2006-11-03 03:53:38 · 32 answers · asked by twenty_four 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
A lot of good answers already.
The primary value of literature is its ability to explain the human heart. All of the other benefits of literature run a distant second. While it take years to really know a person through a relationship - platonic or otherwise, literature distills humanity into words. It is focused and framed perhaps, but so is most people's reality. Literature teaches us what it means to be human ourselves and what it means and has meant to other people. As William Faulkner said, all good writing is based on "the human heart in conflict with itself."
Some of the most interesting lessons are about the continuity of the human heart. You can read about how technology and innovation is destroying the human spirit and "speeding up the world" from Crime and Punishment in the 1860's. Thomas Carlyle wrote about "celebrity" (my word, not his) in On Heroes and Hero Worship in the 1840's. He talks about human beings innate need to elevate average person to the level of a deity in order to understand our own values.
It gives me solace to know that great individuals aren't gone, just our perceptions of them are and humanity does not change. Greatness is in the everyday and sits in everyone - waiting.
2006-11-03 04:14:11 · answer #1 · answered by fortonmi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Studying Literature
2016-10-18 05:20:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-12-23 23:22:48 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you get to examine someone's worldview; I think that's the most valuable thing about literature. From the author you can take or discard what what's right for you.
-By the way, no disrespect intended, but I don't have a good attention span; while I have read a great number of authors, I NEVER gained much improvement in spelling from reading. The alleged connection between reading and spelling truly is a myth in that it doesn't apply to everyone. And I'm not the only one.
2006-11-03 04:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by Lightbringer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think great literature makes you think about things that you would never have thought of before reading it. I also believe that you can get some great ideas on how other people's minds work when you read about other cultures or even your own.
Pick up a book that has nothing to do with school/work every month and try it out!
2006-11-03 05:44:42 · answer #5 · answered by treko1313 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Studying literature gives the reader a feeling for language. Very good literature shows the reader how to express complex ideas into words, as succinctly as possible. It lays the groundwork for reading comprehension that can lead into other fields of study.
2006-11-03 04:10:37 · answer #6 · answered by Thegrip 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Literature is a source of much pleasure. Being able to read and decipher words is only the beginning. Literature opens up a whole new world to the reader giving them an insight into other peoples thinking, way of life, times and personalities. It enables one to perceive and understand the problems people face and how they deal with those events hence allowing one to understand more about ones own thinking and how to approach life with a clarity of thinking and to resolve issues as they arrive. This then leads to a greater understanding of the human being and enriches ones life allowing for a more loving, caring world.
2006-11-03 04:08:30 · answer #7 · answered by blues_m1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I learn some good stories I can/cannot modify and tell to children.
Much of Literature can give us some values if a person pay attention to what they read. We learn things like; Caring for others, helping, standing up for what we believe, love, hate/anger, romance. Heck, this could become a very long list.
2006-11-03 04:08:40 · answer #8 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I run into so many people who can no longer write or spell. That's the real reason for studying literature, except for the enjoyment of reading, its much better than the movie every time
2006-11-03 03:56:36 · answer #9 · answered by dave m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Appreciation for a form of art (writing)
Appreciation and knowledge of other cultures, historical events, and different places.
An understanding of how the themes in literature are reflected in our current society.
Understanding and insite into the human condition, choices, and motivations.
Experiencing a sense of mystery, adventure, or comedy.
Relating to the characters in the book to reaffirm or question our own belief systems
examples of different moral and ethical dillemas.
Learning new word choices for communicating.
Pleasure from "hearing" when we read in our head, the rythms of the words.
2006-11-03 04:05:54 · answer #10 · answered by red_shoes_lady 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋