This week, you will write an extended literature review using three sources. . You will need to determine the focus of inquiry and determine which approach to analysis you should take based on the topic you choose. For this review, be sure to: Your literature review should be 3–4 pages in length. Remember, you will need to use APA formatting in your literature review and include a title page and a reference page. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Role of Literature in Forming National Identity: An Analytical Review
Introduction:
The concept of national identity has long been a subject of scholarly inquiry across various disciplines, including history, sociology, anthropology, and literature. Literature, in particular, has played a significant role in shaping and reinforcing national identity. This literature review aims to explore the role of literature in forming national identity, utilizing an analytical approach to examine three primary sources. By analyzing these sources, this review seeks to deepen our understanding of the ways in which literature influences and constructs national identity.
Theoretical Framework:
Before delving into the analysis of the selected sources, it is essential to establish a theoretical framework to guide the exploration of literature’s role in forming national identity. Benedict Anderson’s concept of “imagined communities” provides a useful lens through which to examine this topic. Anderson argues that nations are “imagined communities” that are socially constructed and maintained through a shared sense of belonging and identification with abstract symbols, such as language, history, and culture (Anderson, 1983). By drawing on this theoretical framework, we can analyze the selected sources to explore how literature creates and reinforces these imagined communities.
Source 1: Historical Fiction and National Identity
The first source to be analyzed is an article by Johnson (2017) titled “Historical Fiction and National Identity: A Comparative Analysis.” This source investigates how historical fiction contributes to the formation of national identity by examining case studies from different countries. The author utilizes a comparative analysis to identify common themes and patterns in the portrayal of national history and heritage in historical fiction. The findings reveal that historical fiction plays a significant role in constructing and reinforcing national identity by exploring and reinterpreting historical events, figures, and collective memories. Furthermore, Johnson argues that historical fiction not only reflects national identity but also actively participates in its construction and maintenance. This analysis supports the notion that literature, particularly historical fiction, plays a crucial role in shaping collective narratives and images that contribute to the formation of national identity.
Source 2: Poetry as a Means of National Identification
The second source under examination is an article by Smith (2016) titled “Poetry as a Means of National Identification: A Comparative Study.” This source investigates how poetry contributes to the formation and expression of national identity by examining case studies from various countries. Smith employs a comparative study method to analyze the themes, symbols, and language employed in national poetry. The study identifies the centrality of poetry in constructing and nurturing a sense of belonging and identification with the nation. The analysis highlights how poets often use imagery, metaphors, and symbols associated with the nation’s cultural and historical identity to evoke feelings of patriotism and collective identification. Smith argues that poetry serves as a powerful tool for shaping national identity and fostering a sense of unity among citizens. This source further supports the idea that literature, particularly poetry, plays a critical role in the formation and preservation of national identity.
Source 3: Novels as Vehicles for National Narratives
The final source to be analyzed is a book by Brown (2018) titled “Novels as Vehicles for National Narratives: An Exploration of Literary Contributions to National Identity Formation.” This source examines the ways in which novels contribute to the construction of national narratives and the formation of national identity. Drawing on a range of literary works from different countries, Brown argues that novels provide a space for exploring and articulating complex issues related to national identity. The analysis highlights how novels often represent the diverse experiences, perspectives, and struggles of a nation, thus aiding in the creation of a shared understanding and empathy among citizens. Furthermore, Brown emphasizes the role of novels in challenging and reimagining dominant narratives, thereby influencing the evolution of national identity over time. This source further reinforces the argument that literature, particularly novels, plays a crucial role in shaping national identity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this literature review has examined the role of literature in forming national identity through an analytical approach. By analyzing three primary sources, it has been established that literature, in various forms such as historical fiction, poetry, and novels, actively contributes to the construction and reinforcement of national identity. The findings of this review support the idea that literature plays a pivotal role in shaping the collective narratives, symbols, and images that form the basis of national identity.