Importance of Literature Essay

writings reminds us of stories, epics, sacred scriptures and classical work of the ancient and modern times. Literature is defined as the body of written works of a language, period or culture, produced by scholars and researchers, specialised in a given field. Why is lit important? Let us see. As decl ard in the quotation by C. S. Lewis, belles-lettres not only describes reality but to a fault adds to it. Yes, literature is not merely a depiction of reality it is rather a value-addition.Literary works ar portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. They are a depiction of the different facets of common adult males life. Classical literary works serve as a food for thought and a tonic for imagination and creativity. Exposing an individual to good literary works, is equivalent to providing him/her with the finest of educational opportunities. On the other hand, the lack of exposure to classic literary works is equal to depriving an individual from an opportunity to grow as an individual.Prose, poetry, drama, essays, fiction, literary works based on philosophy, art, history, religion, and culture and also scientific and legal writings are assort under the category of literature. Creative nonfiction of the ancient times and literary journalism also guide under literature. Certain extremely technical writings such as those on logistics and mathematics are also believed to be a part of literature. Some of the great literary works deal the record book and Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, among others, provide society with the guiding principles of life.Ancient poetic works by poets like Homer, Plato, Sappho, Horace and Virgil, Shakespeares sonnets and notable poetry by W. B. Yeats, John Keats, Wordsworth, Tennyson and William Blake are timeless. The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, A Tale of deuce Cities, James Bond series are approximately of the best-selling books of only time. The Adventures of Pinocchio, Alic es Adventures in Wonderland, Winnie-the-Pooh were some of the greatest works in childrens literature. The relatively recent Harry Potter series make record sales across the globe and carved a niche for J.K. Rowling. However, a discussion near childrens authors would be incomplete without the mention of all-time popular authors like Aesop, Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and Mark Twain. It is by reading such great literary and poetic works, that 1 understands life. They help a person put atomic number 53 over a closer look at the different facets of life. In m every ways, it can change ones perspective towards life. Lives of brilliant achievers and individuals who have made a valuable contribution to society, are sketched in their biographies.These works give the readers an insight into the lives of these eminent people, while also serving as a playscript of ideals. Literature serves as an enormous information base. Research works by famous inventors and literary works by notable scien tists often narrate stories of their groundbreaking discoveries and inferences. Ongoing maturements in the fields of science and technology are documented so that the world can know about them. Several ancient scriptures relating stories of tender evolution and narratives of human life in those times, have been of tremendous help to mankind.Thus, literature has always served as an authentic source of information from all around the world. True, languages are the building blocks of literature. But the study of literature cannot be restricted to only studying languages. In fact, literature cannot be confined to an educational curriculum. A degree in language and literature is perhaps unable to provide one, with e very(prenominal)thing that literature can offer. Literature, is definitely, oft more than its literary meaning, which defines it as an acquaintance to letters.It, in fact, lays the foundation of an enriched life it adds life to funding Literature is also a mode to expres s public opinion in variety of genres. It is also a part of tradition, one we pass on to our future generation. It tells us of our rich culture and gives us a sense of pride in our country. Literature is the lighthouse of any culture and to know any culture better we must know its literature as it gives us a true foresee of the culture and its development. The extant remains of the literary texts of earlier civilizations throw light on our past and venture our development.Literature enriches the mind and reading as they say makes a man perfect. Today there are books available on a variety of subjects, books meant for education, books meant for entertainment and books meant for self- development. There is a book for each ones choice. All said and done, literary enlightenment of a society is the true measure of its development and progress and India is a land with a rich literary heritage and one that people all over the world look up to for guidance. Art is an extremely private exp erience, yet, it is meant to be shared with the public. Society, as a whole, examines the art produced and has the right to approve, disapprove, acknowledge, ignore, praise and abuse it. The public or society has not remained eonian over the years. In the time of the Renaissance, for example, only a select few were society. They commissioned art, were patrons of the arts and their artists. Today, virtually anyone can share in the experience of art. They can attempt to create, view and act as a critic.Does art make the world a better place, or is it quite useless? This is a very ancient riddle, and no one has solved it yet. A similar question has art truly had any impact upon society? Has it fashioned or molded minds? Has it shaped opinions and altered how people feel or think? Is it practicable in or relevant to society and its individuals daily lives? Art reflects life. It is a portrayal of history, whether it is history of the current moment or an event in the past or somethi ng of the imagination.Art has captured an event, clarifying its existence and representation to society. The portraits of the French Revolution by David, Benjamin Wests portrayal of the end of General Wolfe and Poussins recreation of the Rape of the Sabine Women all strive to provide a adaption of historical events. Society, in turn, can accept or reject these portrayals of true events. Sometimes, as in the bailiwick of Goyas depiction of the French behavior during their conquest of Spain, art inspires a deep hatred of a certain nationality.