Introduction to Literature

ORIGIN OF LITERATURE
Factors
 Geography of the country
 People’s experiences
 Aesthetic ideals of a particular group
of writers
 Physical environment
 Social and economic organization of
people
 DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE
CONVENTIONAL
 printed matter of any kind
 imaginative representation of life and nature
(Aristotle)
 collection of writings with excellence and beauty of
form expressing ideas of permanent or universal
interest
 collective body of literary productions upon given
subjects, embracing the entire results of knowledge
and fancy preserved in writing
 DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE
CONVENTIONAL
 From the Latin word “littera” which means
acquaintance with letters

 Human experience through the medium of

language in various FORMS, in specific
STRUCTURE, and in chosen ANGLE OF
VISION.
 DEFINITIONS OF LITERATURE
According to Terry Eagleton:
 words used in peculiar ways
 not just an imaginative fiction or fact
 fine or good writing (belles-lettres)
 based on value judgment
 Just a reminder:

It is a challenge for you, students, to have

your own definition of literature.
It is your judgment which to consider as
literature.
Individual Activity:

On your Task Filler,

write three reasons
why we should read and study
literature.
 Why Study Literature?
To be DELIGHTED
 Not physically entertain, but provides
spiritual nourishment and intellectual
stimulations
 Delight refers to the “good feeling”
literature provides
 Feeling is not physical and short-lived; it is
permanent and long-lasting
 Why Study Literature?

To be INSPIRED
 Literature is value-laden and emotion-
filled
 Good literature arouses positive
emotions and introduces values
necessary for one’s growth and
development
 Why Study Literature?

To be INSTRUCTED
 Not merely inform, but readers
must apply teachings/lessons;
 Reflect on teachings and
use/apply them
 Why Study Literature?

To REALIZE and ACHIEVE ideals

 Literature propagates cultures
and introduces lifestyles and
ways of thinking of other people
in the world.
 Why Study Literature?
To UNDERSTAND life
 Reflect, think deeply and critically
 Writers are critical members of
society
 They observe, attack society, its
surface realities
 Through critical observation,
unofficially become the conscience
of society
 Why Study Literature?
To UNDERSTAND life
 Literature challenges readers’
concept of truth and reality
 Develop critical thinking and open-
mindedness
Let’s ponder:

TRUE LITERATURE
instructs,
delights,
humanizes,
and concretizes facts.