At the beginning of the quarter, I was dead set on the idea that great literature represents a universal human experience. However, as we discussed different works touching on the historical, political, and cultural factors that influence literature, Mandy brought up the fact that many great works are not relatable to her. Professor Donald Gilbert-Santamaria also seemed skeptical about claims of “great works”. That made me realized that the presentation of an idea can be dated. Borges’s Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote highlights this.
Yes, there can be great ideas that may be universally applicable, but the context in which they are presented, as well as the perspective they are delivered from, matter. Factors such as privilege, experience, and empathy factor into whether a work is relatable or not. And that’s why not everyone will like the same books or art.