Elt 4

The importance of literature in a 21st century world
Literature is a timeless piece of entertainment. As the innovations of technological advancements

have grown, the way we read has revolutionized and evolved. However, the essence of
storytelling and the effect it has on our lives hasn’t wavered.
Literature reflects human nature and a way we can learn and relate to others. By reading through
a first-person perspective, we can fully immerse ourselves into a different mindset and figure out
how others think and feel. This is important within today’s society as we’re becoming
increasingly detached from human interaction through iPhones, FaceTime, and social media.
Literature is something that will never change in the way it makes you feel, regardless of
whether that’s on paper or as an eBook.
Sparks empathy and understanding
Reading a book is one of the best ways to fully immerse your mind into another person’s
dialogue and experiences. Being able to empathize and understand other people’s feelings is a
key aspect of helping you connect to different regions, races, societies, and periods of time. They
help a person take a closer look at the different facets of living aside from what they know and
live which can change perspectives.
Learn about past lives
History plays a fundamental role in shaping literature, every novel, play, or poem you read has
been influenced by political context, or a time period, or a relationship from the time it was
written.
Not forgetting the pure history of literature itself with the first novel being penned in 2000 BC -
The Epic of Gilgamesh. Being able to read first-hand something from so long ago is a major
aspect of learning the lives of historical figures and times.
Escapism and possibilities
Reading can take us into different realms and see other people’s creative thought processes.
Whether it’s flying into Neverland, wandering through Middle Earth, battling at Hogwarts, or
rafting through the Mississippi River with Huck and Jim - books can take you anywhere and any
place. This is an amazing tool that few entertainment mediums can truly give you and one of the
reasons why literature is so beautiful. Whether you’re having a bad day, stressed out with work,
dealing with new life decisions - books can help you escape into another world and live
somewhere else for a short amount of time.
Novels provide knowledge, entertainment, encourage creativity and offer an escape for readers -
enriching our lives in more ways than one. It is definitely much more than words in a book, and
even with the increasing popularity of eBooks, Kindles, Wattpad, and online reading they create
a conversation, a unique world, and new perspectives.

Factors Affecting Interests in Literature
Contemporary . Maintaining currency is a common focus across many disciplines and literature
selection is no different. The focus of curriculum selection has continued to change alongside
society.
Ability to Relate to Students. Students are more engaged in their learning if they find it
interesting or relatable.
Literary Merit. Literary merit is the quality of the literature that makes it valuable enough to
teach.
Choice vs. Requirement. Deciding whether to make a novel required reading or give students a
choice of options was frequently discussed by teachers as a factor influencing their selection.
Burke (20130 lists some factors as follows:
Entertains the reader and is interesting to read.
Does not merely conform to the expectations of a single genre or formula.
Has been judged to have artistic quality by the literary community (teachers, students, librarians,
critics, other writers, the reading public).
Has stood the test of time in some way, regardless of the date of publication.
Shows thematic depth: The themes merit revisiting and study because they are complex and
nuanced.
Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot, and/or description.
May have social, political, or ideological impact on society
Does not fall into the traps of “pulp” fiction such as clichéd or derivative descriptions and plot
devices, or sentimentality rather than “earned” emotion.
Is intended by the author to communicate in an artistic manner.
Is universal in its appeal (i.e., the themes and insights are not only accessible to one culture or
time period)”

Elt 4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elt 4

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Elt 4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The importance of literature in a 21st century world

Literature is a timeless piece of entertainment. As the innovations of technological advancements

You might also like