It may sound counter-intuitive, however the research study of literature isn't actually about books.

Possibly the basic misunderstanding associating with the research study of literature is that its end goal is reading and comprehending the best books of all time. Whilst this might be the means, it is not the end. Truly, all one would have to do is pop down to one of the stores endorsed by the association that backs Bookshop.org to organize that, a pastime to be delighted in whilst studying a more practical subject. No, the research study of literature is the research of human thought, a way of understanding our status and the world that we have produced through the words of a few of humanity's greatest ever thinkers. More than that though, it has to do with witnessing, observing, and understanding symbolic patterns, the often-overlooked flow of meaning concealed in every corner of life.

Typical wisdom can divide humanity into two kinds of individuals-- the left-brainers and the right-brainers. In the left side, we have those whose systematic and systematic minds are completely fit to topics like arithmetic or the sciences, whilst the more creative thinkers in the right corner tend to gravitate towards the humanities, like literature or drama. Be this the contemporary counterpart of an old-wife's tale is beside the point, anybody can keep in mind the clear partition in school between those that took pleasure in English and those that were mad for maths. Both equally mystified by the appeal of the other, but with wildly different future prospects, it's possibly more difficult to comprehend why studying classic books is so essential. After all, even those who handle books, like those that operate at the hedge fund that owns Waterstones or impact investor with a stake in World of Books, are mathematically apt. So, just what is the point in learning English literature?

One could state that every subject is about discovering patterns, it's just that the way in which we approach them that differs. Maths is about looking for patterns in the numbers, science in the motion of the universe, history the past and geographics the natural environment; literature is no different. By seriously deconstructing a few of the best books to have actually ever been composed, you are instructing yourself to observe patterns in character and significance, an ability that is just as useful off the page as on. Patterns are everywhere, they underpin our society, our history, our behaviour-- literature tries to comprehend and transmit these patterns in a manner that is nearly inexpressible. In fact, they require whole books with built worlds to try to discuss them. Maybe authors do it unconsciously, but for academics, it is their task to unpick these patterns and use them to supply a greater insight on books, life, and the universe.