Till America has learned to love literature not as an amusement, not as mere doggerel to memorize in a college room, but for its humanizing and ennobling energy, my dear reverend president, she will not have succeeded in that high sense which alone makes a nation out of a people. That which raises it from a dead name to a living power.
In Matthew Pearl's "The Dante Club," the author expresses the idea that for America to truly thrive as a nation, it must cultivate a profound appreciation for literature. Rather than viewing it simply as entertainment or a set of trivial verses to be learned, literature should be recognized for its ability to elevate and transform society. This understanding is essential for a nation to progress from being merely a name to embodying a vibrant, living culture.
Literature possesses a unique power to humanize individuals and imbue them with a sense of purpose and identity. Pearl emphasizes that when a society acknowledges and embraces the deep significance of literary works, it not only enriches its cultural fabric but also fosters a collective spirit necessary for national success. Thus, the journey towards becoming a cohesive and dynamic nation hinges on the value placed on the literary arts.
