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CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue4 
 

 

 Chinese Traditional Medical Journal 

DEVELOPING AND LEARNING SKILLS THROUGH 

ENGLISH LITERATURE 

 

Lii Jig, Qiuh Lihuag, 

, Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The First Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of 
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu China 

Radiology Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu China 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Introduction 

 

"Flying without engines is feasible, but it 

requires knowledge and ability." 

"Wilbur Wright," 

There's no getting around the need for 

training, as Wilbur Wright has shown time 

and time again. Literature aids students in 

developing a wide range of life skills and 

shows them how to put those talents to use 

in the real world. In the course of reading a 

literary work, a student is exposed to a 

wide range of literary elements. He/she 

acquires a better understanding of the 

abilities during the course of the book. 

Abstract 

Literature in English is more than just a tale and a few well-chosen words. The 

literature of the English-speaking world is not only a source of entertainment, but 

it also provides a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that we identify with reason 

and intelligence. It enables the complete growth of the learner via a range of 

sources and empowers the capability of the mind to explore through imagination. 

Literature encourages students to engage their imaginations, deepen their sense 

of empathy for others, and cultivate their own originality. Because of this, it aids 

in the development of one's whole character. 

 

It's possible to think of English literature as a subset of everyday life. There is 

more than one degree of communication in literary works. The learners' emotions 

and cognition are entwined in literary texts, which are representational. In order 

to have a better grasp of the world around them, literature provides a way for 

people to go beyond the present and look into the future. As today's world is 

more tough and competitive than it was in the past, the need for mental and 

emotional strength grows as well." To be successful, one must not only be clever, 

but also possess specific soft skills that allow them to cope with their 

surroundings and connect with others in an efficient and harmonious manner. 

Overall, English literature is a great tool for enhancing one's soft skills and 

applying them to other aspects of one's life. 

 

In my paper, I discussed the poems "The Village Blacksmith" and "A Psalm of 

Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

 

A positive view on life, hard effort, time management, and an eagerness to learn 

new things are all desirable qualities, as are the ability to live in the present 

moment, be present-oriented, and be able to think analytically and cognitively. 
 



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CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue4 
 

Students are inspired to learn these 

abilities via literature. 

 In English literature or any other literary 

form, there are no poems whose only 

purpose is to instruct and lead the reader. 

Poems like "The Village Blacksmith" and 

"A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth 

Longfellow reflect many of these life skills 

in a simple and profound manner. 

 

Discussion 

 

Having a well-balanced mind and a well-

balanced existence is essential in today's 

world. A cheerful outlook is the product of 

a well-balanced mind and life. The poetry 

of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow inspires 

students to approach life with a positive 

view and achieve greater achievement. In 

life, the spirit that complains about 

uncertainty and accomplishes nothing 

useful is a lifeless one. Learners are told 

not to be discouraged by the prospect of 

dying since it is unavoidable. 

Alternatively, people should recognise the 

significance of life's purpose and strive to 

attain it.  

Never tell me that life is nothing more than 

a meaningless dream, in sad choruses!" 

Because the slumbering spirit is dead, and 

nothing is quite as it seems. Real life 

exists! This life is serious! 

And the grave is not its last destination. 

"There is no alternative for hard effort, and 

no amount of hard work is worthless 

without effective time management. 

Decisions made at the correct moment may 

have favourable outcomes. Literature 

encourages one to work hard and 

efficiently by maximising one's time. In 

order to inspire future generations, it is 

important to put in the effort and make the 

most of one's limited time. To accomplish 

one's objectives and leave an impact on the 

world, one must work hard. Literature 

encourages us to make the most of our 

limited time and to serve as a role model 

for others in times of distress. In both "The 

Village Blacksmith" and "A Psalm of 

Life," we can trace this lesson. "Great 

men's lives serve as constant reminders of 

When we die, we leave behind footprints 

in the sands of time, and we may make our 

life magnificent. 

 

If there are any additional footprints, 

they're sailing across the sombre main of 

existence. 

 

Seeing, a bereaved and shipwrecked 

brother, will find hope once again." 

 

 

Throughout "The Village Blacksmith," the 

blacksmith works from dawn till dusk, and 

his life carries on. He maintains a strict 

schedule and always completes his tasks 

on schedule. He is an excellent manager of 

his time, and his hard work serves as an 

example to his whole family. This is an 

excellent example of how the dedication of 

one person may serve as an inspiration to 

others. 

 

His bellows may be heard all day and 

night, week after week." 

 

His huge hammer is swung with a steady 

pace and slow motion. 

 

When the sun goes down in the evening, 

it's like hearing the sexton ring the village 

bell. 

 

And, of course, youngsters returning from 

school. Look in via the open door. 

 

It is their favourite thing to watch the forge 

burn and hear the bellows rumble. 

 

Sparks fly like "threshing-floor chaff," and 

they may be captured. 

 

There is no substitute for hard work and 

effort if you want to succeed in life. It 

takes a lot of work to achieve in this world. 

One must hammer and mould one's 

thoughts and actions to become a better 

person with each passing day as a 

blacksmith does with his anvil. 



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CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue4 
 

 

Life's fortunes must be forged in the 

scorching forge of life, and each burning 

action and thought must be fashioned on 

its own anvil. 

A lifelong love of learning is instilled in us 

by literature. Every day, we should strive 

to improve on our previous performance 

and gain new knowledge. As a whole, 

literature provides a blueprint for how one 

should conduct their own lives. There are 

happy and sad times in everyone's life, no 

matter how old we become. It's important 

to keep in mind that nothing lasts forever, 

and that we must look beyond the 

pleasures and trials of life. We must work 

tirelessly every day if we want to progress 

in life 

 "Not happiness, not grief, but to act, so 

that each day brings us a step farther than 

the last." 

 

While he is working, he is also celebrating, 

and he is also weeping. 

 

Every morning a new work begins, and 

every evening it comes to an end. 

 

something that has been tried or completed 

"It's time to take a rest." 

 

It is literature that discusses and 

demonstrates the relevance of values in 

one's life. Literature helps pupils reclaim 

their origins in a world of ruthless 

competition. Honesty is a good policy, and 

people like "The Village Blacksmith" help 

illustrate that point. 

he works hard and gets as much money as 

he can, his forehead is drenched with 

honest perspiration." 

 

Despite the fact that he owes no one 

anything. 

 

The ability to conduct one's life with 

honour and dignity is a result of one's 

honesty. Honesty is a source of great joy 

and bravery in the face of the world. 

Working and earning his living honestly 

gives the blacksmith an unobstructed view 

of the world. One who is honest and true 

without any malice in nature is confident 

and self-assured.' 

 

One may learn to be a hero in their own 

life through reading. Be open to other 

people's views, but apply your own 

judgement and reasoning before making 

any decisions. In order to be a champion, 

one must take responsibility of one's life. 

 

The vast battleground of the universe is 

my bivouac, and I'm here to stay." 

 

Not like a herd of docile, stifled animals! 

"Be a hero amid the chaos!" Live in the 

now with literature. To be responsible does 

not imply ignoring one's own resources in 

favour of one's job. It encourages people to 

participate in a variety of activities and to 

give their utmost to each one. People 

nowadays, under the name of performing 

their duties, are chasing money and 

forgetting to live and appreciate what they 

already have. Literature teaches us to take 

lessons from the past, live in the present, 

and make the most of the current moment 

in order to brighten the future. 

"Don't put your faith in the future, no 

matter how lovely it may be!" Let the 

departed of the past rest in peace! 

 

In the here and now, take action! "God 

o'erhead, and the heart of the matter at 

hand." 

 

On Sundays, the blacksmith takes a break 

from his labour to go to church and pray, 

even though he works from dawn till dusk. 

When he's at work, he's focused on getting 

things done; at church, he simply listens to 

the pastor speak and pray; and when his 

daughter sings, he takes pleasure in the 

music. In this way, one learns to live in the 

moment and be grateful for what one has 

while still taking care of one's duties in 

life. 

 



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CTMJ | traditionalmedicinejournals.com                                       Chinese Traditional Medicine Journal | 2021 | Vol4 |Issue4 
 

"He attends church on Sundays and sits 

with his sons; 

The pastor prays and preaches to him. In 

the distance, he can make out the voice of 

his daughter. As a member of the local 

choir, 

And his heart is filled with joy," he says. 

Conclusion 

 

The importance of literature is instilled in 

students via literature. Readers scrutinise 

every word and strive to comprehend the 

poet's thoughts like they read any piece of 

literature. As a result, people are able to 

empathise with the poet's feelings. It aids 

in the development of the mental and 

emotional fortitude of students. Although 

literature may help students develop their 

analytical and cognitive abilities, it also 

helps them to empathise with others. 

 

References 

 

1.https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems

/44644/a-psalm-of-life 

2.http://www.hwlongfellow.org/poems  

poem.php?pid=38\s3. 

https://bookbloggerjitesh.wordpress.com/2

017/03/25/the-village-blacksmith-poem-

analysis-summary

/