Thesis Statement: Literature helps us know who we are by providing windows and mirrors to our

own experiences and identities.

Claim: Literature provides mirrors that reflect our own identities and experiences, and windows
that allow us to see and understand the experiences of others.
Evidence:
1. According to PBS.org, mirrors in literature allow us to see ourselves and examine our
own identities. This is an empowering experience that helps us build connections and a
sense of belonging.
2. The Leavis School in Britain championed the view that literature is a repository of all that
is meaningful and ennobling in the human experience. This suggests that literature has
the power to help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.
3. Personal stories, whether true or fictional, can be emotionally powerful and help us
connect with characters and experiences that are different from our own.

Explanation: The evidence supports the claim that literature provides both mirrors and windows
to our own experiences and identities. Mirrors allow us to see ourselves and examine our own
identities, while windows allow us to see and understand the experiences of others. By
providing both mirrors and windows, literature helps us know who we are by allowing us to
explore our own identities and experiences, as well as those of others. This understanding of
ourselves and others is essential to building connections and a sense of belonging, which are
important for personal growth and social cohesion.
Claim: Literature can help us develop empathy and understanding for others by exposing us to
different perspectives and experiences.
Evidence:
1. According to PBS.org, windows in literature allow us to see and understand the
experiences of others. This can help us develop empathy and understanding for people
who are different from us.
2. The Leavis School in Britain championed the view that literature is a repository of all that
is meaningful and ennobling in the human experience. This suggests that literature has
the power to help us understand the experiences of others and develop empathy for
them.
3. Personal stories, whether true or fictional, can be emotionally powerful and help us
connect with characters and experiences that are different from our own.

Explanation: The evidence supports the claim that literature can help us develop empathy and
understanding for others by exposing us to different perspectives and experiences. By providing
windows to the experiences of others, literature can help us see the world from different points
of view and develop a deeper understanding of people who are different from us. This
understanding can lead to greater empathy and compassion, which are important for building
strong and inclusive communities.