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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