Literary Standards and Functions

Value of Literature

• Didactic value imparts moral lessons, improving societal customs and norms.
• Functional value expresses writers' thoughts and grievances about social and political issues.

Literary Standards

• Artistry appeals to beauty, enhancing the aesthetic experience.
• Intellectual value stimulates intellect and enriches understanding of life and human nature.
• Suggestiveness evokes deep feelings and stirs the imagination.
• Spiritual value uplifts the spirit and promotes moral growth.
• Permanence refers to a literary work's lasting appeal through repeated readings.
• Universality denotes timeless relevance, addressing fundamental truths and conditions.
• Style reflects the unique perspective and presentation of ideas by the writer.

Literary Genres

• Fiction comprises narratives from imagination, not bound to factual accuracy.
• Nonfiction encompasses short literary works reflecting an author's perspective, often analytic or interpretative.

Ingredients of Literature

• Form involves the artistic structuring of ideas in poetry and prose, influencing arrangement and pattern.
• Subject discusses the central theme, event, or human condition explored in literature.
• Point of View indicates the narrative perspective, influencing reader perception and character interpretation.

History and Timeline of Literature

• Literature originated in Sumer around 3200 BCE, evolving through civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
• Enheduanna, a high-priestess in ancient Ur, is recognized as the first named author, composing hymns to Inanna.
• Early Mesopotamian literature often focused on divine interactions, transitioning towards human character narratives over time.

Significant Literary Periods

• Native American literature was affected by European conquest, yet efforts were made to preserve oral traditions.
• Tudor Period marked religious shifts in England with significant literary figures like Edmund Spenser.
• Elizabethan Period featured early works of Shakespeare and contemporaries during Queen Elizabeth's reign.
• Jacobean Period is noted for Shakespeare's later works and contributions from other notable writers.
• The Caroline Age included writers under King Charles I, blending creativity with political themes.
• Commonwealth Period saw literature flourished under Cromwell, featuring works by Milton and others.

Literary Criticism

• Deconstructionism emphasizes text ambiguity, suggesting literature cannot convey a single meaning.
• Feminist criticism analyzes literature within social contexts, highlighting women's perspectives and contributions.
• Marxist criticism addresses the influence of socio-economic factors on language and literary expression.

New Criticism

• Focuses exclusively on textual elements, disregarding historical and authorial contexts.
• Key elements analyzed include plot, setting, characters (protagonist and antagonist), narrators, conflict, mood, and theme.

Literary Techniques

• Different from literary elements, techniques enhance understanding through artistic expression.
• Common techniques include:
  • Imagery: Uses descriptive language to create sensory experiences.
  • Simile: Compares two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., “My love is like a red red rose”).
  • Metaphor: Directly compares without "like" or "as" (e.g., "He is an old fox").
  • Hyperbole: Exaggerates claims for emphasis (e.g., "Your bag weighs a ton!").