Literature

The Significance of Literature

By: Afra Noor

Editor’s Note: Views expressed in this article are

solely the author's opinions and beliefs

“While thought exists, words are alive and literature becomes an escape, not from, but into living.”

― Cyril Connolly

Literature, encompassing poems, novels, plays, essays, and more, enriches our lives by conveying deep thoughts and insights into the minds of its authors. It has been an integral part of humanity, reflecting cultural identities allowing readers of various backgrounds to become more engaged in their societies.

According to “Gutenberg’s Legacy: The Printing Press and the Democratization” from Journalism.University,  from inscriptions on clay tablets to typewriters, hardcovers, and Kindles, the accessibility of stories has evolved greatly over time. Starting as an oral tradition, stories were recorded on tablets and scrolls as writing systems emerged. In fact, the invention of the printing press in the 15th century made books more affordable and accessible, democratizing literature.

In the digital age, online platforms have transformed how we consume literature, making it more accessible and opening up new storytelling avenues. Whether in print or digital form, the importance of literature in society remains steadfast.

In “Using literature as a lens into the past” from Missouri State University, Dr. Erin Kappeler, assistant professor of English at Missouri State University, states, “Without trying to be a historical document, novels can reflect the author’s worldview, values, and beliefs–either overtly or in between the lines. It can be really easy to think that our political situation is totally new. Nothing like this has ever happened before. Going back and reading literature from previous times can remind us there have been lots of moments of really intense polarization, and it can be helpful to see how people processed moments like this before.”

However, as of recently we have noticed the decline in reading habits and literacy rates amongst younger generations. According to “The Nation's Report Card Shows Declines in Reading, Some Progress in 4th Grade Math” from the National Assessment Governing Board, “The 2024 results show that fewer than a third of students nationwide are working at the Proficient level in reading at 4th and 8th grades.”

Nevertheless, the impact of literature in fostering education and connections is undeniable. For example, Sejal Kumar, a freshman at Bayside High School, tends to read at least five hours a week and 80 pages each day. She shares that this has improved her ability to be increasingly attentive and emotionally aware. According to “Fiction and Reality Aren’t As Far Apart As You Thin” from Story Embers, by Martin Detwiler, “In books, we intentionally enter the viewpoint of authors and characters who are different from us, and as we navigate both foreign and familiar beliefs, we find the touchstones that make us all human, as well as the quirks that make us unique.”

Velronica Kalloo, a current senior at BHS, notes, “Immersing myself in literature allows me to explore and comprehend perspectives outside of my own. While reading captivating stories, I frequently stop to analyze and understand character motivations, putting myself in their shoes. This process not only deepens my understanding of others, but also the diverse ways people navigate their lives.”

Not only do literary works provide cognitive and emotional benefits to readers, but they also serve as a pivotal way to expose and initiate social movements and global conversations. The works of authors like Khaled Hosseini and Chinua Achebe serve as examples of literature’s power to engage with global conversations. Hosseini’s The Kite Runner offers an exploration of the political and social upheavals in Afghanistan as a result of the Taliban regime, while Achebe’s Things Fall Apart delves into the impacts of colonialism on indigenous cultures in Nigeria through the fictional Igbo clan. These authors provide us with windows into the lives of people caught in the midst of historical and political turmoil, inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of their work.

All in all, for generations, literature remains a timeless companion. With every page, readers wonder the boundless potential that has yet to unravel.