In this paper, I discuss the role of culture in the second language classroom. I focus on one specific part of culture which is literature. I claim that it is of great importance to incorporate the teaching of culture and literature into the second language class since they help to increase cultural awareness, understand cultural similarities and differences. They also help to decrease the risks of misunderstanding, which is often rooted in unknown cultural differences. The aim of language teaching is to raise adaptable, tolerant and sensitive citizens, and literature and culture contribute to this process.