“Some people flinch when you talk about art in the context of the needs of society thinking you are introducing something far too common for a discussion of art. Why should art have a purpose and a use? Art shouldn't be concerned with purpose and reason and need, they say. These are improper. But from the very beginning, it seems to me, stories have indeed been meant to be enjoyed, to appeal to that part of us which enjoys good form and good shape and good sound.”
Quote Analysis:
In this quote, Chinua Achebe challenges the notion that art should not have purpose or utility in society. He argues that from the beginning, stories have been meant to be enjoyed, appealing to our sense of aesthetics and enjoyment of good form, shape, and sound. This analysis sheds light on the idea that art can serve a purpose in society by bringing joy and beauty to individuals.
The Role of Art in Society
In this quote by Chinua Achebe, the renowned Nigerian author challenges the notion that art should exist solely for its own sake, separate from the needs of society. He argues that art has always served the purpose of bringing enjoyment and appeal to individuals. This idea highlights the modern relevance of art in society, as it can be a source of joy, inspiration, and connection for people from all walks of life.
Chinua Achebe on the Purpose of Art
"Some people flinch when you talk about art in the context of the needs of society thinking you are introducing something far too common for a discussion of art. Why should art have a purpose and a use? Art shouldn't be concerned with purpose and reason and need, they say. These are improper. But from the very beginning, it seems to me, stories have indeed been meant to be enjoyed, to appeal to that part of us which enjoys good form and good shape and good sound." - Chinua Achebe
Reflection Questions:
In the quote from Chinua Achebe, the idea of art serving a purpose and having a use is questioned. This raises important questions about the role of art in society and whether it should have a specific function or simply be enjoyed for its aesthetic qualities. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How do you personally view the purpose of art? Do you believe that art should serve a specific function or is its main purpose to be enjoyed for its beauty and form?
- Do you think that art can have a meaningful impact on society even if it is not created with a specific purpose in mind? How can art contribute to social change and progress?
- Can art still be considered valuable and significant even if it does not serve a practical purpose or address a specific need? How do you define the value of art in your own life?
- How do you think the balance between art being functional and art being purely aesthetic should be maintained in society? Is there a way to reconcile these two aspects of art?
Similar quotes
“I'm not saying I'm able to work consistently out of the premise, but it seems like the big distinction between good art and so-so art lies somewhere in the art's heart's purpose, the agenda of the consciousness behind the text. It's got something to do with love. With having the discipline to talk out of the part of yourself that can love instead of the part that just wants to be loved.”
“Art in relation to life is nothing more than a glove turned inside out. It seems to have the same shapes and contours, but it can never be used for the same purpose. Art teaches nothing about life, just as life teaches us nothing about art.”
“In this country [England], writers write to entertain, they raise questions of individual existence...but for a Nigerian writer in my position you can't go into that. Literature has to be combative. You cannot have art for art's sake. This art must do something to transform the lives of a community, of a nation. And for that reason, literature has a different purpose altogether in that sort of society...The stories that I tell must have a different sort of purpose from the artist in the Western world...and art, in that instance, becomes so meaningful both to the artist and to the consumers of that art, because you do not just depend on them to read your books, you even have to live a life that they can emulate.”
“Art for art's sake, with no purpose, for any purpose perverts art. But art achieves a purpose which is not its own. (1804)”
“For the canons of good society are, or should be, the same as the canons of art. Form is absolutely essential to it.”