21st Cl

Literature

Refers to artistic written expression that encompasses various genres and is influenced by contextual factors such as culture, history, and social conditions.

World Literature

A collection of the best writings from different parts of the world, challenging the notion of a single, universal definition of good literature.

Context

Includes the genre, form, and conventions of a literary work, as well as the historical, cultural, social, economic, and political factors that influence its creation and reception.

Literary Canon

The idea that certain works are considered to be of high literary value and deserving of recognition, while others are marginalized or excluded.

Literariness

Refers to the artistic qualities of written expression, distinguishing it from traditional forms like myths, epics, and folktales that were part of oral culture.

Fiction

Prose narrative that focuses on plot action, often told from multiple perspectives and following individual character plot lines.

Realism

A mode of fiction that aims to depict reality in a transparent and accurate manner, while still suspending ordinary laws of nature to some extent.

Romance

A mode of fiction that paradoxically presents an imaginative depiction of reality, often involving elements of the supernatural or the extraordinary.

Creative Nonfiction

A genre that incorporates elements of fiction and poetry in the retelling of personal experiences, such as essays, memoirs, or poems.

Poetry

A form of literature that uses words as building blocks to convey ideas, feelings, perspectives, and layers of meaning through meticulous selection and arrangement.

Drama

An ancient form of communal expression, best enjoyed when performed or read aloud, with emphasis on the sounds and rhythms of poetry and the spectacle of performance.