Question

instructions
read the following successive excerpts from “are the new ‘golden age’ tv shows the new novels?” then interact with the text by writing notes on the meaning of the excerpt. then write a personal response to the ideas in the excerpt. the first one is done for you.

excerpt	ideas and inferences	personal response
mixed feelings about literature — the desire to annex its virtues while simultaneously belittling them — are typical of our culture today, which doesn’t know quite how to deal with an art form, like the novel, that is both democratic and demanding.

Explanation:

Ideas and Inferences:

The author argues that modern culture has conflicting attitudes toward literature: wanting its virtues (like prestige) while also belittling it. This is because the novel is both accessible (democratic) and challenging (demanding), creating cultural uncertainty.

Personal Response:

I relate to this—we praise classic literature but often find it intimidating. I love novels for their depth but sometimes avoid them for being "too much work." It's strange how we want the benefits of literature without fully engaging with its demands.

Answer:

Ideas and Inferences:

The author argues that modern culture has conflicting attitudes toward literature: wanting its virtues (like prestige) while also belittling it. This is because the novel is both accessible (democratic) and challenging (demanding), creating cultural uncertainty.

Personal Response:

I relate to this—we praise classic literature but often find it intimidating. I love novels for their depth but sometimes avoid them for being "too much work." It's strange how we want the benefits of literature without fully engaging with its demands.