How does Tong Qingbing's " A Course in Literature Theory " describe the function of literature? As a cultural phenomenon, literature has many functions, including: 1. Esthetic entertainment function: Literature is a special art that can satisfy people's aesthetic needs and bring pleasure and enjoyment. 2. Function of cultural inheritance: Literature, as a cultural heritage, can inherit and carry forward excellent cultural traditions and values, providing spiritual guidance and enlightenment to people. 3. social education function: literature can reflect social reality, reveal social laws, inspire people to think about social problems, and cultivate people's sense of social responsibility and social awareness. 4. Enlightenment function: literature has profound thoughts and can enlighten people's thoughts and outlook on life, guide people to view the world and life correctly, and improve people's mental state and humane quality. 5. Function of aesthetic experience: Literature is not only an art form but also an aesthetic experience. It could bring people the enjoyment of beauty and stimulate people's love and pursuit of beauty. The function of literature is an important feature of literature as a cultural phenomenon. Different literary forms and literary works can play different roles in different social and cultural backgrounds.