Topic 2: Purposes of Literature
Introduction
Hello, class! Today, we will explore one of the most fascinating aspects of literature — its
purposes. You’ve probably read a book that made you laugh, cry, or think deeply about the
world. Literature isn’t just “stories in print.” It’s a powerful tool that teaches, inspires, entertains,
and even changes societies. From ancient epics to modern novels, literature’s purposes are
woven into the fabric of human life, shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Identify and explain the different purposes of literature.
2. Relate these purposes to real-life applications, including current social and global issues
such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental protection,
mental health, and peace education.
3. Propose literary activities for K to 12 learners that align with these purposes.
Let’s Study This (Discussion)
Entertainment and Emotional Connection
One of the most immediate purposes of literature is to entertain. Entertainment in literature
does not simply mean “fun” — it also involves creating emotional engagement. A comedy can
make you laugh, a tragedy can move you to tears, and a suspense novel can keep you awake at
night. This emotional connection helps readers empathize with characters, even those from
cultures and times far removed from their own. It’s through this entertainment that literature also
supports mental health and wellness by offering an escape or a safe space to process emotions.
Education and Moral Instruction
Literature has always been a classroom without walls. From Aesop’s fables to modern
young adult novels, stories teach values, ethics, and life lessons. Many works reflect the UN
SDGs — for example, a children’s story about planting trees promotes environmental
stewardship (SDG 15: Life on Land), while a novel about resilience after a disaster can raise
awareness of disaster risk management. Literature can also teach peace education by showing the
consequences of conflict and the benefits of understanding diverse perspectives.
Social Critique and Advocacy
Beyond teaching, literature can be a voice for justice. It can challenge systems, highlight
inequality, and inspire reform. Think of novels like To Kill a Mockingbird or Noli Me Tangere
— both addressed social injustices in their respective contexts. Literature can expose corruption,
discrimination, or environmental degradation, urging readers toward positive action. For K to 12
learners, these works can foster critical thinking and civic engagement, essential skills for a
globalized, interconnected society.
Preservation of Culture and Identity
Literature also serves as a cultural time capsule. Folklore, epics, and historical narratives
preserve traditions, beliefs, and indigenous knowledge. This is key in promoting Peace, IP
(Indigenous Peoples), and Values Education. When we read works like the Hudhud chants of the
Ifugao, we’re not only enjoying a story — we’re safeguarding cultural heritage for future
generations. In a globalized world, this purpose helps maintain diversity while fostering respect
for different cultures.
Personal Growth and Inspiration
Finally, literature serves the deeply personal purpose of self-discovery. A reader may find
their identity reflected in a character’s journey, be motivated by a protagonist’s courage, or gain
clarity about their own values and choices. In this way, literature promotes mental health,
resilience, and personal development. It can inspire action — whether that’s pursuing a career,
making sustainable lifestyle choices, or standing up for justice.
Let’s Do This
Activity: Purpose Mapping Challenge
Instructions: In groups, select a short story, poem, or excerpt from a novel. Create a
visual map identifying its primary and secondary purposes (e.g., entertainment, moral
lesson, advocacy, cultural preservation, personal growth). Connect these purposes to
relevant UN SDGs or contemporary issues (e.g., mental health, environmental
protection). Present your map to the class with a short explanation.
Outcome: Students demonstrate the ability to analyze a literary work and relate it to both
literary purposes and real-world applications.
We study that….. (Generalization)
Literature’s purposes extend far beyond “telling a story.” It entertains, teaches, advocates,
preserves, and inspires. In every genre and every era, literature is both a mirror reflecting society
and a lamp guiding it forward. As future teachers, your challenge is to harness these purposes to
engage learners and help them see literature as both enjoyable and meaningful.
Let’s Answer This (Short Quiz – Multiple Choice)
Choose the best answer:
1. Which of the following is not a primary purpose of literature?
a) Entertainment
b) Social critique
c) Preservation of culture
d) Selling products
2. A children’s book promoting tree planting supports which UN SDG?
a) SDG 13
b) SDG 15
c) SDG 4
d) SDG 10
3. Which novel by José Rizal served as a social critique of Spanish colonial rule?
a) Florante at Laura
b) Noli Me Tangere
c) El Filibusterismo
d) Both b and c
4. Literature that preserves indigenous stories supports:
a) IP and Values Ed
b) Drug Education
c) Economic Development
d) Sports Promotion
5. Which purpose of literature is most directly linked to mental health?
a) Entertainment
b) Cultural preservation
c) Social critique
d) None of the above
6. Which of the following works is an example of literature as advocacy?
a) A romantic comedy novel
b) A textbook on grammar
c) A novel on climate change impacts
d) A collection of recipes
7. Literature that motivates readers to take action is serving the purpose of:
a) Entertainment
b) Inspiration
c) Cultural preservation
d) None of the above
8. Which is an example of literature as education?
a) A suspense thriller with no moral lesson
b) A historical novel teaching about past events
c) A gossip column
d) An advertisement
9. Which global issue is most aligned with literature focusing on disaster recovery?
a) SDG 14
b) Disaster Risk Management
c) Drug Education
d) Sports Promotion
10. Which of these purposes best fits the epic “Hudhud” of the Ifugao?
a) Entertainment only
b) Cultural preservation and education
c) Advocacy for climate change
d) Drug education
Answer Key: 1-d, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a, 5-a, 6-c, 7-b, 8-b, 9-b, 10-b
5-item Recall
1. Name two novels by José Rizal that served as social critique. Noli Me Tangere, El
Filibusterismo
2. Give one UN SDG that literature can help promote. SDG 15
3. What indigenous epic comes from the Ifugao people? Hudhud
4. Name one personal benefit literature can give a reader. Personal growth or self-reflection
5. What is one purpose of literature that helps protect cultural heritage? Preservation of
culture
Let’s Go Further (Enrichment Activity)
Task: Interview a family member or elder in your community about a story, song, or poem they
know from memory. Identify the purpose(s) of that piece of literature and connect it to a
contemporary issue or SDG. Write a 1-page reflection and be ready to share with the class.
I inquired about the stories my grandmother could recollect from her youth, and she relayed one
about planting rice and taking care of the land. That story fosters respect for nature and teaches
teamwork within the community. It relates to SDG 15 Life on Land, which refers to the
protection of the environment.
This story teaches personal lessons as well: children learn responsibility and patience and come
to understand that helping others isn't a burden. The lessons are simple but real, forming good
habits that lead to good choices.
I would use this story in the classroom. I would ask them what they learned and how they can
continue making a difference for the environment in their daily life. It contextualizes the story,
showing how literature connects to real life.
This is the type of story that would help a child learn about culture and values, to think about all
kinds of social issues and even environmental issues. If literature is used in this way with regard
to student development, students will learn and be given opportunities to do something within
their communities.
References
Baldick, C. (2015). The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press.
Nussbaum, M. C. (2010). Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities.
Princeton University Press.
UNESCO. (2021). Education for Sustainable Development Goals.
