Literature and Education

Education and Literature

Education and Literature are correlated in many courses that one could ever fathom. But first, let us understand what Education and Literature are. So, Education is the transfer of knowledge, skills, and character traits, and it is embodied in different forms. It is the concept of knowing and learning specific things. Literature is a body of collected works and words that possesses information, creativity, frequent historical references, and, of course… stories. 

In this little module, we will uncover the deep ties between the two!

So then, to truly understand this bond and idea, let me ask you a rhetorical question: When was the last time you felt revived so much with ideas and information that you felt renewed as a person?

The last time you read a book, perhaps? It makes sense, as the world is a really opaque place. It’s like a cave or a den. If you picture a person who doesn’t diligently try to learn something, you feel like they are stuck in something really dark, and their world is murky. Unfortunately, some people are contented with staying in the cave they are comfortable in or accustomed to because sometimes new things frighten people. However, some people fearlessly and bravely pursue the light and sense in this treacherous, dark place. This curiosity is like the fuel pump that makes them walk and drive to the edge of sensibility and sanity.

And this light is called Education. 

This is a reference to the Allegory of the Cave. I personally liked how Plato used that analogy to seek knowledge.

What are the strings that are connecting the two? 

According to an article by Esther Lombardi, Literature promotes critical thinking skills. Well, this is correct! But what are critical thinking skills first? This is the ability to analyze, question, uncover, and reflect on things shown to you. Whether in books or even in real life. And reading books helps us conceive this particular skill of ours. It nudges us to uncover the deep symbolism and hidden references the author secretly implies in the book. These are things that are not glimpsed on the surface level. You have to understand why person B did this. What were the events in the past few chapters of the novel drove person A to do this thing? You use that little veiny thing inside your skull whenever you read Literature. 

Next, Literature also helps develop empathy and understanding. Reading books exposes us to people with different personalities and backgrounds that mirror people we know. This empathy and understanding are so important in Education as they help us have nourishing relationships with fellow students and teachers. It helps us create a safe environment for us to learn and be ourselves without any anxieties of judgment. It also motivates us to learn and engage without professors and teachers. It makes us feel understood and supported by the people around us. 

Lastly, Literature encourages inventiveness and imagination. It’s very clear what it means. Students become more creative the more they read books. They learn about worlds that are not real and live lives they never thought they could. Out of the pages, they can gain words and inspiration to become better individuals in the academe. 

So be well, students, and read the books, accumulating dust on the shelves. You can learn so much more from these pages stained in yellow than from what you see in real life. Run as far as you can from the comforts of the cave and eagerly feel the grass and afternoon sun of the light of Education and Literature. 

Written by Emmy Julve

REFERENCES 

Lombardi, E. (2023). The role of literature in education: Why it matters. A Book Geek. https://www.abookgeek.com/the-role-of-literature-in-education-why-it-matters/