The function of Literature
Literature is one of the main significant classes in the education system because it includes a variety of ways and tactics for furthering an individual’s understanding. The primary goal of literature is to initiate a newfound universe of experiences or provide a vital background that can be utilized to one’s benefit. Literature teaches a broad spectrum of concepts with varying degrees of value, as it broadens one’s perspectives, develops necessary skills, and fosters understanding for diverse cultures and ideas (Breanna Sahr.). As a result, the impression that literature is the entrance to learning has been created, owing to the reality that it is a requirement in any profession and academic field. It also aids in the development of critical reasoning and communication abilities. Reasoning and communication are both mental processes; one develops concepts, and the other is a means of expressing them; both are essential genres of literature. Literature gives new and practical approaches that can significantly improve these talents. These assist individuals in overcoming a variety of issues, including despair, stress, and suicide ideation. Numerous individuals, including Tim Gillespie, have published concerning it. “Literature does give cheaply a picture of other lifestyles and other perspectives,” argues Gillespie in his article “Why Literature Matters.”
The functions of literature in the modern world are portrayed in the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream written by William Shakespeare” which supports Tim Gillespie’s ideation of the functions of the literature of the modern world. In his article “Why literature matters,” he clearly argues that literature is an essential tool for everyone as it helps one be creative and sympathetic. He mainly contends that literature is appropriate in the contemporary curriculum because of its benefits to developing creativity and empathy. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream play, imaginations have particular harmful inclinations. Suspicion as a destructive factor in relations is a prominent creative aspect of the play. Oberon and Titania look to be in a miserable relationship, with alleged dishonesty at best and genuine dishonesty at worse (A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Themes). In the play, Titania blames Oberon for committing adultery with Hippolyta.
Likewise, Oberon blames Titania of ‘passion to Theseus,’ a pervert and renowned lothario. Titania denies such charges as “envy frauds,” but when it comes to the fairytale marriage, readers don’t understand what’s truth and what’s fictional (Natasha L. Richter). Throughout the play, Helena and Hermia grow wary of Lysander, Demetrius, and even each other. Helena initially believes Lysander is taunting her when he proclaims his affection for her while entranced. Demetrius has just completely humiliated her, and she feels Lysander is engaging him in the wicked jest. Hermia then becomes persuaded that Demetrius murdered Lysander while in his slumber. Lysander would never steal away from dozing Hermia,’ she claims, and asserts, ‘It can’t be, but thy hast assassinated him.’ Demetrius, who has been charmed, then awakens and falls in love with Helena as well. She rightly bursts into a frenzy, given the considerably more compelling look that the two are smiling at her. Helena assumes Hermia is also involved when she emerges on occasion. Finally, when Hermia discovers that Lysander is madly in love with Helena, she assumes that her closest mate has captivated him with her stately stature. She is so shocked that she ‘doesn’t understand what to respond.’ All of the infidelities are imagined, even if neither of the genuine couples is aware of it (Natasha L. Richter).
Also, in Tim Gillespie’s article “Why literature matters,” he describes literature as a tool for developing empathetic abilities. Empathy is essential since it allows people to comprehend how others are experiencing so that they may react appropriately to the circumstance. It is usually related to social conduct, and there is a lot of studies showing that increased compassion contributes to more practical actions. This, nevertheless, is not usually the situation. Empathy can sometimes stifle social interactions and even contribute to immoral actions. Empathy assists individuals in communicating their thoughts in a manner that others can comprehend and understand others when they interact with them (Tim Gillespie). It is, without a doubt, one of the essential core elements of excellent social connection. In the play midsummer night’s dream, the theme of self-realization and empathy are clearly portrayed. Most of the participants have empathetic abilities since they were able to understand the feelings and emotions of their partners, and hence they were able to respond in a reasonable manner. Love is a power that individuals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream cannot regulate, as evidenced by the functioning of the love potions, which actually renders individuals prisoners to love (Natasha L. Richter). Nonetheless, A Midsummer Night’s Dream concludes pleasantly, with three engagements sanctioned by the reunited fairy King and Queen. Even while A Midsummer Night’s Dream criticizes mockery of love’s impacts on either males and females and points out that there isn’t much new to speak about passion, its joyful conclusion underlines love’s significance, elegance, and everlasting relevancy.
Lastly, Tim Gillespie points out in his article “why literature matters” that literature is ideal in the modern world since it helps individuals understand and self-realize themselves (Tim Gillespie). This is clearly portrayed by Tatiana in the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Throughout the play, ladies in civilization are represented as having restrictions that confine their existence, but others are portrayed as having capabilities that allow them to succeed in life. The culture in which females exist is full of constraining circumstances, obstacles that prevent women from fully expressing their preferences. Instances of similar scenarios are Hermia’s father’s desire to marry her to someone she did never love and Titania’s disagreement with Oberon over the youthful Indian prince. Ladies, on the other hand, are resilient enough to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Tatiana realizes herself and begins to fight for her rights. She is shown as a bold and steadfast woman who notices transformation in civilization, challenges it, and seeks to make the transformation beneficial. She additionally portrays the character of someone who can advocate for the interests of others. Shakespeare employs Titania to demonstrate the position of females in the community as strong and intelligent citizens whose mission is to contribute to benevolence. One instance was when she had a discussion with her spouse regarding him turning the little Indian boy to be a warrior. She fought and created a situation in which her spouse could not implement out his plans. Following this example, Titania displayed her understanding of the youngster’s liberties and her capacity to advocate for them. She was willing to safeguard them even if it meant jeopardizing her marriage. She informed him frankly face to face that his evil motives caused the conflicts in their marriage; she was brave enough to say so.
In conclusion, literature is an essential tool in the modern world, as stated by Tim Gillespie. By possessing a more profound knowledge of literature, it helps an individual to understand and realize themselves. This helps the individuals to address themselves and fight for their rights, as depicted by Titania in the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” On the other hand, being knowledgeable on literature concepts helps an individual to be creative and empathetic.
Work Cited
Breanna Sahr. ” Reasons Why Literature Is So Important.” The Odyssey Online, 5 Aug. 2020.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Themes.” SparkNotes, 2018, www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/msnd/themes/.
Tim Gillespie. “Why Literature Matter.” Università Degli Studi Di Ferrara — Università Degli Studi Di Ferrara, 2012, www.unife.it/letterefilosofia/llmc/insegnamenti/letteratura-inglese-ii-llmc/materiale-didattico/programma-bibliografia-calendario-lezioni-modalita-desame-e-materiale-didattico-letteratura-inglese-ii-laurea-interclasse-anno-accademico-2012-2013/Tim%20Gillespie-%20Why%20Literature%20Matters-%201994.pdf.
Natasha L. Richter. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Imagination, Romantic Love, and the Creation of Art.” Inquiries Journal, 2010, www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/130/a-midsummer-nights-dream-imagination-romantic-love-and-the-creation-of-art.
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