Notes on Introduction to Literature (Week 1)

Origin and scope:
- It came from the Greek word “litera” which means letter.
- Literature deals with ideas, thoughts and emotions of man, i.e., it is the story of man (Kahayon, 1998).
- It is believed that studying literature helps us understand human nature and nations (Garcia, et al. 1993).
Broad, lasting sense:
- In its broadest sense, literature is everything that has ever been written.
- It refers to timeless imaginative writings that deal with life and human experience in language that is highly creative and evocative.

We learn innermost feelings and thoughts of people, gaining understanding of others and ourselves.
Literature offers an experience we participate in; we test what we read by our own experience.
Literature does not yield much unless we bring something of ourselves to it.
Literature is a faithful production of life; a product and commentary of life processes.
Literature illuminates life; our life’s story includes struggles, ideas, failures, sacrifices and happiness.
Literature appeals to man’s higher nature (emotional, spiritual, intellectual and creative); like other arts, it entertains and gives pleasure.
Literature is one of the seven arts (music, dance, painting, sculpture, theatre and architecture) and as such is a creative product; its form and beauty result from its creation (Nuggets, 2004).

The seven hallmarks: Artistry, Intellectual Value, Suggestiveness, Spiritual Value, Universality, Permanence, Style.

Literature has an aesthetic appeal and possesses a sense of beauty.
It highlights the creative use of language and literary techniques.
Practical guidance examples from writing style:
- Instead of writing “a lot,” use terms like “a copious amount” or “myriad.”
- Instead of writing “fine,” use terms like “exceptional” or “skillful.”
- Instead of writing “beautiful,” use terms like “radiant” or “exquisite.”

It stimulates critical thinking that enriches mental processes of abstract reasoning, helping us realize fundamental truths of life.
Some literature places readers in a gray area where people may disagree on what qualifies as intellectual.

This quality relates to the emotional power of literature to make us feel deeply and to stir our imagination.
It unravels human emotion to define symbolism, nuances, implied meanings, images and messages, giving and evoking visions beyond ordinary life.

A great literary work endures and can be read again with fresh delights and new insights.
It balances timeliness (occurring at a particular time) and timelessness (remaining relevant through time).

Literature appeals to everyone regardless of culture, race, sex or time.
Universality describes writing that appeals to the hearts and minds of almost any reader.

Literature presents peculiar ways in which humans see life, evidenced by the formation of ideas, form, structures, and expressions with memorable substance.
Style refers to the distinct way the author expresses thoughts.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — A story for children by C. S. Lewis
Dead Stars — Paz Marquez Benitez (short story)
The Lottery — Shirley Jackson
The Authorized Graphic Adaptation — Miles Hyman (graphic adaptation of Dead Stars)
Noli Me Tangere — José Rizal