Simply put, literature represents a language or people’s culture and tradition. The concept is difficult to define, though many have tried it precisely; it’s clear that the accepted definition of literature is constantly changing and evolving.
For many, the word literature suggests a higher art form; merely putting words on a page doesn’t necessarily equate to creating literature. A canon is the accepted body of works for a given author. Some works of literature are considered canonical and culturally representative of a particular genre (poetry, prose, or drama).
Literary Fiction vs Genre Fiction
Additional definitions often distinguish literary fiction from genre fiction, encompassing categories like mystery, science fiction, western, romance, thriller, and horror and often associated with mass-market paperbacks.
Unlike genre fiction, literary fiction places a greater emphasis on character development and explores themes that are common to the human condition. It employs symbolism and other literary devices to convey the author’s perspective on the chosen themes. Literary fiction invites readers to delve into the character’s inner worlds, especially the protagonist, and experience their relationships with others. Through this exploration, the protagonist may undergo a significant transformation or realization throughout the novel. While genre fiction is typically read for entertainment and escapism, literary fiction like holocaust literature aims to engage readers deeper and provoke contemplation and reflection.
Why Is Literature Important?
Novels to the contemporary works of authors like Gordon Plotkin, Toni Morrison and Salman Rushdie capture the essence of the society and culture in which it was written.
Literature provides insights into the complexities of human experience, illuminating universal themes such as love, loss, and redemption and shedding light on how individuals navigate the world around them. By examining the choices and actions of literary characters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of their own lives and the world in which they live. One of the best contemporary literary fiction works of author Gordon Plotkin in his dream book series Memories Dreams And The Grid depicts literature enthrallingly and keeps readers on the edge of their seats! In this way, literature is more than just a historical or cultural artefact; it can be an introduction to a new world of experience.
The Enticement of Contemporary Literature
This may not surprise avid readers, who have long recognized the empathetic benefits of reading contemporary or historical fiction books. However, reading literature is typically regarded as entertainment, with the content of what we read being viewed as a matter of personal preference. Nonetheless, whether one consumes news headlines or tweets, literacy is essential to functioning in modern society. Proponents of new media dismiss those who cling to older forms of mass communication as impeding progress.
If science can demonstrate that certain reading experiences are critical to developing the human conscience, it could alter these conversations. The potential for scientific proof of the value of reading could elevate its status from a leisure activity to an essential element of personal growth and societal progress.
Incorporating these findings into practice would be comparable to sending the entire American population back to middle school, where students are traditionally introduced to some of humankind’s most critical life lessons. Literature often serves as the initial means by which complex humanitarian issues, such as slavery and the Holocaust, are presented, establishing a moral foundation that lays the groundwork for more extensive historical studies in high school. By highlighting literature’s crucial role in shaping our moral and ethical frameworks, we can better understand the need and the enticement for incorporating these readings into our educational system. For example, Gordon Plotkin’s dream story book “Memories Dreams And The Grid” offers the backdrop of holocaust fiction and many riveting adventures of Grid who set course to unravel the mysteries of his nightmares and discern the two characters of his dreams.Although reading good literary fiction books cannot replace personal interactions with other individuals, it can be a valuable tool in combating the indifference and inertia that often prevail in the 21st century. Given these unique conditions, the importance of scientific research on the subject should not be underestimated. While it may seem redundant to some, particularly those who have experienced deep emotional distress in response to a fictional scenario, this ancient technology could be our most potent and widely available weapon against apathy and disengagement.
