RUSANGU UNIVERSITY

(A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE

ASSIGNMENT TWO

NAME : NCUBE NOTHABO

ID NUMBER : 20240088

MAJOR : NURSING

LECTURER : MR. MUYEMBE GOODWELL

COURSE NAME : INTRODUCTION TO WRITING SKILLS

COURSE CODE : ENGL 111

DUE DATE : 16th February, 2024

QUESTION: Why people read literature?

Literature is a broad term that encompasses various forms of imaginative writing, such as non-
fiction, poetry, prose, and fiction. However, defining literature is not an easy task, as different
genres and subgenres have their own characteristics, conventions, and purposes. Moreover,
literature is not a static concept but rather a dynamic and evolving one that reflects the changes
in society, culture, and language (Davis, 2002). The term “literature” can be a complex one,
encompassing both the vast universe of written works and a more specific category considered
an art form. In its broadest sense, literature simply refers to any collection of written information,
spanning factual texts like manuals to imaginative expressions like poems and plays (Cuddon,
2013).

WHY DO PEOPLE READ LITERATURE?

Firstly, people engage with literature for two main reasons: enjoyment and insight. Literature
provides pleasure and emotional responses, as well as insights into human experiences, culture,
and life. By reading literature, people can explore different perspectives and gain an
understanding of themselves and others. Therefore, literature is not just about words on a page;
it’s a gateway to emotions, knowledge, and connection. Additionally, people read literature to
enjoy the beauty and power of language. Literature showcases the artistry and creativity of
language, using various literary devices, such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, rhyme, and
rhythm, to convey meaning and emotion. Literature enriches our vocabulary and expression and
inspires us to create our own works of art (Davis, 2002).

Furthermore, people read literature to engage with moral and spiritual questions. Literature
challenges us to think critically and reflectively about the values and beliefs that shape our
actions and decisions. Literature exposes us to different ethical dilemmas, moral conflicts, and
spiritual insights and invites us to examine our own assumptions and convictions. Literature also
reveals the presence and influence of God in human history and destiny (Davis, 2002).

Secondly, literature offers a welcome escape from the daily grind. Readers can slip into fictional
worlds crafted by talented authors, experiencing thrilling adventures, heartwarming romances, or
even chilling mysteries (Smith, 2012). This mental vacation provides a refreshing break from
reality, allowing readers to relax, lose themselves in captivating narratives, and return to their
lives with renewed energy (McGuinness, 2010). Furthermore, the inherent beauty of language
employed by skilled writers can bring immense pleasure, stimulating the imagination and
igniting a sense of wonder (Eagleton, 2008).

However, by stepping into the shoes of diverse characters, readers embark on a journey of
emotional learning and exploration. Literature allows us to experience a vast spectrum of human
emotions, from love and joy to grief and despair, through the lens of fictional lives (Oatley,
2011). This fosters empathy and compassion, enabling us to understand different perspectives
and appreciate the complexities of human nature (Zunshine, 2006). In addition, by encountering
characters facing challenges and making choices, readers gain valuable insights into their own
lives and relationships, fostering self-reflection and personal growth (Keen, 2002).

Lastly, literature acts as a window into different cultures, historical periods, and social realities
beyond our own personal experiences (Barnett, 2010). By engaging with diverse narratives,
readers gain knowledge about past societies, current events, and the lives of people from vastly
different backgrounds (Liu & Gleason, 2008). This exposure broadens their perspectives,
challenging preconceived notions and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the world
around them (Noddings, 2003). Literature, therefore, serves as a powerful tool for intellectual
development and cultural awareness.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, literature goes beyond being just written words on a page. However, people read
literature because it brings enjoyment, enlightenment, and sometimes relief from reality while
simultaneously making us think and feel deeply. Additionally, its diverse characters and
narratives draw the reader into literature, allowing self-discovery to be valuable in understanding
one's own journey in real life. In its ability to expand the mind, foster feelings of commonality
between peoples, and awaken intellectual interest in the world around us, literature is a key
aspect of personal development and cultural awareness, enriching as well as informing our lives
far beyond written form.
 REFERENCES

Barnett, S. A. (2010). Literature's power: How stories work. Yale University Press.

Cuddon, J. A. (2013). A dictionary of literary terms and literary theory. John Wiley & Sons.

Davis, D. (2002). Teaching literature: A Seventh-day Adventist approach. Andrews University Press.

Eagleton, T. (2008). How to read literature. Oxford University Press.

Keen, S. (2002). Empathy and the novel. Princeton University Press.

Liu, A., & Gleason, P. M. (2008). Cross-cultural communication in a globalizing world. Sage
Publications.

McGuinness, M. P. (2010). Why children should read books. Penguin Books.

Noddings, N. (2003). Critical lessons: What our children need to learn. Teachers College Press.

Oatley, K. (2011). Fiction: simulating social worlds. Oxford University Press.

Smith, P. J. (2012). A map of meaning: An atlas of the human heart. Penguin Books.

Zunshine, L. (2006). Why we read fiction: Narratives of pleasure and escape. Ohio State
University Press.