Why do people dislike literature?

One answer is that some people, especially those who are forced to read "the great works" in school, may have a mistaken idea of literature's purpose. Literature is not written so that the wealthy and highly educated may discuss it as a pastime. The world's best writings, whether old or contemporary, reveal knowledge about the human condition to every reader; they show us how individuals react, grow, fail or succeed under great pressure and unusual circumstances. None of this will be readily apparent to those who are not receptive to this information. In addition, because authors try to be very precise, vivid and imaginative with their language, they sometimes use unfamiliar Words and complex descriptions or metaphors that require readers to think about the language being used and the meanings it denotes. Some readers, who are not dedicated to understanding what the author is trying to say, are not willing to put out the effort it takes to relate to the writing or its message. Hopefully readers will realize that literature is an artform, and not all readers will like all books, just as they will not like all paintings, types of music, sculptures, dance performances, plays or movies.