Words are the basis of communication, they help us in understanding each other, in expression of situations and in written form they are the written languages by which we learn. Ponder for a moment where we would be in society if we did not have words, oral or written. I want to explore the written word for a moment. Each and every day you experience something by the use of the written word, a phone message, reading the menu for a meal, the traffic signs that guide us for safety. If you could not understand the written word you would be missing some of the most beautiful aspects of our society and life.
The written word also allows us to learn about our past. If the written word did not exist we would not know with the amount of accuracy that we do know various events that have occurred in our history, both on a local, national and world level. Literature is a collection of words formed together to create a story, sometimes fictious other times factual. The common thread between all genres of writing is the use of words. The combination of words that capture the reader’s mind, intriguing and leading a reader deeper and deeper into the discussion at hand. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is not just about a monster creation gone awry, look a little deeper and you will see that it is also about the French revolution, the mob and the aristocrats. The same goes for A Tale of Two Cities and many of the others novels that Charles Dickens wrote in his lifetime. Through the time of written language there has been symbolism, history, and story telling that has occurred to recount the events of the past, the present and those predicted to occur in some shape in the future. From the past to the present we can learn about what could very well be a repeat of the future.
Let’s take the power of the written word in today’s society. During the Election 2000 it has been through the power of written words that has drawn out a process of deciding the electoral votes in the state of Florida. Through the ages, the opinions written by justices of various courts determine very important matters in the lives of individuals and the direction of a nation. One of the greatest things about this court battle has been the fact that its in writing, it will be documented for years to come for us to remember, to learn and to teach the generations to come about what has been learned during this time consuming, all encompassing process. There will be books written, documentaries and more about this event. To watch history in the making is to see what literature will talk about in the years to come. Whatever your thought on who the winner should be is all opinion but the process in which this has occurred, the mannerism behind the battle shows us what can be done in this country of ours. The power of the words used has determined a path that could not be walked away from once started down. The end of the road was determined by the power of the written word, a discussion on paper about the issue at hand to help shape the elections of tomorrow and decide the future today.
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