Introduction to Literature

LESSON 1 | 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World
LITERATURE
■ Literature is a term used to describe written and
sometimes spoken material. Derived from the
Latin litteratura meaning "writing formed with
letters," literature most commonly refers to works of
the creative imagination, including poetry, drama,
fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and in some instances,
song.
■ both oral and written work characterized by expressive
or imaginative writing, nobility of thoughts,
universality irrespective of race or color, and
timelessness or forever
Why do we need to study literature?
1. Pleasures of reading
2. Entering a new world
3. To know man as one important object :
a. Man has a dual nature : he is not only a doer of deeds but also a dreamer of dreams
b. Literature records not only what man has accomplished but also what he has thought
and felt, how he looks on life and death, and what he loves and fears