Michelle Callaham
Mr. Asbill
English 102
13 January 2005
Why We Study Literature
Although one’s love for reading can not be explained, there are many things that can be learned from reading different pieces of literature that can be beneficial to the mind. Literature helps others to gain knowledge and enhance personal and intellectual skills. Literature can develop one’s imagination, recognize human dreams and struggles, and nurture the ability to appreciate different perspectives on events.
First, one has to read many works and imagine the plot of the stories in his or her mind. Many writers write in such a way that causes one to think outside of the box. For example, Robert Frost uses imagery in his poem “The Road Not Taken.” In his poem, he compares two roads. To understand the poem and its meaning, one must read it over and over again to see that Frost is actually describing two choices in life. As one reads more literature, he or she begins to interpret works in many ways and think beyond what is actually written. As one’s experience with literature beings to deepen, he or she recognizes the successes and failures of human beings.