3. L - LIFE
I - INNERMOST FEELINGS
T - THOUGHTS
E - EXPERIENCES
R - REFLECTION/MIRROR
A - ART (FORM OF ART)
T - TIMELESS TREASURE
U - UNIVERSAL, UNDYING
R - REAL AND REEL
E - EMBODIMENT OF
TRADITION, ETC.
4. Literature Defined
It is an artistic representation and
reflection of the individuality of a
group of people and of their life
manifested in different forms or
expressions. It is a timeless treasure
because it is an embodiment of a nation’s
traditions, customs and cultural patterns
and is also a vehicle for expressing
5. Roles of Literature in
1.
Society
Transmitter of values
2. Preserver of ideals, customs and
traditions
3. Mirror of culture
4. Agent of change
5. Source of pleasure
6. Transmitter of values
Events, as we read them in literature,
make us look at ourselves and live through the
experiences of the characters. We glean from
the stories the morals that lend to good life:
honesty, respect, love of country, justice, honor,
etc.
Preserver of ideals, customs and traditions
Literature is our link to the past. We get
a glimpse at our ancestors’ way of life by
reading their stories and poems. Reflecting on
their practice, beliefs and attitudes make us
understand more deeply our roots, thereby
inspiring us to strengthen our ideals, customs
and traditions at the present.
7. Mirror of culture
Literature reflects the cultures of
different races. Those who do not have the
resources to travel and personally observe
the ways of people from other parts of the
world may enrich their knowledge
vicariously through literature. Knowing how
people from the other side of the planet live
broadens our perception of life and
humanity.
8. Agent of change
History bears records of significant
changes in society brought about by literature. The
choice of Tagalog as basis for Filipino, the national
language of the Philippines, has been partly due to
the popularity of writings in Tagalog like Francisco
Balagtas’ Florante at Laura.
Today, literature in the mass media is a
potent force swaying public opinion. Ideas
massively delivered, whether orally or in writing,
can greatly influence people’s thinking. They can
make or unmake heroes, presidents, etc.
9. Source of pleasure
Like other forms of art, literature
entertains and gives pleasure. Some people
read literature for the fun of it, while some
people read for the wisdom they get from it.
Others enjoy analyzing the message in it or
the style and structure of the selection.
