I was just hit with a memory of a 10th grade class from years ago. We had just read Louis L'Amour's short story "Trap of Gold" and were discussing characterization of the protagonist. A lively debate sprung up about whether or not the character was greedy, and each side cited evidence to support their points. After several minutes, one girl caught her breath and with a giant smile said, "Whew! Literature comes alive!"
These inner-city students in a non-Honors class were not just engaging with material in an obligatory, fill-in-the-blank kind of way. They were examining what they understood of their fellow human beings through the example of a fictional one. It mattered to them that they correctly interpreted indicators of an aspect of human nature.
Literature should not be viewed as an "extra" while priority is given to non-fiction texts. Engagement with literary fiction is part of what develops the human mind's ability to understand other humans, especially those very much unlike oneself. With such understanding, we are able to approach each other with mutual respect (if not always agreement); without such understanding, it becomes far easier to apply stereotypes and caricatures and treat others in accordance with our assumptions and without regard to evidence.
I find that a terrifying prospect.
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