Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,3, University of Potsdam (Institut fr Anglistik und Amerikanistik), course: Why Literature?, language: English, abstract: It is this paper's aim and purpose to argue against a decline of literature from a metaphysical perspective, emphasizing the social dimension on the basis of Rita Felski's modes of textual engagement. To attempt such reasoning, it will at first be introduced an own definition of literature. The main focus will be put on rather psychological and metaphysical approaches to literature from Rita Felski, Daniel Albright and Derek Attridge. Their approaches to literature will be discussed to be able to deduce an own definition of literature that is appropriate to answer this paper's main question of what the potential of literature and also its value can be in the 21st century. To do this the Felski's four modes of textual engagement recognition, enchantment, knowledge and shock will be taken a closer look at.