I think the power of great literature - the number one reason to read "the great books" - is that it helps us deal with the darkness mentioned by @meditationmann. All of us, sooner or later, must confront this darkness and literature gives us a way to understand the conflicting emotions inside of us. In some cases, literature gives us comfort during the exact moments we are experiencing darkness in our lives, because it helps us recognize the bonds of humanity that unite us all. In other cases, literature prepares us to handle this darkness in the future.
One memory in particular stands out, and it dates back to my high school English class. We were reading Shakespeare's "King Lear," and it was obvious that nobody was really getting it. We couldn't possibly understand the pain and darkness of a king who had lost everything - his daughters, his kingdom and his mind. What would you do if you lost everything, including the people most dear to you? That was the true genius of Shakespeare - to share the light and darkness and make it timeless.
Confirmed!
Thatโs a great comment. Thank you!