Value Of Studying Literature

Studying literature is the only subject that is mandatory all four years in secondary school. And it has rightly earned that position. The texts The Value of Literature written by Michael Meyers and Why Study Literature? both highlight the knowledge that literature has to offer. In doing so readers can see the many benefits of literature. It gives us the ability to see ourselves through the eyes of others. It also allows us to see a difficult situation we are in being handled by someone else. It also gives us the chance to see different people through their own point of view. The study of literature in today’s world gives us a new perception of ourselves and the world around us, attesting to the fact that reading literature helps our society …show more content…
That experience is something that can humble us and change how we act for the better. In the text Why Study Literature? the author argues that literature helps one view themselves, “While our ego defense systems help us avoid self-scrutiny and ignore others’ observations or reactions to us, literature serves as a mirror, revealing us to ourselves” (1). As people start reading more texts, depending on the personality of the characters, they can see themselves in those characters. It is of value that we can compare ourselves to those characters and see the holes in ourselves. This will help me throughout my life as I will encounter many people and share many experiences with them. However, if I cannot see the flaws in my character, it will end up damaging my relationships with them. The moment I truly see myself for who I am is when I can begin reflecting on all the decisions that I have made and will make. This can be seen in Shakespeare's, Macbeth, when Macbeth’s greed for power was his downfall as he made countless decisions that sealed his fate. This reminded me not to be so greedy for money and instead put more importance toward my values such as family and friendship. As we start to study literature we begin to see ourselves in our texts. In turn, readers also begin to see situations that they are going …show more content…
This allows readers who are in a similar situation to the character in the text to take the decisions they make and turn them into their own. Meyer argues in his text that literature can help us understand our own experiences, as, “The range and variety of life that literature affords can help you to interpret your own experiences and the world in which you live” (Meyer 2). As more people read literature, the more society as a whole starts to improve on tactics to get through tough situations. This helps our world develop because there are many people who go through a great deal of trouble when stuck in difficult situations. If everyone started to read literature, common problems could be solved by acting on the experiences of the characters in the text. This also helps me specifically as I too, like everyone in this world, go through difficult times. If I continue to read and study literature I will be able to find solutions to my problems more effortlessly than before. Literature helps people grow and develop themselves through reflecting upon their actions. However, it also helps readers see other people through their