Our future relies heavily on analyzing literature—how could we survive without it? First and foremost, we must define literature. Literature is not simply a novel of fiction; it can be anything written in a language, communicated to other people. We are always analyzing subconsciously.

Of course, scientists need to analyze every word on a research paper. In the Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the scientist Alia’ Mousa Al-Manasra states “T4 DNA ligase is the most important enzyme encoded by bacteriophage genome and is used for virus metabolism, genome replication, recombination and repair. This enzyme mediates the phosphodiester bond formation between 5? PO4 and opposing 3? OH groups in a DNA molecule”. Although this quote seems ostensibly obvious, there is hidden meaning. It is imperative that we break this quote down into small, dissectible pieces. T4 DNA ligase is used for virus metabolism, portraying the great power of the enzyme. However, the ambiguity behind this statement, the failure to describe how exactly the enzyme is used for virus metabolism, leaves a sinister connotation. Perhaps the author is hiding some invaluable information that may strip T4 DNA ligase of its title as the “most important enzyme”. Furthermore, DNA ligase apparently “mediates” the phosphodiester bond formation between two distinct groups. The use of the word “mediates” has many connotations. Perhaps T4 DNA ligase settles disputes between these two possibly feuding groups. This if further supported by the word “opposing” which emphasizes a deep loathing.

Analyzing literature is even more vital to taking away deeper meaning from books. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus states: “Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Scout comments that “That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.” Of course, SparkNotes conveniently has a quote analysis as quote #3 under the Important Quotations Explained page. But, as taught through the school’s wonderful English department, we know there must be a more profound meaning. The quote is a direct omen of the Floreana mockingbird extinction. From the quote, it is also implied that Atticus rarely says that it is a sin to do something, showing how Atticus embraces all and is nearly sinless. This effectively perpetrates Atticus as a savior of the Floreana mockingbird.

Literature analyses are not so useful now, while we are in high school. When our grades tank from a failed essay, we could not care less. The analyses are meant for future success; grades are meaningless numbers. Do not scorn the tedious work it takes to understand why firefighters constantly want to burn books when they should be destroying nooks, why the d’Anconia copper mine mysteriously resembles the Anaconda copper mine, why Shakespeare never shook spears. Only the enlightened, the ingenious, the exceeding can read behind the lines and see that that the “green” grass implies jealousy, a sure sign that grass will wipe out all other plant life. And the inferiors who fail to understand; there is but a pitiful life of oblivion to live in. Literature analyses make us look twice, second guess, and reconsider. Only when we understand this—the meaning behind similes, metaphors, rabid English teachers—only then can we aspire to our true potential and build a better society.