This method of pathos, or the emotional quality of the text (Hannah), has been used for one purpose, to help the reader relate the work to his or her own life. An interpretation of Sontag’s quote is put best by writer Phillip C. Kolin in his collection, Othello: New Critical Essays: drama “disturbs the reader’s peace of mind, frustrating their desire for closure.” (2) If the reader does not feel some type of emotional attachment, negative or positive, they will not become as involved in the work
INTRODUCTION AMERICAN LITERATURE American literature is the literature written or produced in the area of the United States and its preceding colonies. During its early history America was a series of British colonies on the eastern coast of the present day United States. Therefore it is literary tradition of English literature. However, unique American characteristics and the breadth of its production usually now cause it to be considered a separate path and tradition. The New England colonies