steinbeckquote - The Monday Morning Memo

“‘Mr. Singer? Could you tell us, please, What is the purpose of literature?’

‘The purpose of literature is to entertain and to instruct.’ He let his voice fall. Next question.

‘But Mr. Singer,’ the student persisted. ‘Shouldn’t literature also – ‘

Singer held up his hand. ‘To entertain…’ he repeated, pausing to allow his wisdom on the subject to sink in,’ …and to instruct.'”

- Richard Russo, winner of the Pulitzer in 2002, telling about the night in college when Isaac Bashevis Singer, winner of the 1978 Nobel Prize in Literature, came to read and answer questions for the students

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