Definition of Literature:

The word literature is derived from

the Latin term litera which m eans
letter. It has been defined differently
by various writers. Some loosely
interpret literature as any printed
matter written within a book, a
magazine or a pamphlet.
 Others define literature as a faithful
reproduction of man’s manifold
experiences blended into one
harmonious expression.
Because literature deals with ideas,
thoughts and emotions of man, literature
can be said to be the story of man.
Man’s loves, griefs, thoughts, dreams and
aspirations coached in beautiful
language is literature.
 Literature and History

Literature and history are closely

interrelated. In discovering the
history of a race, the feelings,
aspirations, customs and traditions of
a people are sure to be included . . .
and these feelings, aspirations,
customs and traditions that are
written is literature.
History can also be written and this too, is
literature. Events that can be written
down are part of true literature.
Literature, therefore, is part of history.

Literature and history, however, also

have differences. Literature may be
figments of the imagination or events
devoid of truth that have been written
down, w hile history is made up of events
that really happened.
 Literary Compositions that Have
Influenced the World
Among them are:
1. The Bible or the Sacred Writings
2. Koran
3. The Iliad and the Odyssey
4. The Mahab-harata
5. Canterbury Tales
6. Uncle Tom’s Cabin
 Literary Compositions that Have
Influenced the World
Among them are:

7. The Divine Comedy

8. El Cid Compeador
9. The Song of Roland
10. The Book of the Dead
11. The Book of the Days
12. One Thousand and One Nights or The
Arabian Nights