Literature

American Literature and British Literature are popular all across the globe. Both these Literatures are a major part of BA English Literature course. Given below are some of the major differences between the British Literature and American Literature:

• Language and Style: Both these literatures are written in English language. However, the spelling of words and general vocabulary used are different from each other.
• Historical Context: The British Literature is much older than the American Literature. Some of the oldest writings of British Literature can be found in 1100 AD.
• Themes: The British Literature focuses on subjects such as class, empire, countryside and tradition whereas he American Literature focuses on subjects like identity, migrants, racial differences and boundaries.
• Cultural Influences: The British Literature is usually based on collective identity whereas the American Literature is based on individualism.

 Literature courses are popular among students. However, there is a misconception that removing the study of Literature would make no difference in the world. Given below are some points that explain the importance of Literature:

• Literature serves as a preserver of the Cultural Heritage: It involves the mention of value system and cultural beliefs of various cultures across the globe.
• Literature aids emotional and intellectual development: Many enigmatic human emotions are conveyed well to the reader through Literatures. They help in the development of good value such as sympathy, empathy, honesty and compassion.
• Literature provides the wisdom and knowledge that cannot be provided through technical subjects: It serves as a storehouse of generational wisdom that can be passed across border and across time.
• Literature improves communication and the feeling of connectedness among people: It can help individuals connect at a deeper level with the life of other people.
• Literature extends the limit of creativity: It has no creative restrictions. The fiction genre of Literature plays an important role in entertaining the readers as well as improving their creativity.

English Literature is course in which students get the opportunity to read the writings of renowned writers in their course curriculum. Though the individual experience of each student of English Literature course may vary, given below are some facets of English Literature that many students have experienced while pursuing the course:

• The course is a time travelling machine: It takes a student to different eras, countries and cultures while offering a wider perspective.
• It covers a wide range of themes covering all walks of life.
• Students can relate with themselves and their life scenarios even with fictional writings.
• The world-class literary writings improve one’s creativity and story-telling skills.
• When the student reads about writings set up in different cultural contexts it increases one’s emotional capabilities such as tolerance and acceptance
• It challenges one’s cognitive biases by exposing to unfamiliar theories of Literature.