Literature Overview Quiz

Literature as an Art Form: A Brief Overview

Literature includes written works, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry, and can be used to record, preserve, and transmit knowledge and entertainment, as well as have social, psychological, spiritual, or political roles.
The definition of literature has expanded to include oral literature and non-fiction genres, such as biography, diaries, memoir, letters, and essays.
The term "literature" derives from Latin litteratura, meaning "learning, a writing, grammar," originally "writing formed with letters," and can be applied to spoken or sung texts.
Oral literature is an ancient human tradition found in "all corners of the world" and has been unveiled by modern archaeology through evidence of human efforts to preserve and transmit arts and knowledge that depended completely or partially on an oral tradition.
Writing systems emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Mesoamerica to record and present transactions in a permanent form, leading to the origins of modern practices of scientific inquiry and knowledge-consolidation.
Ancient Egyptian literature, along with Sumerian literature, are considered the world's oldest literatures, with primary genres including didactic texts, hymns and prayers, and tales, which were written almost entirely in verse.
In ancient China, early literature was primarily focused on philosophy, historiography, military science, agriculture, and poetry, and the most important works include the Classics of Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism, as well as works of military science and Chinese history.
Ancient Indian literature originated from stories that were originally orally transmitted and included drama, fables, sutras, and epic poetry, with the Vedas among the oldest sacred texts.
Ancient Greek literature was largely composed, performed, and transmitted orally, with the earliest poetry believed to have been recited or sung, and the earliest literature was completely so, with later genres including philosophy, poetry, historiography, comedies, and dramas.
The Torah is widely seen as a product of the Persian period and represents a major source of Christianity's Bible, which has had a major influence on Western literature.
The Qur'an had a significant influence on the Arab language and marked the beginning of Islamic literature, and Western Vernacular literature includes the Poetic Edda and the sagas, or heroic epics, of Iceland, Beowulf, and the Song of Hildebrandt.
Publishing became possible with the invention of writing but became more practical with the invention of printing, which made books less expensive to produce and more widely available.
Early printed books, single sheets, and images created before 1501 in Europe are known as incunables or incunabula.Literature: A Brief Overview
Printing enabled the production of millions of books, newspapers, and magazines, expanding the reach of literature.
English literary study started in the late 1820s, and it was promoted by growing political and social awareness in the utilitarian and Benthamite movements. Literature was seen as a means to propagate humanist cultural myths.
Literature was male-dominated until the nineteenth century, and it was only then that women started to gain recognition as writers. The first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature was Selma Lagerlöf in 1909.
Children's literature emerged in the eighteenth century, with educational books, books on conduct, and ABCs being the earliest forms.
Literary theory is concerned with defining literature, and literary fiction explores the human condition and may involve social commentary.
The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded annually to an author who has produced "the most outstanding work in an ideal direction."
Some researchers suggest that literary fiction can play a role in an individual's psychological development, and psychologists have also been using literature as a therapeutic tool.
Religion has had a significant influence on literature, with works like the Vedas, the Torah, the Bible, and the Qur'an being major examples.
Poetry traditionally makes greater use of aesthetic language than prose, although this distinction is becoming blurred with hybrid forms.
The novel emerged in the eighteenth century and has since become the dominant literary form.
A novella is a shorter form of a novel, while a short story is a narrative that can be distinguished from any other short narrative.
Graphic novels and comic books combine artwork, dialogue, and text to present stories.
Electronic literature is a literary genre created exclusively for digital devices.
Nonfiction literature includes travel writing, biography, autobiography, memoirs, journalism, letters, journals, history, philosophy, economics, scientific, and technical writings.
Drama is literature intended for performance, and the earliest form of drama that exists is Greek drama.
The copyright law of the United States has a long and complicated history dating back to colonial times, while copyright law in the European Union is largely harmonized.
Censorship of literature is employed by states, religious organizations, educational institutions, etc., to control what can be portrayed, spoken, performed, or written.Literature: An Overview
Literature is a creative and cultural form of expression that uses language to evoke emotions, convey ideas, and entertain or enlighten readers.
The study of literature encompasses various genres, including poetry, prose, drama, and nonfiction, as well as different literary periods and traditions.
Literature has been influenced by historical, social, and cultural contexts, and has played a significant role in shaping societies and cultures throughout history.
Some of the key elements of literature include plot, character, setting, theme, tone, and style, which are used to create meaning and convey messages to readers.
Some of the major literary movements and periods include Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Postmodernism, which reflect different cultural and intellectual perspectives.
Literature has been subject to censorship and controversy throughout history, with works being banned or restricted on the basis of their content, such as sexuality, violence, religion, or politics.
There are numerous literary awards recognizing achievement and contribution in literature, such as the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, the Man Booker International Prize, and the Pulitzer Prize.
The study of literature can provide insights into human nature, culture, and history, as well as foster critical thinking, empathy, and creativity.
Literature is a diverse and dynamic field that continues to evolve and adapt to new forms of expression and communication, such as digital media and globalization.
Some of the benefits of reading literature include improving language skills, expanding knowledge and perspectives, enhancing empathy and emotional intelligence, and promoting personal growth and well-being.
Some of the challenges and debates surrounding literature include issues of representation, diversity, canon formation, and the role of literature in society and politics.
Literature is an integral part of human experience and identity, and continues to inspire and challenge readers around the world.
Various resources are available for exploring and studying literature, including libraries, bookstores, online archives, literary journals, and academic programs and courses.