Similarity
A piece of literature can be interpreted in numerous ways; the most common one is “dominance” that refers to the most common meanings that can be represented. On the other hand “resistance” refers to an interpretation that is less prevalent. This essay analyzes ” The Joy of Reading and Writing ” by Sherman Alexie and ” Learning to Read and Write” by Frederick Douglass in both forms.
Reading and Writing to Sherman Alexie means everything, he described his story. As a little boy, he faced many issues in his struggle to read and write but never gave up. He started reading at the age of three; his father helped him in his endeavors. His house was “filled with books.” Anyone interpreting his story regarding dominance will admire the struggle of a little boy. If his story is analyzed regarding resistance, the analysis will point out towards the flaws of social and economic systems that don’t offer a full reward of reading and writing.
On the other hand, the “Learning to Read and Write” by Frederick Douglass narrates the plights of slavery and his struggle to read and right. He got courage from reading as he describes in the story “ I gained from the dialogue was the power of truth over the conscience of even a slaveholder”. The reading ability in this way contributed to give him courage. When analyzed regarding dominance the reviewer would praise the struggle in a tough time and his uncompromising commitment to knowledge. When examined regarding resistance the critic would point out towards the flaws of social justice systems that don’t offer full equal rewards of freedom to all citizens.
Both pieces of literature are similar in the way that the importance of reading and writing is highlighted. The authors have passed through a tough time but never gave up. The society needs to be more proactive to ensure that everyone can reap the benefits of knowledge.
