INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

 INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

What is Literature.

Literature can be defined in various terms as explained below .

Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, much of which has been transcribed.Description

written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.

books and writings published on a particular subject.

a body of written works

Literature is writing that uses artistic expression and form and is considered to have merit or be important.

BRANCHES OF LITERATURE.

1. Written literature

2.Oral literature 

WHY DO WE STUDY LITERATURE

When students study Literature, they learn to appreciate words and their power. They travel to other realms and times through the texts they read. They understand about their own culture and others’. They learn to empathise with characters, to feel their joys and pain. For example, one 15-year old student shared with me that when studying the short story, “The Shoes of My Sensei”, by Goh Sin Tub, he could put himself into the shoes of those who lived through World War II, and understand their suffering, and what it was like during that time.

Importantly, they learn to consider multiple perspectives and understand the complexity of human nature. Take, for example, George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Do we feel Napoleon is fully responsible for the miserable lives the animals lead? Aren’t the other animals responsible for their own plight too, having allowed Napoleon to tyrannise them? In Literature, as in life, things aren’t always so clear cut, in black and white. And therein lies the value of the subject – it prepares one for the ambiguities of life, to take uncertainties in one’s stride.

Moreover, in Literature, students develop a sense of individuality and creativity, as they develop their own opinions about issues in their texts. They also learn skills of persuasion – they need to convince others of their interpretations, and this builds their confidence.

Students learn skills of self-management as well. A 14-year old once told me he learnt that he needed to be resilient in the face of adversity, just like the main character in his Literature text. Another student shared this piece of advice: “If you’re in a bad situation, you may think there is only one solution; but in Literature you’re always looking at different ways of answering questions, and you can apply this in life as well, to find other solutions to problems.”

Literature develops in students enduring values, such as integrity, compassion, loyalty and responsibility. For example, in a text like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the main character chooses to sacrifice his own life rather than betray his friends and neighbours. When considering this character’s motivations, students discuss the value of integrity. They reflect on what it takes to be a man or woman who commands the respect of the people around them even in difficult situations. The texts students explore give them multiple opportunities to discuss and reassess their own values and beliefs. These act as a compass in life as students grow up. 

Activity. 

What are (is) the difference between oral and written literature?