ABSTRACT
Literature has some unique features that make it admirable. It is these features that possess the power that spark off the change in people. An understanding of these features helps us to understand literature better. Such features as Theme, Style, Plot, Character and Characterization, Setting etc. All these deal with peoples’ emotions and their environments. Literary appreciation, as well as criticism has helped to expose and entrench these features. In sum, literature through its aesthetic and artistry have shaped and affected the society positively. When you read any literary work, you find yourself in the work which expresses some of the features mentioned earlier.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
This research entitled “Literature” a vehicle for social change” sets out to study how literature can bring about change in the society.
In this research I might use the word “vehicle” and “tool” interchangeably, in addition to the words “change” and “development” in order to achieve the objective set for this work.
The issue of whether literature has the capacity to trigger off a revolution has been an enduring controversy. Some people believe it does not, while others argue that literature is of no use if writers write and no one reads what they write. A work of art becomes effective only when it is read. A writer and critic, Kole Omotoso has more to say on this;
The society has to use what it produces for literature to be relevant. For instance, had not responded to some of the 18th and 19th century novels depicting the suffering in Russia, the Russian revolution would not have happened. It was when a member of the British parliament read Charles Dickens’ representation of poetry in London in Oliver Twist that they decided in 1832 to come up with an education act.