The established notion of literature: - It is very difficult to define literature. It primarily refers to written compositions or texts or the “rasa-imbued texts that give aesthetic delight. Besides written literature, we have also oral literature, in the form of songs or chanting .Indian tribal literature is the best example as far as oral literature is concerned.
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines literature : “Pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines etc.
Chief Characteristics of Literature
The Chief Characteristics of literature: We are now in a position to enlist some of the essential qualities of literature. They are-
(i) Literature is artistic:- Literature is characterized by its artistic quality ; it is the expression of life in words of truth and beauty .That’s why , we have many writers but few artists. Let’s quote last two lines of John Keats’ Ode: On a Grecian Urn: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,-that is all, Ye know on Earth, and all ye need to know”.
(ii) Literature is suggestive: Literature is known for its suggestive quality; it makes an appeal to our emotions and imagination. John Donne writes in one of his Holy Sonnets:
“One Short sleep past, we wake eternally”
(iii) Literature is permanent: The third quality of literature is its permanence. In other words, literature lasts long. The Mahabharata andThe Ramayana are ancient Sanskrit epics. They are still popular. They are still relevant.
(iv) Universal Interest: Literature is read because of its universal interest; it defies boundary; it knows no nationality, nor any bounds save those of humanity .It is chiefly concerned with elementary ...
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...red fully formed in Ulysses (1922). More philosophically, he came to feel that time and space are artificial, and that all is related, and that art should be a symbol of that relationship
Works Cited
Abrams ,M.H. A Glossary of Literary terms. New York and New Delhi: Macmillan, 2004.
Abrams, M.H. and G.G.Harpham. A Handbook of Literary Terms. New Delhi: Cengage Learning, 2009.
Evans, Sir Ifor. A short History of English Literature. London: ELBS& Penguin Books, 1966.
Hudson, W H. An Outline History of English Literature .Delhi: AITBS ,2003.
Long, William J. English Literature : Its History and its significance for the life of the English speaking world. Delhi: A.I .T.B.S. publishers and distributors, 2003.
Kumar, Sukrita Paul( ed ) . Cultural Diversity, Linguistic plurality and Literary Traditions in India. New Delhi: MacMillan, 2005.
As a precursor, the common understanding needs to be reached that: literature is an art, and has many mediums. Medium is the material or technique with which an artist works (Dictionary.com), for example: photographs, pastels, canvas, paper, ink, etc... There are technical, recreational, and otherwise artistic uses for all mediums. A small child taking pictures of a puppy with a disposable camera, a reporter taking precise pictures of a sporting event, and an artist taking close-up pictures of the dew as it drips off a tree are all different uses of the same medium in photography. Literature can be created with many different intentions and reasons, but the attempt to determine that something is not art based off of the motivation or intentions of the artist is quit meaningless.
Literature is defined as written works that have lasting artistic merit. Stories such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, Genesis, The Odyssey, and Antigone are considered pieces of literature. All of these stores follow the protagonists on a journey, whether that journey is a pursuit for immortality, or to simply bury a fallen brother, depends on the story. The Epic of Gilgamesh, Genesis, The Odyssey, and Antigone, despite their similarities and differences, are very meaningful and teach readers important lessons.
With more and more up and coming techknology, books, news papers, encyclopedias, etc. seem to be becoming a thing of the past. Dana Gioia, author of “Why Literature Matters,” states very strong opinions supporting the importance of literature. The speaker uses strong appeals to sway the readers opinion as well as facts and comparison.
Literature is the use of language and words in order to communicate thoughts and ideas. Literature is important because it helps us connect and relate to one another by typically gearing itself around permanent and universalizing themes or interest. Additionally, it is important because through works of literature such as the national anthem all citizens of society are unified regardless of race, ethnicity, or social economic status. Other types of literature which are also admired in modern society include, poetry, novels, essays, and films. These different styles of literature are often seen as forms of art just as any other piece of literature, which have a variety of uses including education or entertainment. Through many of these pieces of arts you will find themes which are of interest around the world; these themes can be understood and be related to by nearly all the people in the world. Some of the themes instilled in literature include, “Beauty of simplicity, Everlasting love, Loss of innocence, Materialism as downfall, and the power of wealth”.
Literature functions as a reflection of society and a creator of cultural ideas. Throughout the existence of the human race, literature has played a vital role in the distribution of ideas and as a way of communication. Literature can be used in many ways, whether it be to explain, persuade, or inform.
Anderson, Robert, et. al. Elements of Literature: Sixth Course. Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, Inc., 1989. Print.
Literature is much more than simply a compilation of words thrown down into a book that work together to make a story that one can understand. Nearly every author that takes the time to write a book or short story is looking to not only tell a story, but to put forth their own ideas and beliefs that one can possibly relate to. Literature can be used as an outlet by those who read to relax.
Great literature is relevant to human problems in every century, not just twentieth-century problems or problems exclusive to the time in which the work was written. In other words, great literature has stood the test of time. It still influences our beliefs and ideas, shaping our civilization.
In creating a novel, the author must at least know the concept and ideas on literature in order to have a ideas regarding to narrative writing. As we all know, literature can be found everywhere when it comes to regular activities. In fact, Literature is used in our daily basis therefore literature is part of our life no matter what. When studying history, books, documents, and files are used. Those forms are the exact literature itself, it contains in any sorts of languages which contain letters and numbers. Other sorts of symbols are considered to be literature itself. Poems, declamation, oratorical are a form of literature. Pieces, symphony, and movements are also a form of literature to musicians in order for them to understand the very concept of music itself. Painting, drawing, and sketching are also forms of literature which is a language that is only understood by artists and critics.
In “Why Literature Matters” the author, Dana Gioia, argues that literature is very important in today’s society. He talks about the decline of reading over the years and the effects it has on different companies and communities. Gioia uses many persuasive techniques, such as evidence, jingoism, and diction, to try and persuade the reader that literature is important.
Some people are unaware of what literature really means. Literature is referring to something that deals with a body of written works; within poems, plays and novels. Literature is used to explore human experiences in all possibilities. It is something that deals with our most apprehensiveness such as death, family, religion, good and evil, character, courage, and more. “While the information is represented in abstract form and generalized: facts, statistics, and data” (Gillespie, 20). It offers a different type of learning than just collecting information by, requiring us to experience things and participate. When looking for literature in stories you want to look for irony, symbolism, the theme, setting, main characters and supporting characters.
How do we begin to define an immense subject such as literature? We may refer to dictionaries and find scholars explaining literature simply as any written piece of work, but those definitions do not even begin to scratch the surface of what this entity we call literature truly is. In order to understand the true concept of it you must delve into it yourself. Personally, after reading many novels, stories, and poems, I have come to the realization that literature is not just a boring subject we study in school. Through many stories and the work of Northrop Frye, I have realized how literature has no boundaries because it is built by human imagination and anything can be broken down, even time, by imagination (Frye 80). Literature has allowed me to travel countless miles, experience catastrophic events, and feel a
Literature }is a writing which expresses and communicates thoughts, feelings and attitudes towards life~. Rees (1984, p. 2). Whereas the novel, as a precised particular genre of literature, is a narrative prose of considerable length,which merges reality with fantasy and imagination to imbue its characters and actions with a sense of fiction. In answer to the second part of the question, Nin (1972, p.168) argues that }the function of the novel is to give you an emotional experience....
Literature has had a major impact on society, and, also our history. Literature has reformed and shaped civilizations, changed political systems, and has exposed injustices (3). Our literature has changed and developed as we have, keeping up with our society. “...literature is crucial for the advancement of society (3).” With literary works, we can convince others to view things a certain way, share our opinions, and more. Literature is greatly intertwined with our society and everyday lives, and they would not be the same without it. Literature plays an irreplaceable role in our
Literature has many purposes, and opens doors to unique worlds. Through Literature, we discover ourselves and world time and again.