Literature PDF

# Definition Definitions of literature have varied over time. In Western Europe prior to the eighteenth century, literature as a term indicated all books and writing. A more restricted sense of the term emerged during the Romantic period, in which it began to demarcate "imaginative" literature....

# Definition Definitions of literature have varied over time. In Western Europe prior to the eighteenth century, literature as a term indicated all books and writing. A more restricted sense of the term emerged during the Romantic period, in which it began to demarcate "imaginative" literature. # Prose vs Poetry ## Prose Prose is a form of language that possesses ordinary syntax and natural speech rather than rhythmic structure. In which regard, along with its measurement in sentences rather than lines, it differs from poetry. ## Poetry Poetry has traditionally been distinguished from prose by its being set in verse. Prose is cast in sentences, poetry in lines. The syntax of prose is dictated by meaning, whereas that of poetry is held across metre or the visual aspects of the poem. # Defining Literature Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin *litaritura/litteratura* "writing formed with letters," although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. "If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads" - Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 - April 27, 1882) # LIT 2 - Readings on World's Literary Masterpieces ## Unit 1 - An Introduction to Literature Source/Reference: Introduction to Literature. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/introlite rature/chapter/defining-literature/ # Reading of Literature - Scanning - Evaluating - Explaining - Discussing - Skimming - Assessing - Critical Thinking - Previewing # Contemporary Debates Contemporary debates over what constitutes literature can be seen as returning to the older, to the older, more inclusive notion of what constitutes literature. Cultural studies, for instance, takes as its subject of analysis both popular and minority genres, in addition to canonical works. # History of Literature Taken to mean only written works, literature was first produced by some of the world's earliest civilizations - those of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria - as early as the 4th millennium BC. Taken to included spoken or sung texts, it originated even earlier, and some of the first written works may have been based on a pre-existing oral tradition. A masterpiece refers to a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of outstanding creativity, skill, or workmanship. # Prose vs Poetry ## Poetry Poetry is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, prosaic ostensible meaning (ordinary intended meaning). It possesses universality, artistry, permanence, and uniqueness. It can stimulate thoughts from its intellectual value and may lead to mold the moral and emotional aspect. # Fiction vs Nonfiction - **Fiction** is the creation of the plot, the characters and the setting that are created by the author's imagination. - **Nonfiction** refers to stories that are based on events that actually happened in reality, the characters are real people too. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel) (March 2, 1904 - September 24, 1991) # Ancient Egypt # Further Distinguished It can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and works are often categorized according historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations (genre).