Monday, September 27, 2010

Stephen Greenblatt & George Will

I think Mr. Greenblatts points out states that not all literature ia political. Unlike George Will who says "All literature...is political." Greenblatt questions why will cant enjoy Sheakspeares writing without trying to find a political meaning behind it. Throughout Greenblatts article he seems distraut that will finds all literature one way. He is troubled by how will thinks too much about the peices he reads. George Will seems to think that if you argue that all literature isnt political you are full of stupidity. I think the reason will is so passionate in his opinion towards Greenblatt is only partly because of how Greenblatt veiws literature, i think it is also how Greenblatt veiws politics that shapes wills opinion of him and throughout his article it turns into that than the issue of Lynne v. Cheney being on the NEH advisory board? I agreed moreso with Stephen Greenblatt because i agree that all literature is NOT political. Certainly someone could argue that but in my opinion not verything has a political meaning. Sure, Many authors, playwrites, and journalists write their works with this hidden agenda but i think itsall about how you interpret what your reading. Take StarWars for example, George lucas didnt purposely create all the hidden symbols and connections to religion when he wrote the saga, but many people watch those films and mold their own opinions about what Lucas was trying to say.

1 comment:

  1. Wow, I think I was entirely wrong in my interpretations of what the two men had to say about politics in literature, after reading your post. (Oh, well). Well I really like the straightforwardness of the way you included, and in turn counterargued your first quote. Nice. Also, it's true about George Will, always looking for political meaning in literature. I like the way you described it; the way you put it made me picture him playing a never-ending game of hide 'n' seek (Will never actually finding whatever political meanings he may be searching for).
    Furthermore, I do agree that literature is not political...well, unless written about politics. But no, I think that there are not political meanings between the lines of any literature other than that. And oh, my goodness, nice example, with StarWars (even though I have never seen any of them...not that I would have needed to in order to agree with what you're saying). But seriously, nicely said, Alysia. (:

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