"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society"(1985), by Jonathan Kozol, is an informative essay which explores the cost illiteracy can have on humankind, Kozol idea is that a society which suffers from illiteracy can not continue to sustain itself on a first class level. Kozol develops his essay by using a variety of personal examples from others on how not being literate can have extremely negative consequences on a person's life. Kozol intended purpose is to remind others of the threat illiteracy is to a society. Kozol's intended audience are literate Americans.
Kozol's essay speaks on a lot of social issues that can effect everyone, even those who are lliterate. When you live in a democratic society, the decisions and votes of others can have serious effects on your life. The American standard of living will continue to decrease if we do not try to help those who are illiterate. Illeteracy has long lasting consequences for everyone, even those who are literate.
Kozol's essay is very organized and precise. He uses the language in his essay to make others appreciate the fact that they are literate. Most of the tone in the story is meant to make the reader show more sympathy towards the illiterate. He starts his essay by first showing the affect illiteracy can have on daily activities like paying bills, writing checks, and reading signs, he then shows how illiteracy can have deadly repercussions. Kozol ultimately shows that illiteracy traps a person in a narrow life, and society bears the burden of its effects.
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