What are the concerns of literature, as you understand those concerns today?

The concerns of literature today, are a reflection of the present concerns of the people groups that the author’s represent. As is true of any time period throughout the world’s history. Authors write about the things that are on their hearts and minds and about the things that they feel are also on the hearts and minds of their readers.  These concerns vary some with every new generation, and are shaped by the changes that occur in every culture. However, there are underlying themes that bridge generations. Although on the surface the concerns and focuses of literature may have changed over time, it is often the case that the new and the old are both rooted in the same overarching concerns.

            It seems rather simplistic to narrow the concerns of literature down into three main categories, however I think that simplicity can be useful in showing the roots of many of literatures main concerns. In my opinion, these three main concerns are spirituality, relationships and the function of society.

            Many individuals are concerned with the spiritual. They are drawn to the things that cannot truly be explained. People naturally have questions about where we came from, our current existence, and what comes after death. As humans, the world that we live in and the things that are beyond our sight and comprehension fascinate us. Literature attempts to address the questions and concerns related to our spiritual lives.

            Another large concern of literature is relationships. Our world revolves around the interactions between people in different ways and on different levels. Whether it is the way a civilization interacts with another or the way an individual relates to his or her family or friends, relationships are a key piece of the way the world functions. Literature attempts to explain how these relationships work and why they are important through the author’s portrayal of different characters and their interactions.

            The third major category for concerns of literature is the way that society functions. This category may encompass vastly different things today than it did a thousand years ago, because our society is always changing and advancing. However, the basic questions are still the same. People are always striving to understand how society works and find ways to improve and advance that society. Literature helps to educate individuals, it present ideas and models for further advancement, and it shows people past mistakes to learn from.

            Although there are many concerns of literature and it would be impossible to address them all I personal find it helpful to break them down into three main categories, 1) spirituality, 2) relationships, and 3) the function of society.