Souping it up with grammar

What does language study and especially grammar have to do with appreciating quality literature and promoting enjoyment in reading? The Australian Curriculum: English (ACARA, 2014) advocates the interweaving of language, literature and literacy, but some generations recall from their own school days that bringing grammar and literature together could sometimes spoil the pleasure of reading: an exercise in 'death by parsing' where the grammar study seemed to dilute rather than enhance the joy and appreciation of literature. This was not always the case but it is a reminder that when integrating grammar study with literature and literacy we need to retain our usual concerns for engaging students and helping them see the relevance and value of the pursuit. So - how can learning about grammar enhance student understanding of and pleasure in reading literature? Can grammar add anything tasty to the mix?3 page(s