Why Should We Study English Literature? No, Seriously, Why?

We asked, you answered.

A recent report found fewer students are taking English Lit classes these days, and, as a result, fewer schools are even offering the subject. So, we asked members: Should English Lit be saved? Here’s one interesting response.

English Literature has been a large part of our education systems for centuries. From the many timeless works of William Shakespeare, to the Great Expectations of Charles Dickens, literature has provided generations of budding intellects with the wisdom of eras combined.

I believe there is abundant value in learning English Literature, even today, as it offers lessons that cannot be simply learned from other school subjects such as Maths or Science.

Literature helps explore and analyse some of life's greatest questions and assists young people in gaining the skills required for a deeper thought process to life.

It is an absurd thought, in my option, to consider removing such a critical subject from our education curriculum. Where else will students learn how to analyse poetry or annotate narratives? Essays are a huge part of high school, and English Literature explains how to properly structure and word essays. These skills help with all aspects of school and serve as a vital foundation for life.

Literature is also a subject enjoyed by lots of students and deserves more credit for the amount of valuable knowledge it supplies. The lessons and messages passed on in an English Literature class include critical thinking, analytical skills and creative expertise. No other class provides such a broad and powerful range of abilities that carry into the future through all careers, making English Literature a rare and crucial subject.

It explores expression and communication with students and often involves class discussions that help with public speaking and self-confidence. English Literature can also encourage philosophical debate and diplomatic responses to a wide variety of issues.

Students' language skills and range of vocabulary definitely improve with the assistance of English Literature. Classic novels provide fundamental concepts that modern day texts can't grasp. The styles of writing and thought processes of historical texts are vital to understanding the world and how humans perceive our surroundings. This subject also provides a broad, bold spectrum of types and times of texts. In no other classes will you receive this large a variety of choice and knowledge.

Different points of views, knowledge beyond our years, key lessons for the future, writings from the past, creativity beyond belief, freedom of expression, themes that push us forward and skills for lifelong achievement all contribute to the value of English Literature. What more could you want from a subject?

Congratulations to Laura for winning this week's writing challenge: Is There Still Value In Learning "English Literature"? Laura wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge.

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