Critic: Works of literature often present protagonists who scorn allegiance to their society and who advocate detachment rather than civic-mindedness  However, modern literature is distinguished from the literature of earlier eras in part because it more frequently treats such protagonists sympathetically  Sympathetic treatment of such characters suggests to readers that one should be unconcerned about contributing to societal good
Thus, modern literature can damage individuals who appropriate this attitude, as well as damage society at large
Some individuals must believe that their society is better than most before they can become concerned with benefiting it.