Lesson 1  FABLE

WHAT IS LITERATURE? - is a short story, typically with animals as characters, that teaches a
- A body of written works. moral lesson.
- A broad term which usually denotes works which belong to the major genres. - Fables often have an element of humor and are an enduring form
- is a broad term used to refer to written works, such as books, magazines, of folk literature.
short stories, plays, and poems.  PARABLE
- It has been a powerful tool for expressing and exploring our humanity. - is a short story or brief tale that is used to illustrate a moral lesson
Literature can provide insight into the human experience and can be used as or religious principle.
a way to explore ideas - It typically features characters and events that are symbolic of
larger truths or ideas.
WHAT MAKES A TEXT LITERARY?  LEGEND
- It is considered literary when it possesses qualities that elevate it beyond - is a traditional story that has been passed down through
simple communication. generations and is typically based on historical events.
 CRITERIA OF LITERARINESS - Legends often include elements of mythology and folklore
1. FICTIONALITY
- Literary texts, even if they attempt to represent reality in some form or  NON-FICTION - in literature is a genre which encompasses essays,
another, are ultimately products of a writer’s imagination, and that at least, biographies, memoirs, and other written works that are based on facts
the characters and their conversations are fictitious. and real events.
2. SPECIALIZED LANGUAGE  DIARY
- According to the linguist Roman Jakobson in his essay Linguistics and Poetics: - is a personal record of experiences, thoughts, and/or reflections
Closing Statement (1960), literary texts have poetic function. kept regularly and often privately.
- To the Russian formalists, literary texts make use of language in such a way - It can be a physical book or an electronic document.
that it becomes strange and unfamiliar in a given context  ANECDOTE
3. LACK OF PRAGMATIC FUNCTION - is a brief, often amusing story about a real incident or person.
- Texts derive their meaning partly from their context, depending on the - Anecdotes are usually related as a way to support an argument
reader and the reading process. or point in a speech or essay.
- But literary texts do have a purpose—criticize, educate or entertain.  ESSAY
4. AMBIGUITY - is a short piece of writing that focuses on a particular topic or
- Literary texts are open to several interpretations because they express argument.
something beyond their literal “meaning”. - Essays are used to express ideas, explain a point, or discuss a
- They express different levels or layers of meaning that can be explored by topic in a structured and organized way.
attentive reading and analysis.
KINDS OF POETRY
Literary Standards  NARRATIVE - Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story. It
 Style - The peculiar way in which a writer sees life, forms his ideas and usually follows a plot with characters, a setting, and a climax.
expresses them.  EPIC
 Spiritual Value - Literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral - An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a
values. legendary hero.
 Intellectual Value - Great works of literature stimulates thought. - It features a hero who represents the values of a
 Universality - Themes are timeless and sweeping. particular society, and who goes on an epic journey or quest.
 Suggestiveness - Words are associated with ideas and emotions.  BALLAD
 Permanence - Great literature endures the test of time; forever relevant. - A ballad is a type of song that tells a story and often has a
 Artistry - Appeals to one’s sense of beauty. repeated chorus or refrain.
- Ballads typically have a slow, rhythmic structure and use simple
Themes of Literature and emotional language.
Literary Theme - is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a  METRIC TALE
novel, short story, or other literary work. It can be conveyed using characters, - A metric tale is a story told in verse, usually composed of stanzas
setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination of all of these elements. or lines of poetry.
- Metric tales are an ancient form of storytelling, often used in
Purpose of Literature traditional folklore, fables, and myths.
 To Educate: Teach something fundamental through the significant
human experiences.  LYRIC - Lyric poetry is a type of poetry that expresses personal emotions
 To Challenge: It provokes thought by questioning norms, presenting new or thoughts. It often includes rhyme and meter and can be sung as a song.
ideas, or addressing controversial issues.  DRAMATIC - Dramatic poetry is a type of poetry that is meant to be
 To Entertain: Arouse emotions, good and bad, therefore uplifting the performed in a play or theatrical setting. It often includes elements of
soul. dialogue, monologue, and characterization.

Literary Genres WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

1. Prose  Reading and understanding literature helps to build vocabulary,
- is a form of literature that uses ordinary language and has a natural flow of encourages imagination, and helps to develop critical thinking.
speech.  Reading literature from different times and places can give us an insight
- It typically consists of sentences and paragraphs and is used for a variety of into the history, culture, and beliefs of the people who wrote them.
genres, including novels, essays, short stories, and newspaper articles.  Literature provides a form of escapism. It can be a great way to escape
2. Poetry from the stresses of daily life and open up a world of possibility.
- is a genre of literature that uses imaginative and often rhythmic language to  Literature can inspire and motivate. It allows readers to learn from the
express an idea, evoke emotion, or tell a story. experiences of the characters.
- It is often used to convey complex emotions and ideas in an accessible and  Literature encourages empathy. Readers develop a greater
creative way. understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
 Literature can help to build connections between people, creating a
PROSE sense of shared understanding and appreciation.
 FICTION - in literature is any story or novel that is created from the
author's imagination, as opposed to being based on facts or real events.
 NOVEL
- is a work of long prose fiction, which is usually centered around
characters, events and settings.
- Novels usually have multiple chapters, with a larger plot and focus
on character development.
 SHORT STORY
- is a work of fiction that is usually shorter in length than a novel.
- Short stories often have less developed characters and settings
than longer works, but can still explore complex themes.
 NOVELLA
- is a work of narrative fiction, longer than a short story but shorter
than a novel. Generally, novellas are between 20,000 and
40,000 words in length.
 Lesson 2 PLOT
ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST ❑ Beginning
 was born a Greek and Gentile in Antioch, Syria A man have two sons, whom he loved so dearly. The Elder
 historian, physician, artist son, works in the field with his father. On the contrary, his
 detail-oriented writer Younger son, who’s far off behind, unhelpful of such tasks.
 carefully researched events ❑ Rising Action
 remained with Paul until the end of his life The Younger son asked for his fair share of the inheritance. His
father agreed immediately, and gave the inheritance to his
ST. LUKE as an author younger son. The Younger son set off to a new land and lived by
 The only gentile who have written books in the Bible. himself.
 He is the writer of the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. ❑ Climax
 His writings have been proven to be historically accurate. Not long after, he squandered all of his money and became
 One of the three “Synoptic Gospels” (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) penniless man. One day, a famine had struck the country
 His style is formal, classical prose, “Bible Greek”. leaving him homeless and hungry.
 logical, orderly, detail-oriented
 The Gospel of Luke focuses on the poor and oppressed, and ❑ Falling Action
encourages compassion for the less fortunate. The Younger son decided to return home and asked for his father’s
 His Gospel includes the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of forgiveness. He wanted to work as his father’s servant, so he does not
Jesus. starve. However, his father did not require it and accepted him with
 Stories only found in the Gospel of Luke; Zachariah’s vision, angels open arms.
& shepherds at Jesus’ birth, child Jesus in the temple, Parable of ❑ Ending
the Good Samaritan, and Prodigal Son. The father had a feast for the return of his Youngest son. This enraged
 As literature, the Bible portrays human experience, which are his Eldest son, but his father said “you are always with me, and
interpreted by the author, and presented in artistic style. everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad,
because
LITERARY FORMS IN THE BIBLE this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
FICTION found. (Luke 15:31-32)
● Myths
● Stories Theme:
● Parables What is the theme of the story?
POETRY
• Songs ❑ forgiveness
• Psalms “Forgiveness heals oneself from a painful past.”
• Proverbs ❑ unconditional love
• Lamentations “We love deeply in spite of the pain it had caused us.”
NON-FICTION ❑ repentance
• Law “Sincere penitence of sinful ways leads us closer to the Father.”
• History
• Epistles
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
PRODIGAL SON 3 TYPES OF WRITING
SYMBOLISM: 1. RELIGION
❑ fallen mankind 2. HISTORY
❑ individual sinner 3. LITERATURE
❑ demonstrates path of repentance

his request of inheritance = mankind’s follow his own will over God’s
will
his fall = demonstrates alienation from God, descend into futility, and
darkness

ELDER SON
SYMBOLISM:
❑ envious, conceited, vain,
arrogant, snob
❑ Pharisees, scribes

his sins
❑ self-righteousness
❑ self-serving
❑ lack of forgiveness
❑ lack of compassion

FATHER
❑ POSITIVE
- gives his all to his sons
- forgiving and kind
- shows unconditional love to his
children
❑ NEGATIVE
- too lenient
- prodigal with his love, money,
property

SETTING
❑ father’s house
❑ God’s kingdom (deeper aspect)
 Lesson 3 In the story, six blind men touch an elephant. Although each man touches the
History of Greco-Roman Literature same animal, his determination of the elephant is based only on what he is
 When the Ancient Greek Empire fell to the Roman Republic, the Romans able to perceive.
took Greece as slaves, some of whom ended up as teachers for noble
Roman children. Characters
 This educational influence led to a strong cultural influence from Greece
The Blind Men
to Rome, and the classical writer Horace noted the irony of the situation:
 Six men who are blind and each touch a different part of the elephant,
“Captive Greece conquered her savage victor.”
forming their own interpretation.
 Roman education relied heavily on Greek writers. Thus, there is no
distinct Roman mythology outside Greek influence. The Elephant
 The assimilation of Greek culture added prestige to Roman culture.  A large animal that serves as the subject of misunderstanding.

Mythology The Wise Man (in some versions)

 refers to a collection of myths from a particular culture or society.  In some retellings, a ruler or wise man explains the truth to the blind
 These are narratives that were created by ancient people to explain men.
aspects of the world that they did not understand. Setting
 It is set in an unspecified location, often depicted as a village, palace, or
 Myth signifies systems whose true meanings are unknown to their marketplace in India.
proponents. (Levi- Strauss)
 Myth helps human beings cope with inexorability of reality and the Plot
course of events, (Blumberg)
 Myth is a religion we do not believe; they denote supernatural tales that Exposition
are deliberately invented by their authors. (Poets)  Six blind men from Indostan (India) are curious about an elephant. Since
they cannot see, they decide to learn about it by touching the creature.
 MYTH: Gods and Goddesses Rising Action
 LEGEND: Most characters are human beings.  Each blind man touches a different part of the elephant and forms a
 FOLKTALE: Characters are supernatural beings who are not Gods and is distinct opinion:
not part of the mythology.
 One feels the side and thinks the elephant is like a wall.
Narcissus & Echo  Another touches the tusk and believes it is like a spear.
Publius Ovidius Naso  The third man feels the trunk and compares it to a snake.
 born in Sulmo, Italy on March 20, 43 BCE  The fourth touches the knee/leg and declares it is like a tree.
 One of the most influential poets in Western literary tradition. He  The fifth holds the ear and says it resembles a fan.
wrote Heroines and The Art of Love.  The last one grabs the tail and insists the elephant is like a rope.
 His most famous revered work is Metamorphoses. Climax
 The six blind men begin to argue, each insisting that his own perspective
Metamorphoses is correct while dismissing the others' views.
 It is a long poem in 15 books written in hexameter verse and totaling
nearly 12,000 lines. Falling Action
 A collection of mythological and legendary stories in which  The poem reveals that each blind man is only partially correct because
metamorphosis (transformation) plays some part, however minor. they only touched one part of the elephant, not the whole animal.
 The stories are told in chronological order from the creation of the Resolution
universe, to the death and deification of Julius Caesar.  The poem ends with the statement that people often disagree and argue,
 In many of the stories, mythical characters are used to illustrate just like the blind men, because they only perceive a small portion of the
examples of obedience or disobedience toward the gods, and for truth rather than the full picture.
their actions are either rewarded or punished by a final
transformation into some animal, vegetable, or astronomical form. Moral Lesson
 Limited knowledge leads to misunderstanding.
Lesson 4  People should consider different perspectives before forming
Ancient Indian Literature conclusions.
The Panchatantra  Truth is often bigger than what one individual perceives.
 (Five Principles) was originally a canonical collection of Sanskrit (Hindu)
and Pali (Buddhist) animal fables in verse and prose. "How can we relate to the story?”
 It is the oldest and largest collection of animal tales, containing 87 fables 1. CULTURAL ASPECT
with a frame story.
 It was compiled in India by a learned Brahmin named Vishnu Sharman,  Different cultures have unique traditions, beliefs, and experiences,
more than 2,000 years ago. shaping how people perceive the world.
 These stories were meant to impart worldly wisdom to the dull-witted  Like the blind men, people from different cultures may see the same
sons of a king, and have since travelled the world, awakening intelligence issue but interpret it differently.
in readers across centuries.  Example:
 In some cultures, direct communication is seen as respectful,
while in others, indirect speech is preferred.
The Fable  Neither is wrong, but both reflect different perspectives.
 A short tale written to teach a moral lesson, often with animals as
characters. 2. SOCIETAL ASPECT
 The story is very brief, and moral is usually stated in one sentence at the  Society is divided by class, religion, gender, and social experiences,
end of the table. affecting how people view issues.
ELEMENTS:  People may focus only on their own struggles without seeing the bigger
 Character picture of social issues.
 Setting  Example:
 Plot  A wealthy person might view poverty differently from someone
 Conflict who has lived in hardship.
 Moral Lesson  Their perspectives are shaped by their experiences, but neither
fully understands the other's reality.
The Blind Men and the Elephant
3. POLITICAL ASPECT
It is a tale originated in India and Hindu lore. It was translated to the English
language in the 19th century as a poem by the English writer John Godfrey  In politics, different parties and leaders often argue over policies, each
Saxe. A version of the story has been used in the Buddhist culture as well as believing they are absolutely right.
the Jain and Sufi Muslim culture.  Example:
 One political group might focus on economic growth, while
In modern times, the story has become widely used in philosophy and religion another prioritizes environmental protection.
classes. The story illustrates how people form their reality and belief system  Both perspectives have value, but conflict arises when they refuse
on their limited experiences. to acknowledge the other's concerns.