Language-of-Literary-Texts-Module-1-2

Module Overview

• This module is specifically designed for Bachelor of Arts in English Language students.

• Focus: To serve as an instructional manual containing exercises aimed at deepening the study of language through literature.

• Topics covered:

  • Graphology and morphology in poetry

  • Introduction to lexical semantics

  • Cohesion patterns in short stories

  • Introduction to discourse analysis

• Intended Outcomes:

  • Examination of literary and non-literary texts in diverse media.

  • Investigation of language's relationship with identity and culture.

  • Approaches including literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies, and critical discourse analysis.

Definition of Literature

• Literature: Written and spoken material; includes poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and song.

• Origin: Derived from Latin "litera" meaning letter.

• Various definitions:

  • Loosely, anything printed in books or magazines.

  • As a reflection of human experience and emotions, encapsulated in a harmonious expression.

• Brother Azurin's view: Literature expresses feelings towards society, government, surroundings, and divine entities.

Importance of Studying Literature

• Enhances understanding of social situations, history, emotions, and cultural practices.

• Connects past voices with present and future.

• Broadens horizons and fosters understanding of cultural differences.

• Acts as

  • Window: Learning about other lives and times.

  • Mirror: Gaining insights into oneself.

• Cultivates imagination and critical thinking skills necessary for everyday life.

• Encourages empathy by exploring different perspectives and experiences.

Forms of Literature

Prose

• Written in regular conversational flow, structured in sentences and paragraphs.

  • Types:

    • Novel: Long narrative divided into chapters.

    • Short Story: Narrative focused on one plot and characterization.

    • Play: Structured in acts and scenes for stage presentation.

    • Legends: Fictional narratives about origins.

    • Fables: Teach moral lessons through anthropomorphized characters.

    • Anecdotes: Imaginative narratives aimed at imparting lessons.

    • Essay: Expresses the writer's opinion on particular issues.

    • Biography: Chronicles a person's life.

    • News: Reports on events affecting society.

    • Oration: Formal presentations intended for public speaking.

Poetry

• Expression through verse with rhythm and rhyme.

  • Types:

    • Narrative Poetry: Relates significant life events.

    • Epic: Extended narratives about heroic deeds.

    • Ballad: Simple narrative songs about single incidents.

    • Lyric Poetry: Personal expressions of emotions.

    • Ode: Dignified poems focused on noble feelings.

    • Elegy: Expresses grief, often related to death.

    • Sonnet: 14-line love poem with specific rhyme schemes.

    • Haiku: Traditional Japanese form with a specific syllable structure.

Elements of a Short Story

1. Plot: Arrangement of events revealing a basic idea;

   • Structure includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.

2. Conflict: The central problem that drives the story, can be external (against others) or internal (within oneself).

3. Characters: Defined roles in fiction—protagonist and antagonist, including consistent, dynamic, and static.

4. Setting: Time and place of the story's events can influence themes and characters.

5. Theme: Central idea or message conveyed by the narrative.

6. Point of View: Perspective from which the story is told (First Person, Third Person Omniscient, etc.).

7. Style: Author's unique way of expressing ideas through language.

8. Symbol: Represents deeper meanings beyond its literal sense.

Literary Criticism and Theory

• Literary Criticism: Analysis and interpretation of literary works, can be subjective or objective.

  • Aims to assess themes, style, setting, and historical or political context.

• Literary Theory: Frameworks and principles guiding the interpretation of literature, providing varied lenses for analysis.

• Criticism enhances comprehension of text meaning, context, and reader manipulation.

• Each critical approach reveals different aspects and themes, promoting diversified understanding.

Qualities of a Critic

1. Sensibility and judgment.

2. Extensive knowledge and reading.

3. Training in literature techniques.

4. Objectivity, free from personal biases.

5. Compassion and understanding of human psychology.

6. Knowledge across various literary forms.

7. Philosophical acumen.

8. Experience with diverse authors.