Cheatsheet: Definition And Nature Of Literature

1. Definition of Literature

1.1 Basic Definitions

1.2 Key Characteristics of Literature

• Use of language in artistic and creative ways
• Expression of human experiences, emotions, and thoughts
• Imaginative and creative presentation of ideas
• Universal appeal and timeless relevance
• Aesthetic value and artistic merit
• Permanence through written or oral forms

2. Nature of Literature

2.1 Fundamental Features

2.2 Literature as Art

• Literature is an art form that uses language as its medium
• Transforms ordinary language into artistic expression through style, imagery, and form
• Creates beauty through careful selection and arrangement of words
• Evokes emotional and intellectual responses in readers
• Demonstrates craftsmanship in structure, technique, and presentation

3. Major Forms of Literature

3.1 Primary Literary Genres

3.2 Prose Forms

3.2.1 Fiction

• Novel: Extended fictional narrative exploring characters and events in depth
• Novella: Shorter than a novel but longer than a short story
• Short Story: Brief fictional narrative focusing on single incident or character
• Romance: Adventure narrative emphasizing heroic deeds and idealized love

3.2.2 Non-Fiction

• Biography: Account of a person's life written by another
• Autobiography: Account of a person's life written by that person
• Essay: Short composition expressing personal views on a subject
• Memoir: Personal recollections of specific periods or events

3.3 Poetry Forms

• Epic: Long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds and adventures
• Lyric: Short poem expressing personal emotions and thoughts
• Ballad: Narrative poem in song-like form, often telling a story
• Sonnet: 14-line poem with specific rhyme scheme and meter
• Ode: Formal lyric poem addressing a particular subject with elevated style
• Elegy: Mournful poem lamenting the dead or expressing sorrow

3.4 Dramatic Forms

• Tragedy: Serious play ending in disaster for the protagonist
• Comedy: Play designed to amuse, ending happily
• Tragicomedy: Combines elements of both tragedy and comedy
• Farce: Light, humorous play using exaggerated situations and physical comedy

4. Functions of Literature

4.1 Primary Functions

4.2 Educational and Moral Functions

• Develops critical thinking and analytical skills
• Enhances language proficiency and communication abilities
• Promotes empathy by exposing readers to diverse perspectives
• Transmits moral values and ethical principles
• Broadens understanding of human nature and society
• Stimulates imagination and creativity

5. Elements of Literature

5.1 Fundamental Elements

5.2 Literary Devices

5.2.1 Figures of Speech

• Simile: Comparison using "like" or "as"
• Metaphor: Direct comparison without using "like" or "as"
• Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things
• Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis
• Irony: Expression of meaning through words suggesting the opposite
• Symbol: Object or action representing abstract ideas
• Imagery: Descriptive language appealing to the senses

5.2.2 Sound Devices in Poetry

• Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds
• Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds
• Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within or at end of words
• Rhyme: Correspondence of sounds at end of lines or words
• Rhythm: Pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds they describe

6. Oral and Written Literature

6.1 Comparison

6.2 Forms of Oral Literature

• Folktales: Traditional stories passed down through generations
• Myths: Sacred narratives explaining origins and natural phenomena
• Legends: Stories about historical or heroic figures
• Proverbs: Short sayings expressing general truths or advice
• Riddles: Puzzling questions requiring clever answers
• Oral Poetry: Verses composed and performed orally
• Songs: Musical compositions with lyrics
• Chants: Rhythmic spoken or sung phrases

6.3 Characteristics of Oral Literature

• Uses formulaic expressions and repetition for memorization
• Employs call-and-response patterns
• Features stock characters and familiar plots
• Includes performance elements like music and dance
• Preserves cultural values and community history
• Adapts to contemporary contexts in each performance

7. Literary Appreciation and Criticism

7.1 Literary Appreciation

• Understanding and enjoying the aesthetic qualities of literary works
• Recognizing the skill and artistry in the writer's craft
• Responding emotionally and intellectually to literary texts
• Identifying and analyzing literary techniques and devices
• Developing sensitivity to language, style, and form

7.2 Literary Criticism

7.3 Approaches to Reading Literature

• Close Reading: Careful attention to language, structure, and literary devices
• Historical Approach: Examining the work in its historical context
• Biographical Approach: Relating the work to the author's life
• Thematic Approach: Identifying and analyzing central themes
• Comparative Approach: Comparing different works or authors

8. Language and Style in Literature

8.1 Levels of Language

8.2 Components of Literary Style

• Diction: Choice and use of words
• Syntax: Arrangement of words in sentences
• Tone: Attitude conveyed through language
• Voice: Distinctive personality of the writer or narrator
• Figurative Language: Use of figures of speech
• Imagery: Descriptive language creating sensory impressions

9. The Value of Literature to Society

9.1 Social and Cultural Values

• Preserves and transmits cultural heritage and identity
• Promotes social cohesion through shared stories and values
• Provides social commentary and encourages critical thinking about society
• Documents historical events and social changes
• Bridges cultural gaps and promotes cross-cultural understanding
• Challenges social injustices and advocates for change

9.2 Individual Benefits

• Develops language skills and vocabulary
• Enhances imagination and creativity
• Improves critical thinking and analytical abilities
• Provides emotional catharsis and psychological insight
• Offers models for moral and ethical behavior
• Expands worldview and understanding of human experience

9.3 Educational Value

• Serves as primary resource for language learning
• Teaches history, culture, and social values
• Develops reading comprehension skills
• Enhances writing and communication abilities
• Stimulates intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning