For me Literature is nothing but the mirror of life. Whatever happens in our daily life it reflects it in its own way. There is a great need of literature for all d time..
I think literature is necessary because of language. It has the same function as that of speaking or discoursing about something. Through literature mankind has expressed itself and by doing so it has represented reality in its different forms and cultures. We continue doing so and will continue doing it through discourse.
I agree with Vijay more as the literature which reflects all walks of human life besides imagination and fantasy. One cannot improve language without reading literature.
Literature is a domain which really enhances critical thinking in students as well as in teachers. I hope you people may agree with me. The present world outside one's home undoubtedly demands this particular skill from every individual to the core.
Yes, literature provokes criticism besides critical thinking. It will take man into further imagination and compels towards creating different work of arts and takes man into multiple creative writing.