Why is literature a prism?

Answer 1

A prism is clear, like a window, so you can see through it. But unlike a window, it distorts the light, separating it into colors. So what you're seeing is not the true picture, but an altered one.

In the same way, literature provides us with a way to look at another time (Vanity Fair), a different culture (Things Fall Apart), or even a hypothetical future (Brave New World). But the way the author chose to present the setting and characters will 'color' our view of that period or society; so in that sense literature is more like a prism than a window.

Answer 2

Literature can be seen as a prism because it refracts and reflects various perspectives, emotions, and experiences through the creative use of language. Like a prism that separates light into different colors, literature can break down complex ideas and human emotions into different elements for readers to explore and understand. It offers a multifaceted view of the world and human condition, allowing readers to see things from different angles and interpretations.