Introduction to Literature

Study Notes

Literature reflects significant themes in human experiences, similar to how a mirror reveals aspects of oneself.
Literature is considered valuable artistic writing, especially novels, plays, and poems. This is according to the Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.

Literature involves a deep, personal articulation from the author through vivid imagery, masterful structure, and evocative metaphors.
Literature represents societal class struggles, examining the dynamics within communities.
Literature transcends storytelling to encompass the way a story is told, emphasizing both content and form.
Key characteristics of all writing include lasting value, exceptional form, imaginative merit, and emotional impact.

Literature enhances language proficiency.
Literature exposes readers to diverse cultures, life experiences, and historical contexts globally.
Literature provides insights into regions and societies that may be inaccessible.
Literature captivates and entertains readers.
Literature cultivates critical thinking and judgment skills.
Literature facilitates understanding diverse perspectives and comparisons to personal experiences.
Literature is instrumental in language development.

Genre, derived from the French word for "type" or "kind," categorizes literary works.
English literature encompasses numerous genres including Drama, Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry.
Subcategories within fiction include fantasy, folklore, historical, realistic, and others.
Similarly, Drama includes categories like comedy, tragedy, and tragicomedy.
Non-fiction covers biographies, auto-biographies, narrative writing, and periodicals.
Poetry includes lyric and narrative poetry, as well as dramatic poetry.

Fiction originates from the author's imagination, not real-world events.
Examples of fiction include plays, poems, short stories, and novels.
Non-fiction is based on true events or factual information
Non-fictional examples include journals, magazines, newspapers, and informational books like history.

Prose and poetry represent two primary writing formats.
Prose, derived from the Latin word 'prōsa' meaning “straightforward”, is the standard form of written language. Examples: newspapers, novels, and magazines.
Poetry employs specific arrangements of words to evoke a potent emotional response. Rooted in the Latin "poēta" (poet), poetry uses language for its unique aesthetic qualities that extend beyond its explicit meaning.

Prose generally does not utilize rhyme or rhythm, while poetry often incorporates these elements.
Prose utilizes complete sentences grouped into paragraphs for structure, whereas poetry employs lines within stanzas.
Prose often employs plain language, while poetry often utilizes more figurative and evocative language.
Prose is usually comprehensible with one reading, opposed to poetry where multiple readings are sometimes necessary for understanding.