Understanding the Stages of

Literary Appreciation
Nilsen, A. & Donelson, K. (2009). Literature
for todays young adult. (8
th
ed.). Boston:
Pearson Education Inc. pp. 10-16
English 326
Prof. Shirley Santiago de Jimnez
Revised 2009
What is literary appreciation?
It is the ability to:
gain pleasure and understanding
for literature
understand the value and
importance of literature
esteem, honor, respect, and/or
admire the beauty and
complexity of literature
What is literature?
Literature (Big L)
Classics that have been
read over and over
again or have been
acclaimed throughout
the years (literary
awards)
Works that are
considered exemplary
because they provide
knowledge and
understanding of the
world and man
What is literature?
literature (little l)
Broadly, anything
that is written (such
as novels, poems,
plays, and articles)
Written works with
popular appeal
What are the stages of literary
appreciation?
They are an approximation of the
different levels of how individuals
develop the personal attitudes
and reading, watching , and
listening skills that are a
necessary part of literary
appreciation.
Each developmental stage or level
(Nilsen and Donelson, 2009) is
characterized by :
An optimal age (or grade level)
Sample literary materials
Sample actions or activities
Two important points to
remember:
(1) People do not go through these
stages of development; instead they
add on so that at each level they have
all they have had before plus a new
way to gain pleasure and
understanding.
(2) The development of literary
appreciation begins long before
children learn to read and continues
throughout adulthood until death.
Level 1: Understanding that Pleasure and
Profit Come from Literature
( Ages 0-5: Pre-School)
Literature can refer to oral
manifestations (songs and nursery
rhymes) as well as graphic or visual
depictions (picture books, television
programs, and appealing signs)
Ad Council Media: Piggies
Level 1 (cont.)
The literary experience is a social one
Adults sharing; going to bookstores
and libraries; talking about T.V.
programs and movies
Ad Council Media: Supermarket
Children have opportunities for
talking stories" and grand
conversations
Level 2: Learning to Read (Decode)
(Ages 6-8: Grades 1-3)
Children are developing literacy (a process
that is never-ending for anyone who is
intellectually active.)
One must not lose sight of those children who
are struggling with literacy and subsequently
lose sight of the search for pleasure and
enjoyment
functional illiteracy vs. conventional illiteracy
Those children who learn to read easily are
undemanding and in a stage of unconscious
enjoyment becoming addicted to one
particular book or character (allowing for the
development of speed and skill)
Level 3: Losing Oneself in a Story
(Ages 9-11: Grades 4-6 )
Time outside of school for reading, less
television time, and uninterrupted
conversation is essential. (Distractions do not
help to develop appreciation for reading!)
Children read while engaged in other
activities.
Reading can become a means of escaping.
This developmental stage may not occur until
much later than the 4th or 5th grades, or it
may not happen at all.
Level 4: Finding Oneself in a Story
(Ages 12-14: Junior High)
Adolescence
At this stage, the more experience young
people have with literature (books or
movies), the more discriminating they
become.
To receive pleasure, they have to respect the
story; it has to be real!
They want to know not what happened , but
why; stereotypes are no longer satisfying;
characters have to be believable.
They are reading to find out about
themselves, not simply to escape into
someone elses experiences.
Level 4: Finding Oneself in a Story
(Ages 12-14: Junior High) cont.
They are looking for lives as much like their
own as possible.
In addition, they are curious about other
sides of life ( e.g. the bizarre, the
unbelievable, the grotesque)
Their purpose is largely that of finding
themselves and where they fit in society.
The Bottom Line:
Reading is a means of discovering identity.
Level 5: Venturing Beyond Self
(Ages 15-18: High School)
The person goes beyond his/her egocentrism
and looks at the larger circle of society
(going beyond me).
Issues such as conformity, social pressures,
justice, and human weaknesses and strengths
Teenagers are responsible for assessing the
world around them and where they fit in.
This stage is more about emotional,
intellectual and physical development instead
of advanced reading skills.
Reading at this level allows for focusing on the
persons psychological needs in relation to
society. (Science fiction and fantasy help to
create new ideas about the existing society.)
Levels 6 and 7: Reading Widely and
Aesthetic Appreciation (Ages 18 - Death)
At the college level, the young adult reads
best-sellers and is involved in acclaimed
literary works such as novels, plays, and
films, sharing these experiences with peers.
Throughout adulthood, the avid reader who
has developed the skills and attitudes
necessary to enjoy literary experiences at all
the previous levels, is ready to embark on a
lifetime of aesthetic appreciation
(understanding the beauty and artistic value).
What is the importance of understanding
the different stages of literary
appreciation?
In order to appreciate literature, people at
any stage must experience pleasure and
profit from their reading, viewing, and
listening.
As (future) teachers and parents, we must
meet young people where they are and help
them feel comfortable before trying to move
them on.
Nevertheless, we have to continue to provide for
the level below the one we are focusing so as not
to frustrate them!
The Goal:
A society of adults who are
intellectually stimulated to read for
personal fulfillment and pleasure
and understand that it is beneficial!