Exactly right. One reason for the decline in literature today is the need for instant gratification. Look at the EC comic books of the early 50s and they have quite interesting story lines. Today the comix are mostly slam-bang with OVERLOADED graphics.
From Here To Eternity takes its time in its exposition which may not be pleasing to current readers. BTW, even though it takes place just prior, during, and right after the Pearl Harbor attack, this novel can't be categorized as a historical novel. It is definitely the unsanitary nitty gritty of real people (especially horny drunk soldiers).
P.S. Dare I say that a lot of the current interest in SF and Fantasy is a form of escapism?
Dare I say that all forms of literature, and most other forms of entertainment are a form of escapism?
You are still acting like a literary bore... You can't even describe Westerns without using quotes, like the word is a smelly dead fish, and Shane is a good one because it "transcends the genre" for you.
Lighten up a bit... as narrowly as you have defined "literature", no wonder you think it is in decline. I don't happen to think it is....