Literature Definitions and Genres Quiz

Definition of Literature and Literary Genre

• Literature is an imaginative narration in oral or written form, designed to entertain, provoke thought, and evoke emotions.
• "Literature" originates from the Latin word "litera," meaning letter, reflecting its basis in communication.
• Good literature connects with human experiences, embodying man's ideas and emotions.

Hallmarks of Good Literature

• Artistry: Appeals to aesthetic sensibilities, showcasing beauty in expression.
• Intellectual Value: Provokes thought and enriches understanding of fundamental truths about life and human nature.
• Suggestiveness: Possesses emotional power that resonates deeply with readers.
• Spiritual Value: Elevates humanity by imparting moral values and lessons.
• Permanence: Offers timeless enjoyment and insight upon repeated readings.
• Universality: Timeless themes and conditions render great literature always relevant.

Types of Literary Genres

• Short Story:

  • A compact narrative focusing on a single event, character, or theme.
  • Generally contains a limited number of characters and is often structured in one unit of time and place.

• Novel:

  • A longer fictional narrative featuring complex plots with main and sub-plots, divided into chapters.

• Fables:

  • Short stories featuring anthropomorphized animals that convey moral lessons.

• Legends:

  • Narrative tales about historical figures or events, often rooted in cultural significance.

• Myth:

  • Stories that explore religious beliefs and supernatural occurrences, often featuring gods and demigods.

Division of Literature

• Prose:

  • Language structured without formal metrical arrangement.

• Essay:

  • A written piece allowing authors to convey ideas, feelings, or arguments.

Elements of Fiction

• Characters:

  • Representation of humans involved in conflict, essential for narrative progression.

• Types of Characters:

  • Round Character: Fully developed with diverse traits, capable of growth.
  • Flat Character: Stereotypical and lacks complexity, generally static.
  • Protagonist: The primary hero or heroine of the narrative.
  • Antagonist: A character opposing the protagonist, often a foil.

Narrative Structure

• Plot:

  • The organized sequence of events that arise from the main conflict.

• Narrative Order:

  • Can follow a chronological progression or employ flashbacks.

Plot Devices

• Flashback:

  • A scene set in a time prior to the main storyline, providing backstory.

• Foreshadowing:

  • Hints at future events, creating anticipation.

• Suspense:

  • A feeling of unease or uncertainty about the outcome, engaging the reader's emotions.