How often has one heard the question mostly posed by current students, Why must I know and take courses in literature? The question itself is not too surprising because many students do not feel they need any of the education they are getting to continue their life. What is surprising is how the answer to this question is not near as obvious to them as the thought of asking it in the first place. The question of why literature matters can be answered in so many different ways and examples, but the answers are too often wasted by those of a cynical mindset. The literature of today's world holds such great historical, intellectual, and societal importance that within the remaining text, as one student to another, I will explain why it may be important and should matter greatly to them.
             One key importance literature holds for its readers is a reflection of our history. Books and other literary works, set in certain time periods, often refer to the events, acceptances, and understandings of its particular era. As stated in the poem The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake, "And my father sold me while yet my tongue could scarcely cry...so your chimneys I sweep, and in soot I sleep" (18) explains to its readers that in 1789 it was not viewed as a crime to sell your children to a child laborer. Writings from the past can also teach about our own English language. Within some of the dated works we read one can see the phases of change in our language from its origin to present day. Our history books as well are a great form of literature that are obviously filled with important facts and details about the past in hopes that we as a nation and world do not make the same mistakes twice.
             Another way in which literature matters and is appreciated by readers is simply for entertainment. It is amazing the amount of people who think reading just for entertainment is absurd. So many people view entertainment as something...