John, the concept of "relevance" you bring up is most often
restricted to a given historical period --this is its
attraction for coeval readers, but can be its downfall once
the markers are no longer recognized, or the reader's
emotions are no longer easily stirred by them, or the
"issue" has been transformed beyond recognition, or, rarely,
the issue has been solved.
Take Hamlet, for example. The other day I watched Olivier's
magnificent 1944 film of this tragedy, and it seemed more
universally appealing than ever. In fact, it seemed more
modern than most Hollywood movies in recognizing the
sexuality of an older woman who is also a mother (this is
practically a taboo in mainstream American media). Also, in
how it withholds an a priori judgment of what the characters
are doing. Very valid, very relevant, but in a completely
different sense from consciously
"engaged"literature.
There is no conclusion to this post, but we can continue
hacking until something coughs up...
Best,
Mario
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