ESSENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LITERATURE
LITERATURE
• origin term - “litera“ meaning letter
• deals with ideas, thoughts, and
emotions of man
o thus, it can be said that
literature is the story of
man
• comes from the French phrase
“bellesletters“ meaning beautiful
writing (Baritugo, et al. 2004, p. 1)
• one of the seven arts (i.e., music,
dance, painting, sculpture, theatre,
and architecture)
• a creative product of a creative
work, the result of which is form
and beauty (Nuggets, 2004, p. 2)
• “The best way to understand human
nature fully and to know a nation
completely is to study literature“
• “Through literature, we learn the
innermost feelings and thoughts of
people - the most real part of
themselves, thus we gain an
understanding not inly of others,
but more importantly, of ourselves
and of life itself.“
• “Literature offers us an experience
in which we should participate as we
read and 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 …in a sense it is a product
and a commentary on life process.“
• “Literature is our life’s story
including its struggles, ideas, failure,
sacrifices, and happiness.“
• “Literature illuminates life.“
Why Do People Read Literature?
• for information
• for amusement
• for higher and keener amusement
• for cultural upliftment
• for discovery of broader dimensions
in life
7 HALLMARKS OF LITERATURE
Set of characteristics to determine
whether or not a work is literary
•
developed by William J. Hong in his
textbook “English Literature: Its
history and Its Significance for The
Life of The English-Speaking World“
1. Universality
a. it appeals to everyone
regardless of culture, race,
sex, and time, which are
considered significant
b. describes a piece of writing
that appeals to the hearts and
minds of almost any reader
c. the ability to cross gender,
racial and cultural barriers,
regardless of the time it’s
written
d. some of the more common
universal themes found in
literature
i. individual struggle towards
a personal goal
ii. a person’s struggle with
humanity
iii. falling in love
iv. life cycles
v. karma
vi. coping with tragedy
vii. adolescence
viii. discovering the world
around us
2. Artistry
a. it has an aesthetic appeal to
everyone and thus possesses a
sense of beauty in the writing
that could even feel poetic
b. describes literature that is
aesthetically appealing or
conveys hidden truth and
beauty
3. Intellectual Value
a. it stimulates thinking that
enriches the mental processes
of abstract and reason, making
man realize the fundamental
truth of life and its nature
i. reflection
ii. focus
iii. critical thinking
iv. reason and judgement
v. curiosity
vi. resourcefulness
vii. open mindedness
viii. wisdom
4. Suggestiveness
a. the power of suggestion allows
the work to inspire and
provoke thought and
understanding beyond the
actual words written on the
page
b. the term “suggestiveness“ in
relation to a definition of
literature probably can be best
paralleled by the phrase “open
to interpretation“
5. Spiritual Value
a. Typically draws the suggested
lessons and moral codes of
society that are depicted in
various literary genres
6. Permanence
a. endures across time and draws
out the time factor:
timelessness, occurring at a
particular time, and
timelessness, remaining
invariably throughout time
b. is determined by a written
work’s ability to stand the test
of time, which makes it
impossible to determine the
moment of writing
7. Style
a. refers to the distinct way the
author expresses his or her
thoughts
b. words can be used in unique,
creative, and entertaining ways
that make the work memorable
c. another element that is subject
to interpretation by the
readers in terms of its appeal
DIVISIONS OF LITERATURE
PROSE
POETRY
FORM
written in paragraph form
written in stanzas or verses
LANGUAGE
expressed in ordinary language
expressed in metrical, rhythmical, and
figurative language
APPEAL
to the intellect
to the emotions
AIM
to convince, inform, instruct, imitate, stir the imagination and set an ideal of how
and reflect
life should be
TYPES OF PROSE
1. Prose Drama
a. a drama in prose form
b. consists entirely of dialogues in
prose, and is meant to be acted
on stage
2. Essay
a. a short literary composition
which is expository in nature
3. Prose Fiction
a. something invented, imagined or
feigned to be true
Types of Prose Fiction
i. Novel
a. a long fictitious narrative
with a complicated plot
b. made up of chapters
ii. Short Story
a. Narrative compressed into
one unit of time, place, and
action
4. Biography
a. a story of a certain person’s life
written by another who knows him
(the former) well
5. Autobiography
a. a written account of a man’s life
written by himself
6. Letter
a. a written message or
communication that is typically
sent from one person to another
7. Diary
a. a daily written record or account
of the writer’s own experience,
thought, activities, or
observations
8. Periodical
a. a magazine or periodical especially
of a serious or learned nature
9. Historical Prose
a. a prose from dealing with
historical events
10. Scientific Prose
a. Deals with the subject science
11. Satirical Prose
a. Ridicules the vices and follies of
men
12. Philosophy
a. deals with the thought and
conduct
13. Travel
a. a written account of tripes,
journeys, and tours, etc. taken
by the writer
14. Parody
a. An imitation of another author’s
work, where ridicule is the main
objective
15. Anecdote
a. A brief narrative concerning a
particular individual or incident
16. Character Sketch
a. a short description of the
qualities and traits of a person
17. Parable
a. a short tale that illustrates
principle, usually by setting forth
the application of the principle to
something familiar to the hearer
reader
18. Pamphlet
a. a small book of topic of current
interest
19. Eulogy
a. writing in praise of a dead
person, event, or thing
20. Speech
a. The general word for a discourse
delivered to an audience whether
prepared or impromptu
Types of Speech
i.
Address
a. implies a formal, carefully
prepared speech and usually
attributes importance to
the speaker or the speech
ii. Oration
a. suggests an eloquent,
rhetorical, sometimes
merely bombastic speech,
especially one delivered on
some special occasion
iii.
Lecture
a. Carefully prepared speech
intended to inform or
instruct the audience
iv.
Talk
a. suggests informality and is
applied either to an
impromptu speech or to
address or lecture in which
the speaker deliberately
uses a simple conversational
approach
v.
Sermon
a. a speech by a clergy man
intended to give religious
or moral instruction and
usual based on scriptural
text
LITERARY GENRES
(Fiction, Poetry, Essay, Drama)
c. their interactions and growth
FICTION
contribute to the story’s depth
• a genre if literature that
Ways of Revealing Characters
encompasses imaginative and
i. what the character do along
inventive narratives
with the circumstances in
• includes stories that may be entirely
which they do it
made up or inspired by real-life
ii. how the characters are
events
described
iii. what the characters say and
• create characters, settings, and
think
plots that engage readers’ emotions
iv. what other characters say
and imagination
about them
POETRY
v. what the author says about
• a form of literary expression that
them
uses rhythmic and metaphorical
language to evoke emotions and
Types of Characters
convey complex ideas
i.
Round Characters
a. are multi-dimensional and
• poem often focus on the sound,
rhythm, and visual arrangement of
exhibit a range of traits,
words
both strengths and
o they can vary in length and
weaknesses
style, from traditional forms
b. often experience
like sonnets and haikus to free
character development and
verse
are more realistic and
relatable due to their
ESSAY
complexity
• short prose works that expresses
the author’s thoughts, opinions, and
ii. Flat Characters
arguments on a particular topic
a. are simpler and less
developed than round
• can be formal or informal,
characters
persuasive, or reflective
b.
often serve specific
• cover a wide range of subjects and
functions in the plot,
allow authors to explore ideas in
and their traits may be
depth
more one-dimensional
• often convey personal experiences,
c. are commonly used for
insights, and analyses
comedic or symbolic
purposes
DRAMA
• involves written works intended for
iii.
Protagonist
performances on stage,
a.
the central character of
encompassing plays and scripts for
the story
theatrical productions
b. often the one with whom
• dramatic works often feature
readers sympathize and
dialogue, conflict, and character
follow throughout the
development
narrative
• can be comedies, tragedies, or a mix
c. their actions and decisions
of both
propel the plot forwards
d. they are usually at the
FICTION
center of the conflict and
its resolution
ELEMENTS OF FICTION
1. Characters
iv.
Antagonist
a. the individuals who drive the
a. the character or force
story
that opposes the
b. have traits, motivations, and
protagonist’s goals and
arcs that develop over the
creates conflicts
course of the narrative
b. can be individuals, groups,
circumstances, or even
internal struggles within
the protagonist
c. provide challenges that the
protagonist must
overcome
v.
Dynamic
a. undergo significant
internal change or growth
throughout the story
b. start with certain traits or
beliefs and evolve as a
result of their experiences
vi. Static
a. remain relatively
unchanged throughout the
narrative
b. while they may still
contribute to the story’s
development, they don’t
experience substantial
personal transformation
vii.
Stock Characters
a. are recognizable and
stereotypical figures often
found in specific genres
b. they have predictable
traits and roles, such as
the “damsel in distress“ or
the “wise old mentor“
viii. Deuteragonist
a. a character in a story
who holds a secondary but
significant role after the
protagonist
b. while not the main focus
of the narrative, the
deuteragonist is often
closely connected to the
protagonist and plays a
crucial part in the
unfolding of the plot
ix. Foils
a. characters who contrast
with one another, often
highlighting each other’s
traits through their
differences
b. can help emphasize the
qualities of other
characters and contribute
to character development
2. Setting
a. encompasses the time and place
in which the story unfolds
b. includes physical environments,
cultural contexts, and
historical periods
c. can influence the mood,
atmosphere, and even the
actions of the characters
3. Conflict
a. the central struggle that
drives the plot forward
b. can be internal (within a
character’s mind or emotions)
or external (between
characters or with outside
forces)
c. introduces tension and propels
the characters’ actions and
decisions
4. Plot
a. the sequence of events that
make up the story
b. a well-constructed plot keeps
readers engaged and invested
in the story’s outcome
Types of Plot
i.
Linear Plot
a. follows a chronological
sequence of events in a
straightforward manner
b. the story progresses from
the beginning to the end
without major deviations in
time or perspective
ii.
Non-Linear Plot
a. presents events out of
chronological order
b. flashbacks, flash-forwards,
and other narrative
techniques are used to
create a more complex and
non-traditional storytelling
structure
iii.
Episodic Plot
a. consists of a series of
loosely connected episodes
or events
b. each episodes or events may
have is own conflict and
resolution, contributing to
the overall narrative
progression
iv.
Circular Plot
a. brings the story back to its
starting point, creating a
sense of completion or
cyclicality
Qualities of a Plot
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Flashback
a. scenes that take the
reader or audience back
intime to provide context
or reveal important past
events
b. they offer insights into
characters’ backgrounds,
motivations, and
relationships
Foreshadowing
a. involves hinting at or
suggesting future events
in the plot
b. creates anticipation and
suspense by providing
subtle clues that lead
readers or viewers to
anticipate what might
happen next
Time Lapse
a. the manipulation of time
within the narrative
b. it can involve skipping over
periods of time to
accelerate moments in
detail to slow down the
pacing
Suspense
a. the feeling of uncertainty
or tension that keeps the
audience engaged and
eager to know what will
happen next
b. often arises from
conflicts, mysteries, or
impending events
Surprise Ending
a. an unexpected twist or
conclusion that defies the
audience’s expectations
b. can change the audience’s
perspective on the events
that led up to the ending
Plot Twist
a. a sudden and unexpected
change in the direction or
outcome of the story
b. can alter the reader’s
perception of characters,
conflicts, and themes
vii.
In Media Res
a. starting the story in the
middle of action, without
extensive exposition
b. this technique plunges the
audience directly into the
plot, creating immediate
engagement and curiosity
5. Point of View
a. refers to the perspective from
which the story is narrated
b. different points of view
provide different insights into
characters and events
Four Types of POV
i.
First Person
a. “I“ am telling the story
b. the character is in the
story
ii.
Second Person
a. the story Is told to “you“
b. this POV is not common in
fiction
iii.
Third Person, Limited
a. the story is about “he“ or
“she“
b. the narrator is outside of
the story
iv.
Third Person, Omniscient
a. the story is about “he“ or
“she“
b. the narrator has full
access to the thoughts of
all characters
6. Tone and Mood
a. tone is the author’s attitude
towards the subject
b. mood is the emotional
atmosphere created for the
reader
c. contribute to the overall
reading experience and shape
the reader’s emotional
response
7. Symbolism
a. the use of symbols–objects,
characters, setting, or
actions–that represent deeper
meaning beyond their literal
significance
b. these symbols can carry
cultural, emotional, or thematic
significance
c. by using symbols authors imbue
their stories with layers of
interpretation, inviting readers
to explore themes and ideas on
a deeper level
8. Imagery
a. refers to the use of vivid and
descriptive language that
appeals to the senses
b. creates mental pictures and
sensory experiences for
readers, allowing them to
immerse themselves in the
story’s word
c. adds depth and texture to the
narrative, making it more
engaging and vivid
9. Style and Language
a. style includes the author’s
unique voice and writing
techniques
b. language choices, sentence
structure, and figurative
language all contribute to an
author’s style
c. a well-crafted style enhances
the story’s impact and can be
an art form itself
10. Theme
a. the underlying ideas or
messages explored in the story
b. authors use the plot and
characters to convey and
explore these themes, inviting
readers to reflect on broader
human experiences
ESSAY
•
•
•
a written piece of prose that
presents a focused argument or
explores a particular topic or
subject
a common form of academic and
non-academic writing
can vary in length and complexity
ELEMENTS OF AN ESSAY
1. Introduction
a. sets the stage for the
essay by providing
background information on
the topic and presenting a
clear thesis statement or
main argument
b. grabs the reader’s
attention and outlines the
main points that will be
discussed in the essay
Components of Introduction
i.
Hook
a. an attention-grabbing
statement, question,
anecdote, or quotation
that draws the reader in
ii. Background Information
a. provides a foundation
for understanding
iii.
Thesis Statement
a. a clear and concise
statement that presents
the main argument or
purpose of the essay
2. Body Paragraph
a. one or more paragraph
that develop and support
the thesis statement
b. each paragraph typically
focuses on a single main
point idea and includes
evidence, example, and
analysis to support that
point
c. paragraphs should be
organized logically and
coherently
Components of Body Paragraph
i.
Topic Sentence
a. introduces the main idea
ii. Supporting Details
a. evidence, examples,
facts, statistics,
quotations, or other
information that
supports and elaborates
on the topic sentence
iii.
Analysis and
Interpretation
a. Explanation and analysis
of how the supporting
details relate to and
support the thesis
statement
iv.
Transitions
a. Transitional words and
phrases that connect the
paragraphs and ideas to
ensure a smooth flow
3. Conclusion
a. Summarizes the main points
made in the essay and
restates the thesis
statement in different
words
b. should provide some
insight or reflection on the
topic and leave the reader
with a sense of closure
Components of Conclusion
i.
Restatement of Thess
a. rephrasing of the thesis
statement
ii. Summary of Main Points
a. a brief recap of the key
arguments and points
made in the essay
iii.
Closing Thoughts
a. final reflections or
insights related to the
topic
iv.
Call to Action or
Implications
a. you may suggest future
actions, pose questions,
or discuss the broader
implications of the
topic
4. Clarity and Conciseness
a. ensures that your ideas are
easily understood
b. avoid unnecessary jargon,
wordiness, or ambiguity
5. Voice and Tone
a. depend on the purpose and
audience
b. academic essays – formal,
objective tone
c. personal essays – more
informal and subjective
tone
6. Citations and References
a. if you use external sources
in your essay, you must
properly cite them
according to a specific
citation style (e.g., APA,
MLA, Chicago) and include
a bibliography or
reference page
7. Organization and Structure
a. the essay should be
organized logically, with a
clear progression of ideas
b. includes having an
introduction that sets the
stage, body paragraphs
that present evidence and
arguments, and a
conclusion that wraps up
the essay
8. Revision and Proofreading
a. revise and proofread for
errors in grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and
clarity
TYPES OF ESSAY
1.
Narrative Essay
a. Purpose
i. to tell a story or recount a
personal experience
b. Characteristics
i. typically includes characters,
a plot, setting, and a clear
chronological order
ii. the writer often uses firstperson point of view
2. Descriptive Essay
a. Purpose
i. to create a vivid picture or
impression of a person, place,
object, or event
b. Characteristics
i. detailed descriptions, sensory
language, and figurative
language are used to engage
the reader’s senses and
imagination
3. Expository Essay
a. Purpose
i. to explain, inform, or
describe a topic or idea
b. Characteristics
i. presents facts, statistics,
and evidence in a clear and
objective manner
ii. may include compare and
contrast, cause and effect,
or problem-solution
structures
4. Argumentative Essay
a. Purpose
i. to persuade the reader to
adopt the writer’s viewpoint
or take a specific action
b. Characteristics
i. presents a clear argument or
thesis statement and
supports it with evidence,
logic, and counterarguments
ii. aims to convince the reader
through well-structured
reasoning
5. Persuasive Essay
a. Purpose
i. also aims to convince the
reader, but they may rely
more on emotional appeals
and less on rigorous
evidence
b. Characteristics
i. uses rhetoric and persuasive
techniques to sway the
reader’s opinion or motivate
them to take a specific
action
6. Analytical Essay
a. Purpose
i. to analyze and interpret a
specific topic or subject
b. Characteristics
i. breaks down complex topic
into its constituent parts and
examined them critically
ii. often includes close
examination of literature,
art, or a specific text
7. Compare and Contrast Essay
a. Purpose
i. to identify similarities and
differences between two or
more subjects
b. Characteristics
8.
9.
10.
11.
i. examines the commonalities
and distinctions between the
subjects and often presents
them in a clear and
structured manner
Cause and Effect Essay
a. Purpose
i. to explore the reasons
(causes) and outcomes
(effects) of a particular
event or phenomenon
b. Characteristics
i. focuses on identifying and
explaining the relationships
between causes and their
effects
ii. may also examine multiple
causes leading to a single
effect or vice versa
Process Essay
a. Purpose
i. to explain how to do
something or how something
works
b. Characteristics
i. provides a step-by-step
guide or explanation, often
using a chronological or
logical order
ii. often used for instructional
or informative purposes
Literary Analysis Essay
a. Purpose
i. to analyze and interpret a
literary work, such as a
novel, poem, or play
b. Characteristics
i. delves into the themes,
characters, symbolism, and
literary devices used in the
work to provide a deeper
understanding
Research Essay
a. Purpose
i. the present the findings of
original research on a
specific topic
b. Characteristics
i. includes a literature review,
methodology, data
presentation, analysis, and
conclusions drawn from
research
ii. citations and references are
essential
12. Personal Essay
a. Purpose
i. to express the author’s
personal thoughts,
experiences, and reflections
b. Characteristics
i. often includes a personal
narrative, emotions, opinions,
and anecdotes
ii. can be informal and
subjective
DRAMA
•
•
a literary genre that encompasses
written works intended to be
performed by actors on a stage or
in front of an audience
primarily meant to be enacted
and witnessed rather than read
silently
6.
ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
1.
Dialogue
a. the spoken interaction between
characters
b. through this, characters reveal
their thoughts, emotions,
motivations, and relationships
with others
c. effective dialogues is crucial
for character development and
plot progression
2. Characters
a. typically featured in dramatic
works, each with their own
distinct personalities, roles, and
conflicts
b. drive the story and engage the
audience through their actions
and interactions
3. Setting
a. includes the physical
environment in which the
action takes place, such as a
specific location or time period
b. can influence the mood and
atmosphere of the play
4. Conflict
a. a central element of drama
b. can take various forms
i. interpersonal conflicts
ii. conflicts between
characters
iii. conflicts with societal
norms
iv. internal conflict within a
character’s psyche
c. often serves as the driving
force behind the plot
5. Plot
a. consists of a series of events
and actions that unfold over
the course of the play
b. typically follows a structure
that includes an exposition
7.
8.
9.
10.
(introduction), rising action,
climax, falling down, and
resolution
Themes
a. central ideas or messages
conveyed by the play
b. can be complex and may
address topics such as
i. love
ii. power
iii. morality
iv. identity
v. social issues
Stage Direction
a. guide actors and directors in
terms of character movements,
gestures, blocking, and other
aspects of the performance
b. provide important context for
how the play should be realized
on stage
Act and Scene Structure
a. acts represent major divisions
within the play
b. scenes further break down the
action into specific moments
or locations
c. these divisions help organize
the storytelling
Audience Engagement
a. the reactions and emotions of
the audience are an integral
part of the theatrical
experience
b. a successful drama captivates
and engages the audience,
evoking emotional response
and intellectual contemplation
Symbolism
a. convey deeper meanings and
layers of interpretation
b. objects, actions, or characters
may symbolize abstract
concepts or ideas
GENRES OF DRAMA
1.
Tragedy
a. Characteristics
i. focus on the downfall of a
protagonist, often due to a
tragic flaw or external
circumstances
2.
3.
4.
5.
ii. elicit strong emotions like
pity and fear in the audience
b. Famous Examples
i. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet“
ii. Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex“
Comedy
a. Characteristics
i. aim to amuse and entertain
ii. often involve
1. humor
2. misunderstandings
3. lighthearted situations
iii. typically end with a
resolution that restores
order
b. Famous Examples
i. Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer
Night’s Dream“
ii. Oscar Wilde’s “The
Importance of Being
Earnest“
Dramedy
a. Characteristics
i. combine elements of both
drama and comedy
ii. address serious or emotional
themes but incorporate
humor and wit
b. Famour Examples
i. TV shows like “M*A*S*H“
ii. films like “Little Miss
Sunshine“
Historical Drama
a. Characteristics
i. set in a specific historical
period and often explore
significant events, figures,
or societal issues of that
time
b. Famous Examples
i. Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible“
ii. Shakespeare’s “Henry IV“
Absurdist Drama
a. Characteristics
i. portrays characters and
situations as irrational,
meaningless, and
disconnected from reality
ii. often questions the nature
iii. of existence
b. Famous Examples
i. Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting
for Godot“
ii. Eugene Ionesco’s “The Bald
Soprano“
6. Musical Drama
a. Characteristics
i. incorporate songs and music
into the storytelling
ii. often feature characterdriven songs and dance
numbers
b. Famous Examples
i. “Les Miserables“
ii. “The Phantom of the Opera“
iii. “West Side Story“
7. Melodrama
a. Characteristics
i. exaggerated emotions
ii. clear-cut moral distinctions
iii. sensational plots
iv. often evoke strong
emotional response from the
audience
b. Famous Examples
i. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin“
ii. some of the early works of
Henrik Ibsen
8. Experimental Drama
a. Characteristics
i. pushes the boundaries of
traditional theatrical
conventions
ii. may incorporate
unconventional staging,
language, or narrative
structures
b. Famous Examples
i. works by playwrights like
Bertolt Brecht and Antonin
Artaud
9. Political Drama
a. Characteristics
i. explores political themes;
ii. power struggles;
iii. social issues
iv. often serve as a commentary
on contemporary or
historical events
b. Famous Examples
i. Geroge Orwell’s “Animal
Farm“
ii. Lorraine Hansberry’s “A
Raisin in the Sun“
10. One-Act Play
a. Characteristics
i. shorter than full-length plays
ii. often self-contained stories
or scenes
iii. can vary widely in terms of
style and theme
b. Famous Examples
i. “The Dumb Waiter“ by Harold
Pinter
ii. “The Zoo Story“ by Edward
Albee
11. Classical Greek Drama
a. Characteristics
i. include tragedies and
comedies from the classical
period
ii. often feature mythological
themes and moral lessons
b. Famous Examples
i. Sophocles’ “Antigone“
ii. Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata“