Importance and functions of literature - SS1 Literature Lesson Note
IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE
1. Expanding horizons
First and foremost, literature opens our eyes and makes us see more than just what the front door shows. It helps us realize the wide world outside, surrounding us it give an insight about what is applicable in the outside world. With this, we begin to learn, ask questions, and build our intuitions and instincts. We expand our minds.
2. Building critical thinking skills
Many of us learn what critical thinking is in our language arts classes. When we read, we learn to look between the lines. We are taught to find symbols, make connections, find themes, learn about characters. Reading expands these skills, and we begin to look at a sentence with a larger sense of detail and depth and realize the importance of hidden meanings so that we may come to a conclusion.
3. Literature teaches history
History and literature are entwined with each other. History is not just about power struggles, wars, names, and dates. It is about people who are products of their time, with their own lives. Today the world is nothing like it was in the 15th century; people have changed largely. Without literature, we would not know about our past, our families, thepeople who came before and walked on the same ground as us.
4. Appreciation for other cultures and beliefs
Literature provides a method of learning about cultures and beliefs other than our own. It allows you to understand and experience these other systems of living and other worlds. We get a view of the inside looking out, a personal view and insight into the minds and reasoning of someone else. We can learn, understand, and appreciate it.
5. Better writing skills
When you open a book, when your eyes read the words and you take in its contents and learn newer means of expressing ourselves. Well, many of those authors, poets, or playwrights used literature to expand their writing.
6. Addressing humanity
All literatures, whether it be poems, essays, novels, or short stories, address human nature and conditions which affect all people. These may be the need for growth, doubts and fears of success and failure, the need for friends and family, the goodness of compassion and empathy, trust, or the realization of imperfection. We learn that imperfection is not always bad and that normal can be boring. We learn that life must be lived to the fullest. We need literature in order to connect with our friends own humanity.
Function of Literature :
Entertainment: Literature can be a source of great entertainment. It can transport us to different worlds and make us laugh, cry, and think. This is especially important in today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and stimuli. Literature can provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Education: Literature can also be a great way to learn about different cultures, historical periods, and social issues. It can teach us about the human condition and the different ways that people have dealt with challenges throughout history. This can be a valuable tool for students, adults, and anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them.
Development of critical thinking skills: Literature can help us develop our critical thinking skills. By analyzing works of literature, we learn to identify themes, motifs, and symbols. We also learn to evaluate the author's choices and to form our own opinions about the text. This can be a valuable skill for anyone who wants to be an informed citizen and participate in the democratic process.
Promotion of creativity: Literature can also help us to be more creative. By reading different works of literature, we are exposed to a variety of writing styles and techniques. We can also learn about different ways to use language to create imagery and convey emotion. This can help us to develop our own creative writing skills.
Building empathy: Literature can help us to build empathy for others. By reading about characters who are different from ourselves, we can learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives. This can be a valuable skill for anyone who wants to live in a more just and equitable world.