Question

Write an interpretive essay that analyzes literature from the perspective of a quotation. In your essay, interpret the quotation and explain how it applies to literature you have read. Support your viewpoint with evidence from a variety of literary texts that you have read. Include precise language and literary terms.

"That's what literature is. It’s the people who went before us, tapping out messages from the past, from beyond the grave, trying to tell us about life and death! Listen to them!"

Answer 1

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Step-by-step explanation:

The above quotation by Terry Pratchett highlights the importance of literature in preserving the messages and experiences of those who have come before us. Indeed, literature serves as a bridge between generations, allowing us to gain insights into the past and the present, and providing us with a deeper understanding of life and death.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," for example, the author uses vivid imagery and symbolism to depict the excesses and moral decay of the 1920s. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald illustrates the disillusionment and emptiness that underlies the pursuit of wealth and status. Similarly, in Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," the author uses spare, simple language to depict the struggles and resilience of the human spirit. Through the character of Santiago, Hemingway explores themes of courage, determination, and the inevitability of death.

In both of these works, literature serves as a means of conveying important messages about the human experience. The authors tap into the past, drawing upon their own experiences and observations, to create works that resonate with readers in the present. Through their use of literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and character development, they convey complex ideas and emotions that transcend time and place.

Moreover, literature has the power to bring people together and to create a sense of community. Through the act of reading and discussing literature, we can connect with others who share our interests and our experiences. We can gain new perspectives and insights into the world around us, and we can develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

In conclusion, Terry Pratchett's quotation reminds us of the power and importance of literature in preserving the messages and experiences of those who have come before us. Through the works of authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, we can gain insights into the past and the present, and we can deepen our understanding of life and death. By listening to the messages that literature has to offer, we can become more empathetic, more informed, and more connected to the world around us.