A bit of a perplexing question for those of you who do write, and perhaps those who do not. As a writer, why do you write? Or if you aren't a writer and simply know others, why do they write?

The question has really been drilled into my head a lot lately, as I had two older literature classes last semester before I graduated from University. Almost all of the literature was written before the mid 20th century. And throughout everything that we read, including poems, narratives, and dramas, there was always a comment element. The author was trying to get across a certain point, be it through subtle hints or outright criticism. Even novels that were claimed to have been written for entertainment contained some sort of grand narrative that it contested.

Nowadays, novels and literature do not always do this. There are many that are simply meant to be read totally as entertainment, and possibly shine light on a couple of life lessons. There are still those that contest the grand narratives of life, but there are just as many now that do not.

So, why do writers write, and how has this changed throughout the last 100 or so years?