LITERATURE AN INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE IN SCHOOLS AND THE SOCIETY

The trust of this paper is to examine the subject of concern which is moral decadence amongst school students considering the instrument of Literature in English to amend such decadence; thus looking vividly into the roles of literature in bringing about a better mind. This could be achieved through the provision of various experiences of other cultures, provision of insight into the nature and potentials of man, enhancement of constructive thought on important issues and ideas, development of competency in the use of language and the spirit of creativity. Fifteen item questions was design for the purpose, in addition to reading from some Literature in English books reviewed. The field report from the items revealed that Literature can improve the morals of students as it reflects the thinking patter and prevalence of occurrence in the society. Misconduct and decadence found in the school system amidst students and the society which ranges from; violence, deceit, selfishness, financial embezzlement, all-cultic society, robbery and so on can be ameliorated if the method in which teachers teach literature depicts the morality as found in literary works. Empirical studies reviewed in the paper revealed how Literature in English can be used to minimize, curb and abrogate the miscreants in the school system through the morality it portrays. In view of this, suggestions on how to make literature perform its enviable roles in making a better man are recommended.