Introduction To Literature

Topic:  Introduction To Literature

Contents

1. Introduction to literature
2. Types of literature
3. Sources of literature
4. Purpose of literature

Introduction to Literature

Literature can be defined as a printed and unprinted material that informs, instruct entertain and educate people. Literature is given from the word  literate- which means the ability  to read and write

Types of Literature

• Fiction: Fiction is a story invented by someone by someone, it is not real, it is a story that center on imaginary people and events. E.g The beautiful ones are not yet born
• Non- fiction: It is a different type of literature of fictions,plays,poem and articles they centre on real fact of event which  are not created or imaginary. E.g Julius Caeser by William Shaleopeo

Sources of Literature

1. Folklore: This are traditional stories that takes roots from culture of a particular group of people
2. Folklore dance: It is a kind of traditional dance peculiar to a particular area, the folk dance is usually done by a folk dance. Folk music  is a traditional music  that has been played by ordinary people in a particular area for a long time.
3. Ritual: It is a ceremony that is performed in order to mark an important religious or social occasion. It is performed to appease traditional gods or deities
4. Myths: This is a story that many people believe, which may or may not be true. It is an ancient story especially those ones invented in order to explain natural or historical event.
5. Legend: It is an old, well known story often centres on adventure of brave people, or magical events. A legend is one who is famous and admired for being extremely good
6. Customs and tradition: Habit or behavioural of the people in a particular society. Tradition is a way of life of people in a particular society that has existed for a very long time.

Purpose of Literature

1. It helps in the development of language through reading of books written in such a language
2. It teaches moral lessons, correct wrong doings and recognizes achievement
   
3. It entertains, educate and instruct students
4. It creates awareness of ones society and that of others

Forms Of Literature

The forms of literature are classified into two:

1. Tragedy
2. Comedy.

Tragedy

It has an elevated diction and action, but with an unhappy ending. It begins in a good note, but ends on a very sad note. The disaster is usually targeted at the hero. Sometimes, his down fall is attributed to his inability to control his weakness (tragic flaw)

Characteristics of Tragedy

1. The writer makes efforts to arouse his reader’s curiosity.
2. There is the presence of irony which could be verbal or dramatic
3. There is conflict as a result of struggle between the opposing forces.
4. Sometimes, comic relief is seen to reduce tension.

Comedy

It is a light amusing work, which is funny and ends on a happy note. It is a form of entertainment. They are as follows:

1. Comedy of manners
2. Black comedy
3. Comedy of absurd
4. Situational comedy.

Note: A comedian is a male entertainer who makes people laugh by cracking jokes or telling funny stories, while a comedienne refers to the female counterpart.

 Characteristics of Comedy

1. It must consist of humors.
2. There is always an atmosphere of laughter
3. There is an element of ignorant on the part of the hero which must cause his downfall.
4. There is always a ridiculous and unusual character.

Test and Exercise

1. Define Literature
2. Give three purpose of literature
3. Differentiate between fiction and non fiction literature
4. List 5 sources of literature

For more notes; see: https://passnownow.com/classwork-support/