Literature comes from Latin words meaning "writing" and "learning". It portrays human experiences through works of poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction that are well written and imaginative. The main forms of literature are prose, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Prose is written freely without rhyme or meter while poetry uses techniques like rhyme and rhythm. Major genres include poetry, prose fiction, drama, and non-fiction.

2. WHAT IS LITERATURE?
•Literature comes from the Latin word litteratura which means
“WRITING”
litteratus which means “LEARNING”
•Literature covers both oral and written forms of works which
manifest expressive or imaginative quality, nobility of
thoughts, timelessness, and universality.
•It usually means works of poetry and prose that are especially
well written.

3. THREE POINTS OF LITERATURE
•Literature portrays human experience.
•Authors interpret these human experiences.
•It is an art form and a style of expression.

4. MAJOR FORMS OF LITERATURE
1. Prose
-This form is mainly composed freely.
-It does not have any measurement
-Language used is ordinary
2. Non-prose
- It is characterized by its highly controlled manner
Choosing and arranging language

5. GENRES OF LITERATURE
1. Poetry- it only uses limited number of words
-Its beauty is mainly forced by the intricate and careful use of
words, figurative expression, imagery, rhythm, and sound.
2. Prose fiction- a literary work that is an imaginative recreation
and reconstruction of life.
- It covers short stories and novels

6. GENRES OF LITERATURE
3. Drama- this involves human significant encounters or
stories which are intended to be performed in stage.
4. Non-fiction prose- it mainly attempts to present, to
interpret, or to describe facts.
- Examples are form of essays, feature articles, editorials,
etc.

7. POETRY
- FROM THE GREEK TERM “POESIS” WHICH MEANS “TO CREATE”/ “TO MAKE”
- IT IS AN ART OF COMMUNICATING MEANINGS, EMOTIONS, AND VALUES

8. POETRY: NATURE, STRUCTURE, AND FORMS
KEY ASPECTS OF POETRY
A. STRUCTURE i.e. lines, stanzas
B. LANGUAGE i.e. figurative expression
C. TONE, SOUND, RHYTHM i.e. rhymes/ patterns, feelings expressed in
the poem,
D. EMOTIONAL APPEAL poems convey volume of meanings

9. POETRY: NATURE, STRUCTURE, AND FORMS
Different poetic forms
1. Dramatic poetry- it exhibits dialogue and characterization which are known to be
elements of drama.
Examples:
A. Monologue is a speech delivered by an individual in a dramatic performance
B. Soliloquy is a monologue used to develop the character of a speaker by providing
information by the revelation of the character’s personal thoughts, emotions, and
feelings

10. POETRY: NATURE, STRUCTURE, AND FORMS
Different Poetic Forms
2. Lyric poetry- a melodic disclosure of feelings and emotions
which can be perceived to be subjective and personal since it was
accompanied by lyre.
Examples:
A. Simple lyric poetry (pastorals) which describes scenes and
objects of nature
B. Songs which are emotional verses sung during special
occasions

11. POETRY: NATURE, STRUCTURE, AND FORMS
Different Poetic Forms
C. Odes which expresses a strong feeling of love
or respect for someone or something
D. Sonnets which are commonly composed of 14
lines
E. Elegy which expresses sorrow to death of
person or group of individuals

12. POETRY: NATURE, STRUCTURE, AND FORMS
Different Poetic Forms
C. Narrative poetry- it is a non-dramatic, it
narrates a story,
Examples: epics, metrical tales, romances, and
ballads

13. PROSE- FICTION
GENERALLY A PRODUCT OF AUTHOR’S IMAGINATION

14. MAJOR FORMS OF FICTION
1. Short story
-It is a work of fiction that can be read in one sitting.
-Short stories have a few characters, singular complication, and
thematic.
2. Novella
-A shorter version of novel but longer than short story
3. Novel
- A long prose narrative tat deals with human experience through
relative sequence of events.

15. DRAMA

16. GENRES OF DRAMA
A. Tragedy- the lead character encounters misfortunes
B. Comedy- intended to amuse the viewing crowd
C. Tragicomedy- tragic and comic elements
D. Closet drama- drama which are intended to read but not to
be performed
E. Farce- exaggerated comic drama which is intended to
entertain audience
F. Melodrama- romantic play accompanied with music