1.After reading Jonathan Culler’s “What is literature and does it matter?”, I’m tempted to say that the main aspect of it all is that context is indeed key. He informs us that unlike science that has a definitive chain of events, a cause and effect formula, literature is widely open to interpretation and even quite simply the opinion of the reader. However, at the very same time, literature tends to have an intended purpose. A college textbook, while factual and educational, would hardly be considered a “literary work”. On the other hand, fictional works, such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, have been praised for their “literariness” on their ability to excite the mind, cause discussion, and invoke emotion. Rhymes and poems, without their respective contexts, might appear nonsensical and out of place, and might open themselves to ridicule for their sometimes lack of proper grammar. But these works are held to a higher standard because society has deemed them worthy.

Aesthetics only further blurs the line between literary and not: seemingly creating purpose, but it is almost completely subjective and, again, open to interpretation. Literature does appear to have an ironically human universal trait: it is on a constant journey of self-discovery. It builds on itself, it evolves, and it is constantly challenged. Literature can serve either many different purposes or just the one, whether it is practical or not. Why is the definition of literature important? I suppose it serves to separate what is worth your attention and investment from what is not, but isn’t that inherently subjective?

2.”Are there qualities shared by poems, play, and novels that distinguish them from, say, songs, transcriptions of conversations, and autobiographies?”(pg 21) This quote stuck with me as it made me think about literature’s instinctive ambiguity.

Hello professor and all my dear friends. My name is Samikshya Acharya. I am here in New York since 4 years. I live with my husband in queens. I am a student at Laguardia Community College and My major is Registered Nurse. I joined back school after 7 years and this is my 3rd semester. I am enjoying my study. At first it was very hard for me to continue education. I was afraid to attend class thinking what should I speak and how do I talk with professor but later on I find my friends and teachers very helpful and I am use to it. I learn a lot from them. I used to work in JFK airport but I have to quit because of the pandemic. I love to travel, Listening music and study novel. Also I love to take a lot of pictures. My favourite dish is simple food like daal, rice and vegetable curry. I also enjoy playing with a little animals like goats, 😛 puppy and cats. I do play basket ball.  I would like to wish you all good luck for every project we are getting. We have to work together. Even though we are not able to see each other we can find a way to help each other.

My name is Mohamed Hassan and I’m a transfer student to Laguardia. I’m majoring in software development/ programming and my carrier goal is to transfer to a senior college after finishing LAGCC.

Back in Egypt, I was studying Mass Communication where I had worked for two years in a newspaper before I moved to New York.

I went to computer science because the demand is really high in this field and it is more convenient and interesting studying it .

Hello, everyone! My name is Ling Zhang, I continue to follow Professor Fess this semester, I met Professor last semester and expected to spend a wonderful learning time with Professor face to face, unfortunately, I only had in-person class with Professor for three times. However, I still learned a lot and got my English skills improved in last semester.  Professor Fess’s patience and gentleness made me feel free from shy to share my words. Profess has a  lenient heart that can embrace my thoughts no matter right or wrong, I learned not only English skills but also to be a better person with a more comprehensive perspective from Professor Fess. I look forward to learning more from Professor this semester and hopefully, I can improve both my English and mind to a wise level.

Hello, my name is Savanah Pusey. Some people have difficulties pronouncing my last name, they either flat out make an inappropriate joke or butcher it while trying their best not to offend me. To avoid this, I’ll just let anyone reading this know that my last name is pronounced (pyoo-zee). Upon introduction I often do wish it was spelled differently. But moving on from that, I’m very interested in what this course will hold. I’m currently a liberal arts major and outside of school I work part-time. I’m bad at speaking about myself in terms of hobbies and long term goals so I’m not sure what else I should add, but like everyone else here, I’m looking forward to obtaining my associates degree. Good luck to any classmates who may see this and nice to virtually meet you professor Fess!

Hello everyone. My name is Qipu Li. I am from China and have been in New York for almost two years. I gradually got used to life here. I think New York is different from my city. There is some delicious food, beautiful views and outstanding architecture. My major is psychology, but I don’t think my career will be a psychologist. I like acupuncture and I will learn it. It’s amazing, just use some needles to relieve the patient’s pain. However, the most basic problem is that my English is too bad. I spent a lot of time, but it is still not good. Um, I continue to work hard. I am confident that my English will be best one day.  This is me. 

My name is Shumin Ma. I came to the United Stated from China last year. This is my second semester in LAGCC. My major is Radiologic Technology (pre-candidacy). In my spare time, i enjoy watching travel vlogs on YouTube the most. I was lucky that i came to New York before the pandemic, which enabled me to visited some famous places here without worries. Although the pandemic is still spreading, it becomes being controlled day by day. And i hope i can visit more beautiful places in this city without wearing a mask soon. Also, i am a fan of yoga. Yoga is one kind of sport that can make you relax, which i recommend to you.

Honestly, writing through literature is really a great challenge for me because i know little about poems and drama. Hopefully i can have a better knowledge about literature, improve my writing skills and get a good grade in this course.

Hello everyone, My name is Nahomy. I’m 23 and i have a esthetic license. I currently work at a spa. On my free time i love to work out, travel and spend time with my family, my family is my everything. I took a break from college to get my license but i want to do more with it so my major is nursing. Since it’s been a while, i am excited to improve in my reading and writing skills. Due to everything crazy going on in the world i am also excited to stay busy.