Why do we need to study literature?

Question

Why do we need to study literature?

Answer 1

To know how to write and get ideas what to write and to look smart.

If you want to be a president, you must study literature.

Answer 2

becouse without it there would be no documents of life

WHY do we need math **the same princibles apply**

Answer 3

Why do you need air? To breathe.

Answer 4

It is History encapsulated.

So-called "History" is written by rich, fat, white guys. You know, the ruling class.

Literature contains the words and lives and stories and experiences of everyday life during every period of mankind since there was the written word.

When you read any of Charles Dickens' works, you are right there. You are seeing and smelling the filthy air and dirty streets of London. And possibly, for the first time in your life, you might actually think about the industrial revolution and what it actually meant.

When you read Kurt Vonnegut, you see and smell the blood-drenched twisted burnt bodies after the firebombing of Dresden. And maybe, for the first time in your life, you see war as the evil thing that it is.

When you read Shakespeare, you stuggle with the words but you are right there in the forest, the castle, the palace, the battlefield. And this might be the first time you are transported back hundreds of years and imagine life lived in a completely different way than what you have always known.

When you read about Henry the VIII and his beheading of his wives, you learn for the first time in your life why there was a split with the Church in England. This may be the first glimpse you have ever had into the roots of man-made organized religion.

Literature is the REAL history. Written by REAL people. Literature is the recorded path of humankind.

Answer 5

to fully understand other's life, belief and how we would respect them....

are you from philippines?

that question are really similar to my world literature teacher's question earlier from school.....

Answer 6

We don't. literature has never advanced our quality of life (unlike technology), and it is a waste of time and money in schools. All those asian countries like japan that are doing better don't waste time studying literature. The school time used to study literature shouldn't exist or should be used for a more useful subject. f*g teachers say all the time that literature "expands your mind", but reading a book in a medieval language you can barely understand (Romeo and Juliet we did this year) is bull.

I guess that some people like literature and novels as entertainment, but that's no reason to make high school kids (or are you in college?) waste their time. It shouldn't be part of a required english class, it should be an elective.

Answer 7

it's called common knowledge.Without lit. you can't feel and understand life throughout history, not even science, art.You get to know what an astronaut feels in outer space(it helps you put/answer the right questions), what's in a criminal mind and what was the average american from the 20's like.You understand differences between centuries, stages of life, cultures and fill gaps from childhood

Answer 8

to know the major art pieces... not to be an idiot and to have topics to talk about in the future... to find out something that interests you, to possibly find a hobby, a fascinating read, anything... to expand your imagination, your vocabulary...

Answer 9

because teachers suck                    xD

Answer 10

its art. it awakens ur senses. helps  make you more aware of the world and yourself.