Why Literature Matters By Dana Goia Analysis

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In “Why Literature Matters” by Dana Goia, the author shares his message throughout the essay, making the reader understand how important literature is to our world not only logically, but emotionally. This method is extremely productive due to his use of persuasive techniques such as cause and effect and pathos (emotional appeal). shares her message throughout the essay. Making the reader understand how important literature is to our world by using cause/ effect and pathos (emotional appeal.) The use of cause and effect in a persuasive essay is imperative to helping the reader to understand the author's point of view. Dana does a great job of this by not only stating the cause and the effect of the decline in reading that pertains to our development but also how it is “taking its toll in the civic sphere” (Goia 2) Meaning: People have lost sight of the “ideals of citizenship”(Goia 2) and that without literature, society would completely change, and not necessarily for the better. The way the author conveys his points through a series of causes and effects situations …show more content…

Dana Gioia’s use of pathos pulls this piece together with colorful language that pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. A specific instance when being when he writes “Individuals at a time of crucial intellectual and emotional development bypass the joys and challenges of literature is a troubling trend.” (Gioia 1) The application of ethos, pathos, and logos heavily impacts the punch the story makes, by constantly referencing different statistics and facts, that are inherently negative, and that leave a bad taste in the audience’s mouths. By referring to the “levels of historical and political awareness among young people” (Gioia 2) the reader should feel nervous about the future of our world and the loss of important historical facts that sway people’s thoughts and