...In Dana Gioia’s, “Why Literature Matters”, Gioia presents his argument declaring that the measure of interest young Americans have displayed in arts has declined vastly in the recent years and if the numbers continue in this direction, it could be a serious problem with immense consequences. Gioia supports his argument using several pieces of evidence such as polls, reports, and even a quotation from a distinguished author. Gioia’s main intent for writing this article is to draw attention in the direction of the young Americans. Gioia uses a great quantity of statistics to help persuade the young American population to develop some interest in the arts. As stated by the National Conference of State Legislatures, “Young people do not understand...
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...In this passage, “Why Literature Matters”, Dana Gioia provides statistics from various sources that show that Americans participation in the arts has steadily declined over the past quarter of a century. She notes the decline is most severe among young adults ages 18-24 and most particularly in reading literature. She argues that this decline in reading will have a negative effect on social and economic aspects of everyday life. Dana Gioia’s main weapon in this passage is fear. Throughout the passage she peppers the reader with doom and gloom prophecies of a society devoid of reading. She asserts, in more ways than one, that this lack of reading will directly affect young people’s ability to get and hold a job. She cites to an article in Wired magazine that declares a new era afoot in the business world where business leaders seek out individuals that have “the ability to create artistic and emotional beauty, to detect patterns and opportunities, to craft a satisfying narrative.” These are skills “decidedly literary in...
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