Lecture 1 Flashcards
Literature comes from the French phrase “_______” which means beautiful writing.
belles-letters
The word literature is derived from the Latin term ______ which means letter.
litera
Literature has a natural aesthetic appeal depending on the genre. As one reads a poem or a story, there will be an immediate reaction to the literary work. The reaction is based on how it appeals to one’s aesthetic standard. A good literary work should have innate artistry. Ang said, literature has an aesthetic appeal and thus possesses a sense of beauty.
Artistry
Literature is not only intended for entertainment. It also confers intellectual value. A good literary work gives intellectual value in order to help readers to be critical thinkers. According to Sialongo et al. (2007), literature stimulates critical thinking that enriches mental processes of abstract and reasoning, making man realize the fundamental truths of life and its nature.
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, giving and evoking vision above and beyond the plane of ordinary life and experience. (Ang, 2012, p. 2) A great literature should be able to fire the imagination of the the readers. As a form of entertainment, readers will enjoy more their reading experience as they are able to vividly create the images in their mind.
Suggestiveness
Literature is also a tool for the foundation of religion. With literature, various religions in the world were able to spread their teachings. Aside from that, Ahmed also mentioned that literature explains human values. A good literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which makes us better persons - this capacity to inspire is part of the spiritual value of literature.
Spiritual Value
A great work of literature endures - it can be read again and again as each reading gives fresh delight and new insights and open new worlds of meaning and experience. (Ang, 2012, p. 2) This kind of permanence is how the literary work will sustain the interest of the readers. A good literary work should be fascinating, exciting, and captivating. Readers should discover more, the moment they read it again.
Permanence
A good literature should have passed the test of time. This refers to literary works that have been handed down from one generation to another but they are still being read and enjoyed. Only those literary that already achieve universality can be called “classic” Ang (2012) said that great literature is timeless and timely - forever relevant in terms of its theme and conditions.
Universality
Literature presents peculiar way/s on how man sees life as evidenced by the formation of his ideas, forms structures, and expressions which are marked by their memorable substance. (Sialongo, 2007, p. 2) A good literature should posses a unique style in the manner of presentation. The author should be creative enough to put his ideas into words. It is the main reason why there are literary works that are still being read. The style of the author should imprint to the readers that will make them cling to the literary work.
Style
________ refers to the various unwritten and written works by Filipinos. Those works reveal the lives of Filipinos from ancient times to the present. It also shows the diversity of Philippine culture.
Philippine literature
True or False:
According to Ramallosa (2000), the Literatures of the Philippines of Filipino literature refers to the oral or written expression of the feelings and emotions, thoughts and ideas or our people, the facts of their daily life, their social practices and religious beliefs.
True
It also refers to all forms of literary made by the native of the island - ancient or modern, Muslim or Christian - of any region or ethnic group, in the lowland or in the highland, in the dialect or any foreign tongue.
Philippine Literature
Why should we study literature:
- To know ourselves, our heritage, and the genius of our race as a people distinct from others;
- To identify the Filipino major writers who contributed to the development of the literatures of the Philippines;
- To read, discuss and interpret selected literary pieces from the different regions of our country and relate them to our contemporary life;
- To show awareness of the varied subjects ans themes in which the Filipino writers have reflected Philippine life;
- To discern the moral, philosophical, social, and artistic values of the literatures written by our own writers;
- To cultivate a continuing appreciation of the literatures of our country and take pride in what is our own.
