The Value and Importance of Literature in Society

                                            

The Holy Bible, the Magana Carta, the Quar’an, Mein Kampf. The very name of these works of literature stir emptions and call forth a plethora of thoughts, both positive and negative. These works demonstrate the enduring power of the written word. 

Literature in its broadest sense includes such written works that are considered to be of superior merit. Today we will discuss literary texts of creative writing and their pervading power to influence society. 

The Bard himself, William Shakespeare, through the use of one of his most perceptive characters, Hamlet, describes the importance of literature when Hamlet speaks of the purpose of plays saying “to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image…” (Act 3 Sc 2). This use of “the mirror up to nature” is a theatrical term that refers to the ability of creative literature to engage people and cause them to reflect on the world around them. Creative literary narratives, with their many various themes, present a study of human nature. We see humanity through tragedy and triumph, joy and sorrow, in moments of great heroics and great shame. 

                       

Literature is a reflective surface using the intricacies of the characters words, actions, decencies, indecencies, deception, sympathy and other such manifestations to provoke our own self-reflection and challenge our perceptions.  The written word causes the reader to look beyond the obvious physical attributes of a character in a way that other media does not. As readers we learn not to judge a character based on appearances because more than any other media, literature acknowledges the unreliable nature of appearances. Literature has the ability to position a reader, perhaps drawing on societal expectations and then with a twist of the plot turn those expectations upside down. 

A prime example of this is the American classic, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. This novel written in 1960 and set in the 1930’s when racism was still largely prevalent in society. The novel follows the story of a man named Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who is fighting for the rights and innocence of a black man who is being wrongly persecuted for a crime he did not commit. The novel is written from the perspective of Atticus’ ten year old daughter Scout. As the story unravels it becomes clear that due to the innocent nature of a young child, Scout doesn’t realise why her father is being ridiculed for defending the man, or why he continues to defend him if everyone is getting upset over his actions. Throughout the novel the men who are against Atticus and who are inevitably responsible for killing an innocent man due to the colour of his skin are portrayed as the ethically corrupt antagonists, therefore challenging a prevailing societal inequality. Lee cleverly portrays the reality that discrimination is a learnt response as opposed to the innocence of Scout who does not judge according to colour or race. 

The medium of literature, due to its necessity of engaging the reader for a longer period of time compared to a one hour television program or two hour blockbuster movie also critiques the quick fix predilection of modern society. To read a piece of literature such as ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, often engages the thought process for several days and draws out the complexity of issues. Other media does not allow this and their audience quickly moves on with life, often with little time given in reflection.    This newfound perspective on what is really right in terms of dealing with racism became a real eye opener for people during the 60’s. By realising that even though the vast majority of society thought one way it wasn’t necessarily the correct way. Society could reflect on the way they treat issues such as racism. While “To Kill a Mockingbird’ may not be the best novel in terms of literacy or writing skill, the way it was written to force the reader to see a new perspective and the way it has helped abolish racism in America and abroad; has secured it’s spot as one of the most important and influential novels of all time. 

Creative literature has often impacted society because the author has relative anonymity and can address societal taboos in an indirect way. In former years the liberation of women and more recently the liberation of sexual taboos and the highlighting of sexual and other abuse can be raised in a way that the name of the novel or the main character are attached to the issue rather than the author. This relative anonymity allows the issue to be explored with a fictional character being the one that challenges the reader. This is quite different to a political statement, demonstration or news report which can easily be dismissed by the observer. The character of a creative writing piece is developed as a multidimensional character and the issue being challenged is but one aspect of that person. 

Lee’s presentation of the character of Scout Finch is that she is intelligent, friendly, thoughtful and even tomboyish. Her questioning of the societal acceptance of racism is more acceptable to the reader because of her other characteristics. With the ability of literature to be set in various times, places and milieu the reader is able, to a certain extent, to live vicariously through the characters. To share the aspirations and experiences of a fictional character enables the reader to in-depth their self-understanding and perhaps clarify their position on events and possible life scenarios prior to encountering them in reality. The literary form becomes for the reader a “dress rehearsal” on life. This can have a marked impact on the character and ethical development of a person. The fictional character often possesses the characteristics that a reader aspires to in a way that real people do not.  

The written word of literature was in days past the only form of communication. Passages written on clay and papyrus give us a window into history. Literature retains its ability to communicate ideas and engage audiences in a meaningful and deep way. Literature, including creative literature, retains its ability to challenge society. Perhaps in this day of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where anyone can be a “published” writer and where we lament the bastardisation of the English language, well written literature has the ever increasing challenge of developing ideas along with the breadth and art of communication.   

~ Thanks for Reading ~

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