English Assignment

Reflect: Chapter 1 of our text provides a number of reasons why people choose to explore literature. Clugston (2014) writes that there is "a powerful curiosity about human relationships and how to cope in the world in which we find ourselves" (Section 1.1, para. 2). The text gives a number of general motivations for reading, but it is helpful to put those motivations into context. Consider what your motivations are for reading.

Write: Your initial post should be at least 200 words in length, not including references. In your post, answer the following questions:

• What does literature offer an individual?

• How has the importance of reading changed from earlier eras (pre-digital/audio/visual media) to our present day? Do you think we read differently now than we did in prior generations?

• Do you think Clugston's quote is valid? How have perceptions regarding the value of literature changed, if at all?

• What causes people's perceptions regarding the value of literature to change?

• Incorporate readings found in Chapters 1 through 3 to help illustrate the points you make.

Respond to Peers: Respond to at least two of your classmates' initial posts. Each response should be at least 75 words in length and address two or more of the following points:

•Do you agree with your classmates' perspectives? Why, or why not? Be specific.
•Ask a specific question to encourage further discussion on the topic.
•Challenge your classmates' interpretation of literature and/or point of view.
•Do a small amount of research and share what you learn with your peers about the topic discussed in this post

Response 1: Samantha Salomon

what does literature offer and individual?

It offers a person to open their mind more than what they see in front of them they are able to see beyond that. It's like there mind had opened up a who new world in their mind to help and see as well what is there reading or going through when reading any kind of literature. You as a person are able to see past through present all through your mind which is something that is truly amazing.

How has the importance of reading changed from earlier eras (pre-digital/audio/visual media) to our present day. Do you think we read differently now than we did in prior generations?

The importance of reading has changed drastically nothing is the same anymore from then to now. We definitely read differently now. When i was younger I remember reading so many books and all our assignments were based off what we would read and now I ask my younger sisters if they have read the books i have and they tell me no so i see the difference along with all the changes that have been made throughout the years.

Do you think Clugston's quote is valid? How have perceptions regarding the value of literature change, if at all?

I do find it valid. Everything has changed due to the fact that what was done back then was to show everyone the world that happened before us and much more. We don't see that any more everything has changed in so many levels that its hard to understand why they took that away from the children who are growing up now.

What causes peoples perceptions regarding the value of literature to change?

The change that has been made throughout the years is the cause of the what people value in literature. Kids now don't look at it like others do they don't seem to interested in what everything really about as for others who actually got to read and understand it they value it much more because they were able to see it first hand.

Response 2: Kyle Lawver

Literature offers an individual direction. It doesn't matter what aspect you attempt to decipher literature it will only off direction. Whether it directs you to an emotion or a thought that leads to a creation. Literature directs your knowledge and understanding depending on what your interests become throughout the years. In the early years literature was as common as having television is today. Back in history literature was more about expression, art and documenting. I would say that literature has diminished over the years but it most certainly has evolved into more of a digital persona. Our perception of literature is different today used more to inform or teach ourselves. Literature in the past was exploration and today's literature is the history of what our ancestors explored. Our text even covers how John Updike "elegantly explored reasons for this cultural shift" (1.1). We are programmed explorers and we unlock the since of exploration, that motivation through literature. So what do I think about Clugston's quote? Every bit of it is true if it wasn't true I wouldn't be writing this discussion. I wouldn't have the curiosity to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I would just be simply content with life and existing day to day.

Chapter 1: Beginning Our Literary Journey.