Introduction To Literature 1
Introduction To Literature 1
- The study of literature can be viewed as beneficial to students in many ways. For this
particular program, learners will get the chance to take a peek in the Philippines history,
culture and traditions through the artistic eyes of different authors of their time. It will
also serve as a good English comprehension practice for our learners through the
literary pieces featured in this manual.
What is literature?
- No specific definition of literature.
- Literature can be defined as pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially
novels, plays and poems. (Oxford Adv Learners English Dic) Writers are also considered
as artist)
- Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary
competencies that daily life requires and provides: and in this respect, it irrigates the
deserts that our lives have already become. (CS Lewis)
Forms of Literature
1. Prose – a spoken or written language without metrical regularity.
2. Poetry – the imaginative expression of emotion, thought, or narrative, frequently on
metrical form and often using figurative language. It has been traditionally been
distinguished from prose by rhyme or the rhythmical arrangement of words.
Types of Prose
Types of Poetry
1. Narrative Poetry – it describes important details in life following the order of events,
either real or imaginary. They are classified as epic, metrical tales, and ballad.
2. Lyric Poetry – any short poems which is songlike. This is the most common type of
poetry.
3. Dramatic Poetry – tells stories like narrative poetry but in dialogues of play rhymes,
repeating rhymes, and other poetic elements.
Examples of Lyric Poetry
1. Simile- In a simile, two things which are completely unlocked are compared with each
other. A simile is introduced by words such as like, so, as etc.
Examples- The flower is as pretty as a picture.
He is as sober as a judge.
2. Metaphor- It is an informal or implied simile in which the words “like’ ‘as’ are avoided.
For example, “He is like a Giant. (Simile) “and “He is a Giant. (metaphor)”.
Examples
You are an apple of my eye.
Ocean’s sound is music to my ear.
3. Personification- In Personification, non-living things, abstract ideas or qualities are
mentioned as humans or living things.
4. Example-
Angry clouds surrounded the island.
Earth was thirsty for water.
5. Apostrophe- In this figure of speech, the writer mentions the absent or inanimate
objects as alive and writes about them.
6. Oxymoron- An Oxymoron is when two words are used together in a sentence but they
seem to be in contrast with each other. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that willingly
uses two differing ideas. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or
listener's mind that creates a new concept or meaning for the whole.
Example-
Life is bittersweet.
They knew they could feel the joyful sadness on his arrival.
7. Hyperbole-
Hyperbole is used when we want to reinforce the point by exaggerating it. It is frequently
used in poetry and found in casual speech as well. Media uses Hyperbole to exaggerate the
facts, in order to make the story impactful.
Example-
The army troops are faster than the wind and stronger than a mountain.
For Example-
11. Onomatopoeia- It is the figure of speech where the word is used to describe a
sound. When we explain any action by putting the sounds into language, it is known
as onomatopoeia. It is generally used in fiction or in nursery rhymes, for eg- Old
Macdonald had a farm eea eea ooo.
Example-
12. Allusion – refers to any literary, biblical, historical, mythological, scientific event,
character or place. EX. She was a good Samaritan when she helped the lady (bible)
13. Antithesis – involves a contrast of words or ideas. Ex. To err is human to forgive is
divine; Give every man they ear, but few thy voice.
14. Paradox – uses phrases or statement that on surface seems contradictory butu
makes some kind of emotional sense. Ex. I must be cruel to be kind – William
Shakespeare, Hamlet.