Semester 1 Comprehensive Notes: Introduction to Literature
Topic 1: Detailed Definition and Nature of Literature
1. Etymology and Fundamental Meaning
The word “literature” is derived from the Latin word “litteratura” (or littera), which literally translates to “acquaintance with letters” or “things made of letters.”
In its broadest sense, literature can refer to any printed or written material (e.g., scientific literature, brochures, or manuals). However, in an academic context, Literature (with a capital ‘L’) refers to works of creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction, that possess artistic merit and permanent value.
2. Key Scholarly Definitions (Important for Exams)
To score well in university examinations, it is crucial to cite renowned literary critics and authors. Here are key historical definitions to include in your answers:
- Matthew Arnold (Victorian Critic, 1822–1888): Arnold famously defined literature, particularly poetry, as a “criticism of life.” He believed that literature evaluates human experiences and offers profound moral truths about how to live.
- William Henry (W.H.) Hudson (Author of ‘An Introduction to the Study of Literature’, 1913):“Literature is a vital record of what men have seen in life, what they have experienced of it, what they have thought and felt about those aspects of it which have the most immediate and enduring interest for all of us.”
- Ezra Pound (Modernist Poet, 1885–1972):“Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Essayist, 1803–1882):“Literature is a record of the best thoughts.”
3. The Two Senses of Literature
When writing an exam answer, it is important to distinguish between the two primary classifications of literature:
A. The Broad Sense (Informational/Applied Literature)
This includes any written material designed primarily to convey factual information.
- Examples: Textbooks, historical records, legal documents, and newspaper articles.
- Characteristics: Objective, fact-driven, and relies on direct language. It generally lacks artistic embellishment.
B. The Narrow Sense (Imaginative/Pure Literature)
This is the literature studied in university courses. It is an artistic creation that appeals to the emotions and imagination rather than just the intellect.
- Examples: Novels, epic poems, sonnets, and theatrical plays.
- Characteristics: Subjective, creative, and relies on figurative language (metaphors, similes, symbolism).
4. Essential Characteristics of True Literature
For a piece of writing to be elevated to the status of “True Literature,” it must possess specific universal qualities:
- Universality: True literature transcends time, nationality, and culture. For example, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (written around 1599–1601) is still studied and performed globally today because human themes of revenge, doubt, and grief remain constant.
- Permanence (Enduring Value): Unlike a daily news article which loses its relevance by the next day, a great literary work retains its value across centuries. It can be read multiple times, offering new insights with each reading.
- Artistic Quality (Aesthetic Appeal): The author uses language not just to communicate, but to create beauty. The rhythm, word choice (diction), and imagery elevate the text into an art form.
- Suggestiveness: Great literature does not simply state facts; it suggests underlying meanings. It forces the reader to think, analyze, and feel. A single poem can have multiple valid interpretations depending on the reader’s perspective.
- Spiritual/Moral Value: It elevates the human spirit, prompting readers to reflect on morality, ethics, and human nature.
5. Literature as the “Mirror of Society”
A critical concept to include in your notes is the relationship between literature and society. Literature is not created in a vacuum; it is deeply influenced by the political, social, and economic climate of its time (the Zeitgeist, or spirit of the times).
- Historical Context: Charles Dickens’ novels (e.g., Oliver Twist, published serially from 1837–1839) directly reflected the harsh realities, poverty, and child labor of the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.
- Therefore, studying literature is simultaneously a study of history, psychology, and sociology.