Literature in English Form 5 – Concepts of Literature
Sub-topic1. Literaryaspects
A. The meaning of literature
The term Literature defined by different scholars. Bwalya . L (2005) the term literature is a latin word ‘litera’ which means writing. From this background, it is believed that literature is anything that is written.
The word ‘literature’ as a common noun can refer to any form of writing, such as essays or poetry. ‘Literature as a proper noun refers to a whole body of litera ly work, world wide or relating to a specific culture (Wikipedia, 2008).
Scylar (1998: 83) defines literature as“any writingonasubject: the body of published work concerned with a particular subject.” A similar definition to this scholar was coined by Po lanen (1997) which says that ‘literature refers to published writings in a particular style on a particular subject.
Encarta (2009) Literature is the use of we l-chosen words to te l a story through narrative, involving characters in conflict, or to express an emotion or idea through artfu ly arranged images.
The purpose of literature is to entertain and instruct the reader through the use of the imagination. Literature can also shock, amaze, or provide readers with an escape from reality for a while. Davids (1983) says that literature is a creative writing of artistic value.
Literature is a body of written works that encompass various forms of artistic expression, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. It is characterized by its use of language to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences, often exploring themes of human existence, society, and culture.
Literature can be classified into different genres and styles, reflecting the diversity of human thought and creativity. It often aims to provoke thought, evoke feelings, and provide insight into the human condition.
Literature is an imaginative work of art that uses language creatively to portray social human realities such as corrupt, exploitation, racism, marriage, moral decay.
B. The Concepts Associated
(i) Society with literature and how they related to it.
Literature is inextricably linked to society. It reflects, critiques, and shapes societal values, norms, and power structures. The relationship is dynamic; society influences the themes, characters, and styles of literary works, while literature, in turn, can influence societal attitudes, behaviors, and even political movements.
For example, social issues like inequality, war, and environmental concerns are often explored in literature, prompting readers to reflect on these issues and potentia ly advocate for change. Literary works can also serve as historical documents, providing insights into the lives, beliefs, and experiences of people from different eras and cultures. The study of literature a lows us to understand the complexities of human societies and the forces that shape them.
(i) Artist/creator
The artist or creator, the individual who produces the literary work, is central to the literary process. The author’s background, experiences, beliefs, and creative vision significantly influence the content and form of the work. Authors draw upon their observations of the world, their personal experiences, and their understanding of literary traditions to craft their narratives, poems, or plays. The author’s intention, whether conscious or unconscious, plays a role in shaping the meaning and impact of the work.
The author’s ski l in using literary techniques, such as imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure, is crucial in conveying their ideas and engaging the reader. The author’s role also includes the responsibility to create a work that is ethical and responsible, considering the potential impact of their work on society.
(i) Creativity
Creativity is the driving force behind the creation of literature. It involves the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Authors use their creativity to imagine characters, settings, and plots, and to develop unique ways of expressing their ideas.
The creative process often involves experimentation, risk-taking, and a wi lingness to cha lenge conventional norms. Literary creativity can manifest in various forms, from the invention of new literary genres to the innovative use of language and style. The act of writing itself is a creative endeavor, requiring the author to make choices about language, structure, and perspective to bring their vision to life.
(iv) Imagination
Imagination is a fundamental element of literature, both for the creator and the reader. Authors use their imagination to construct fictional worlds, develop complex characters, and explore abstract concepts. The reader, in turn, uses their imagination to engage with the text, visualize the scenes, and understand the characters’ motivations. Imagination a lows literature to transcend the limitations of reality and explore possibilities beyond the confines of the present.
It enables authors to create compe ling narratives, evoke emotions, and cha lenge readers to think critica ly about the world around them. The interplay between the author’s imagination and the reader’s imagination is essential for the literary experience.
(v) Literary language
Literary language is the specific use of language in literary works. It goes beyond everyday language, employing techniques such as figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification), imagery, symbolism, and specific stylistic choices to create meaning and evoke emotions.
Literary language is often characterized by its precision, artistry, and attention to detail. The choice of words, sentence structure, and overa l style contribute to the unique voice and tone of a literary work. Literary language can also reflect the historical period, cultural context, and individual style of the author. The
study of literary language a lows us to appreciate the nuances of meaning and the artistry of literary expression.
(vi) Culture
Culture profoundly influences literature, and literature, in turn, reflects and shapes culture. Literature is a product of its cultural context, reflecting the values, beliefs, traditions, and social structures of a particular society. Literary works often explore cultural themes, such as identity, belonging, and social change.
They can also serve as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge and heritage. Literature can also cha lenge cultural norms and offer alternative perspectives, contributing to cultural dialogue and evolution. The study of literature provides insights into the diverse cultures of the world and the ways in which they shape human experience.
Questions
1. Briefly write the correct answer for each of the fo lowing items.
(i) How does literature relate to society?
( i) What is the role of literary language?
( i) How does culture influence literature?
(iv) What is the significance of imagination in literature?
(v) How does creativity contribute to the creation of literature?
(vi) What is the role of an artist/creator in literature?
(v i) How can literature promote critical thinking?
(v i) How does literature contribute to empathy?
(ix) What is the relationship between literature and history?
2. Provide the literary aspects for each of the fo lowing description
(i) Literature both reflects and can shape ________ values and norms.
( i) Literature serves to reflect, interpret, and critique the ________ experience.
( i) ________ a lows authors to create fictional worlds and explore possibilities.
(iv) ________ provides the context, values, and traditions that shape literary works.
(v) ________ enables authors to generate original ideas and craft compe ling narratives.
(vi) Literature often reflects historical events and ________ contexts.
3. Analyze how a specific literary work reflects and critiques the societal values of its time, considering the author’s background and the historical context. How does the work’s reception (critical and popular) further i luminate its cultural impact?
4. Evaluate the role of literary language (e.g., metaphor, symbolism, irony) in shaping the meaning and emotional impact of a particular poem or novel. How do these linguistic devices contribute to the work’s overa l aesthetic value and its ability to resonate with readers across different cultural backgrounds?
5. Compare and contrast the portrayal of a specific theme (e.g., love, loss, identity) in two or more literary works from different cultural traditions. How do these differing perspectives reflect the unique cultural values and beliefs of each society?
6. Assess the impact of an author’s personal experiences and creative process on the development of a specific literary work. How does the author’s biography inform the themes, characters, and narrative structure of the work?
7. Debate the ethical implications of a literary work that deals with controversial or sensitive topics (e.g., war, oppression, social injustice). Does the work promote empathy and understanding, or does it
risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes or biases?
8. Design a creative writing project (e.g., a short story, poem, play) that responds to a specific literary work or movement. How does your project engage with the original work’s themes, style, or
techniques, and what new perspectives or insights does it offer?
9. Analyze the role of imagination and creativity in the construction of a fictional world. How do authors use these elements to create believable characters, compe ling narratives, and thought provoking themes?
10. Assess the impact of technology and digital media on the creation, dissemination, and reception of literature in the 21st century. How have these changes affected the role of the author, the reading experience, and the literary marketplace?
REFERENCES
Bwalya L. (2005) Oral Literature: Study Material. UNZA.
Encarta (2009).
Davids M (1983) Undersdtanding Literature. Michigan: Michigan press.
Hanconck P (2006) What is Literature. Sydney: Australia.
http://www.Wikipedia.free online encyclopedia.