What comes to mind when you think of the word “literature”? For most people, this might be novels, short stories, poems, and other types of written pieces. But there is more to literature than meets the eye.
It has contributed in many different ways. Here are some ways to explore the many other aspects of literature.
The Contribution Literature Has Made to Society
As an art form, literature explores human nature and life. It can make us laugh or cry; it can make us fall in love with the author, but most importantly, it teaches us about ourselves without even knowing it. Literature has had quite an influence on society as well. This is because it offers insights into our history. It helps shape our culture by influencing how we act, dress, eat, read, who we vote for, and so on.
1 – Literature Helps Us Understand Our History
Literature is a powerful way to learn about our past, present, and future. When reading literature, you are engaging with both the text and the context in which that text was created. You are exploring not just that piece of literature but centuries of information through different perspectives. Literature allows one to explore different cultures by reading articles written by authors from other countries or regions, periods, or social classes.
The characters in these texts are also another important part of understanding our history. After all, they are built from real people living in different eras and experiencing different types of hardships and triumphs throughout their lives–and identifying with these characters allows for a more intimate connection with them and their stories.
2 – What We Read Affects How We Act
Literature tells us about history and shapes society today through its teachings on topics like family values, the importance of education, the definition of friendship, good versus evil.
Literature As An Art Form
Perhaps the most obvious way literature has influenced society is in its ability to provide insight into human nature. It does this by exploring our history and making us laugh or cry, but mostly by teaching us about ourselves without even knowing it. Literature has also influenced society through its role as an art form.
How Literature Influences Society
Let’s explore some of the most common ways literature has influenced us.
Language: One of the biggest influences of literature on society is language. Literature impacts the way we speak by adding words and phrases to our vocabulary and changing how they are used. For instance, modern literature uses profanity more than classic literature; but at the same time, it also sheds light on new types of profanity that didn’t exist before. This makes you think about how different people can use language differently and brings attention to the words people use (and don’t use).
History: Another key way modern literature has influenced society is through history. It’s shown us new types of problems with history and how it’s been written in texts before, which helps us judge issues like slavery and women’s rights. Literature can teach us about the past and be entertaining simultaneously, and this is an important lesson for our future generations.
Society: Every day, books are being released on topics from gender, to race, to religion – even topics that have yet to be discovered or thought of! In other words, it continues to shape culture by influencing what we read or talk about in social settings or with friends or family members.Â
What is the Future of Literature?
Literature is constantly evolving with time, new technology, and social needs. Some people are turning to digital literature or interactive literature to support this evolution. Both of these types of literature are changing the meaning of literature for generations to come.
Rather than sitting down and reading a novel on paper, you might be more likely to read it on an electronic device instead. You can have that same experience without having to hold a book in your hand if you’re using digital literature. Some digital pieces are also more interactive than regular books would be because they require input from the reader. Interactive novels, for example, ask you questions related to the story, so it feels more like an experience rather than just reading words on a screen.
The future of literature is constantly evolving with time and new technology – so get ready!
Conclusion
Societies often rely on literature for information and entertainment. One of the most popular genres of literature is novels. Novels often explore the human experience and how it interacts with the world. Authors such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, and George Eliot all explored this topic.
This article has discussed some of the ways literature influences society and what we can expect from literature in the future.
Inspiration for Imagination and Creativity 