World

Literature
Introduction
to
 Prose is a literary piece which is
written in the form, ordinary written
or spoken language and within the
common flow of a conversation. It is
easily understood as compared to
poetry. In subject matter, prose
generally concentrates on the familiar
and the ordinary, but may also deal
with subjects such as heroism, beauty,
love and nobility of spirit.
Divisions and
Types of
 1. Fiction

This is defined as a series of imagined facts

which illustrate truths about human life.
Fiction is not contrary to truth at all.
Incidents that may not have happened in
real life and characters that may not
actually have existed could be created by
fiction to show what may and can happen, as
long as the laws of probability necessity are
not violated. It does not deal with what
could happen within the bounds of what is
possible and probable.
 a. Short Story

This is brief, artistic form of prose

fiction which is centered on a single
main incident and is intended to
produce a single dominant impression
which may be sadness, surprise,
sympathy, terror or other reactions.
The qualities of short story are
economy, compression, brevity and
emphasis. It has a definite time and
place setting.
 The short story may be developed
within a day or two, or even hours,
usually in one place. Only the
important features of the action are
narrated and events are compressed
to allow the meaningful and
indispensable to be included in the
narration. Emphasis is placed on
important details.
 b. Novel

This is a more extensive form of prose. The

modern novel is a novel of fiction which is
elastic. Its length extends to hundred of
pages. The novel has expanded its scope to
include various types of objectives. The
length of a novel permits a greater number
and a variety of characters, a more elaborate
use of the setting. It has a greater
complexity of theme which the short story
does not have. The novel is capable of
revealing both a broader and deeper view of
human nature and the human experience.
 2. Nonfiction

These are literary works that are

based mainly on fact rather than on
imagination. Although they may contain
fictional elements. Examples of these
are essays and biographies.
 a. Essay

The essay is a prose composition of

moderate length, usually expository in
nature, which aims to explain an idea, a
theory, an impression or a point of
view.
 - Formal Essay

It deals with serious and important

topics such as philosophy, theology,
science, politics, morality and others.
It is primarily addressed to the
intellect of an individual. The tone is
objective and impersonal. The style is
clear and straightforward. It primarily
aims to teach or to instruct.
 - Informal Essay

This may deal with any subject, may it

be ordinary or commonplace. While the
formal essay is objective, the informal
essay is subjective in handling of the
subject. The main source of interest is
the personality of the author which is
revealed in the style and treatment of
the subject.
 It possesses a charming, interesting
and distinctive purpose – to entertain
and amuse. Therefore, the tone is
light, friendly and oftentimes
humorous like a person talking to his
friends with interest and affection.
 - Other Forms of Essay

The essay may have other forms. The

critical essay seeks to analyze and
evaluate a literary work or any other
work of art. The biographical essay
deals with the personal life and
achievements of an individual. An
essay of travel informs, as well as
entertains, by its personal treatment
of various experiences in a given place
and time.
DRAMA
 The word drama comes from the
Greek word dran which means “to do.”
It is the art of imitating human action
or a story presented on stage by
actors impersonating characters in a
given situation. The drama involves
three elements namely: the theatre,
the actors (and directors), and the
audience.
Drama is written either in poetry or in
prose, or a mixture of both. During
the ancient times, and up to the 19th
century, drama was poetic in form.
Modern or contemporary drama is
usually in prose.
 a. Tragedy

It is the imitation of an action which

is serious, complete and with certain
magnitude. Its language is embellished
by every artistic adornment in the
form of action which is not narrative.
Pity and fear are its outstanding
emotions.
 b. Comedy

Comedy is today, and always has been,

the most popular of the dramatic
forms. True comedy is really serious
and full of deep meaning, yet is
infused with wit, sparkle, delicate
satire and new ideas.
 Qualities of a
Literary Masterpiece
The highest degrees of recognition a
literary work can receive is for it to
be considered a literary masterpiece.
For it to achieve such greatness, a
literary work must possess the
following qualities:
 a. Artistry

It appeals to our sense of beauty. A

person is said to be artistic if he
knows how to appreciate something
beautiful.
 b. Intellectual Value

A literary work stimulates thoughts.

It makes our mental life rich by
making us realized the different
fundamental truths about life and
human nature.
 c. Suggestiveness

This is associated with the emotional

aspect of literature. This quality
moves us deeply and stirs our
imagination to work above and beyond
the level of ordinary life and
experience.
 d. Spiritual Value

Literature puts our spirits high by

bringing out the understanding of
moral values which lead us to become
better people. It inspires us to acquire
these values which we will cherish or
put into practice, thus bringing us
closer to our Maker.
 e. Permanence

A great work of literature can endure

the text of time. It can be read over
and over again as each reading gives
fresh enjoyment.
 f. Universality

It appeals to all, anytime, anywhere…

because it deals with the basic
feelings of people, fundamental truths
and universal conditions.
 g. Style

This is the unique way in which the

writer views life, forms his/her ideas
and expresses them. Great works are
marketed by their lasting substances
and by their distinctive styles.
Thank You!