Question

Does literature bring us together, or is reading a fundamentally solo act?

Answer 1

Of course literature brings people together. Reading is not a solo act all. When we read a book, we mentally become part and parcel of life and events depicted in the book. For example, while reading Charles Dickens's books, we are transported into the time, space, events of the plot of the story unfolding in books. While reading David Copperfield, we mentally accompany him wherever he goes. We see his sufferings, struggle and stand by him through the ups and downs in his life. We suffer with him in his tribulations; we revel in his success. we also become known with the culture and historical aspects depicted in the poem. So sitting here we become associated with English culture, places, and people.  

Answer 2

Great literature confronts us with the reality of wht other called Genious. That doesnt mean in this context as high IQ. but rather the huge foundation of wisdom that all human beings share i.e., what is built in human nature. We call an author or a poet a genius or their writings ; work of genius ' because they expect most purely the knowledge of this innate human genius.

Hence the fact that there are literary works that virtually all people love and appreciate is proof that there is such a thind as a common human nature.