Deconstruct the quote*. Claude Roy suggests a distinction between literature's value and its direct practical utility for survival. "Useless" here doesn't necessarily mean without value, but perhaps w

Hey aroldnkwengoua, good to see you again. This dissertation topic asks you to discuss Claude Roy's statement: "Literature is perfectly useless if the only useful thing is that which helps one to live." You need to analyze this assertion using literary works you have read or studied. Step 1: Deconstruct the quote. Claude Roy suggests a distinction between literature's value and its direct practical utility for survival. "Useless" here doesn't necessarily mean without value, but perhaps without immediate, tangible benefit for physical existence. Step 2: Formulate your thesis. You can agree, disagree, or nuance Roy's statement. For example, you might argue that literature is indeed "useless" in a practical sense but profoundly valuable for human experience, understanding, or emotional growth. Step 3: Develop arguments for literature's "usefulness" beyond survival. Consider how literature can enrich life, foster empathy, provide escape, challenge perspectives, preserve culture, or offer moral lessons, even if it doesn't directly put food on the table. Step 4: Develop arguments for literature's "uselessness" in a practical sense. You could acknowledge that literature doesn't directly solve material problems or ensure physical survival, thus aligning with Roy's initial premise. Step 5: Support your arguments with specific literary examples. For each point, cite authors, works, and specific passages or themes that illustrate your argument. For instance, you could discuss how a novel explores complex human emotions (enrichment) or how a poem offers aesthetic pleasure (non-practical value). Step 6: Conclude by synthesizing your discussion. Reiterate your main stance on Roy's assertion, summarizing how literature's value transcends or redefines traditional notions of "usefulness." Send me the next one 📸