Introduction
In any given cultural setting, Literature has over the years significantly exemplified the cultural variables of the host culture; despite the fact that it also plays the role of an entertainment media. Literature is also dominant in providing insights into the existing ways of life, the universally held beliefs, ideas and values. Within this context, different authors have written dissimilar forms of literature creating a clear manifestation of the time periods of their writings. Literature, in general, depicts the people’s beliefs, values, and ideas that are present at that particular point in time. As a result, with the existence of these outstanding characteristics; journalism can grant an excellent manifestation of communities. Furthermore, Literature enables learners to discover that the diverse communities explained, are comprised of different categories of people who possess dissimilar beliefs and value systems (Di Yanni, 2007).
Discussion of how literature through language reflects the various perspectives of societies and life in general
In the book “The Lesson”, language is used in literature. As elaborated previously, literal writings give a reflection of the various perspectives of societies and life in general. The different perspectives exemplified through literal writings include group settings, the aspect of time; attitudes, culture, and religion among others. From the book, literature makes use of language to imply the significance of living under specific circumstances; rather than making use of the language to analyze the circumstances. As an illustration under this aspect, the author of the book “The Lesson”; through his short story clearly shows how language is used in the literature area to indicate the state of affairs, ways of life, and society in general. From the same story, the writer makes use of spoken language, often the one used by the communities dwelling in the south to assist the learner understand the type of race and the customs of their groups. Examples of such particular words include ain’t, I say, and gonna among others. Therefore, based on the fact that such utterances are associated with a particular group of speakers, the reader is in a position to identify their cultural differences and background easily (DiYanni, 2007).
Discussion of how literature can be used to promote the development of the Community on aspects like education
Literature also clearly brings out the significant theme of Community and education. This is evident from the same short story entitled “The Lesson”, where the focus is placed on the necessity of schooling and the outcome of becoming educated. Towards explaining this, literature gives an illustration that despite the difficulty of attaining education; it is a necessity for a better brighter future. The author also elaborates on issues like headship, pride, and how to live with each other in society, with or without the values of respect. The narrator of the story does the narration as per her understanding, thus enabling the reader to think widely as well as carry out some analysis on the host community. Through making a comparative analysis of the different sects within the community, the reader is also able to learn more about the cultural variables. The significance of religion is communicated by the author through one of the characters named Sylvia, who in this case uses language to show the different categories of the people living within that society. In the same book, Toni the author molds the characters on matters targeting the poor and the minorities in the U.S at that point in time (DiYanni, 2007, p. 227).
Discussion of literature as an agent of change and progress
From a different short story entitled “A Rose for Emily“; the Themes of change and progress are demonstrated. Still, under literature analysis, this short story remains a good example with regard to demonstrating how society is perceived, which is exemplified through poetic literature. The author uses the assigned title to point out the above-mentioned themes, which directly affected the southern part of America. His inspiration to touch on this theme was initiated by the fact that his family was of a southern origin, and once the owner of a farm (DiYanni, 2007, p. 79).
Discussion of literature as a means of assigning symbols
To add to the above themes, the author through his writing brings out people as symbols. In his Short story through a description of the people within the Jefferson family like Emily; he points out how such ladies and men as well as the leaders of the town acted like symbols. According to his story, he often uses these symbols against the issues that faced the south during the twentieth century. An example under this case is the way he represents them as symbols in explaining the nature of Homer Barron, who is explained as the foreman of a given construction company. Towards building upon this symbolism, the affair between Barron and Emily is considered shameful; based on the fact that he originated from the North, besides not considering marriage an option. However, the couple is not concerned about the rumor until Emily’s relatives from Alabama pay a visit to her; with regard to which Barron is obligated to leave town until they returned to their village. It is also evident from the example, that the brushed uniform worn by some aged men during the funeral of Miss Emily was symbolic. Additionally, this draws the readers’ attention and understanding to the period, place, and background of the given culture (DiYanni, 2007).
Conclusion
Having discussed how literature affects the host society and the people living within it; it is Conclusive that literature is capable of influencing the culture, beliefs, religion, and language; besides acting as an agent for change. In support of this, it can be argued that these impacts have been exemplified through the themes discussed.
Reference List
DiYanni, R. (2007). Literature, reading fiction, poetry, and drama, 6th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers.