Literature has been a large part of our education systems for centuries. From the many timeless works of William Shakespeare, to the Great Expectations of Charles Dickens, literature has provided generations of budding intellects with the wisdom of eras combined.
and Poetry, beauty is expressed through words, but those words can (and often do) include the metaphors, similes, assonance, and all the other wonderful poetic techniques which aren't available in every day speech. (At least, not in a way that wouldn't sound silly.)
I believe there is abundant value in learning English Literature,
even today, as it offers lessons that cannot be simply learned from other school subjects such as Maths or Science. Literature helps explore and analyse some of life's greatest questions and assists young people in gaining the skills required for a deeper thought process to life.