The Value of Literature - 2146 Words

The Value of Literature The importance of literature cannot be underestimated in society past and present. Literature assists human beings in two very distinct ways. First, literature helps the individual to imagine. The value of imagination absolutely cannot be underestimated. As J.K. Rowling once said, Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared (Harvardmagazine.com). Here, Rowling highlights two aspects of the most crucial importance of imagination: the ability to dream and the ability to empathize. Imagination helps one to build worlds beyond ones immediate circumstances, crafting things that the monotony of everyday existence cannot offer. This can be things as delightful as magic, sorcery, flying on broomsticks, being invisible, fighting evil monsters or other journeys. Imagination can act as an instant time machine, taking one to the forefront of bitter battles of the Civil War or to the glamorous and roaring twenties. For example, Christopher in the novel The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nighttime asserts I find it difficult to imagine things which did not happen to me (Haddon, 5). This is a common issue for people and something which literature can correct. Imagination, essentially, opens doors in onesShow MoreRelatedThe Value Of Literature Courses1428 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is the value of literature courses? We live in an age where information is conveyed in 140 characters. Why should students be required to read longer works? (By way of helping students get started ... this question is based on your opinion and you should make a short argument for or against. It is okay to use first person, I.) Literature courses force people to think outside of their own cultural perceptions. They give students the ability to think critically and to analyze problems by lookingRead MoreThe Value And Knowledge Of Literature818 Words   |  4 Pages Literature, the value and knowledge in literature ignited my interest in sexism’s role in hindering our society’s many aspect. Throughout history many great pieces of literature contain not only powerful stories but also knowledge that empowers and benefits the reader. The value in a piece of literature in our society is defined by its knowledge capacity and the benefit society has to gain from it. That is understanding the writing and the analysis of the writer’s intentions along with theRead MoreThe Value Of Challenged Literature1389 Words   |  6 PagesThe Value of Challenged Literature â€Å"Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance† (Laurie Halse Anderson - Speak and Chains). Banning books that teach important values and educate children on real world situations is only hurting them in the long run. For Huck Finn in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, growing up in times of racial injustice allows readers to see the value of not ignoring history’s real world problems andRead MoreThe Value of Literature in Education1106 Words   |  5 Pagesindirect way. This means going beyond the giant textbooks and moving into books students can connect with. Literature plays a dynamic role in the classroom from aiding learning in different subject areas, developing critical thinking skills and teaching moral lessons. Before I started taking my principles of elementary math class I never would have thought about the fact teachers use literature to aid learning in math. In my class, we examined the use of children’s picture books as a resource for studentsRead MoreThe Value of Childrens Literature to Childrens Development1148 Words   |  5 PagesBefore we explore the values of children literature to children’s development let us first define what Literature is then look more closely at a definition for Children’s Literature. Literature is thought, experience and imagination shaped into oral or written language that may include visual images. There are different forms of literature, such as stories, ballads, family narratives, jokes, jingles, street rhymes, videos, paintings, drawings, film and recorded books. Stories are a natural partRead MoreEssay on Values In Early American Literature1346 Words   |  6 PagesValues in Early American Literature We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, says the Declaration of Independence. This phrase encompasses three major values shown throughout early American literature. The strong belief in religion, freedom, and a strong will for a better life. Each piece had one or more of these themesRead MoreBeliefs In Beowulf : The Values Of Old English Literature904 Words   |  4 PagesAnglo-Saxon Values The characters and events in Anglo-Saxon literature go far beyond their original purposes, sharing the groups values and beliefs with the world. Values help form the constructs that create a rigid society. Traits like these can be found in a number of instances across time, but none greater than the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is just one example of how Anglo-Saxon literature contains many of their values and beliefs. This folk epic is known as one of the most important worksRead MoreEssay on The Ethical Values Held in Accounting, A Literature Rewiew1426 Words   |  6 Pagesmain focus of this literature review is to discuss the ethical values held in this profession and to also explore the ethical challenges that they face. Professional ethics for accountants is all about making sure that accountants carry out their duties to the highest standard possible and in a very professional manner. A code of ethics is designed to make sure that ideal behaviour is being carried out and it m ust be enforceable and realistic. From reading a variety of literature the core principlesRead MoreValue Chain Analysis: Literature Review and Application on Ikea2782 Words   |  12 PagesNovember 28, 2012 November 28, 2012 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Contents * Introduction * Origination * Porter’s Value Chain Concept * Linking of the Value Chain * Focus on External Sources * The Future - Conclusion * Ikea Example * References Declaration I,Read More Exploring the Value of Canonical Literature and Its Role in Modern Education2671 Words   |  11 PagesExploring the Value of Canonical Literature and Its Role in Modern Education The English curriculum within most modern high schools seems to be comprised of two main portions. The first of these is the grammatical component, which seeks to help students better understand the structure and function of language. This aspect, although considered tedious by many students, certainly has immense value. Communication within the bounds of the English language is governed by a multitude