Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Questions - Essay Example As is indicated in the last example, not all of these texts need necessarily remain within the realm of written text to be considered a part of the literary collection. While there are a variety of formats, including ballads, epics, novels and films, and a variety of subjects that can be treated in both fictional and non-fictional approaches, there is a common theme that runs through all literature. Regardless of the format, approach or subject, though, all recognized literature has the common element of investigation into the depths of what it means to be human. The most important purpose of literature is this exploration as it reveals to us the ideal of what we as a species can accomplish. The literary theme that intrigues me the most is the theme of following your dreams. I think the reason for this is because we are so often taught to do differently. From our youngest childhood, we are confronted with the opposing ideas of following our dreams in the fairy tales and fantasy literature of our youth while our schools, parents and society continue to batter us with ideas of planning for the future, making sensible decisions and following the ‘right’ track. In stories like Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, it is only through the relentless pursuit of dreams regardless of any obstacles that eventually wins the mermaid her prince. This is a concept that is repeated again and again through literature right into the present age with such stories as the recent remake of the Cinderella story Ever After. I think it is interesting that even in the modern films and novels produced within the past few years, the underlying message remains that the happiest and most fulfilled individuals in life, the most successful, are those who have ignored the teachings of society in order to follow their heart yet society only seems to get louder regarding the importance of business-related career paths rather than permitting exploration into liberal arts