Uses of Literature

Uses of Literature bridges the gap between literary theoryand common-sense beliefs about why we read literature. * Explores the diverse motives and mysteries of why we read * Offers four different ways of thinking about why we readliterature - for recognition, enchantment, knowledge, andshock * Argues for a new "phenomenology" in literarystudies that incorporates the historical and social dimensions ofreading * Includes examples of literature from a wide range of nationalliterary traditions