R.J.REES. U-1.pptx why do we study literature

1. UNIT: 1- WHY WE STUDY
LITERATURE
PREPARED BY- TAMSA PANDYA
-RESERCH SCHOLAR, SHAMALDAS
ARTS COLLAGE

2. Introduction
• Definition
• “Literature, you may now agree, is writing
expresses and communicates thoughts,
feelings and attitudes towards life”
• General meanings
• ‘Hold the mirror up to nature’ ( Hamlet’s
Phase)
• ‘Life- enhancing’ ( Matthew Arnold)

3. Overview
• R.J. Rees is a critic and literary historian of the 20th century. In his book,
he discusses an important question why we study literature. In the
beginning he talks about the general response. He points out that today
science and its study has become more significant.
• He is of opinion that literature should be a mirror of human nature. It
should be close to life. This closeness comes out of actual human
experience.

4. • Originality
• Rees quotes Shakespeare and Pope and says that being original
does not mean expressing new themes but looking at the old ones
in a new way.
• Power of imagination
• Creative imagination makes literature lively. Apart from these
qualities, good literature also has moral consciousness.
Motives of Studying literature

5. • He says that we study literature to know about a foreign
country. He gives the examples of Shakespeare’s historical
plays and novels of D.H. Lawrence in this regard.
• In civilized countries people study literature to appear
cultured or well read. Students study literature to pass
examination.
• Among some other reasons of studying literature is to seek
pleasure, The great works of art including literature can be
enjoyed if we have a desire to read.
• the best reason for studying literature is moral education.
Rees refers to Plato, Sir Philip Sidney and Dr. Samuel
Johnson in this regard. He says that literature enlarges the
reader’s experience of life
Count….

6. 1. Psychological Truth
2. Holding the mirror up to nature
3. Originality
4. Craftsmanship
5. A consciousness of moral values
FEW QUALITIES OF GOOD
LITERATURE : R.J.REES

7.  Literature inspires imagination
 Literature helps a person to expand their vocabulary
vocabulary
 Literature enhances a person’s writing skills
 Communication skills are improved by reading literature
literature
 Literature motivates critical thinking
 learn about history through literature
SOME SIMPLE ASPECTS OF
STUDYING LITERATURE

9. Rees concludes the essay by pointing out two dangers
of studying literature. One is the habit of thinking of
the past. Another is the habit of reading books about
books instead of the original text. Thus the essay deals
with three aspects: meaning and features literature,
reasons for studying literature and dangers of studying
literature.
Conclusion