Literature as a Means of Expression 

Literature is an effective way of understanding a culture of a particular time, of a particular class and of a social group. With literature, we see the countries and people as they were. We experience the different climates, language and tone. Literature also gives us glimpses of much earlier ages.

Thus, literature allows us to transmit the profound meanings of a determinate culture, its stereotypes, archetypes and collective in conscience, creating the possibility of social change through a critic that is able to act into the subliminal world of emotions.

Expressing cultural values in literature is done through the author by showing an audience the traits and concepts that define that culture. An author's race, gender, ethnicity, location, heritage and other factors play a role in how an author perceives cultural attitudes, ideas and beliefs.

Literature reflects both actual historical events and the culture of a people. You can tell what everyday life is like through literature in a way like no other. You learn about their technology, what they care about, prejudices and hopes and fears. It also shows what the culture wants from itself.

Literature allows a person to step back in time and learn about life on earth from the ones who walked before us. We can gather a better understanding of culture and have a greater appreciation of them. We learn through the way history is recorded, in the forms of manuscripts and through speech itself.

Literature has had a major impact on the development of society. It has shaped civilisations, changed political systems and exposed injustice. Literature gives us a detailed preview of human experiences, allowing us to connect on basic levels of desire and emotion.

Literature reflects both good and bad values of society. In reflecting the bad values it makes us rectify and solve the issues. In reflection of good values in society it makes us to emulate. Often as reflection, literature presents a picture of what people think, say and do in society.

Language is an effective means through which literature is written and culture understood. Literature plays a very big part of every culture. Culture builds character. Character defines who we are as individuals and collectively as a nation.