Defining Literature: Approaches and Criteria

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of literature, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary?

Literature includes printed matter of various forms. (correct)

Literature is purely fictional works.

Literature is exclusively poetry.

Literature is always didactic in nature.

Which historical figure is regarded as the world's first author known by name?

Herodotus

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Homer

Enheduanna (correct)

What is the main purpose of Mesopotamian Naru Literature?

To critique societal norms.

To entertain with fictional stories.

To provide historical accounts.

To present a moral, cultural, and religious point. (correct)

What major theme does Goethe's 'Faust' primarily explore?

The dangers of excessive knowledge and ambition. Signup and view all the answers

How does David Damrosch describe a literary work's relationship to its place of origin after it is translated?

It has two foci, one in each country. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'weltliteratur' signify according to Goethe?

The total body of world national literatures. Signup and view all the answers

How were Homer’s odes perceived in relation to sacred texts?

They were esteemed as sacred like religious writings. Signup and view all the answers

What is Herodotus widely recognized as?

The first historian. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'littera' refer to in relation to literature?

Letters Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to defining literature uses a checklist of criteria that must be met?

The Checklist Approach Signup and view all the answers

According to the Criterial Approach, how are boundaries defined?

Clear and inflexible Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prototype Approach focus on when defining literature?

A single best example of literature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics mentioned for literature in the Literary Prototype?

Is entirely factual Signup and view all the answers

How is literature casually defined according to the examples provided?

Any text worthy to be taught to students Signup and view all the answers

What type of work does the Literary Prototype suggest literature generally falls under?

Literary genres like poetry and drama Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'many weak implicatures' imply about literature in the Literary Prototype?

Literature allows for multiple interpretations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Literature

Literature comes from the Latin word “littera” which means “letters”
There are two approaches to defining Literature: the criterial approach and the prototype approach
The Criterial approach uses a checklist of criteria that literature must meet
The Prototype approach uses established prototypes to which other examples bear some resemblance

The Criterial approach to defining literature

Uses a list of criteria to define a word, and if all criteria are checked off, the word applies
Characterized by clear, inflexible boundaries
Literature is often described as:
- written
- of quality, using artistic language
- relevant to the past, present, and future
Some definitions of literature emphasize literature’s pedagogical purpose:
- worthy to be taught to students by teachers of literature

The Prototype Approach

Developed by Ludwig Wittgenstein
Focuses on prototypes, which are good examples of the word, to which other examples bear some resemblance
Examples of the prototype approach may have similar characteristics, but not all characteristics are the same.

The Literary Prototype

Jim Meyer defines the literary prototype as:
- Written text
- Marked by careful use of language, including creative metaphors
- Found in literary genres (poetry, prose fiction, drama)
- Read aesthetically
- Intended to be read aesthetically
- Open to interpretation

Oxford English Dictionary Definition of Literature

Uses two definitions for literature
Big "L" literature is “printed matter of any kind; especially leaflets, brochures, etc., used to advertise products or provide information and advice”
Small “l” literature is “written work valued for superior or lasting artistic merit”

Early Literature

Ur, Enheduanna is the world’s first author known by name
She lived from 2285 to 2250 BCE and was a high- priestess
Homer’s odes were considered to be true and sacred
Early literary works are often didactic in approach (intended to teach), having moral instruction as an ulterior motive and often religious purpose
Herodotus is widely credited as the first historian and is often referred to as “The Father of History”

Mesopotamian Naru Literature

The purpose of Naru Literature was to emphasize moral, cultural, and religious points

What is World Literature

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe introduced the concept of “weltliteratur” in 1827
He is considered the greatest German literary figure in modern era
Goethe is known for his two-part tragic play “Faust, a Tragedy”
World literature refers to the sum total of the world’s national literature
To be considered world literature, it has to be speak to people of more than one nationality, transcending borders
World literature involves processes of circulation, translation, and production
David Damrosch is an American literary historian
Damrosch believes that a literary work never really leaves its place of origin, but instead has two foci: one in the host country and one in the original country.
Some translated works maintain or lose their meaning in translation

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Description

Explore the various ways of defining literature through two main approaches: the criterial approach, which uses strict criteria, and the prototype approach, based on examples. This quiz delves into the characteristics and educational significance of literature, showcasing its timeless relevance.