag would agree with, such as, “Even when a book contains language that is not appropriate for everyday use or describes unsavory ideas or feelings, the ability of the book to have a positive impact on the reader or provoke discussion or awareness is not necessarily diminished.” This quote symbolizes the positive viewpoints an “objectable book” most definitely possesses.

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In the New York Time published by Dana Gionia, " Why literature Matter", show the author building her argument to support her claim to persuade the audiences. The author uses lots of supports off of statistic reports from a well-known organization, survey, and people. First, she talks about how Americans are slowly declining in American literature, and her support came from a survey called "2002 survey of public participation in the arts". She saw a rapid decline of "reading at risk".

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The possibility of a total loss of interest in reading and books, akin to the society in Fahrenheit 451, is a concerning thought. While we may not be on the brink of burning books, the trend towards shorter attention spans and a preference for instant gratification over intellectual engagement is evident. Bradbury's warning about the consequences of a society that disregards literature and critical thinking serves as a reminder to value and protect the freedom to read and think critically. The shift towards a society where few people care about the content of books and where censorship is tolerated is a potential outcome if the

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What is the true importance of literature in a society? In the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, the author creates a futuristic society where he portrays the importance of literature and how it can change one's perspective on life. Bradbury uses the growth of his protagonist, Montag, to show the significance of literature in a society that values technology above anything. Initially, Montag embodies this ignorant community, but when he meets Clarisse, a curious thinker, it leads to his character development. Clarisse serves as an important figure in the story as her deep thinking sparks Motag’s curiosity.

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In this essay, "Why Literature Matters", author Dana Gioia sets up an argument about literature. Which she uses various ways to persuade her audience be in favor of her proposal; by showing statistic evidence, facts, and historical evidence, as well as some ironies, diction, and the appeals to reader's emotion. First of all, Gioia begins with strong appeals to reader's logos by clearly laying out the statistic source. For example, "According to the 2002 survey of Public Participation in the Arts, the reading population of the Americans is declining. " In turn, is an attempt to point out the thesis statement and make the readers to think out about this topic wile reading through her essay.

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the opponent or even molding public opinion. It was a dynamic based not on appeals but on the power of the people themselves. Gandhi saw that the power of any tyrant depends entirely on people being willing to obey. The tyrant may get people to obey by threatening to throw them in prison, or by holding guns to their heads.

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In the article, “Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia, he states that the decline of interest in literature—especially from young teens—will have a negative outcome in society. Notably, he informs the readers by utilizing strong vocabulary, as well as rhetorical appeals to persuade his audience that the decline in reading will have a negative outcome. This allows readers to comprehend his views and join his side of the argument. Gioia’s word choice assists in showing the magnitude of the text by stressing the meaning and importance of his argument.

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