Why Should We Study Literature
Why Should We Study Literature
Why Should We Study Literature
Reason :
Literature as a product of human culture has its own functions. Literature has
two functions. The first is literature of power. Literature of power means that the
function of literature as power is to move the heart and mind of the readers. The second
is literature of knowledge. Literature of knowledge has function to teach. It means that
literature gives particular values, messages, and themes to the readers.
Many literary texts such as poem, song lyric, and short story are used in
language teaching. There are some factors of using literature in language teaching in
terms of linguistic, cultural, and personal growth. Linguistically, literary texts offer a
range of genuine texts in a variety of registers, styles, and text-types at many level of
difficulty. Literary texts provide a very real sense the vehicle for culture. The settings,
characterizations, situations, and assumptions which literary texts embody offer the
students with manifold opportunities for raising awareness of difference and for
developing tolerance and understanding. Finally, literature provides affect and emotion.
When the students interact with a literary text, it usually involves a deeper level of
mental processing, a greater personal involvement and response. In this case, students
also learnt a lot about reading critically, emphatically, and creatively.
From the beginning until now a literary work never fade and die. In fact
literature can be used to develop insight into the thinking of the nation. Literary works
can shed light on modern society. Toughness is needed in development. On the one
hand, through literary works, the public can be aware of the important problems in
themselves and realize that they are responsible for the changes themselves.
Literature can refine the soul and provide motivation to the people to think
and act for the sake of development itself and the public and encourage the
emergence of awareness, openness, and public participation in development.
Literature encourage people to adopt good morals and noble in human life and realize
the duties and obligations as a creature of God, social creatures and have a personality
that is sublime.
In addition to preserving the values of civilization also encourage the creation of
a modern civilized society (civil society) and humanizing and can introduce human
values are universal, emotional intelligence training, and sharpen one's reasoning.