LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY CRITICISM
Introduction
Literary studies are the study of written works of imagination, of which poetry,
drama and narrative fiction constitute today most familiar types or genres. Most
students and teachers of literature, however, see it as a more complex matter. It might
be more accurate to describe it as a set of methods for examining the richness and
diversity of experience through the usual uses of language that we recognize as
different from everyday language. Literary Criticism on the other hand is the study,
evaluation, evaluation and interpretation of literature. In this lesson, students will
become familiar of the various theories and concepts. In general, the content
knowledge of the foundations and history and origin of the theories and their
proponents in the classical and neo classical time will equip the students to understand
some other theories in different timeline up to the present.
According to Rosales (2012), literary criticism poses contributions in the practice
of the writing of good analysis or critic paper.
Topic 1.1. Review of Purposes and Benefits of Literature Studies
In general, individuals describe literature as writing that has cultural, artistic, and/or
intellectual importance. In this type of writing, complex issues are examined, and
readers are encouraged to consider new viewpoints. What is the purpose of literature?
Below are the reasons:
1. Stress can be relieved by Literature
Literature relieves stress and anxiety, and that’s no secret to readers. Reading a good
book does wonder for a stressed mind. A fast heartbeat can be slowed down by
reading, reducing anxiety, and taking the reader’s sense off their racing ideas.
2. Literature inspires imagination
Among the finest methods to cultivate a vigorous imagination is to read, according to
the World Literacy Foundation. Watching a movie requires very little mental work,
whereas reading words from a page requires readers to mentally create the scene. In
addition to strengthening the imagination, this exercise promotes creative thinking and
innovation.
3. Literature keeps the brain active and healthy
The benefits of reading to the brain cannot be ignored. In addition to improving
concentration, reading can also stretch the imagination. A person can keep their brain
healthy and active by exercising it regularly. Alzheimer’s and dementia are degenerative
brain disorders that can be delayed with regular mental stimulation.
4. Literature helps a person to expand their vocabulary
The vocabulary in literature is often more challenging than that in magazines or light
books. Many readers might be unfamiliar with the language used in books published in
the past. A person’s vocabulary is expanded by reading a wide range of literature. The
study of literature is a great way to enhance language skills for those learning new
languages.
5. Literature enhances a person’s writing skills
Reading more will help an individual improve their writing. In order to improve, most
successful authors praise reading. In addition to fueling imagination and expanding
vocabulary, literature provides insight into different literary styles, ideas organization,
character development, and more.
6. Communication skills are improved by reading literature
Reading improves a reader’s ability to write, which helps them to become a better
communicator. This extends to their daily interactions and conversations as well. Every
aspect of life requires good communication, from career to personal relationships.
When people are exposed to literature at a young age, they are able to build
communication skills right away. Reading helps adults enhance their communication
skills.
7. Literature motivates critical thinking
To live a fulfilling life, we must think critically. It helps people figure out what the truth
is and work through problems. Literature is an excellent way for students to learn how
to think critically. To fully understand what’s going on in the book, readers must pay
attention to details, form relationships, and develop their individual ideas. Textbooks
are frequently used by teachers to help expand students’ vital thinking skills. They will
be nicely prepared for their future careers with this tool.
8. Readers learn about history through literature
People say history repeats itself if we don’t learn from it. Literature offers a unique way
to engage with history. It is much more exciting than learning a timeline or memorizing
facts. Regardless of the book’s fiction or focus, readers are exposed to perspectives
from the time when it was written. In ancient China, books from 19th century England
reveal different truths.
9. Reading literature can motivate kindness
Empathy is necessary at every level of society, or we descend into a dog-eat-dog
atmosphere, which harms everyone. The study of literature has shown that reading can
make one feel more empathic. Fictional literature has a particularly powerful effect on
empathizing. Why? Because it forces the reader to put themselves in the shoes of
more complex characters. Scientists at Princeton’s Social Neurosciences lab have
discovered that reading fiction regularly improves one’s ability to guess what other
people are feeling and thinking. The idea that literature can help us grow as individuals
is intriguing, even if it hasn’t been proven by science.
Review of Literary Genres and Literary Techniques
Lesson 2: Literary Devices – Techniques and Elements
A literary device is any specific aspect of literature, or a particular work,
which we can recognize, identify, interpret and/or analyze. Both literary elements and
literary techniques can rightly be called literary devices.
Literary techniques are specific, deliberate constructions of language
which an author uses to convey meaning. An author's use of a literary technique usually
occurs with a single word or phrase, or a particular group of words or phrases, at one
single point in a text. Unlike literary elements, literary techniques are not necessarily
present in every text.
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds within close proximity, usually in
consecutive words within the same sentence or line.
Anthropomorphism: Where animals or inanimate objects are portrayed in a story as
people, such as by walking, talking, or being given arms, legs and/or facial features.
(This technique is often incorrectly called personification.)
The King and Queen of Hearts and their playing-card courtiers comprise only one
example of Carroll's extensive use of anthropomorphism in Alice's Adventures in
Wonderland.
Blank verse: Non-rhyming poetry, usually written in iambic pentameter.
Much of Shakespeare's dialogue is written in blank verse, though it does occasionally
rhyme.
Creative license: Exaggeration or alteration of objective facts or reality for the purpose
of
enhancing meaning in a fictional context.
Dickens took some creative license with the historical events of the French Revolution
in order
to clarify the ideological conflicts.
Dialogue: Where characters speak to one another; may often be used to substitute for
exposition.
Since there is so little stage direction in Shakespeare, many of the characters' thoughts
and
actions are revealed through dialogue.
Dramatic irony: Where the audience or reader is aware of something important, of
which the
characters in the story are not aware.
Macbeth responds with disbelief when the weird sisters call him Thane of Cawdor;
ironically,
unbeknownst to him, he had been granted that title by king Duncan in the previous
scene.
Exposition: Where an author interrupts a story in order to explain something, usually to
provide
important background information
The first chapter consists mostly of exposition, running down the family's history and
describing their living conditions.
