I am not suggesting that people should not be encouraged to read literature, just that the system of examining pupils on things which are not there is flawed. People should be encouraged to read literature as they are encourages to participate in sport and listen to music. But in your post I am worried by the phrase "wider culture of our nation". Culture is universal and people should be encouraged to appreciate it all. Its not a national thing, that kind of thinking has got us in the mess we are in at present.