The Functions of Literature

 Here’s a detailed analysis of third chapter from **B. R. Mullik's "Critical History of English Literature"** wdiscussing **"The Functions of Literature"**, with explanations of key points, figures, and examples:

1. Primary Functions of Literature*

*A. Entertainment and Pleasure**

Main Idea**: The earliest and most widely agreed-upon function of literature is to **entertain the readers** and give them **pleasure**.

* **Longinus**:

He was **the first critic** to def

ine the **sublime** in literature.

 Sublimity brings **ecstasy**, **transport**, or **"lifting out of oneself."**

According to Longinus, if a piece of literature **moves the reader emotionally**, it has achieved its goal.

* **Example**: Reading Shakespeare’s *Hamlet* or *Macbeth* can give pleasure through dramatic intensity and poetic beauty.

*B. Movement and Emotional Uplift**

*Sidney**:

Believed literature’s role is to **move** the reader emotionally.

  * Quoted: *"That I found not my heart moved more than with a trumpet."*

  * Supported Longinus’ view that literature should elevate or stir emotions.

* **Dryden*

  * Stressed that the aim of a writer is to **"make men better in some respect."**

  * Added the moral aspect—**to instruct and elevate the human character**.

*C. Enlightenment and Awareness**

Literature **heightens awareness** of life and human experiences.

* Refers to **Greek tragedies** (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides) used to awaken civic and moral understanding.

* **Examples**:

  * *Oedipus Rex* highlights fate and self-discovery.

  * *King Lear* explores themes of justice, power, and suffering.

### **2. Subsidiary Functions of Literature**

## **A. Propaganda**

*Definition**: Literature that tries to **popularize facts, ideas, or emotions** to promote a cause.

* Needs to be distinguished from mere propaganda (which lacks creativity).

* **Creative propaganda**: Uses imaginative expression to spread ideas.

* **Example**: George Orwell’s *Animal Farm* critiques totalitarianism through allegory.

*B. Release literature 

"** helps in the **expression and relief** of **pent-up emotions**.

* It is dominated by the **assuagement of starved needs** or psychological catharsis.

* Examples:

  * **Detective stories**, **thrillers**, or **romantic fiction** serve as emotional outlets.

  * *Wuthering Heights* lets readers explore intense love and revenge.

#### **C. Escape**

Provides an outlet from **grim realities** or **boredom**.

* Allows the reader to **escape from trivial reality** into **significant imagination**.

* **Higher literature** doesn’t deny reality but transforms it meaningfully.

* **Example**: *The Hobbit* or *Harry Potter* offers imaginative escapism, yet addresses courage, identity, and struggle.

*3. Summary**

*Primary Functions**:

  * **Delight** (pleasure and entertainment)

  * **Move** (emotional elevation)

  * **Heighten awareness** (understanding of life)

* **Subsidiary Functions**:

  * **Propaganda** (spread of ideas)

  * **Release** (emotional expression)

  * **Escape** (from harsh reality)

### **Conclusion**

The text emphasizes that **literature is not just for enjoyment** but a powerful tool to **move hearts**, **expand understanding**, and **reflect society**. Critics like Longinus, Sidney, and Dryden saw literature as both an **aesthetic** and **moral** force

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