Ler, ler bem, ler por inteiro: Sobre o papel da literatura na formação

If we want to reserve a worthy place for literature in anyone's education, we have to explain to those who have pressured us to teach literature through excerpts or summaries the need to focus on works and authors and not on the development of generic descriptive skills. To do this, we have to focus on the object of reading and not so much on what reading can do for us. We also have to explain, at best, the benefit of reading some entire works. In this essay, the defense of the role of literature in any educational path is made, exploring three arguments related to Pope Francis' letter "On the Role of Literature in Education," from July 2024. In a final point, difficulties are exposed, namely, whether we should read some works out of obligation.