quote interpretation?

Question

"literature is not an assertion of the truth, but the makikng of the truth more fully real to us."
T.S elliot

if u could interpret it breifly, that'd be great

Answer 1

How do you approach the task of interpreting a statement like this?

First, it has two halves that are being contrasted with each other. It says that literature is not one thing but another.

Okay, so now look at what's the same about each half and what's different. What's the same is truth, which appears in both halves, so we know right away that literature has something to do with truth.

What's different is "assertion" compared to "making more fully real." What could this mean?

An assertion is a declaration or a statement, so it refers to the kind of knowledge that can be transmitted in the form of a statement. This is intellectual knowledge such as facts about something or someone. An assertion tells us about something.

But we are more than intellectual beings. For anything to be "fully real to us" requires a much deeper and more complete experience than mere intellectual knowledge. Eliot doesn't try to characterize here what constitutes a fully real experience of the truth, but as a poet he surely meant that it engages the heart, the emotions, and that it resonates within us due to our own life experiences.

So he is saying that literature engages us fully and makes us feel the truth within ourselves, experience it for ourselves, rather than just telling us about the truth.

Answer 2

It means that literature does not necessarily have to be the
"real" truth, and we don't really have to know exactly what the author intended. But if we learn something, anything from the literature, it is good. Just like Eliot's poetry. Some of it does not always mean the same to everyone, but most people do find deep meaning from it, which makes it real.

Answer 3

i do no longer think of the historic Buddha actual stated that (i doubt you may desire to call the scriptural text textile), in spite of the indisputable fact that it does ring real. Buddhism isn't that logical an animal, no longer each thing applies in each occasion. in case you rather have been freed, maybe you won't could desire to invite instructions? (you may desire to tell from the stars, or from some sort of foresight. you have gotten theory to deliver a map & compass...) to invite for instructions is rather being self reliant in terms of being a grown up. you do no longer could desire to invite all people despite if asking instructions is the perfect ingredient to do. ; ) good question, regardless of the indisputable fact that buddy, and thank you for the quote! : ) perfect needs, Goodfella XX

Answer 4

It's trying to say that literature, the written word, makes things clearer and easier to understand. Often, when thoughts are written down, we become more aware of what the message is we are trying to send or receive.

Answer 5

Literature doesn't tell us what's true, but literature helps us realize the truth we already know.

or

Literature doesn't tell us what's true, but it helps us see and experience the truth.

Answer 6

Lit doesn't tell you what is true, but causes it to seem more real to you.

Answer 7

wow really nice