GREAT STUFF ABOUT LITERATURE/ART/READING–(1)
from Art and Reality by Joyce Cary (1958; 1961)
ART is the MEANS
by which we can express ourselves in forms of meaning and communicate these meanings to others. It is the only means by which we can convey both FACTS and FEELINGS about the fact.
Truth in art can be checked with an objective reality, by correspondence with the real. All the scenes, all the events, and all the characters must contribute to the total effect, the total meaning of the work. The reader must not be confused by side issues.
Men live so entirely by feeling that reason has extremely small power over even our most intelligent geniuses.
The most important part of man’s existence, that part where he most truly lives and is aware of living, lies entirely within the domain of personal feeling.
Reason has very little power in conflict with any strong emotion, any powerful symbol [like a flag, the mere name of a country . . . or words like “freedom”].
Memories of a Time 
Love this: Art is the only means by which we can convey both FACTS and FEELINGS about the fact.
Once upon a time I didn’t “get” art. I was so rational (Or thought I was, anyway) that it just seemed like a waste of time. Glad I got over that!