The Importance of Literature 1. Definition of Literature The word "literature" dates back to 14th century Expression and

The importance of literature
    Today, I’ll give you a brief account of the importance of literature.  My talk today will cover three parts. The first part is about the definition of literature. The second part is about views of literature. And third, about historical and cultural benefits of literature.
    First of all, let’s talk about literature itself. The word literature just looks boring. Very English, very old, very stuffy. The word itself dates back to the fourteenth century. The definition as given on dictionary com is a noun meaning. Writings in which expression and form in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest are characteristic or essential features and poetry, novels, history, biography and essays.
    Somehow that doesn’t exactly make it sound better, but I would definitely argue that while literature and the concept of literature may be very old. The importance it holds has not faded.  Like wine, it simply gets better with age.
    Secondly, views of literature. Reading has a wide range of benefits to an individual. It can expand vocabulary. Educate on world issues and cultures, improve memory and self-discipline. Increase the flow of one’s creative juices and, last but not least, entertain.
    Nonetheless, I know only a small handful of my peers that are willing to sit down and enjoy a piece of good literature. For some reason, people today have become less willing to work for their entertainment. We’ve been spoiled by television at the mere mention of Shakespeare, many people retreat back and throw up their hands in frustration. They say he’s boring, or they can’t understand his language use, or they’re just not into it.
    Thirdly, and the most important part of my talk, the historical and cultural benefits of literature. Literature, especially classic literature, gives people a greater appreciation for history in a nonhistorical way. Themes of everyday life remain the same, even though times are certain to change. Reading a work of friction written 100 or more years ago and being able to visualize and understand the events gives the reader a special connection to time periods past.
    In addition, ancient literature, and the evolution of it throughout time speak greater than any actual historical documents about the ways of life and political and Moral views of people living in a certain place and time. For example, the most ancient Cinderella tale can be traced back to China.
    Possibly explaining why it was so important for her to have such small feet. However, many different strands of the tails developed with different outstanding elements, some being small feet, talking trees, magical fish, a fairy godmother and evil step family, troubled fathers and even incest.
    When these different elements are interpreted, they tell what types of values were pervasive in a given culture, good and bad. In short, literature is not something to be tossed to the wayside.
    It is a valuable tool in understanding culture and history. I hope my talk today has rekindled your interest on literature. Thank you.