Literature studies the world of imagination, where anything is possible, and anything can be assumed. Ideas, feelings and experiences expressed through language are known as literature. Therefore, teaching English means teaching language and teaching literature.
Aims of Teaching Literature
- To make them aware of the concepts of literature.
- To develop the ability to appreciate the beauty of literary works.
- To guide them to creativity by reading eminent English writers.
- To link them with different cultural backgrounds.
- To develop an aesthetic sense in them and help them acquire the ability to use language.
Objectives of Teaching Literature
- To be aware of the various forms of literature.
- To gain accuracy and fluency in the language.
- To use knowledge in new or real-life situations.
- To analyse the thoughts and feelings expressed in the literary form.
- To develop the faculty of imagination.
- To develop critical and analytical ability and appreciate the literary text.
Difficulties in Teaching Literature
Cultural gap
The wide gap between the East and West cultures may sometimes make it difficult for students to enjoy English literature.
Age level
Our children will not have the experience of a child of the same age group whose L1 is English.
Curriculum
The choice of components for the curriculum -stories, poems, plays, etc. is sometimes inappropriate for the mental growth and interests of the students.
The attitude of the teacher
Teachers’ interest in literature can be transmitted effectively and positively to the students and vice-versa.
Lack of interest in reading
Parents and teachers should provide children with reading materials appropriate to their interests and age.
Social and psychological factors
Several social factors will negatively affect the liking for literature -shyness, poverty, hostility to the language, and ill health are a few.
Lack of children’s literature
Abridged versions of famous works, especially fiction, adventure stories, biographies, inventions and plays, should be available in a graded series.
Literature is treated as a tool for communication and sharing language and culture. Broadly, it is classified into prose, poetry, and drama.