Have you ever watched a movie, read a poem, or listened to a song and thought, “I have no idea what that meant”—and then wondered if that confusion made it less meaningful? That’s the heart of today’s GRE Analyze an Issue essay prompt: Does a work of art need to be understandable to most people in order to have value?
In this post, I’ll break down the prompt, explore arguments on both sides, and share where I land on the issue. Let’s dive into what makes art matter—clarity, mystery, or maybe a bit of both.
Supporting Arguments
- Art is a form of communication and therefore, it should be understandable to its audience. If a piece of art is too abstract or confusing, then it fails to effectively convey its message.
- The purpose of art is to evoke emotions and connect with people. If a work of art is not understandable, it will not be able to achieve this goal.
- Art is meant to be experienced and enjoyed by the masses, not just a select few. If a piece of art is only relatable to a niche audience, it cannot be considered successful or have merit.
Counterarguments
- Art is subjective and its value cannot be determined by its understandability. What may be understandable to one person may not be to another, and that does not diminish its merit.
- Some forms of art, such as abstract or experimental, are intentionally meant to challenge and push the boundaries of understanding. These works may not be easily comprehensible, but that does not make them any less valuable.
- The statement assumes that the majority of people have the same level of understanding and intelligence, which is not always the case. Just because something is not easily understood by most people, does not mean it lacks merit.
My Stance
While I understand the importance of understanding in art, I do not believe it is the sole determinant of its merit. I believe that the value of a piece of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, make an impact, and spark conversation, which can be achieved even if it is not completely understandable to everyone. However, I do think that a certain level of understanding is necessary for a piece of art to be considered successful and have merit. It is important for artists to strike a balance between pushing the boundaries of understanding and effectively communicating their message to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the statement that for a work of art to have merit, it must be understandable to most people is a complex and debatable topic. While understanding is important in art, it is not the only factor that determines its value. Artists should aim to create pieces that are both thought-provoking and relatable, in order to appeal to a wider audience while still pushing the boundaries of creativity.
High-Scoring Essay Example:
Art is often seen as a means of expression and communication. Whether it is a film, novel, poem, or song, it has the power to evoke emotions and convey messages. However, in order for a work of art to truly have merit, it must be understandable to most people. While some may argue that this is not necessary, I believe that accessibility is an important aspect of art.
Firstly, art that is comprehensible to most people has a wider reach and impact. When a piece of art is easily understood, it has the potential to resonate with a larger audience. This is especially important for pieces that aim to address social, political, or cultural issues. For example, a film that explores a current social problem will have a greater impact if it can be understood by a wider range of people, including those directly affected by the issue.
Moreover, accessibility in art allows for a more inclusive and diverse representation. When a work of art is understandable to most people, it opens up the possibility for different perspectives and experiences to be represented. This promotes diversity and inclusivity, which are important in today’s society. For instance, a novel that is easily comprehensible to a diverse audience can feature characters from different backgrounds and cultures, providing a more accurate and inclusive portrayal.
However, some may argue that the level of understanding should not determine the merit of a work of art. They may argue that art is subjective and its value cannot be measured by how many people understand it. While this is true to some extent, it is important to consider that art is also a form of communication. If a piece of art fails to effectively communicate its message to the majority of people, it may not be as successful in fulfilling its purpose.
Additionally, accessibility does not equate to simplicity or lack of depth in a work of art. A piece can be easily understood and still hold complex and profound meanings. In fact, the ability to convey a complex message in a comprehensible manner is a testament to the skill and creativity of the artist.
In conclusion, while there may be some exceptions, I believe that for a work of art to have merit, it must be understandable to most people. Not only does this allow for a wider reach and impact, but it also promotes diversity and inclusivity in art. However, it is important to also consider that accessibility does not diminish the depth and complexity of a piece. Ultimately, it is the combination of understanding and artistic merit that makes a work of art truly valuable.
Why This Essay Earns a Perfect Score
This essay effectively argues for the importance of accessibility in art. The writer makes a clear and concise thesis statement that states their position on the issue and provides an overview of the points they will make to support it. They also use specific examples, such as a film addressing a social problem and a novel featuring diverse characters, to illustrate their points and provide evidence for their argument. Additionally, the writer addresses potential counterarguments and effectively refutes them by acknowledging the subjective nature of art while also highlighting the importance of communication in art. The essay is well-organized and flows logically from one point to the next, making it easy for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought. Overall, this essay demonstrates strong critical thinking skills and effective writing techniques, earning it a perfect score.
Key Takeaways
One key takeaway from this essay is that accessibility in art allows for a wider reach and impact, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity. Another important point is that accessibility does not equate to simplicity, and a piece can still hold complex and profound meanings while being understandable to most people. Additionally, this essay highlights the importance of considering both the subjective nature of art and the role of communication in determining the merit of a work of art.