Final answer:
Richard Hoggart in 'The Uses of Literacy' contrasted 'high' culture, epitomized by classic literature, against 'mass' or 'popular' culture, exemplified by popular magazines. He highlighted the spectrum of cultural influences on literary experiences and the importance of recognizing how an author's cultural context can impact the reader's connection to the text. Hoggart also emphasized the role of diverse literary voices in shaping one's understanding of culture and history.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Richard Hoggart's The Uses of Literacy, he contrasted two types of culture, essentially distinguishing between what he saw as "high" culture and "mass" or "popular" culture. He discussed how popular magazines represent one end of the cultural spectrum, often characterized by more accessible and widely consumed content, while classic works such as Hamlet and Beloved signify the other end, associated with greater intellectual and artistic value. The idea is to recognize that most written works fall somewhere in between these extremes, reflecting a broad spectrum of influences including social, cultural, and environmental influences on the literacy experience.
When considering the role of the author in the context of culture, Hoggart examined the common ground that links the author with readers, as well as potential conflicts arising from cultural differences. The author's style, use of language, and cultural references can both create a connection to the reader and highlight distinctions between their respective experiences and perspectives. For example, in comparing the narrative styles of Frederick Douglass and Helen Keller, different techniques are employed that reflect both communal literary traditions, like figurative language and allusions to Christian tradition, and individual social commentary and introspection.
Furthermore, Hoggart urged the consideration of how engaging with diverse literary voices influences one's understanding of literature, culture, and history. Exposure to nonwhite voices, for instance, can reshape an individual's literary education by providing a more inclusive and comprehensive view. The cultures of the authors cited by a reader or writer, and how they may differ from the reader's own culture, can significantly impact the interpretation and reception of a literary work.