I.
Definition of literature
Broadly speaking, 'literature' describes anything from creative
writing to technical or scientific works
The term commonly refers to works of creative imagination,
aesthetic, and/or humanistic purposes such as poetry, drama, fiction,
and nonfiction (Terry Eagleton, 1996). It may also contain political
messages or beliefs.
Match the benefits of literature with each description.
A. To exercise our brains from the insights of others
B. To explore other cultures and beliefs
C. To appreciate individuals at a deeper level
D. To further our mastery of language
E. To explore ethical complexities and learn better ways to behave
F. To learn how to support our points of view and trust our own
interpretations
G. To know we aren't alone
II.Elements of literature
1. Forms of Literature:
• Oral literature: myths, legends, fables, folk tales, fairy tales, folk
songs, proverbs, historical recitations, nursery rhymes, ritual
songs, and laments.
• Written literature: poems, drama, films, prose.
2. Theme
• The theme is the main idea or message about humans, society, or
life in a literary work.
• In literature analysis, it should be stated in the form of a message
(a full statement).
3. Plot
• Plot is a sequence of events that occurs to characters from the
beginning to the end of a story.
• An effective plot must include a sequence of events that form an
intricate pattern of casual relationships.
a. Inciting incident
An inciting incident is a specific event at the beginning of a story that
kicks off the main plot by forcing your main character into it.
b. Rising action
A series of events begin to get complicated -> excitement, tension, or
crisis
• Internal conflict: In the protagonist's mind and through which the
main character reaches a new understanding or dynamic change.
• External conflict: Between the protagonist and another character
against nature and some outside force (e.g people, nature, society,
the unknown, etc.).
c. Climax: The moment of highest interest and emotion
d. Falling Action (the winding up): After the climax has been
reached and the conflict has been resolved
e. Resolution / Denouement: The end of a story, in which
everything is explained
4. Character
A person (or a being given the characteristics or a person) who
appears in, acts, and/or speaks in, narrates, or is referred to in a
literary work.
Characterisation
Different ways an author or poet uses to create in the readers an
emotional or intellectual reaction to a character or to make the
character more vivid and realistic.
TECHNIQUES OF CHARACTERIZATION
1. Stereotyping
2. Exposition
3. Characters' actions
4. Characters' words
5. Characters' thoughts
6. Words of others
7. Use of setting
TYPES OF CHARACTERS
A. Protagonist/Antagonist:
• Protagonist: the main character on whom the author focuses
most of the narrative attention.
• Antagonist: the character against whom the protagonist
struggles or contends.
B. Static (Flat)/Dynamic/ Round Character:
• Static (Flat): a simplified character whose personality does
not change over the course of a narrative.
• Dynamic: a character whose personality changes or evolves
over the course of a narrative.
C. Type/Stereotype/Stock Character:
• Type: Very individualized and unpredictable in personality
and action-a representative of class or group to which he/she
belongs to.
• Stereotype: Predictable, repeated without variation or
originality (An oversimplified representation of a type, gender,
class, religious group, or occupation).
• Stock: repeated in a particular literary genre with certain
conventional attributes or attitudes.
D. (Super)hero/(Super)heroine
E. Villain/Villainess:
A bad person who harms other people or breaks the law.
F. Antihero / Antiheroine:
A protagonist who is a non-hero or the antithesis of a traditional
hero.
G. Foil:
To illuminate or reveal certain traits of another character, without
the necessity of generating opposition or conflict.
H. The confidant:
A device for revealing the inner thoughts, feelings, and intentions
of a main character.
“He was my confidant, the person who was always on my side
even when he wasn't taking my side." (Lisa Kleypas).
I. The Love Interest:
Always want to win, or keep the protagonist's love. It is, by nature,
a selfish goal.
"It gives me strength to have somebody to fight for; I can never
fight for myself, but, for others, I can kill."
