Defining Literature

• Literature serves as a reflection of culture, emotions, and ideas in human history
• Literature allows individuals to explore different perspectives and connect with diverse experiences and themes
• Literature enhances language skills, improves comprehension, and promotes critical thinking and communication
• Literature inspires, challenges, connects people, and fosters empathy, remaining a powerful force in shaping individuals and societies

Defining Literature

• Literature derives from the Latin word "littera", meaning "a letter of the alphabet"
• Literature is humankind's entire body of writing, the body of writing belonging to a given language or people, and individual pieces of writing
• Literature is defined as writings with excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest by Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
• Literature can be spoken work with artistic value, including poetry, novels, short stories, plays, and nonfiction in literary style

Key Literary Elements

• Characters are the people or entities central to the story, the root of all storytelling
• Protagonist is the main character, often the hero, through which the reader goes on a journey and learns valuable lessons
• Antagonist is the person standing in the way of the protagonist's goal, creating conflict
• Supporting Characters are friends, love interests, and family dynamics
• Foil Characters are two characters who may or may not be at odds but are opposite in every way

Narrative

• It is the perspective from which the events of the story are unfolding
• Its techniques tell stories, serving to entertain and to inform, depending on the central idea or message

Plot

• It consists of a sequence of events taking the protagonist on a journey
• Inciting Incident changes the protagonist's life and sends them on a different path
• Rising Action involves challenges on the way to achieving their goal
• Climax is the great showdown between the protagonist and their adversary
• Falling Action involves adjusting to the new landscape after the final battle
• Denouement wraps up all threads and answers questions, leaving the reader feeling satisfied

Conflict and Theme

• Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces that drives plot and creates tension
• Theme is the main idea or underlying message of a work

Voice

• It is the author's or narrator's unique style and personality
• A writer develops their core literary element simply by doing, by trying, by experimenting with word choice

Genres of Literature

• Poetry uses language to evoke emotion, create imagery through meter, rhyme, and various literary devices
• Fiction is not based on facts or real events, including novels, short stories, novellas, and graphic novels
• Drama is meant to be performed on stage, including plays, musicals, and operas
• Nonfiction is based on facts, real events, and actual characters, including biographies, memoirs, essays, and journalistic articles
• Prose uses grammatical structures and natural flow of speech without a fixed meter or rhyme scheme

Theories of Literature

• Literary theory refers to ideas and methods used to understand the deeper context of literature

Major Literary Theories

• Formalism emphasizes studying a text's form and style over its themes and subject matter, paying close attention to language, syntax, narrative techniques, and literary devices
• Structuralism analyzes underlying structures in cultural phenomena and emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system
• Post-structuralism deconstructs established structures, highlighting contradictions, ambiguities, and power dynamics
• Feminism advocates for women's rights and explores themes related to gender equality and the experiences of women in society
• Marxism focuses on themes related to class struggle, the critique of capitalism, and the advocacy for a classless society

Psychoanalysis

• Psychoanalytic theory is used to analyze how unconscious elements shape the narrative, themes, and symbolism of a work

Reading and the brain

• Strengthening neural pathways, improving memory, focus, and language skills
• Regular reading reduces stress, enhances mental well-being, and lowers the risk of cognitive decline

Cognitive Benefits of Reading

• Memory strengthens recall and mental flexibility
• Concentration demands sustained attention, improving focus over time
• Critical Thinking encourages deeper analysis and evaluation
• Vocabulary and communication skill expands vocabulary, boosts knowledge, and improves language skills

Emotional Benefits of Reading

• Stress Reduction provides comfort and distraction during anxiety
• Empathy Development helps readers connect with diverse emotions and experiences
• Mental Well-being engages the mind, reducing feelings of loneliness
• Cognitive Stimulation keeps the brain active and responsive
• Self-awareness encourages reflection and understanding of personal values
• Positive Self-esteem builds confidence through knowledge and achievement

Social Benefits of Reading

• Developing Community strengthens bonds by creating shared experiences
• Improving Social Problem-solving encourages open-mindedness and cooperation
• Promoting Conversation inspires discussions and thoughtful debates
• Broadening Cultural Awareness exposes readers to diverse histories, traditions, and customs
• Enhancing Communication Skills expands vocabulary and improves articulation
• Building Community encourages social connections through book clubs and literary events