Introduction to Literature Flashcards
Literature deals with ideas, thoughts, and emotions of man – thus it can be said that literature is the story of man. It came from the word “litera” meaning ‘letter’.
Kahayon, 1998
Literature also comes from the French phrase “bellesletters” which means beautiful writing.
Baritugo, et. Al. 2004
Literature came from the word __________ meaning letter
litera
Literature is our life’s story including the struggles, ideas, failures, sacrifices and happiness.
Ang, 2006
is language in use that provides insights and intellectual stimulation to the reader.
Literature
TRUE OR FALSE:
As one explores literature, he likewise discovers the beauty of language.
TRUE
is a product of a particular culture that concretizes man’s array of values, emotions, actions and ideas. It is therefore a creation of human experience that tells about people and their world.
LITERATURE
Represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The concept is difficult to precisely define, though many have tried
LITERATURE
TREU OR FALSE:
it’s clear that the accepted definition of literature is constantly changing and evolving.
TRUE
suggests a higher art form; merely putting words on a page doesn’t necessarily equate to creating literature.
LITERATURE
is the accepted body of works for a given author.
CANON
Some works of literature are considered ________ that is, culturally representative of a particular genre (poetry, prose, or drama).
canonical
Works of literature, at their best, provide a _____________
kind of blueprint of human society.
Herman Melville’s 1851 novel __________ was considered a failure by contemporary reviewers. However, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece and is frequently cited as one of the best works of Western literature for its thematic complexity and use of symbolism.
“Moby Dick”
Why do people read Literature?
For information
For amusement
For higher and keener pleasure
For cultural upliftment
For discovery of broader dimensions in life
Hallmarks of Literature
- Artistry
- Intellectual Value
- Suggestiveness
- Permanence
- Universality
It is a quality which appeals to our sense of beauty.
Artistry
William Blake’s poem
Spring
A literary work STIMULATES THOUGTH and ENRICHES OUR MENTAL LIFE by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature.
Intellectual Value
Literature enables us to LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORLD, to discover information which are relevant for us to know. Literature, be it fiction or non-fiction, enables us to discover VITAL CONCEPTS related to any field of study. Take a look at the pictures below. The following are types of literature which can aid us in our quest for knowledge in any interest.
Intellectual Value
This is the quality associated with the EMOTIONAL POWER of literature, such that it should move us DEEPLY and STIR our CREATIVE IMAGINATION beyond the plane of ordinary experience. You may have already experienced that feeling when you’re reading a book or any short story, and you notice yourself crying after you finish it! This is only one of the many powers of literature. It is able to bring out emotions because we are able to relate to what is happening in the story.
Suggestiveness
A great work of literature ENDURES – it can be read AGAIN AND AGAIN as each reading gives a fresh delight and new instance. Have you noticed the fact that even though we are now living in the 21st century, we still read and look back to the stories from ages past? This is because issues and significant human experiences that may have occurred in the past are STILL REVELANT and PREVAILING in the PRESENT TIMES. Literature has made us realize that human experiences, emotions, and feelings are more often than not perennial.
Permanence
Literature APPEALS TO EVERYONE, regardless of culture, race, sex, and time which are all considered significant. You may have noticed that somehow, even though we are Filipinos, we still read literature with THEMES which are most likely foreign to us. This is because literature has universality, it appeals to almost everybody and it just a matter of interest on the reader’s part.
Universality
We define literature as _____________________
significant human experiences
