literature - Jim, Monday, November 2, 2009 at 8:46am

I need a start for a paper on how does literature reflect life and communities

First.... Jim, always start your own post when you have a question. If you post under someone else's name, then it may not get answered.

Now, to your question. People write from their experience... the setting of a book, poem, story is going to reflect in some way the communities/people with whom the author has interacted. An excellent example is Steinbeck. He was born in California; many of his writings are set in that area and use characters common to that area.

To start your paper on how literature reflects life and communities, you can begin by introducing the concept of literature as a reflection of real-life experiences and communities. Here's a possible introduction:

"Literature has long been regarded as a mirror that reflects the complexities of life and the diverse communities in which we live. Through the creation of vivid settings, relatable characters, and thought-provoking narratives, authors have the power to capture the essence of society, shedding light on its triumphs, struggles, and intricacies. In this paper, we will explore how literature serves as a reflection of life and communities, drawing insights from the experiences and perspectives of both individual authors and the collective voices of generations past."

After setting up the context in your introduction, you can delve into specific examples that highlight how literature reflects life and communities. You mentioned John Steinbeck as an excellent example, so you can further explore his works and elaborate on how he drew from his own experiences and the California community to shape his writing.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to mention other authors and works that also capture different aspects of life and communities. For example, you could discuss how Haruki Murakami reflects urban life in contemporary Japan or how Jane Austen portrays the social dynamics of early 19th-century England.

Remember to support your points with specific examples from the literature you are discussing. By doing so, you will demonstrate a deeper understanding of how literature can be a reflection of life and communities.