Around many institutions of education, an age old question is asked "Why do I need to know this?" Most students in general do not understand the importance of reviewing the past. In many cases, students feel that history in no way affects their current lives and has no value.
Most historians and professors will agree with the statement, "If you don't know the past you are bound to repeat it". I believe this statement. Valuable information can be learned from the readings and teaching of the past. Literature is a great tool that can provide a consistent message of ones experiences that may be applied to daily life. For instance "The Diary of Anne Frank" gave an interesting depiction of a certain era which I would not want to repeat.
Although we may be uncertain of the authors true message, classic tales teach values that are a important in today's `society. Examples include the Bible, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men and the Scarlet Letter. All works of literature which are internationally known. Many of which individuals base what is acceptable in modern society.
So, do you think that literature's purpose is to instruct and provide guidance about "what is acceptable in modern society"?
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