The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society Response

Jonathan Kozol makes it abundantly clear that he is sympathetic towards people that "suffer" from illiteracy. Kozol's purpose in writing this essay was to show people who aren't illiterate how to understand the life of those who are. Although Kozol himself is clearly literate, he shows deep passion and understanding for those who aren't, and sets out to prove this through his use of syntax but also repition and real-life examples.

Perhaps one of the strongest parts of Kozol's essay is his use of syntax. Some of his sentences are elegant and well formed. The reader often sees this when he tries to explain or prove a point about people who are illiterate. Some of his sentences however are short and choppy and seem to almost personify and make clear the confusion and thought process of people who are illiterate. Imagine being immersed in a world where nothing makes sense, and there are few means available to try and learn the language necessary to be able to adapt. Although the illiterate people could certainly go and take classes to be able to understand the languages around them, the point Kozol tries to prove is that how are the expected to function in society in the meantime? Does their inability to adapt to their surroundings perpetuate their problem? Does this problem get carried down from generation to generation? These are all questions that Kozol tries to answer through his writing.

Another tool that Kozol utilizes extensively is repition. The clearest form of repetition in his essay is in paragraphs 16 through 24. In each of these paragraphs either the first word or the first sentence contains the word "illiterate". When one sees the word illiterate they imagine a person who doesn't speak a language necessary to prosper in their surroundings. Through Kozol's use of reptition, the word "illiteracy" is used to create almost a though of chronic dissability. These people are no longer in control of their life or actions and are helpless to change their path. Kozol wants them to be seen as victims of society and people who are literate. Instead of focusing on how the illiterate people could potentionally fix their problem, Kozol focuses on the problems created for them due to their "illiterate dissability". Through the repetition of the word Illiteracy, the reader can understand the pain and hardships illiterate people have to experience. The word becomes more powerful with each mention in the essay.

My favorite part about Kozol's essay is his use of real-life examples. Through the real life examples the reader can really imagine what life must be like for people who are illiterate. Although Kozol uses many powerful tools in his writing, it is the real life examples from illiterate people that brings his point home. When someone relays information to a third party it only leaves a minute impact. When that third party is forced to read and analyze instances and experiences from people who have suffered from being illiterate, it provides for an entirely new level of intensity. When Kozol brings up the fact about childbirth, and illiteracy being carried down from generation to generation, it leaves a lasting impact.