Importance And Functions Of Literature
Literature is one of the most engaging aspects of English Language study, and JAMB examiners love testing your understanding of why it matters and what it does in society. This chapter explores the importance of literature in our lives and the various functions it performs-from entertainment to education, from moral instruction to cultural preservation. You'll learn how to identify and explain these functions in exam scenarios, especially when analyzing passages or answering direct questions about literary purpose.
KEY CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
What is Literature?
Literature refers to written works of artistic value that express ideas, emotions, and experiences through creative and imaginative use of language. It includes prose (novels, short stories), poetry, and drama.
Literature is different from ordinary writing because it:
- Uses language creatively and aesthetically
- Reflects human experiences and universal truths
- Has lasting value beyond immediate communication
- Engages readers emotionally and intellectually
Importance vs. Functions: Understanding the Difference
JAMB often tests whether students can distinguish between the importance and functions of literature. Let's clarify this:
| Importance of Literature | Functions of Literature |
|---|---|
| Why literature matters to individuals and society | What literature actually does; its roles and purposes |
| Example: Literature is important because it preserves culture | Example: Literature functions as a cultural repository |
| Focuses on value and significance | Focuses on action and purpose |
In JAMB questions, you may be asked to identify either the importance or the function. Read carefully to know which the question demands.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE
1. Cultural Preservation and Transmission
Literature serves as a cultural archive where traditions, beliefs, customs, and values are recorded and passed down through generations. Nigerian literature, for instance, preserves our diverse cultural heritage.
Example: Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart preserves Igbo cultural practices, proverbs, and social structures for future generations to study and appreciate.
2. Education and Knowledge Acquisition
Through literature, readers gain knowledge about different historical periods, societies, philosophies, and human experiences. Literature educates beyond textbooks by making learning engaging and memorable.
Example: Reading historical novels about the Nigerian civil war helps students understand that period better than mere dates and facts.
3. Moral and Ethical Guidance
Literature often contains moral lessons that guide readers toward ethical behavior. Stories, fables, and parables teach right from wrong in memorable ways.
Example: Traditional folktales like the tortoise stories teach lessons about greed, wisdom, and the consequences of dishonesty.
4. Language Development and Enrichment
Exposure to quality literature improves vocabulary, grammar, and overall language proficiency. Writers demonstrate effective use of language that readers can learn from and emulate.
Example: Reading Shakespeare or Soyinka exposes students to rich vocabulary, figurative expressions, and varied sentence structures.
5. Emotional and Psychological Development
Literature helps readers understand and process their emotions by presenting characters experiencing similar feelings. It develops empathy by allowing readers to see life through others' perspectives.
Example: A student dealing with loss might find comfort and understanding in a novel where a character experiences similar grief.
6. Social Cohesion and National Unity
Shared literary traditions create bonds among people. National literatures foster patriotism and collective identity.
Example: The Nigerian National Anthem, though not literary prose, functions as a unifying literary text that all Nigerians share.
7. Historical Documentation
Literature records historical events, social conditions, and political climates of different eras. It provides insights that complement formal historical records.
Example: Novels about colonialism document the experiences and perspectives of colonized peoples in ways official colonial records do not.
THE FUNCTIONS OF LITERATURE
1. Entertainment Function
The most basic function of literature is to entertain-to provide pleasure, enjoyment, and escape from everyday routine. This is often called the recreational function.
Key points:
- Literature offers relaxation and mental refreshment
- Engaging plots, interesting characters, and beautiful language captivate readers
- Entertainment doesn't mean literature lacks depth or seriousness
Example: Adventure novels, romantic stories, and mystery thrillers primarily entertain while possibly conveying deeper messages.
2. Didactic Function (Teaching Function)
Literature teaches by conveying knowledge, moral lessons, and life skills. This is the didactic or instructive function.
Key points:
- Fables, parables, and allegories explicitly teach moral lessons
- Even non-didactic literature teaches implicitly through character experiences
- Literature can teach practical knowledge, historical facts, and philosophical ideas
Example: Fables like "The Tortoise and the Hare" explicitly teach that slow and steady wins the race.
3. Social Commentary and Criticism
Literature functions as a social mirror, reflecting society's conditions, problems, and contradictions. Writers use literature to critique injustice, corruption, and social ills.
Key points:
- Satire and irony are common tools for social criticism
- Literature can advocate for social change and reform
- Writers often challenge oppressive systems through their works
Example: Wole Soyinka's works criticize political oppression and corruption in African societies.
4. Emotional Expression and Catharsis
Literature allows both writers and readers to express and process emotions. Catharsis refers to the emotional release or purification readers experience through literature.
Key points:
- Poetry especially serves as emotional expression
- Tragedy provides catharsis by allowing audiences to experience pity and fear safely
- Literature validates readers' emotions by showing others feel similarly
Example: Reading or watching a tragedy like Shakespeare's Hamlet allows audiences to experience intense emotions and achieve emotional release.
5. Cultural Identity and Preservation
Literature defines and preserves cultural identity by recording languages, traditions, beliefs, and histories specific to particular groups.
Key points:
- Oral literature preserves traditions before writing systems developed
- National literatures distinguish one culture from another
- Minority literatures preserve endangered cultures and languages
Example: Yoruba oral poetry (oriki) preserves Yoruba language, history, and cultural values.
6. Aesthetic Function (Artistic Beauty)
Literature functions as art, creating beauty through language. The aesthetic function focuses on form, style, and linguistic beauty rather than message alone.
Key points:
- Beautiful language, imagery, and structure provide pleasure
- Form and content work together to create artistic effect
- The aesthetic function values "how" something is said, not just "what" is said
Example: Poetry like J.P. Clark's "Night Rain" delights readers with vivid imagery and musical language beyond its literal meaning.
7. Political Function
Literature serves political purposes by promoting ideologies, resisting oppression, or supporting political movements.
Key points:
- Propaganda literature advances specific political agendas
- Protest literature challenges unjust political systems
- National literature can foster patriotism and national consciousness
Example: Revolutionary literature during independence movements inspired nationalist sentiment and resistance against colonial powers.
8. Psychological Function
Literature provides psychological insights into human behavior, motivation, and consciousness. It helps readers understand themselves and others better.
Key points:
- Character analysis reveals psychological complexity
- Literature explores mental states like madness, obsession, and love
- Readers develop self-awareness through identifying with characters
Example: Stream-of-consciousness novels reveal characters' inner thoughts and psychological processes.
9. Religious and Spiritual Function
Religious literature serves spiritual purposes by expressing faith, teaching doctrine, and guiding worship.
Key points:
- Sacred texts like the Bible and Quran function as religious literature
- Devotional poetry expresses spiritual experiences
- Religious parables teach spiritual truths
Example: John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress uses allegory to teach Christian spiritual journey.
10. Economic Function
Literature serves economic purposes as a commercial product and source of livelihood for writers, publishers, and related industries.
Key points:
- Publishing industry creates employment and generates revenue
- Bestselling books create wealth for authors and publishers
- Literary tourism boosts local economies
Example: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's international success contributes economically to Nigerian publishing and global literary markets.
HOW JAMB TESTS THIS TOPIC
Understanding how JAMB frames questions about literature's importance and functions helps you answer correctly. Common question patterns include:
- Direct identification: "What is the primary function of literature in this passage?"
- Purpose questions: "The author's main purpose is to..."
- Effect questions: "What effect does this literary work have on society?"
- Application questions: Giving you a passage and asking you to identify which function it demonstrates
- Distinction questions: Asking you to differentiate between similar functions
Common JAMB tricks to watch for:
| Trick | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Options that are partially correct | Choose the MOST appropriate or PRIMARY function, not just any correct one |
| Confusing importance with function | Remember: importance = why it matters; function = what it does |
| Using synonyms for functions | Learn multiple terms for the same function (e.g., didactic = instructive = teaching) |
| Multi-functional passages | Identify the DOMINANT function when literature serves multiple purposes |
WORKED EXAMPLES
Q1: Read the passage below and answer the question.
"The greedy king hoarded all the kingdom's wealth while his people starved. One day, a wise woman gave him a magic seed that would only grow if he shared his wealth. The king learned that true prosperity comes from generosity."
What is the primary function of this passage?
(a) Entertainment
(b) Social criticism
(c) Moral instruction
(d) Historical documentation
Ans: (c)
Explanation: This passage is a fable or parable that explicitly teaches a moral lesson about generosity versus greed. While it may entertain readers (option a), its primary and most obvious function is didactic or moral instruction. The story structure (problem, magical intervention, lesson learned) is characteristic of teaching tales. Social criticism (option b) is present but secondary to the moral teaching. There's no historical documentation (option d) as this is clearly fictional and symbolic.
Q2: "Things Fall Apart preserves the customs, language, and social structures of pre-colonial Igbo society for contemporary and future readers to understand and appreciate."
This statement emphasizes which importance of literature?
(a) Emotional development
(b) Cultural preservation
(c) Language enrichment
(d) Political activism
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The keywords "preserves," "customs," "language," and "social structures" directly point to cultural preservation as the importance being emphasized. The statement focuses on how the novel records and transmits cultural knowledge across time ("for contemporary and future readers"). While the novel does enrich language (option c), the statement specifically emphasizes preservation of culture, not language development. Emotional development (option a) and political activism (option d) are not mentioned or implied in this statement.
Q3: A poet writes verses criticizing government corruption, using satire to expose officials who embezzle public funds while claiming to serve the people.
Which function of literature is most prominently displayed?
(a) Aesthetic function
(b) Religious function
(c) Social commentary
(d) Cathartic function
Ans: (c)
Explanation: The poet is performing social commentary and criticism by exposing and critiquing government corruption. The use of satire is a classic tool for social criticism in literature. While the poem may have aesthetic qualities (option a) in its form and language, the question asks for the "most prominently displayed" function, and the content clearly prioritizes social critique. Religious function (option b) is completely irrelevant here. Cathartic function (option d) refers to emotional release, which isn't the focus of this satirical, critical work.
QUICK SUMMARY
Key Points to Remember
- Importance of literature: Why literature matters (value and significance)
- Functions of literature: What literature does (roles and purposes)
- Main importance areas: Cultural preservation, education, moral guidance, language development, emotional growth, social unity, historical record
- Major functions: Entertainment, didactic/teaching, social criticism, emotional expression/catharsis, cultural identity, aesthetic/artistic, political, psychological, religious, economic
- Entertainment function: Provides pleasure and escape from routine
- Didactic function: Teaches moral lessons and knowledge
- Social commentary: Mirrors and critiques society
- Catharsis: Emotional purification through literature
- Aesthetic function: Creates beauty through language and form
- Multiple functions: One literary work can serve several functions simultaneously; identify the PRIMARY or DOMINANT one in exam questions
- Context matters: The same work may emphasize different functions depending on how it's used or read
- JAMB focus: Usually tests your ability to identify functions from passages or match literary works with their primary importance/function
Common Terms and Synonyms
- Didactic = Instructive = Teaching = Educational
- Aesthetic = Artistic = Beauty-focused
- Catharsis = Emotional purification = Emotional release
- Social commentary = Social criticism = Social mirror
- Cultural preservation = Cultural repository = Cultural archive
- Recreational = Entertainment = Pleasure-giving
Exam Strategy Tips
- Read questions carefully to determine if they ask for importance or function
- When multiple functions apply, choose the PRIMARY or MOST PROMINENT one
- Look for keywords in passages that signal specific functions (e.g., "moral," "lesson" → didactic; "society," "corruption" → social commentary)
- Don't confuse form with function (e.g., a poem is a form; its function could be didactic, aesthetic, emotional, etc.)
- Remember that entertainment can coexist with serious functions
- Consider the author's apparent purpose and the text's dominant effect
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q1: Which of the following best describes the didactic function of literature?
(a) Literature provides entertainment and relaxation
(b) Literature teaches moral lessons and knowledge
(c) Literature creates beauty through language
(d) Literature records historical events
Q2: "Poetry allows readers to experience intense emotions safely and achieve emotional release after reading."
This statement refers to which function of literature?
(a) Aesthetic function
(b) Political function
(c) Cathartic function
(d) Economic function
Q3: A novel that satirizes corrupt politicians and exposes injustice in government primarily serves which function?
(a) Religious function
(b) Entertainment function
(c) Social commentary function
(d) Aesthetic function
Q4: Which statement correctly distinguishes between the importance and function of literature?
(a) Importance focuses on what literature does; function focuses on why it matters
(b) Importance and function are completely unrelated concepts
(c) Importance focuses on why literature matters; function focuses on what it does
(d) Importance is subjective while function is always objective
Q5: Traditional folktales that preserve cultural beliefs, customs, and language for future generations primarily demonstrate which importance of literature?
(a) Emotional development
(b) Economic value
(c) Language enrichment
(d) Cultural preservation
Q6: A literary critic states: "This novel's beautiful imagery, musical language, and carefully crafted structure make it a masterpiece regardless of its message."
The critic is emphasizing which function of literature?
(a) Didactic function
(b) Aesthetic function
(c) Political function
(d) Psychological function
ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS
Answer 1: (b)
Explanation: The didactic function specifically refers to literature's teaching role, where it conveys moral lessons, knowledge, and life skills. Option (a) describes the entertainment function, option (c) describes the aesthetic function, and option (d) relates to the historical documentation importance. "Didactic" literally means "intended to teach," making (b) the correct answer.
Answer 2: (c)
Explanation: Cathartic function refers to the emotional purification or release that readers experience through literature. The keywords "intense emotions" and "emotional release" directly point to catharsis. Aesthetic function (a) concerns beauty and form, political function (b) relates to political purposes and ideologies, and economic function (d) involves commercial aspects-none of which match the emotional release described.
Answer 3: (c)
Explanation: A novel that satirizes corrupt politicians and exposes injustice is performing social commentary and criticism. Satire is a classic tool for social critique. While such a novel might entertain (option b) or have aesthetic qualities (option d), its PRIMARY function, as indicated by the words "satirizes" and "exposes injustice," is social criticism. Religious function (a) is completely irrelevant to political corruption.
Answer 4: (c)
Explanation: The correct distinction is that importance focuses on why literature matters (its value and significance), while function focuses on what literature does (its roles and purposes). Option (a) reverses the definitions. Option (b) is incorrect because importance and function are related concepts. Option (d) incorrectly suggests that only importance is subjective, when actually both can have subjective and objective aspects.
Answer 5: (d)
Explanation: Folktales that preserve cultural beliefs, customs, and language for future generations demonstrate cultural preservation. The keywords "preserve," "cultural beliefs," "customs," and "future generations" all point to this importance. While folktales might contribute to language enrichment (c), the question specifically emphasizes preservation "for future generations," which is the hallmark of cultural preservation.
Answer 6: (b)
Explanation: The critic is emphasizing the aesthetic function-literature's role as art that creates beauty through form and language. The phrase "regardless of its message" indicates the critic values the artistic qualities (imagery, musical language, structure) over didactic content. This focus on form and beauty rather than message or purpose is characteristic of the aesthetic function. Didactic (a) emphasizes teaching, political (c) emphasizes ideology, and psychological (d) emphasizes mental insights-none of which the critic is prioritizing here.
