1. To Explore Themes and Ideas:
* Character Development: Arguments can reveal characters' beliefs, values, and motivations. They provide insight into their internal conflicts and how they interact with the world.
* Theme Development: Arguments can be used to explore complex societal or philosophical issues, prompting the reader to consider different perspectives and form their own conclusions.
* Raise Questions and Encourage Critical Thinking: Authors can use arguments to challenge assumptions and societal norms, prompting readers to question the world around them.
2. To Drive Plot and Conflict:
* Create Tension and Suspense: Arguments can escalate conflict and create dramatic tension, pushing the plot forward and engaging the reader.
* Motivate Action: Arguments can be the catalyst for characters' actions, leading them to make choices that have significant consequences.
* Reveal Relationships: The way characters argue can reveal their power dynamics, their level of intimacy, or their lack of understanding.
3. To Create a Specific Tone and Atmosphere:
* Humour: Arguments can be used for comedic effect, highlighting the absurdity of situations or the clash of personalities.
* Tension and Anxiety: Angry, heated arguments can build tension and create a sense of foreboding.
* Emotional Resonance: Arguments can evoke strong emotions in the reader, allowing them to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
4. To Provide a Platform for Diverse Voices:
* Multiple Perspectives: Arguments can give voice to different viewpoints, showcasing the complexity of human relationships and the nuances of different perspectives.
* Social Commentary: Arguments can be used to critique societal issues, highlighting inequalities or injustices within a specific time period or culture.
Examples:
* Hamlet: The famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is an internal argument Hamlet has with himself, exploring themes of life, death, and the meaning of existence.
* Pride and Prejudice: The arguments between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are essential to their relationship development and explore themes of social class, prejudice, and love.
* A Streetcar Named Desire: The argument between Blanche and Stanley is a pivotal moment in the play, revealing their opposing values and creating a sense of mounting tension.
Ultimately, the function of argument in a literary work is to deepen the reader's understanding of the text and the characters within it. By examining the arguments presented, the reader can gain valuable insights into the themes, conflicts, and emotions at play.