World Literature Notes

Module 4: World Literature Overview

• Objectives of the Module:
  • Identify representative texts and authors from Asia and Africa.
  • Appreciate the cultural and aesthetic diversity of world literature.
  • Explain literary and sociocultural contexts and their enhancement of text meanings.

Influential Characters in World Literature

Round 1: Achilles

• Description: Legendary Greek hero of the Iliad.
• Key Trait: Vulnerable heel leading to downfall by an arrow.

Round 2: Sun Wukong (The Monkey King)

• Description: Immortal being in Chinese mythology from Journey to the West.
• Key Ability: Can transform into 72 different forms.

Round 3: Alice

• Description: Protagonist in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
• Key Companions: Cheshire cat, white rabbit, mad hatter, and queen of hearts.

Round 4: Jim

• Description: Runaway slave in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
• Key Role: Acts as a moral guide to Huck Finn.

Asian Literature

• Scope: Vast due to extensive history and civilization.
• Geographical Study: Important to analyze by regions.

Chinese Literature

• Historical Context: Dates back to 14th Century BCE; significant preservation of the Chinese language.
• Golden Era: Tang Dynasty (618-907) was the pinnacle of Chinese literature, emphasizing cultural, moral, nature, and social harmony influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Notable Works:

• Journey to the West:

  • Author: Wu Cheng'en
  • Synopsis: Monk Tripitaka's journey to India for Buddhist scriptures; highlights personal growth of disciples, especially Sun Wukong.

• Art of War:

  • Author: Sun Tzu
  • Overview: Ancient military treatise focusing on strategic advantage.

Japanese Literature

• Influence: Heavily influenced by Chinese literature yet developed a unique identity.
• Language Sensitivity: Rich emotional vocabulary led to refined expressions.

Notable Forms:

• Haiku:

  • Structure: 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 format; emerged in the 17th Century as a reaction to elaborate traditions.

• Kabuki Theater:

  • Description: Traditional theater celebrating both genders originally; now exclusively male performers.

Indian Literature

• Roots: Traced to Hindu writings; greater written form appeared in the 16th Century.
• Colonial Impact: British colonization influenced literature, contributing to the rise of vernacular languages.

Major Epics:

• Mahabharata:

  • Synopsis: War between Kauravas and Pandavas for Hastinapur's throne.

• Ramayana:

  • Synopsis: Story of prince Rama saving Sita from demon Ravana.

Arabian Literature

• Cultural Foundations: Islam as a key influence, fostering contact among various cultures.

Notable Works:

• One Thousand and One Nights:

  • Description: Collection of Middle Eastern and Indian stories that include folklore characters like Aladdin.

• Gate of the Sun:

  • Author: Elias Khoury
  • Scope: Explores Palestinian history and personal narratives.

African Literature

• Cultural Significance: Viewed as the cradle of humankind; literature reflects local and colonial influences.
• Oral Tradition: Documenting community experiences and traditions.

Historical Context:

• Impact of Slave Trade: Psychological effects reshaping collective identity leading to resistance in literature.

Important Works:

• On Liberty and Slavery:

  • Author: George Moses Horton; expresses yearning for freedom.

• Chaka:

  • Author: Thomas Mofolo; fictional retelling of Shaka Zulu’s life.

• Before the Birth of the Moon:

  • Author: V. Y. Mudimbe; examines colonial identity.

European Literature

• Legacy: Deeply embedded in human history; classics remain influential.
• Historical Approach: Analysis reveals evolution over centuries.

Notable Works:

• The Iliad and The Odyssey: By Homer; epic tales of war and adventure.

• The Divine Comedy: By Dante Alighieri; allegorical journey through the afterlife.

• Don Quixote: By Miguel de Cervantes; parody of chivalric romances.

• Gulliver’s Travels: By Jonathan Swift; satirical exploration of different societies.

American Literature

• Themes: Shaped by colonization and the emergence of unique narratives reflecting social issues.

Key Works:

• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: By Mark Twain; journey of Huck and Jim along the Mississippi River.

Latin and South American Literature

• Cultural Reflection: Diverse influences from pre-Columbian to modern era, with themes of identity and resistance.

Important Titles:

• One Hundred Years of Solitude: By Gabriel García Márquez; chronicles the Buendía family's history.

• The House of the Spirits: By Isabel Allende; spans generations amid political upheaval.