Definition, Nature, and Scope of Literature

Definition, Nature, and Scope of Literature Literature -​ a body of written (or oral) works that express ideas, emotions, and stories through language, often reflecting human experiences, culture, society, and history. -​ can be an artistic reflection of life, providing insight into t...

Definition, Nature, and Scope of Literature Literature -​ a body of written (or oral) works that express ideas, emotions, and stories through language, often reflecting human experiences, culture, society, and history. -​ can be an artistic reflection of life, providing insight into the human condition, values, and beliefs, while also serving as a tool for communication, education, and social change. Nature of Literature 1.​ Artistic Expression - writers use language to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas in creative and meaningful ways. 2.​ Reflective - It mirrors the culture, society, history, and psychology of individuals and groups. It often provides insight into social and personal issues 3.​ Imaginative - involves imagination, whether in fiction or in the exploration of ideas, giving readers the opportunity to escape into new worlds or think critically about real ones. 4.​ Emotional and Intellectual Impactful - It has the power to evoke deep emotions, provoke thought, and challenge perspectives, allowing readers to connect with different characters, stories, and ideas. Scope of Literature 1.​ Fiction - Novels, short stories, and dramas that tell invented stories, often exploring human experiences and societal issues. 2.​ Non-Fiction - Essays, autobiographies, biographies, and​ historical works that provide factual accounts of real events or ideas. 3.​ Poetry - A genre focused on verse, rhyme, and rhythmic language to express feelings, concepts, and images. 4.​ Drama - Plays, screenplays, and scripts meant to be performed, exploring conflict, character, and dialogue. 5.​ Hybrid Forms - Contemporary literature often blurs the lines between genres, such as graphic novels, multimedia storytelling, and interactive narratives. Forms of Literature 1.​ Written - Traditional printed literature, including novels, essays, poems, and plays. 2.​ Oral - (e.g., folk tales, myths, legends, and songs) that was passed down verbally before being written. 3.​ Digital -includes digital forms like e-books, blogs, social media storytelling, and online narratives.  4.​ Visual and Multimedia - Graphic novels, movies, and other visual or interactive forms of storytelling also fit under the umbrella of literature in the modern age. LITERARY FORMS DURING PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD -​ Riddles - proverbs but differ in one thing—they demand an answer -​ Chants - used in witchcraft or enchantment, especially in remote places​ Lagaylay - used on a special occasion for the Pilarenos of Sorsogon during many time to get together -​ Legends - genres of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions perceived and believed both by the teller and listeners to have taken place within human history -​ Folktales - made up stories about life, adventure, love, horror, and humor where one can derive lessons -​ Epics - long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events, usually of a hero, are dealt with at length -​ Folksongs - songs mirrored the early forms of culture Philippine Literature in Different Periods Spanish Period (1521-1871) -​ May be classified as religious prose and poetry. Spanish Influence on Philippine Literature -​ The first Filipino alphabet, called BAYBAYIN was replaced by the Roman alphabet. Also, the teaching of the Christian doctrine became the basis religious practices. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro moro. Folk song -​ manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate appreciation for love and of beauty. -​ Some examples are Pamulinawen, Dandasoy, Sarong Banggi, Ati Cu Pung Sing-sing. Recreational Plays -​ There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost all of them were in poetic form such as Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salubong, Embayoka, Lagaylay, and Zarzuela. Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898)  -​ In the 19th century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Illustrados began to write about the hitch of Colonization. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) -​ This movement was spearheaded by the intellectual middle- class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Maria Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno. Some of Rizal’s Writings: Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Mi Ultimo Adios, Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinos and Filipinas Dentro de Cien Anos. Some of Del Pilar’s Writings: Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, Kaingat Kayo, and Dasalan at Tocsohan Some of Jaena’s Writings: Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile, Sa Mga Filipino, Everything is​ Hambug, and Talumpating Paggunita kay Kulumbus The American Regime (1898 - 1944) -​ Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers using the English language. Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse. Characteristics of literature during this period -​ The language used in writings were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of the different regions. But the writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue and the writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans. The Japanese Period (1941-1945) -​ Philippine literature was interrupted in its development when another foreign country, Japan, conquered the Philippines. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. This led to all newspapers not to be circulated in the community except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW Filipino poetry during this period -​ The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and arts. Three types of poems emerged during this period ​ Haiku - a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was​ made up of 17 syllables divided into three lines. ​ Tanaga - like the Haiku, is short, and has measure and rhyme ​ Karaniwang Anyo Philippine literature in English -​ Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and publishing of works in English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. For the first 20 years, many books were published both in Filipino and English. In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived. Rebirth of freedom(1946-1970) -​ The early post-liberation period was marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and spirit” posed by the sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild desire to print. Literary writing in vernacular became popular. The writers had better knowledge of their craft and enjoyed political activism. Period of activism(1970-1972) -​ Youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes.​ Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms. Literary Revolution -​ The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded a change in the government. It was manifested in the bloody demonstrations and the sidewalk expressions and also in literature. Period of the New Society (1972-1980) -​ This period started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca continued to give annual awards. Poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs, and the beauty of nature and surroundings. Newspapers donned new forms. -​ News on economic progress, discipline, culture, tourism, and the like were favored more than the sensationalized reporting of killings, rape, and robberries. Filipinos were also hooked on reading magazines and comics. Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985) -​ After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipinos, Martial Law was at last lifted on January 2, 1981. The Philippine became a new nation. Poems during this period were romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino  songs dealt with themes that were true-to-life like those of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of fellowmen. Post EDSA I Revolution (1986-1999) -​ the Filipino people regained their independence, which they lost 20 years ago. In four days Feb. 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power prevailed. In the short span of the existence of the real Republic of the Philippines, several changes already became evident. It was noticed in the new Filipino songs, newspapers, speeches, and even in the television programs.. 21st Century Period -​ The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs and tastes of the new generation. 21st century learners are demanded to be Information and Communication Technology inclined to compete with the style and format of the writings as well. New code or lingos are used to add flavor in the literary pieces produced nowadays. 21st Century Literary Genres Illustrated Novel ​ Story through text and illustrated images ​ 50% of the narrative is presented without words ​ The reader must interpret the images to comprehend the ​ story completely. ​ Textual portions are presented in traditional form. ​ Some illustrated novels may contain no text at all. ​ Span all genres. ​ Examples include The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and The Arrival by Shaun Tan. Digi Fiction ​ Triple Media Literature ​ Combines three media: book, movie/video and internet website ​ To get the full story, students must engage in navigation, reading, and viewing in all three forms. ​ Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek and Anthony Zuiker’s Level 26 are examples. Graphic Novels  ​ Narrative in comic book formats ​ Narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the reader using a comic form. ​ The term is employed in broadly manner, encompassing non-fiction works and thematically linked short stories as well as fictional stories across a number of genres. ​ Archie Comics by John Goldwater and illustrator, Bob Montana, is a good example. Manga ​ Japanese word for comics ​ It is used in the English-speaking world as a generic term for all comic books and graphic novels originally​ published in Japan. ​ Considered as an artistic and storytelling style. ​ Shonen- Boy’s Manga (Naruto, Bleach, One Piece) ​ Shojo- Girl’s Manga (Sailormoon) ​ Seinen- Men’s Manga (Akira) ​ Josei- Women’s Manga (Loveless, Paradise Kiss) ​ Kodomo- Children’s Manga (Doraemon, Hello Kitty) Doodle Fiction ​ Literary presentation where the author incorporates doodle writing, drawings, and handwritten graphics in place of the traditional font. ​ Drawing enhances the story, often adding humorous elements. ​ Examples include The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis Text-Talk Novels ​ Blogs, email and IM format narratives ​ Stories told almost entirely in dialogue simulating social network exchanges. Chick Literature ​ A fiction which addresses of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. ​ It typically features a woman protagonist whose womanhood is heavily depicted in the plot ​ Stories may include romantic relationships, friendships, and issues in the workplace. ​ It generally targets young women readers. Flash Fiction ​ Flash Fiction is a story narrated in a very brief way, but still offers plot and character development. ​ Varieties are identified by word count; six-word story stories (6), dribble or minisaga (50), drabble or microfiction (100) 280-character story or twitterature (280), sudden fiction (750), and flash​ fiction (1000). Science Fiction ​ Sci-Fi is a genre of speculative fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as futuristic science and technology, time travel, parallel universe and​ extraterrestrial life. ​ It often explores potential consequences of scientific and other innovations and has been called a “literature of ideas”. Literary Devices Literal Language - It means exactly what it says. Figurative Language - It uses idiomatic expressions and figures of speech to convey meaning in a way that differs from its literal meaning. Literary Techniques - These are specific methods of writing that authors use to express their ideas and enhance the impact of their work, such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, imagery, and symbolism. ​ Literary Devices - Writers use these specific tools to create effects​ and enhance language. Examples include metaphors, similes,​ personification, and alliteration. ​ Foreshadowing - Hints at future events in the story to create​ suspense and conflict ​ Imagery - Uses words to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind ​ Symbolism - Uses objects, people, or words to represent ideas,​ qualities, or themes within a story. It's a way for writers to add​  complexity and depth to their work, and to allow readers to interpret​ hidden meanings. Idiomatic Expression - It is a phrase or group of words that has a figurative or non-literal meaning that is different from the literal meanings of the individual words. Figures of Speech - It is a rhetorical device that uses creative language to convey meaning in a non-literal way. ​ Simile - Compares two things that are not related by definition using​ the words "like" or "as". For example, "Rachel is as bright as the​ sun". ​ Metaphor - Compares two things indirectly without using comparative​ terms like "like" or "as". For example, "The whole world is a stage". ​ Personification - Gives human characteristics to non-human things or​ inanimate objects. For example, "The wind whispered in my ears". ​ Hyperbole - Intentionally exaggerates the truth to emphasize the​ importance of something or create a comic effect. For example, "My​ backpack weighs a ton". ​ Onomatopoeia - A word that sounds like the sound it is describing. For​ example, “Hiss”, “Buzz”. ​ Apostrophe - Directly addressing a nonexistent person or an​ inanimate object as though it were a living being. For example: "Oh,​ you stupid car, you never work when I need you to," Bert sighed. ​ Alliteration - The repetition of an initial consonant sound. For​ example: She sells seashells by the seashore. Reading Techniques Skimming - It is reading rapidly to get a general overview of the material. Scanning - It is reading rapidly to find specific facts. Intensive reading - Also known as "reading to learn", this type of reading involves reading a text in detail to gain a deeper understanding of it. Extensive reading - Also known as "learning to read", this type of reading involves reading texts for enjoyment and to develop general reading skills. Reader’s Response Approach - It is a literary theory that focuses on how readers create meaning from a text. Transactional Reader-Response Approach - Meaning is created through the transaction between the reader and the text. The reader's personal experiences, emotions, and background knowledge interact with the words on the page to form an interpretation. Affective Reader-Response Approach - Focuses on the emotions and feelings evoked in the reader while engaging with the text. The emotional impact of the reading experience is central to interpretation. Subjective Reader-Response Approach - Readers construct their own unique meaning based on their individual perspectives and life experiences. This approach values personal interpretation, even if it deviates from traditional or common understandings. Social Reader-Response Approach - Meaning is shaped by the reader’s cultural, social, and communal context. Readers interpret texts not just as individuals but also as members of specific communities or societies. Interpretive Communities Approach - Readers belong to "interpretive communities" (e.g., based on culture, profession, or social groups), which share common ways of interpreting texts. Different communities might see a text in drastically different ways. Psychological Reader-Response Approach - Emphasizes the reader's subconscious, psychological state, or identity in shaping their response to a text. Textual Reading Approach - Textual analysis involves looking at the text as it is and what literary strategies it entails. There is an emphasis on analyzing the style of the piece, words used and the way in which the speaker delivers the message. Contextual Reading Approach - Contextual evidence on the other hand focuses on better understanding the reasons behind why a particular piece is written, looking at it as part of a bigger picture, not just words on a paper, but something that has a role in a particular time or event. Biographical Context - It is the background information about an author's life that influenced their writing. It includes their education, culture, beliefs, and experiences. ​ Education: The author's educational background ​ Culture: The author's cultural background ​ Beliefs: The author's beliefs and values ​ Experiences: The author's life experiences, including social and​ political conditions ​ Personal circumstances: The author's personal circumstances, such as​ the size of their family Historical Context - It is the social, economic, political, and cultural conditions that existed during a specific time and place. It's the setting for an event, idea, or object, and it helps us understand why and how things happened in the past. Linguistic Context - It is the words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs that surround a word or utterance and help determine its meaning. It can also refer to the social setting and the status of the speaker and audience. ​ It helps clarify the meaning of words and avoid ambiguity ​ It helps readers understand the nuances of word meanings ​ It enriches the reader's comprehension ASIAN LITERATURE Chinese Literature -​ dates back thousands of years, from the dynastic court poetry to the fictional novel that blossomed during the Ming dynasty to entertain the common literate Chinese  -​ establishment of woodblock printing during the Tang dynasty (from 618–907) and the invention of movable type printing during the Song dynasty (960–1279) gave rise to written Chinese literature Classical Poetry -​ Among the most important classics in Chinese literature is the Book of Changes, a divination manual based on eight trigrams. It existed during the Zhou dynasty. -​ Reached its peak in the tang dynasty -​ Two distinguished poets of the period were Li Po (Li Bai), known for the romanticism of his poems, and Tu Fu, a Confucian moralist. The Classic of Poetry -​ Is the earliest collection of poetry, consisting of 305 poems that included festival songs, hymns, and eulogies. The Classic of History -​ is a collection of documents of speeches written by rulers and officials of the Zhou period. The Classic of Rites -​ is a collection of texts that describes ancient rites and court ceremonies during the Zhou dynasty. It was written during the Warring States period. The Spring and Autumn Annals -​ It is a chronological history of the state of Lu. It contains monthly narrations of important events during the rule of the twelve leaders of Lu. The Analects of Confucius -​ It is a book of sayings recorded by his disciples. The Classic of Rites -​ is a collection of texts that describes ancient rites and court ceremonies during the Zhou dynasty. It was written during the Warring States period. Classical Prose -​ The Spring and Autumn periods contributed significantly to Chinese prose style. Mencius -​ He was noted for his elegant diction, while Zhuang Zi was revered for his use of metaphorical, anecdotal, and allegorical style. Vernacular fiction -​ Became popular after the 14th century. The greatest 18th century vernacular novel is Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin. Modern Chinese Literature ​ Modern Chinese literature began in the late Qing period (1895-1911), which was described as a period of active intellectual pursuits sparked by a nationalistic climate. ​ Chinese fiction became concerned with social problems, historical upheavals, and changing values. ​ Among the distinguished writers of the period are Li Boyuan, Liu E, and Zheng Peng. ​ One of the struggles of modern writers is the censorship imposed by the Chineses government on both journalism and literature, as evidenced by the blocking of certain websites and banning of some books from being sold in China. Japanese Literary Periods ​ The literature of Japan presents a rich source of beauty and new ideas highly significant to the West. The Western discovery of Japanese literature was aided by William George Aston’s A History of Japanese Literature first published in New York in 1899. ​ Chinese elements are regarded as a true part of Japanese literature. The literary forms of China, as well as the ideographic forms, are at the root of Japanese literature. ​ The Japanese have extensive literature spanning more than twelve centuries, which are divided into different period ​ Archaic Period was marked by two events that were the prime​ importance to the development of literature in Japan: a. Introduction of the art of writing (Kanji) from China b. First propagation of Buddhist religion ​ Nara Period was considered the Golden Age of Poetry, it began 710 AD when Nara was made the seat of the Mikado’s government and ended 794 AD when the capital was moved to Nagaoka. It produced two important literary works: Kojiki or Records of Ancient Matters, which contain the early traditions of the Japanese race, mythology, and legendary history; and Man’yoshu or Collection of Ten Thousand Poems, the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. ​ Heian Period -​ considered the classical age of Japanese literature. It refers to the period when Kioto or Heian-jo (City of Peace) was the real seat of the government. -​ It was largely the work of women; thus, literature during this period was gentle and domestic. ​ Kamakura-Muromachi -​ characterized by a constant state of warfare and turmoil and the decline of learning -​ This period saw the Buddhist monks as the chief maintainers of learning, the development of renga or lined verse, and the evolution of Noh drama, which consists of a one-act dance performed by male actors with extremely slow movements as they chant prose passages and sing verse sections. ​ Edo Period -​ was more voluminous and had a far wider range of subjects. It was produced by the merchant class and was considered as bawdy and worldly. -​ Kabuki was developed, a popular Japanese theater form consisting of colorful background, lively and emotional music, dancing, and exaggerated acting. The period saw the perfection of Haiku, a poem with 17 syllables in three lines of five. The famous Haiku writers were Basho, Kobayashi Issa, and Yosa Buson. ​ Meiji Era -​ Japan's reopening to the West and was a period of rapid industrialization. Haibun, a kind of composition that combines prose and haiku, flourished during this period. Kioka, which literally means “mad poetry,” also emerged during this period. -​ Modern Period, literature during this time is characterized by the denial of the worth of traditional writings and by themes of disaffection, loss of purpose, and coping with defeat as a result of World War II and Japan’s defeat. Prominent writers like Kenzaburo Oe, Kobo Abe, Shizuko Todo, and Kazuo Ishiguro identified with the intellectual and moral issues in their attempt to raise social and political consciousness. *In the 1980's, Japan established its prominence in the literary scene by producing the Manga which features retellings of ancient narratives and make use of modern experiences of the highly technological Japan. It became popular as a material for the leisure reading of children and young adults. Indian Literature -​ pertains not only to the literature of what we know as India today but also that of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Historically, these countries were considered one until the partition of India in 1947. In the case of literature, although no longer one, their literary tradition is unquestionably united. ​ Sanskrit -​ an ancient language that was used for writing epics and religious texts. Though it is no longer used by the majority, it is still considered an important part of Indian cultural heritage that is at par with the Latin and Greek of the West. ​ Most literary forms and works in Indian literature incorporate philosophical and religious concepts. ​ Panchatantra -​ ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables of Sanskrit in verse and prose, arranged within a frame story. -​ It literally translates to Five Principles “Pancha” meaning five and​ “Tantra” meaning principles. -​ often feature anthropomorphized animals with human characteristics. It has influenced Hindu culture and storytelling traditions around the world. ​ Vedas- (meaning knowledge), considered to be the oldest Hindu​ writings are a collection of sacred books written in Sanskrit. ​ Rig Veda - (knowledge of the verses) is a collection of 1028 sacred​ hymns and is divided into ten books called Mandalas. ​ Yajur Veda - (knowledge of the sacrifice) is a handbook for priests in​ the performance of sacrificial rituals. ​ Sama Veda - (knowledge of the melodies) is a collection of chants and​ melodies drawn from the Rig Veda and are to be sung during worship. ​ Atharva Veda - (knowledge of the fire priest) is a collection of charms,​ spells, and hymns, largely outside the scope of worship and Vedic​ sacrifice. ​ India prides itself as a civilization that holds some of the world’s oldest epics: Mahabharata by Vyasa and Ramayana by Valmiki. ​ Mahabharata -​ a group of poems in one. It narrates an ancient tale of war within a family caused by a desire for power. The entire text contains 100,000 lines, hence, it is considered as one of the longest literary masterpieces. ​ The Ramayana -​ takes its story from an episode in the Mahabharata and gives it a romantic treatment in the form of Kavya or court poetry. It centers on the life and adventures of the couple Ramachandra and Sita. ​ The tale of Savitri is another narrative found in the Mahabharata. It is told to the exiled king of the Pandavas by way of consoling him for the plight of his much-tired queen Draupadi. ​ Some of the notable contemporary authors of Indian literature include Arundhati Roy and Rabindranath Tagore. Roy was known for her famous novel, The God of Small Things (1997). It won the Man Booker Prize for fiction in 1997. Meanwhile, Tagore was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, some of his writings include Manasi (1890), Chitrangada (1892), and Sonar Tari (The Golden Boat, 1894).