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banana6 · Apr 28, 2012, 06:42 PM

I have to write a 6 page research paper on the purpose of literature. I believe literature is meant to inform us of past experiences in history. I am having a problem finding academic sources for this. Please help! Thank you.

Wondergirl · Apr 28, 2012, 06:57 PM

Have you been to a public or college library and asked a reference librarian for help with this? If not, why not? Most academic journals that will be what you want are on databases that the library subscribes to.

Wondergirl · Apr 28, 2012, 07:02 PM

Here are two web sites that might help you organize your thinking --

13. Literature: The Language Art

The Purpose of Literature

banana6 · Apr 28, 2012, 07:11 PM

I have tried everything. But it is quite difficult to find resources for a topic like this.

Wondergirl · Apr 28, 2012, 07:11 PM

Author(s): Haverkamp, Beth ; Young, Richard
Affiliation: University of British Columbia
Title: "Paradigms, Purpose, and the Role of Literature"
Source: The Counseling Psychologist 35, no. 2 (2007): 265-294
Additional Info: Sage Publications; 20070301
Standard No: ISSN: 0011-0000
Language: English
Database: ArticleFirst

Wondergirl · Apr 28, 2012, 07:15 PM

Author(s): Petrie, Paul R ; Barrish, Phillip
Title: "Reviews - Conscience and Purpose: Fiction and Social Consciousness in Howells, Jewett, Chesnutt, and Cather"
Source: Twentieth century literature. 52, no. 4, (2006): 474 (8 pages)
Additional Info: Hofstra University Press, etc.]
Alt Journal: Key Title: Twentieth century literature
Standard No: ISSN: 0041-462X
OCLC No: 1713698
Database: ArticleFirst

banana6 · Apr 28, 2012, 08:01 PM

I appreciate your help but none of those sources talk about the purpose of literature.

Wondergirl · Apr 28, 2012, 08:27 PM

I don't know what you were reading, but I sure found info in those links on the purpose of literature including how literature explains historical events.