Overview of Literature and Poetry

Literature Overview

• Literature encompasses letters, which can be either oral or written forms of communication.

Body of Written Works

• Written works include imaginative and creative pieces, particularly poetry and prose.
• Classification of literature is based on various criteria such as language, natural origin, historical context, genre, and subject matter.

Literary Text Characteristics

• Literary texts involve a vast range of written literature that serves to:
  • Narrate a story.
  • Convey significant messages or information.
  • Express a variety of feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
• Literary structure involves both content and form, governing how stories are organized.
• Organizational methods involve the arrangement of purpose, style, and genre within stanzas.
• Identifiable features include genre characteristics, stylistic elements, trends within literature, and the broader definition of art.

Poetry

• Poetry is categorized into two main forms:
  • Metrical structures, which emphasize rhythm and meter.
  • Dramatic and narrative forms, including lyric poetry.
• Prose differs from poetry by lacking specific measurement, characterized by a normal flow of words.
• Prose includes both fictive works and non-fictive accounts.

Literary Elements

• Key identifiable characteristics of literature include:
  • Setting: The environment in which a story takes place.
  • Character: The individuals involved in the story.
  • Conflict: The central struggle between opposing forces.
  • Theme: The underlying message or main idea.
  • Point of View (P.O.V.): The perspective from which the story is told.
• Plot structure consists of:
  • Exposition: Introduction of background information.
  • Rising Action: Development of conflict leading to the climax.
  • Climax: The peak of tension in the narrative.
  • Falling Action: Events following the climax leading to resolution.
  • Denouement: The conclusion or resolution of the story.