2nd-Quarter-Module-1-21st

Module 1: Close Analysis and Critical Interpretation of Literary Texts from the World

Specific Learning Objectives

• Name major works and writers from different regions including Asia, America, Europe, English-speaking countries, and Africa.

• Analyze selected literary works from a specific country.

• Write a close analysis and interpretation of a chosen piece of literature.

Different Types of Literature Across the Globe

African Literature

• Definition: Includes literary works from the African continent in various languages and genres, encompassing oral literature to works in colonial languages (French, Portuguese, English).

• Themes:

  • Oppression of Africans by colonizers.

  • European influences on native African culture.

  • Racial discrimination.

  • Pride in African history and resilience.

• Forms: Includes poetry, short stories, novels, essays, plays. Authors often intertwine artistry with social teachings.

Types of African Literature

• Oral Literature: Historical/mythological prose and verse forms often featuring tricksters.

• Precolonial Literature: E.g., Kebra Negast (Book of Kings), fables of animal tricksters (Anansi, Ijapa, Sungura).

• Colonial Literature: Themes of liberation, independence, and negritude emerged post WWI.

• Postcolonial Literature: Writings in Western and traditional languages reflecting contemporary issues.

Key Authors

• Chinua Achebe (1930–2013): Known for Things Fall Apart, the first major African novel highlighting the impact of colonialism on traditional societies.

• Wole Soyinka (1934–): Nobel Prize-winning playwright and political activist known for A Dance of the Forests.

• Nadine Gordimer (1923–2014): Focused on apartheid in South Africa with banned novels due to her socio-political commentary.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (1977–): Explores identity, migration, and feminism; notable works include Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun.

Asian Literature

Chinese Literature

• Encompasses a vast body of works, influential across Asia, inspiring literature in Korea, Japan, Vietnam.

• Key Figures:

  • Du Fu (712–770): Recognized for his lushi poetry, with lasting influence on Chinese poetry.

  • Li Bai (701–762): Lively, nature-focused poetry, celebrated for its spontaneity and free spirit.

Japanese Literature

• Features poetry (like The Tale of Genji) and theatre.

• Notable Authors:

  • Kakinomoto Hitomaro: Major early figure known for tanka and chōka poetry styles.

  • Matsuo Bashō: Pioneered modern haiku, integrating nature and human emotion.

Indian Literature

• Rich heritage including ancient texts, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, and animal fables in Panchatantra.

English Literature

Old English (600 – 1100)

• Characterized by alliteration and kennings (compound metaphors).

• Key Work: Beowulf, the seminal epic poem of English literature.

Middle English (1100 – 1500)

• Blend of Old English and Norman French; notable for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Elizabethan Literature (1558 – 1603)

• Marked by the influence of Shakespeare.

• Features sonnets and plays emphasizing human emotions and social themes.

The Romantic Period (1800 – 1837)

• Focused on nature, emotion, and individual experience through lyric poetry.

The Victorian Period (1837 – 1900)

• Notable for realistic novels exploring social issues—concerted attention to the lives of women and critiques of the status quo.

Twentieth Century Literature (1900 – 2000)

• Marked by significant shifts in narrative styles and themes, including the exploration of existential questions and psychological depth.

Latin America Literature

• A rich tapestry influenced by indigenous cultures and European colonization, explored through vivid themes reflecting social justice and identity.

Key Movements

• The Boom: Innovative novels focusing on political themes and diverse narrative techniques.

• Post-Boom: Emergence of female writers contributing to themes of gender and cultural identity.

Contemporary Literature

• Authors to Note: Alessandro Baricco (Italy), Dinah Roma (Philippines).

• Emphasis on exploring cultural identities and global issues through diverse storytelling.