Literature

Webster’s Universal Unabridged Dictionary states that literature is, “‘all writings in prose or verse, especially those of an imaginative or critical character’” (pg 2). Another definition is, “the entire body of writings of a specific language, period, people” (Dictionary.com). However, these definitions are incomplete. A better definition of literature is any form of text that presents an idea, thought, expression, or explanation and is used to pass along ideas or information and to make one think. Literature can get the wheels turning and can open one’s mind. Eveline is a great example of literature. Eveline made the reader question further details and since literature is a way to make people think, Eveline is literature.
Eveline is literature because it even reflects the functions of literature. An example of this would be that it improves thinking skills because it makes one question what they read. Or in other words, it engages critical thinking. It is not just enough to know that Eveline worked at, “the Store.” The reader itches to know what the store sold, did she like her job, and what kind of people shopped there. In the story, a picture of a preacher is mentioned. This inspires one to think critically because the reader takes one description and uses it to uncover details about the character’s life. For example, the picture of the preacher provides evidence of the family’s religious beliefs. Another example of how Eveline induces critical thinking is the fact that Eveline has a chance to escape her terrible life but instead she chooses to stay.
“All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. He was drawing her into them: he would drown her. She gripped with both hands the Iron railing.
-Come!
No! No! No! It was impossible” (pg 815).
Why is it that she cannot leave? What is holding her back? These questions arise because Eveline causes critical thinking. Critical thinking can be implied by Eveline because the reader can use phrases from it to unearth details. “Then she would be married-she Eveline. People would treat her with respect then” (pg 813). This statement reveals cultural ideas that were present during the time period Eveline was written. Why would getting married earn her respect? By using critical thinking one can guess that in 1916, it was proper for a young woman to be married, afterwards, she would earn respect. Eveline, makes the reader think critically about the details of the text so that they can reach a conclusion, idea, or answer that satisfies them. Therefore, Eveline shows the function of literature, improving thinking skills. Eveline exemplifies the definition of literature.
Eveline is a perfect model of what literature is and of what the function of literature is. Literature is any form of text that presents an idea, thought, expression, or explanation and is used to pass along ideas or information and to make one think. Eveline is a form of text, written by James Joyce, which makes one question further. It made the reader think instead of just accept. Eveline also showed the function of literature. Because it made the reader question further, it improved thinking skills. Eveline made the reader question further details and since literature is a way to make people think, Eveline is literature.