Language and literature are difficult to separate since they are closely intertwined with strong bonds. Language teachers, we believe, have an important role in the inclusion of literature in language classes. In this context, the perception of language teachers and instructors are utmost importance in using literature in language teaching processes since they carry their beliefs to their language teaching environments. This qualitative study aims to investigate the perceptions of English language teachers and instructors towards the use of literature in language teaching by collecting data with open-ended questions. A total of 101 English teachers and instructors participated in the study and content analysis was applied to analyze the data. Findings revealed that most English teachers were aware of the importance of using and benefiting from literature while teaching English and made remarks regarding the types of literature such as novels, poems and short stories. Moreover, they believe that using literature can contribute to students' understanding about the target culture and enable them to learn English better. However, specific reference to imagination was so rare among the participants and the relevant literature. This implies the need to raise the need to produce ways of benefiting from the imaginative and creative productions of fiction. The ways to tap into imagination should not be limited to literature conceptualization of which is limited to canonic literature and should include use of English literature, literature in English as well as literature in other languages to the teaching of English language. The study also provides recommendations and implications towards the use of literature in English language teaching.