This is a question that various literary critics have tried to answer for centuries. There has been no specific answer to this question, since the answer varies from people to people. For some people, it might be the master use of language by the author. For others, it might be the romantic plot that allows them to escape from reality. For me, the essence that makes a piece of writing interesting to read is the dark side of human nature illustrated by the writing: elements such as grief, death, desire, grudge, revenge, and so on.
What is it about this quality that makes me attracted to the writing? One literary critic that I do not remember the name of said something to the lines of "the dark side of human nature is what makes a piece of writing interesting". I totally agree to this statement, because if a story is all about love and peace and freedom, it would be such a boring story since there would be no action. On the other hand, if a story displays the dark side of human nature, it would be full of action such as murder, revenge, and other interesting elements. It is such more interesting to read about murder and revenge compared to love and peace.
Now that I have explained about what makes a piece of writing interesting for me, I want to mention a book that I want to read over winter break. This novel is considered a classic of the books that demonstrate the "dark side of human nature". The novel is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1844. This masterpiece demonstrates my interest perfectly, since the story is about a sailor who was imprisoned by mistake, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune and seeks revenge against the people who are responsible for his imprisonment. This book is full of grief, revenge, murder, forgiveness, and grudge, making it such an interesting book. I can't wait to read it over winter break or during second semester.
Have you ever thought that maybe this has to do with gender differences? I agree that books about peace may be boring, but I love a good romance novel. I'm not trying to stereotype here, but most boys like action-related novels. This may explain your observations.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think you fit in with the dude stereotype. Not that it's bad, but you may want to broaden your horizons. However, I have to imagine the pieces of literature we have read in English fit you perfectly, as most have been dark and gloomy.
ReplyDeleteI have actually liked the stories that we have read in English. About the gender differences, I totally agree with that. I also do enjoy stories that do not exactly display "the dark side of human nature", such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close that we read in English last year.
ReplyDeleteI think what makes a story enjoyable is relateability (is that a word?). If you can relate to a character, it makes the story moer enjoyable because, in a way, you feel "there." I've read many stories where I couldn't relate to a character and not enjoyed them as much as the stories where I could relate to a character.
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