Introduction to Literature

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of objective reality?

Human relationships

Human actions and experiences (correct)

Human emotions and feelings

Human thought processes

Which point of view uses the pronoun 'I'?

Second person

First person (correct)

Third person

Omniscient

What does 'diction' refer to in writing?

The choice of words and their meanings (correct)

The tone used by the writer

The arrangement of words in a sentence

The narrative structure of the text

In the structure of an essay, what is typically included in the introduction?

Background information and thesis statement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conflicts is classified as an external conflict?

Protagonist vs society Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest point of a story referred to as?

Climax Signup and view all the answers

Which style of essay primarily aims to teach and instruct the reader?

Formal or impersonal essay Signup and view all the answers

How is subjective reality primarily defined?

Based on human perceptions and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of poetry?

To stir the imagination and present ideals of life Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes prose from poetry?

Prose aims to convince and instruct. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of narrative poetry?

It is a poem that tells a story. Signup and view all the answers

What form of literature is defined as a short narrative that can be read in one sitting?

Short story Signup and view all the answers

What value of literature helps stimulate thought and enriches mental life?

Intellectual value Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a genre of writing that includes a written account of one's own life?

Autobiography Signup and view all the answers

What best defines drama in literature?

A form where the story is told through the words and actions of characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of a great work of literature regarding its longevity?

It can be read repeatedly with fresh insights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What Is Literature?

Originates from the Latin word "litera" meaning "letters."
Encompasses all written works, including poetry, prose, and drama.
Illuminates and reflects human life, struggles, ideals, failures, sacrifices, and happiness.
Considered one of the seven arts.

Key Characteristics of Literature

Artistry: Appeals to our sense of beauty.
Intellectual Value: Stimulates thought and provides insights into fundamental truths about life and human nature.
Spiritual Value: Elevates the spirit by emphasizing moral values and inspiring personal growth.
Permanence: A great work of literature endures, offering fresh delight and new insights with each rereading.

Forms of Literature

Poetry

Appeals primarily to emotions.
Aims to stir imagination and provide an ideal vision of how life should be.
Written in stanza or verse form.

Prose

Appeals primarily to intellect.
Aims to convince, instruct, or imitate.
Written in paragraph form.

Prose Drama

Entirely comprised of dialogue written in prose and intended to be acted on stage.

Prose Fiction

Invented or imagined narratives presented as true.

Other Prose Forms

Oration: A formal, eloquent speech delivered on a special occasion.
Address: A formal, carefully prepared speech, often attributed to the speaker's importance.
Autobiography: A written account of a person's life written by themselves.
Eulogy: A written tribute to a deceased person, event, or thing.
Talk: Suggests informality and typically refers to an impromptu speech.

Narrative Poetry

Tells a story through verse.

Prose Forms

Short Story: A brief fictional narrative in prose designed to be read in one sitting.
Novel: A longer fictional narrative in prose, distinguished from the short story by its complex plot and numerous complications and twists.
Essay: A short literary composition with an expository nature.
Drama: A form of literature where a story is told verbally through characters' speech and actions. It is designed for performance.

Important Literary Concepts

Objective Reality: Deals with human actions and experiences in the real world.
Subjective Reality: Focuses on human perception and comprehension, often influenced by individual feelings and perspectives.
Point of View: Reflects the writer's feelings and attitude towards their subject. It determines who tells the story, or the narrator.
- First Person: Uses the pronoun "I."
- Third Person: The writer acts as an observer and uses third-person pronouns.
- Omniscient: The writer-narrator has access to all characters' thoughts and feelings.

Elements of Poetry

Sense: Conveyed through the meaning of words, images, and symbols.
Sound: The result of a combination of poetic elements, creating rhythm and musicality.
Speaker: The voice that communicates with the reader.
Diction: Refers to the denotative (literal) and connotative (implied) meanings of words.
Word Order: The arrangement of words, both natural and unnatural, which can create emphasis or special effects.

Essay: Important Considerations

Theme and Content: Present ideas, describe events, and interpret experiences. They can also appraise, criticize, expand, comment, or celebrate.
Form and Structure: Orderly, systematic, and logical. The two major patterns are inductive and deductive. The three essential parts of an essay are the introduction, body, and conclusion. Expository devices like definition, description, narration, and analogy are used to develop the content.
Language and Style: Diction, choice of topics, personal bias, and attitude all shape the essay's language and style. Styles can range from humorous, whimsical, satirical, or optimistic.

Essay Types

Informal or Familiar Essay: Appeals more to emotions than to intellect.
Formal or Impersonal Essay: Objective, clear, and straightforward. Its main purpose is to teach and instruct.

Plot in Literature

Aristotle: Plot is the heart and soul of tragedy.
Conflict: Complications involving characters.
Resolution: The final statement of the story.
Plot: The outcome of the primary conflict.
External Conflict: Involves the protagonist against society (external conflict).
Setting: Introduced at the beginning of the story.
Climax: The most intense point of the story.
Deuterogamist: Secondary character in importance.
Interpersonal Conflict: Involves the protagonist versus an antagonist.
Internal Conflict: Involves the protagonist struggling with themselves (e.g., self-doubt, personal struggles).
Flat Character: One-dimensional character.
Round Character: Complex and multi-dimensional character.

Key Authors and Their Works

Jaime Ong: Viewed poetry as the essence of language.
Edgar Allan Poe: Defined poetry as the rhythmic creation of beauty.
Carlos Romulo: Famous for his essay "I Walked with Heroes."
Manuel Viray: Stated that poetry is the union of thoughts and feelings.
Paz Latorena: Well-known for her short story "Sunset."
Jose Garcia Villa: Author of "Footnote to Youth."
T.S. Eliot: Viewed poetry as a fusion of emotion and thought.
Francisco Benitez: Prominent figure in Philippine education, known for his writings on the "Educated Filipino Self."

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Description

Explore the essence of literature, its origin, key characteristics, and various forms such as poetry and prose. This quiz delves into how literature reflects human life and offers insights into our ideals and struggles. Test your understanding of the artistic, intellectual, and spiritual values inherent in great literary works.