What Is Literature?: DR Rubina Sheikh SPRING 2024 Class 1 JAN 22, 2024

WHAT IS
LITERATURE?
DR RUBINA SHEIKH
SPRING 2024
CLASS 1
JAN 22, 2024
WHY READ?
 Information/knowledge
 Entertainment/Fun/Pleasure
 Infotainment
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 The term ‘literature’ is used in different senses
1. In the most general sense it encompasses virtually all printed matter

2. In a second, more restricted sense the term applies only to ‘fine writing,’ writing i.e.
that has ‘literary merit.’
3. A third sense narrows the meaning further and is largely a modern (post-eighteenth
century) innovation, under which literature denotes ‘works of the imagination.’
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 Etymologically: the Latin word “litteratura” is derived from “littera” (letter), which
means “the use of letters” (alphabets) or writing
 Later on it took the additional meaning “knowledge acquired from studying
books.”
 So we might use this definition to understand “Literature” as writing that gives us
knowledge--writing that should be studied.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
“Books that are worth studying”

 But what books or texts are worth studying? In other words who decides what is worth
studying?
 This raises the question of literary canon. A work of literature becomes a part of the literary
canon when cultural institutions like schools or universities or prize committees classify it as a
work of lasting artistic or cultural merit, privileging white male writers as well as leaving out
contemporary writing.
 However, not every book that we read can be of lasting value. Think of a successful commercial
film. Was it really a film worth watching or did it become a hit because of a certain actor in it.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 According to the critic Derek Attridge, there are three qualities that define modern
Western Literature:
 1. a quality of invention or inventiveness in the text itself
 2. the reader’s sense that what they are reading is singular. In other words, the unique
vision of the writer herself.
 3. a sense of ‘otherness’ that pushes the reader to see the world around them in a new
way.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
Literature: A body of written works

 Literature: A body of written works. The name is often applied to those imaginative
works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the
excellence of their execution. (Encyclopedia Britannica, Micropedia)
 This definition of literature states that it refers to a collection of written works. It is
commonly used to describe imaginative works, including poetry and prose, that stand
out due to the authors' intentions and the quality of their execution. Essentially,
literature comprises well-crafted and creatively expressive written pieces.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 “Thus is revealed the total existence of writing: a text is made up of multiple writings,
drawn from many cultures and entering into mutual relations of dialogue, parody,
contestation, but there is one place where this multiplicity is focussed and that place is the
reader, not the author.”
From Barthes, Roland, The death of the author, in Rice, Philip and Waugh Patricia (2001) Modern literary theory: A reader (4th Ed), London,
Arnold
 This statement suggests that writing consists of various influences from different cultures,
creating a multiplicity of meanings. However, the reader plays a crucial role in
interpreting and giving meaning to the text, bringing together the various influences and
perspectives embedded within it.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 Henry Van Dyke defines “literature as writings which interpret the meanings of nature
and life, in words of charm and power, touched with the personality of the author, in
artistic forms of permanent interest.”
 This means that literature is writings that interpret the meanings of nature and life; it
presents the author’s vision of this world.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 “Literature as cultural and historical texts is studied to investigate the conditions of their
production and reception”.
 This statement emphasizes that literature is studied not only for its content but also for its cultural and
historical significance. Scholars examine the circumstances surrounding the creation and reception of
literary works to understand the broader context in which they were produced and how they were
received by audiences. By analyzing these factors, researchers gain insights into the social, political,
and cultural dynamics of the time period in which the literature was written and consumed.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
 Literature as an aesthetic experience

 Literary language
 Literature and fiction
 Literature and truth
 Literary value
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
of literature, allowing exploration of diverse

1. Aesthetic Experience: Literature offers a
narratives and imaginative elements.
unique aesthetic encounter, engaging readers
with artistic elements that go beyond conveying 4. Literature and Truth: Literature navigates
information. complex relationships with truth, conveying
2. Literary Language: Literature employs both factual information and deeper human
distinctive language, featuring creativity, experiences.
metaphor, and heightened attention to linguistic 5. Literary Value: Literary value is
nuances.
subjective, assessing a work's worth based
3. Literature and Fiction: Fiction is a significant on factors like artistic merit, cultural impact,
part and enduring relevance.
WHAT IS LITERATURE?
According to Terry Eagleton:

1. Literature is Imaginative Writing
2. Literature Is Extraordinary Language
3. Literature Is Pragmatic Speech
4. Literature Is “Good” Writing
In short, “Literature” and the “literary” are highly subjective categories .
WHAT MAKES A LITERARY WORK - LITERATURE?
While there is no definitive formula, several key characteristics often set literary works apart:
 Artistic Expression: Literature is an art form. It employs language not only for communication but
also as a medium of artistic expression. Writers use words creatively, crafting prose, poetry, and drama
that resonate with depth, imagery, and emotional impact.
 Complexity and Depth: Literary works often possess layers of meaning, inviting readers to explore
themes, symbols, and metaphors. These works challenge us to think critically and engage with the text
on multiple levels.
 Exploration of Human Experience: Literature is deeply concerned with the human experience,
delving into themes such as love, conflict, identity, morality, and the passage of time. Through
literature, we can gain insight into the complexities of human nature and the world around us.
 Universal Themes: Great literature transcends time and place. It addresses universal themes and truths
that resonate across cultures and generations, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
LITERARY GENRES
 A Genre is a French word meaning  LITERARY GENRES

“type” or “kind” of literature.  Fiction Poetry Drama Biography and
 The genres of literature we will study are Autobiography
poetry, drama and fiction (short story,  Ancient: Fables, Tales
non-fiction, and novel).
 Modern: Novels & Short Stories
 This way we can argue that all writing
 Poetry
falls into one of these two categories:
 Fiction  Drama
 Nonfiction  Biography and Autobiography

 The Essay
WHAT IS LITERARY MERIT
 "Literary merit" is a term used to describe the qualities of a written work that make it
valuable or important within the field of literature. It's essentially an assessment of
how good something is as literature. However, determining literary merit can be a
complex and nuanced process, as it's often subjective and dependent on various
factors.
WHAT IS LITERARY MERIT?
 Technical skill: This includes the writer's control over language, their use of literary devices,
and their ability to create compelling characters, plots, and settings. Examples might be
strong imagery, vivid descriptions, and well-paced narrative flow.
 Originality and creativity: Does the work offer something new and fresh, or does it simply
rehash past ideas? Does it challenge perspectives or conventions? Originality can be a big
factor in determining literary merit, especially in a saturated world of writing.
 Emotional impact: How does the work affect the reader? Does it evoke strong emotions,
provoke thought, or offer a unique perspective on the human experience? A work's ability to
connect with readers on a deeper level is often seen as a mark of literary merit.
WHAT IS LITERARY MERIT?
 Cultural and historical significance: Does the work reflect or respond to important issues of its
time? Does it offer insights into different cultures or historical periods? Literary merit can also be
tied to a work's relevance and ability to resonate beyond its immediate context.
 Enduring appeal: While trends and preferences change over time, some works continue to be
appreciated and valued by readers across generations. A work's lasting impact and ability to remain
relevant can be a strong indicator of literary merit.
 It's important to remember that literary merit is not always absolute. What one person finds
profound, another might find boring or derivative. The evaluation of literature is often influenced by
personal taste, cultural background, and historical context. Additionally, different schools of thought
within literary criticism will emphasize different aspects of merit.

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WHAT IS

1. In the most general sense it encompasses virtually all printed matter

“Books that are worth studying”

Literature: A body of written works

 Literature as an aesthetic experience

of literature, allowing exploration of diverse

According to Terry Eagleton:

 A Genre is a French word meaning  LITERARY GENRES

 Nonfiction  Biography and Autobiography

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