Non-fiction: The Days Before

Introduction
" The Days Before" is a collection of essays written by American author Katherine Anne Porter, released in 1952. This non-fiction work is a compilation of literary and social criticism, individual reflection, and contemplation on numerous themes such as art, literature, history, politics, and human nature. Porter's incisive and analytical writing style exposes her intellectual depth and keen observation, weaving together her individual experiences and world occasions.

Art and Literature
Porter's deep appreciation for art and literature appears throughout the essays in "The Days Before". She discusses the value of creativity in the creative process and the power of literature to communicate human experience. Through her analysis of different authors and their works, such as Goethe, Flaubert, and Willa Cather, Porter emphasizes the need for credibility, workmanship, and emotional fact in the writing process. She likewise shares her affection for fellow writers, praising their guts and decision in pursuing their artistic vision.

In the essay "The Necessary Enemy," Porter addresses the role of the literary critic, acknowledging the value of positive criticism while cautioning against the damaging propensities some critics display. She thinks that a true critic needs to supply insights and guidance to both the reader and the author, while at the same time, appreciating the fundamental uniqueness and individuality of each masterpiece.

History and Politics
Porter's historical point of view and political awareness are evident in her essays on the major events and changes of her time. In "Was Europe Worth Saving?," she takes a look at the disastrous repercussions of World War II and concerns whether the enormous sacrifices made by European nations were justified in the name of protecting their cultural heritage. She likewise goes over the ideological divide between communism and democracy in the context of the Cold War and reflects on the human cost of political options in essays such as "The Days Before" and "Two Worlds in Texas."

As an American living through historical moments such as the Great Depression, World War II, and the Korean War, Porter acknowledges the role of the United States in forming global occasions. However, she likewise critiques the nation's shortcomings, such as its racial segregation and unwillingness to gain from its European allies. In her essay "The Leaning Tower of Texas," Porter satirizes the political and social characteristics of her home state as a microcosm of American society, highlighting the difficulties of corruption, ignorance, and dissension present in both circumstances.

Humanity and Moral Values
Throughout her essays, Porter consistently emphasizes the importance of private human experiences and ethical worths. While she acknowledges the function of society and historical occasions in shaping individuals's lives, she asserts that individual choices and actions eventually determine one's character and fate.

Her considerations on the complexities and contradictions of human nature are thought-provoking, as she checks out the styles of love, hate, trust, betrayal, and forgiveness. Porter's insights on moral values and responsibility draw from both her individual experiences and more comprehensive philosophical reflections, using her readers an extensive and empathetic understanding of the human condition.

Conclusion
"The Days Before" is an abundant and thought-provoking collection of essays in which Katherine Anne Porter combines her astute observations on art, literature, history, and politics with her deeply personal insights on human nature and moral worths. The essays reveal Porter's intellectual depth and emotional complexity, as she masterfully browses a range of styles, weaving her experiences and perspectives into a tapestry of thought that continues to resonate with contemporary readers. As both a social critic and a caring observer of the human experience, Porter obstacles and informs her readers, continuing to show her enduring significance in the field of American literature.