Introduction to Literature

Introduction to Literature

What is Literature?

“Litera” – Latin word which literally means an

“acquaintance with letters”

What is Literature?

•Webster defines literature as anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the

ideas and feelings of people, whether it is true, or just a product of one’s

imagination

What is Literature?

It is a body of work, either written, oral, or visual, containing imaginative

language that realistically portrays thought, emotions, and

experiences of the human condition.

What is Literature?

• is a product of particular culture that concretizes man’s array of values, emotions,

actions and ideas. It is therefore a creation of human experiences that tells about people and

their world.

What is Literature?

Importance of Literature

•Studying literature is like looking at the mirror of life where man’s experiences, his innermost feelings and thoughts are reflected. •Through literature, we learn the culture of people across time and space.

Importance of Literature

•We understand not only the past life of a nation but also its present. •Moreover, we become familiar not

only with the culture of neighboring countries but also with that of others living very far from us.

LITERARY STANDARDS

UNIVERSALITYGreat literature is timeless and timely.

Forever relevant, it appeals to one and all, anytime, anywhere, because it deals with

elemental feelings, fundamental truths and universal conditions.

LITERARY STANDARDS

ArtistryThis is the quality that appeals to our sense of

beauty.

Intellectual ValueA literary works stimulates thought. It enriches

our mental life by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human

nature.

LITERARY STANDARDS

PermanenceA great work of literature endures.

It can be read again and again as each reading gives fresh delight and new insights and opens a

new world of meaning and experience. Its appeal is lasting.

LITERARY STANDARDS

StyleThis is the peculiar way in which writers sees life,

forms his ideas and expresses them.

LITERARY STANDARDS

Spiritual ValueLiterature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral

values which makes a better persons. The capacity to inspire is part of the spiritual

value of literature.

LITERARY STANDARDS

SuggestivenessThis is associated with the emotional

power of literature. Great literature moves us deeply and stirs our

feeling and imagination, giving and evoking visions above and beyond the plane of ordinary

life and experience.

Literary Approaches

Literary Approaches

Formalistic or Literary Approach The study of the selection is more or less

based on the so-called “literary elements”.

Literary Approaches

Moral or Humanistic Approach• Literature is viewed to discuss man and its nature. • It presents man as essentially rational; that is,

endowed with intellect and free will; or that the piece does not misinterpret the true nature of man.

• The approach is close to the “morality” of literature, to questions of ethical goodness or badness.

Literary Approaches Historical Approach

Literature is seen both as a reflection and product of the times and circumstances in which it was

written.

Literary Approaches

•Sociological Approach Literature Viewed as the expression of man within a given social situation which is reduced to

discussions on economy which will underscore the conflict between the two

classes- the rich and the poor.

Literary Approaches

Cultural ApproachLiterature is seen as one of the

manifestations and vehicles of a nation’s or race’s culture and tradition. It includes the

entire compels of what goes under “culture”

Literary Approaches

Psychological ApproachLiterature is viewed as the expression of “personality,”

of “inner drives” or “neurosis”. It includes the psychology of the author, of the characters, and even

the psychology of creation. It has resulted in an almost exhausting and exhaustive “psychological analysis” of characters, of symbols and

images, of recurrent themes, and others.

Literary Approaches

Impressionistic ApproachLiterature is viewed to elucidate “reacting-

response” which is considered as something very personal, relative and fruitful. Unconditioned by explanations and often taking the impact of the piece as a whole, it seeks to see how the piece

has communicated.

2 General Types of Literature

•Poetry •Prose

Genres of Literature

•Poetry•Short Story •Novel•Drama•Essay

ignatius joseph n estroga

ignatius joseph n estroga

Thank you so much & God is my strength