Literature: the meaning

Literature is not just what you read in a text book, magazine, or dictionary, literature is what you learn and it has the capability of expanding your way of thinking. For me literature is very important, I use literature in everyday life whether it be at work through training manuals or at home with novels that entice my imagination. Everyday as Americans we are surrounded by literature and it is a shame that we do not take advantage of that great privilege. I often find myself diving into a great love story after a fight with my boyfriend, or maybe an inspirational true story when I find myself feeling down and out. I use literature as a way to lift my spirits, spark my imagination, and ignite learning. I often times find myself getting caught up in books, news articles, etc. Its as though these different mediums are my friends the things I confide in. I look to literature to fill me up emotionally or even take me on an adventure. Literature is such a great tool in many different ways. For example, it can be freezing outside, your feeling ill, you have a tissue stuck up your nose, and your feeling miserable; but then you open up a book and it all goes away. Suddenly your in another world being whisked off to a tropical paradise, a charming waiter plays your lover, and the sounds of the ocean ring in your ear. For an author to be able to make you feel as though you are the character is a real talent. I completely respect the art form of writing I think it is just as powerful ,if not more powerful, than movies and music. Reading and literature have so much to offer us as a community and I hope that through English 102 I can help to inspire others to see the beauty in the books. This semester I hope to gain a greater knowledge of literature, the ins and outs. I also look forward to hearing of new authors and stories that I am unfamiliar with. Through this class I also aspire to learn how to analyze literature. Currently I read novels and such only as an audience but I would love to learn how to really analyze and critique a novel. I also do not know much about all of the literary terms such as plot, theme, climax. I have studied all of these words before however I have failed to really comprehend there meaning. I am sure that throughout this course I will get a better grasp on these and other terms. in my opinion having an understanding of literature is a true blessing. I think that when people read and push themselves to learn new things it truly expands there mind. I think that people who are literate often sound more intelligent. I hope that this class opens up my eyes to even more literature and hopefully thought the process of learning about literature I will be able to improve my writing skills.