The Importance of Literature in Language Learning

20 The second form of literature is poetry. Poetry is a group of poems, compositions written in verse Hudson, 1910. A little bit different from prose, poetry does not only consist of text or story. It more emphasizes on the beauty of a language which expresses deeper meaning. By analyzing poetry, the students try to seek the meaning and communicate the ideas of the poet Hudson, 1910. Therefore, poetry has to be spoken. The students are to read it aloud, in front of the class for example, with good manner expression so as to convey the real meaning of the poetry to the audience. Through this way, the students’ speaking ability can be gradually enhanced. Then, the last form of literature is drama. Drama, or which is also known as play, is usually written to be performed. Drama is an imitation of man’s action Hudson, 1910. Drama is concerned directly with life, with men and women, and their relationships, with the thoughts and feelings, the passions and motives by which they are governed and impelled, with their joys and sorrows, their struggles, successes, failures Hudson, 1910. Using drama, the students can improve their speaking ability and pronunciation in ways that they are expected to perform and speak the script loudly, clearly, and fluently. Drama can also enhance reading skill through reading, memorizing, and analyzing the script.

c. The Importance of Literature in Language Learning

Literature in English Education field has many advantages for the students. The students will change their thought and behavior based on the reflection of text 21 or book they read. Ronald Carter 1996 stated that people also change their mind as a result of later reading or further reflection. The study of literature and the use of literature are as a resource for language learning Carter, 1996. Rees 1973 stated that learning literature helps the students to understand the strange relationship, such as quarrel and friendship. Through reading short story or novel, the learners can understand others’ experiences. It also means that reading books is a means of getting much more knowledge than we could ever hope to get through our own personal experience. Through literature, the learners can use the experience of other people as well. The use of literature is the same as the use of history or philosophy: it helps us toward a better understanding of ourselves and our fellow human beings Rees, 1973. By studying the literature of other countries, we begin to understand the problems which are shared by all mankind Rees, 1973. It also helps us to understand the country and its people. Studying literature also helps us in some sense making ourselves better people: literature is in fact something from which we get moral education. People can reflect other’experiences to solve and overcome their problems. They will learn through others’ failure and success. This is surely an important step toward international understanding and world peace. English literature can also be helpful for foreign student who wishes to learn something about particular region, and to understand how human character and emotion are influenced by natural surroundings Rees, 1973. It is related to 22 the books which tell about history and the characteristic of social and cultural of the region. Rees 1973 stated that learning literature also helps the students to the desire to appear ‘cultured’ or well read. It trains students to pay close attention to the printed word, and encourages them to think deeply about the meaning of what is written. It will help the students to have careful attention in detail. In literature, the students encourage to analyze the character, setting, and think deeply about the problems. Therefore, they will have habit to read deeply and help them to enjoy reading.

4. Motivation