DEFINITION OF LITERATURE

Other Meanings of Literature

“Literature consists of those writing which interpret the meanings of nature and life, in words of charm and power, touched with the personality of the author, in artistic forms of permanent interest.”- Henry Van Dyke

"Literature is anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the ideas and feelings of people, whether it is true, or just a product of one's imagination."-Webster

"Literature expresses the feelings of people to the society, to the government, to his surroundings, to his fellowmen and to his Divine creator."- Brother Azurin

In Panitikang Pilipino written by Atienza, Ramos, Salazar, and Nazal, "true literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings and emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy in his environment, and after struggles, to reach his Creator."

Classifications

• According to form, it may be oral or written. The first was handed down originally through word of mouth, like songs, proverbs, folk tales, and riddles; and later preserved in writing. The second has been formally documented from the start.

• According to appeal, it may be universal or transient. Universal in point of time refers to writings long ago but continue to exist. Others last only for a brief period of time.

• According to genre, literature has two main divisions: prose and poetry. Each division may be sub-divided into different types which will be discussed in the succeeding chapter.

Why do we need to study Literature?

• We study literature so that we can better appreciate our literary heritage.

• Through such a study, we will realize our literary limitations conditioned by certain historical factors and we can take steps to overcome them.

• Through a study of our literature, we can trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to us from our forefathers.

ROLES

A well-rounded education must include the study of literature because of the significant roles it plays in our life.

• Transmitter of values
• Preserver of ideals, customs and traditions
• Mirror of culture
• Agent of change
• Source of pleasure

“… when one reads literature, life unreels itself in its many dimensions – beliefs, emotions, pains, joys, anguish, glories and the like that make up the litany of earthly endeavors. The all too familiar words heard everyday come back in deeper meanings and newer light. And these are hashed and rehashed in wonderful packages, the elemental values in them are relieved for all their delightful assurance that the world is always beautiful with them intact, even with occasionally ugly spites of life.” – Josefina Loria, “The Role of Literature in Transmitting Values”

DEFINITION OF LITERATURE

Any printed matter written within a book, a magazine or a pamphlet

"Literature is anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the ideas and feelings of people, whether it is true, or just a product of one's imagination."-Webster

“Literature is writing that is considered by both critics and consumers to be of a high quality and cultural value, in which the creative use of language is prominent.”- Wordpress

A faithful reproduction of man's manifold experiences blended into one harmonious expression.

An artistic representation of life, that is, of varied human experiences, in different forms of expressions.

The preserved writings of a country or a people. It is the embodiment of a nation's traditions, customs, and cultural patterns.

It is a body of written works of a language, period or culture

Literature may be categorized in different ways:

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