Unit 1: Introduction to American Literature PDF

EM 9. English-American Literature Week 1 Introduction Literature is considered as one of the most important forms of art that has ever been invented. It has helped a lot in the development of early civilizations and the modernization of the world as a whole. Experts also agree that literature is in...

EM 9. English-American Literature Week 1 Introduction Literature is considered as one of the most important forms of art that has ever been invented. It has helped a lot in the development of early civilizations and the modernization of the world as a whole. Experts also agree that literature is instrumental in bridging the gap and different culture. Bautista (2007), defines literature as the linguistic evidence of the mental and emotional attempt of people to shed light on human struggles and aspirations. Literature began as soon as the different forms of writing were invented by the early people who put into writing everything that they had observed in their surroundings. Aims of Literature Inspire and uplift the taste A person gets to appreciate a literary work if it would inspire him to become a better person. He is able to realize certain values and virtues essential for living. To read for pleasure Reading is a very good pastime because people could learn a lot from it. This activity enhances people’s perspective and thereby enables them to think rationally and analyze things critically so that one could come up with an informed opinion. Reading also develops one’s vocabulary which could be helpful in expressing ideas and thoughts. Widens experiences Experiences, as it is said, is the best teacher. By reading these literary texts, readers get to experience the things which they have not encountered before. This encounter is one of the priceless values that literature could offer. Broadens sympathies with other people By reading certain literary works, we are inspired to become better individuals and be more compassionate towards other people. We develop the attitude of becoming sensitive towards the feeling of other person and thus, we become humane. Values Derived from Literature 1) Intellectual- the way how a particular work is presented and what are the basic truths realized. It gives us more knowledge of things, it feeds our hungry minds so that we could thus become more learned and informed. 2) Emotional- the personal appeal made to the reader. A particular literary work could touch our soul by the emotional value that it carries and imparts. It could also bring about the best of ideas and at times, the worst among people. The emotional appeal made on the reader is one tool in measuring the effect or impact of a work. EM 9. English-American Literature Week 1 Some of the authors define the values of literature as the following: 3) Aesthetic – concerns with the beauty enclosed in a particular literary work, in terms of how it has been written, the lines and most especially the message it conveys. 4) Didactic – this value of literature which imparts moral aspects in which it can bring about improvement in the customs and norms of the society. 5) Functional – defines the use of literature. Most writers use their works as avenues in expressing their ideas and thoughts while others use their works in order to echo their grievances a social and political system either presently or in the past. Literary Standards The following are the important standards that must be considered in studying literature: 1. Artistry - It is a standard which appeals to the sense of beauty. This refers to the creative and skillful use of language, imagery, and narrative techniques to create a work that is aesthetically pleasing and engaging. Artistry involves crafting a piece of writing in a way that goes beyond mere functional communication. 2. Intellectual value - It is a standard which can stimulate one’s intellect and can enrich mental activity by realizing the basic truths in life and human nature. Literature often engages with complex ideas, themes, and intellectual challenges. It can provoke thought, stimulate intellectual curiosity, and offer insights into the human condition. 3. Suggestiveness – A good literary work moves and stirs deeply the feeling and imagination. Suggestiveness refers to the depth and layers of meaning within a literary work. A work that is suggestive leaves room for interpretation and invites readers to delve deeper into its themes and symbolism. 4. Spiritual value – Literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which can motivate readers to become better persons. This criterion suggests that literature can explore spiritual or philosophical questions, addressing matters of morality, ethics, and the human soul. It can provide insights into the spiritual aspects of human existence. 5. Permanence – A great work of literature endures. It can be read repeatedly for its appeal is lasting. Literary works that have enduring value and continue to resonate with audiences across time are often considered literature. These works capture universal themes and emotions that remain relevant over generations. 6. Universality – A great literary piece is timeless and timely. Forever relevant, it appeals to one and all, anytime, anywhere because it deals with universal and fundamental truths and conditions. Universality refers to the idea that literature transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. It explores themes and emotions that are relatable to people from different backgrounds and eras. 7. Style – It is the unique way in which a particular writer sees life, forms his ideas, and presents them to the readers. Style encompasses the author's unique voice, the choice of EM 9. English-American Literature Week 1 words, sentence structure, and overall tone of the writing. A distinctive style contributes to the artistic value of the work and can make it recognizable as the author's creation. Ingredients of Literature These refer to the very important aspects in a literary work that writers must adhere to. 1. Form – It is a verbal and artistic structuring of ideas in any literary piece. It may be in the form of stanzas, rhyme, meter for poetry; of arrangement of incidents in a particular plot or of the sequence in which ideas are developed for the novel, of the development and sequence of ideas for the essay. It is somehow always connected with arrangement and, in the larger sense, the satisfaction of man’s need for significant patterns. 2. Subject – Any work of literature is about something, and for this reason, it has a subject. It usually refers to a person or idea, events and human condition or system of value in which the topic of the poem deals with it. 3. Point of View – This is referred to the angle of vision of the narrator- first person omniscient, modified omniscient, etc. It could also mean the tone of the utterance that is the sense that the reader gains from the author’s attitude toward the subject. It deals with the problems of persons and irony, where the statement of characters and/or narrator are not necessarily those of the author. It is the voice through which a writer tells a story. How to Study Literature? Since literature is a complex subject as there are many texts that must be understood and analyzed, the reader must be able to grasp the desired message that each work tries to deliver. The following steps are the best ways to easily understand such literary texts: 1. Read the texts through once. These texts must be read in detail so as to familiarize the reader to all the elements in the story such as the main characters and plots. 2. Summarize each chapter using bullet points after reading a particular work for the second time as this will be helpful in case there may be revisions in the future. 3. Profiling each main character will be helpful. Make sure to include important details about the character as well as the things that he says or does and the links he or she was able to establish with other characters. 4. Make detailed notes. Include in your notes the main themes and the importance of each of the character in the story. 5. Read the text at least 3 times. This will aid the reader in an exam situation and can thereby develop familiarity in the storyline. 6. Study by heart the poems. It is important to know the basics of the poem such as the structure, themes with the storyline. 7. Remember the important statements said by some of the main characters in the story.