To provoke dreams of terror in the slumber of prosperity has become the moral duty of literature.

Summary

This quote suggests that literature should serve the purpose of unsettling or stirring up fears in the minds of individuals who are living comfortable lives. It implies that with the abundance of prosperity, people may become complacent or disconnected from certain realities. Therefore, literature should aim to awaken and challenge the sense of security and comfort through narratives that evoke fear and prompt introspection, allowing readers to confront and grapple with unsettling aspects of life that might otherwise be overlooked or ignored.

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