Reading Literature

Literature refers to books, letters, reports, articles, essays, poems, short stories, novels, and biographies which:

• Represent high quality writing
• Talk a bout familiar human problems
• Highlight truths about the “human experience"
• Clarifies our position in the world

Some types of literature are easier to read than others. The reading difficulty of a book, poem, or essay depends on your:

• ability to use the basic reading skills
• previous experience reading literature
• familiarity with the vocabulary
• familiarity with the writer‘s style
• familiarity with literary devices
• attitude

Reading quality literature will help you to improve your: reading skills, use of vocabulary, thinking skills, and writing skills. Reading carefully and evaluating literature will allow you to try new writing skills.

As you study this section on reading literature, pay attention to the differences between structure, word use, author’s message, and effectiveness of the communication. Look also for similarities. Literature from a specific time in history, region, or culture will often have similarities in topics, style, structure, or other aspects of literature.