Nour's Critical Reading Summary PDF

Different Genres in Literature What is Literature and what are its genres? Literature is a broad term that includes all written works, but it is especially used for writings that are of high quality and have lasting value. Literature can be divided into two main categories: Fiction is st...

Different Genres in Literature What is Literature and what are its genres? Literature is a broad term that includes all written works, but it is especially used for writings that are of high quality and have lasting value. Literature can be divided into two main categories: Fiction is storytelling that is not based on real events. This includes novels, short stories, fairy tales, science fiction, poetry, drama and fantasy. Nonfiction is writing that is based on real events. This includes biographies, essays, memoirs and historical accounts. Literature is classified according to whether it is poetry, prose or drama, and such works are categorized according to historical periods, or their adherence to certain aesthetic features, or genre. Our main three literary productions are: Literature encompasses a diverse range of genres, each with its own unique characteristics and conventions. Poetry Drama Novel While these genres share common elements like theme, plot, and characters, their specific qualities elevate them as distinct art forms. Poetry's musicality, novels' narrative depth, and dramas' staged expression set them apart, each offering a unique and enriching literary experience. The relation of a text with a certain literary theory: Literary theory helps us understand and appreciate literature better. It's like a set of tools we use to unlock the hidden meanings in books. Textual studies, on the other hand, focuses on the physical aspects of books, like their history, publication details, and different editions. Together, literary theory and textual studies give us a deeper understanding of literature. What are texture studies? Textual studies explore how texts are created, shared, and interpreted. It's like studying the life cycle of a book, from its birth to its impact on readers. Reading, Interpreting and Criticizing How to give a critical appreciation? Step One: Reading ➾ Step two: Interpreting ➾ Step three: Criticizing Reading: Reading is a skill that allows us to understand written text. It is an unconscious activity for those who have mastered a language. As we read, our minds form a storyline, storyboard, or plot of what is happening in the text. This gives us a broad or general understanding of what the writer is trying to say. The story we form is the result of this step. We begin to formulate a rough or general understanding of the text. Eventually reading will help you find three important codes: Linguistic code Generic code Cultural code Linguistic code: Language is the base here, so mastering the language means understanding the full meaning at hand. It is the basis of all codes present in the text. Generic code: are those acting within the rules and framework of each genre; novel, poetry, drama, criticism, short story, children’s literature etc. Cultural code: are the background information one knows about the text. They can be social, historical, political, etc. information Interpreting the text:  Interpreting a text is a process of finding meaning from the words written. It involves a shift from simply summarizing the events to engaging in a mental discussion about the deeper meanings behind the text. The reader/audience plays an active role in this process by constantly seeking answers and interpreting meanings to gain a clearer understanding of the text. Uncovering the meaning(s) or theme(s) of the text allows the reader to go beyond a surface-level understanding and connect with the author's intentions and messages. Criticizing the text: Criticizing a text involves going beyond a basic understanding and engaging in a more profound analysis. It's about connecting the text to broader literary concepts and schools of thought. Key points: Criticizing a text requires a mature and advanced understanding of literature. Through analysis, we can identify the themes and codes embedded within the text. Critiquing a text elevates our understanding beyond surface-level interpretations. We can link the text to broader literary movements and schools of thought. Literary criticism allows us to appreciate the text's depth and sophistication. Literature is a broad term that includes all written works, but it is especially used for writings that are of high quality and have lasting value. Literature can be divided into two main categories: Fiction is storytelling that is not based on real events. This includes novels, short stories, fairy tales, science fiction, poetry, drama and fantasy. Nonfiction is writing that is based on real events. This includes biographies, essays, memoirs and historical accounts. The three main genres: Poetry, Drama, and Novel are three main genres that utilize language to shape and present human experiences. Each poem, play or novel is a literary text that delivers a certain message and meaning to its audience. Poem Speech Play Action Novel Writing