Literature is a broad term that refers to written, spoken, or sung works that express human thoughts, emotions, and experiences in an artistic and imaginative way. It includes different forms such as poetry, prose, and drama, which reflect cultural values, history, and creative expressions.
Key Definitions by Scholars
- Oxford Dictionary: "Literature is written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit."
- Ezra Pound: "Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree."
- T.S. Eliot: "Literature is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality."
- C.S. Lewis: "Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become."
Characteristics of Literature
- Imaginative and Creative – Literature uses creativity to represent ideas, emotions, and experiences.
- Aesthetic Value – It has artistic beauty and evokes emotions in the reader.
- Suggestiveness – Literature suggests the common norms and value of the society.
- Originality – Literature is the creative work, every piece of writing is unique so it is always original.
- Universality – Literature transcends time and culture, making it relatable to people across different periods and regions.
- Moral Consciousness – The work of literature should carry positive message for the society therefore, the writer should speak in favour of truth and support goodness and beauty.
- Expression of Human Life – It mirrors society, human nature, and historical events.
- Structured Language – It follows specific forms, styles, and literary devices.
Major Forms of Literature
- Poetry – Expresses emotions and ideas through rhythm, meter, and figurative language. (e.g., sonnets, Ballad, Epics, Ode etc)
- Prose – Written in ordinary language without a rhythmic structure . The prose includes a story, novels, short stories, essays, travelling blog, letter etc.
- Drama – Literature written for performance, including plays and scripts. It can be either prose or verse form.
Functions of Literature
- Entertainment – Provides enjoyment and escapism.
- Education – Teaches moral lessons, history, and culture.
- Social Criticism – Reflects and critiques societal issues.
- Preservation of Culture – Records traditions and history for future generations.
