“Why Literature Matters” by Dana Gioia

“Reading is not a timeless, universal capability. Advanced literacy is a specific intellectual skill and social habit that depends on a great many educational, cultural, and economic factors. As more Americans lose this capability, our nation becomes less informed, active, and independent-minded.”

It is already known that reading has many advantages, but not only with the lack of fundamentals from literature do we not acquire knowledge, we also miss opportunities. Gioia proves that the decline in reading will later affect young adults later with life problems. Characteristics such as fully understanding works of writing and being an overall good reader is expected in the real world. Though it may be an infinitive element in education, literature is still at risk because for many, it is not something to get enthusiastic for. The significance and comprehension of literature should never perish because it’s not just another capability to have, or another obligation to fulfill, it is a much needed skill in which we can all benefit from.

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift

“. . . these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages therefore one male will be sufficient to serve four females.”

Swift incorporates very humorous and outrageous propositions in his satire towards Irish economy. He proposes that the only way to aide and stabilize Ireland’s poor conditioned economy is to put poor children good use by being sold for labor and refers to them during his entire proposal, as animals to be sold. The overall purpose was to mock the courses of action taken by Ireland because at the time the conditions of the country were not strong, and the only possible solutions thought were ridiculous . To further add more sarcasm and comical relief, Swift admits that he would never even consider such a proposal.

“The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age” by Sven Birkerts

"A combination of new technology, new habits, and untold hours once available for books given over to screen activities, such as surfing, gaming, e-mail, and instant messaging, have made reading less prevalent."

While time has changed, so has the generation with all its new contributions and inventions to society. Technology and media have replaced new habits making the act of gaining knowledge through literature more easily attainable with electronic shortcuts. People in this age have now become so reliant on the conveniences of technology, and I don’t think ignoring the values of reading should be completely put aside, even if reading isn’t your main priority. Birkerts writes that with technology and media replacing the old habits and activities of comprehending literature for most young adults, they lose the process of connecting with writing and consequently have a hard time in their future because the skill of reading was lost.

“The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock” by T.S. Elliot

“We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.”

Eliot demonstrates in his poem how modern society has lost the genuine signification of a hero. Heroes of before were people of action fulfilling their potentialities, but now people have lacked in their heroism by becoming observers, while the adventures of life are only being watched.

“what if a much of a wind” by E.E. Cummings

“what if a much of a which of a wind
gives the truth to summer's lie;
bloodies with dizzying leaves the sun
and yanks immortal stars awry?”

“what if a much of a wind” reveals the determination of the human spirit and its ability to avoid destruction and to live through devastation. With all the misfortunes life will offer, the will to sustain it all becomes the absolute survival. Cummings uses the element of individualism to portray in his art, that the virtues and wants of a person, can easily shape the meaning of poetry.

“Birches” by Robert Frost

“Summer or winter, and could play alone.One by one he subdued his father's treesBy riding them down over and over againUntil he took the stiffness out of them,And not one but hung limp, not one was left For him to conquer. He learned all there wasTo learn about not launching out too soonAnd so not carrying the tree away Clear to the ground.”

The main focal point of “Birches” is the image of life and its tribulations as time passes and as a person ages. The symbolism of aging and weakening birches portrays that being older comes with more hardships compared to the carefree life of childhood that many wish they could revert to. Frost uses realistic depictions by nature to further describe afflictions in life that everyone has faced.

“somewhere i have never travelled” by E.E. Cummings

“nothing which we are to perceive in this world equalsthe power of your intense fragility: whose texturecompels me with the colour of its countries,rendering death and forever with each breathing”

Cummings explains the complexity of love in “somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond”. Finding the one who completes you achieves not only happiness but fulfills the desire to be close and exist as one with another. Travelling to and experiencing another level of joy is where one usually goes when identifying another aspect of who they are, through another person.