The Study of Litrature - Essay Example

The study of literature therefore, promotes our understanding of other people’s cultures, history, belief systems, and language which enhances mutual relationship between us in the society. Beachey posits, “Literature is a way in which we can capture and interpret what has happened and is happening to us personally and to the world as a whole…” (“Gustavus Adolphus College”, n.d, n.p). This implies that the study of literature is very essential in an individual’s life as it enables one to clearly understand and analyze the surrounding, the past, present and even be able to predict the future and be updated on all happenings worldwide.

Most cultural aspects are found in written documents containing diverse thoughts from different people and one can only access this information through reading the documents. In addition, literature in form of writing plays a very significant role in exploring societal values hence, contributing largely to the well being of the society. Indeed, literature promotes individuals quests to explore and understand better other people’s culture. For instance, a story about other people’s origin may help an individual to understand those people’s ways of life, their language and other cultural values.

Moreover, the study of literature and the manner in which we understand it influences our beliefs, self-perception, assumptions, and our interactions with others and the world as a whole. Having enough knowledge about others enables us to appreciate them as they are. In life, different people have different ability to learn and acquire knowledge, personality, attitudes and life experiences. Literature can be largely associated with history. Basically, history focuses mainly on politics, wars and powers.

Accordingly, the study literature promotes our understanding of history and our appreciation of the past. Literature contributes a lot in understanding as it may reveal some important historical events like slavery, regime among others.  Actually, having accessed and read variety of literature materials enables an individual to develop a broader perspective in understanding and interpreting stories. Literature opens our minds to ambiguities of meaning and enables individuals to improve on their vocabularies.

This is so since many literature materials provides one with new words hence, enriching their vocabulary and acquiring more knowledge. Making short notes in the course of reading, studying literature therefore improves our language skills and important techniques required in communication. This in turn enables us to read, understand and have our own views on that matter because we differently interpret a certain story or a poem depending on our understanding. Providing a strong evidence to support your opinion strengthens our self- confidence.

More so, literature enables individuals to analyze and appreciate themselves as others perceive do them. One is capable of understanding their one personality and habits by studying literature since literature serves as a mirror providing a clear reflection of our real images. Literature also changes our old perception to newly refined perceptions, reading styles and new approach to old assumptions. In short, literature works expands our vocabulary improve our understanding skills, as well as writing skills.

As Beachey states, reading and writing are the most critical skills that an individual should aim to acquire in the course of their