This document discusses the definition and nature of literature. It defines literature as anything printed related to human ideas and feelings, whether factual or imaginary. Literature is seen as a product of culture that captures human values, emotions, actions and ideas. The best way to understand human nature and a society is to study its literature. Literature illuminates life and is a product and commentary on life. The document also discusses why Philippine literature should be studied, including to appreciate cultural heritage and understand historical limitations, and defines some literary standards like universality, artistry, intellectual value and permanence.

2. LITERATURE
“Litera” – Latin word which literally means
an “acquaintance with letters”
Webster defines literature as anything that is
printed, as long as it is related to the ideas
and feelings of people, whether it is true, or
just a product of one’s imagination

3. LITERATURE
 a product of particular culture that
concretizes man’s array of values,
emotions, actions and ideas. It is
therefore a creation of human
experiences that tells about people
and their world.

4. LITERATURE
 The best way to understand human nature
fully and to know a nation completely is to
study literature (Garcia, et al, 1993 cited in
Gutierrez-Ang 2012)
Literature is a faithful production of life …. In
a sense is a product and a commentary of life
process.
Literature illuminates life.

5. Why Read Literature?
• For information,
• for amusement,
• for higher and keener
pleasure,
• for cultural upliftment,
• for discovery of broader
dimensions in life
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6. What is Philippine Literature ?
 A product, a reflection of and a
reaction to the period, place and
people who produced it.(Balabar, et al 1989)
 A body of works, both oral and written,
that Filipinos whether native, naturalized, or
foreign born, have created about the
experience of people living in or relating to
Philippine Society. (Gutierrez-Ang, 2012)
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7. Why STUDY Philippine Literature?
• To appreciate literary heritage
• To realize our literary limitations
conditioned by certain historical factors so
we can take steps to overcome them
• To understand that we have a great d noble
tradition which can serve as means to
assimilate other cultures
• To show that Filipinos manifest deep
concern for their own literature.
» Gutierrez-Ang, 2012
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8. LITERARY STANDARDS
Universality
Artistry
Intellectual Value
Permanence
Style
Spiritual Value
Suggestiveness
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9. UNIVERSALITY
Great literature is timeless and timely.
Forever relevant, it appeals to one and all,
anytime, anywhere, because it deals with
elemental feelings, fundamental truths
and universal conditions.

10. ARTISTRY
This is the quality that appeals to our sense
of beauty.
INTELLECTUAL VALUE
A literary works stimulates thought. It
enriches our mental life by making us
realize fundamental truths about life and
human nature.

11. PERMANENCE
A great work of literature
endures.
It can be read again and again
as each reading gives fresh
delight and new insights and
opens a new world of meaning
and experience.

12. STYLE
This is the peculiar way
in which writers sees
life, forms his ideas and
expresses them.

13. Spiritual Value
Literature elevates the
spirit by bringing out
moral values which
makes a better
persons.

14. SUGGESTIVENESS
This is associated with the emotional
power of literature.
Great literature moves us deeply and stirs
our feeling and imagination, giving and
evoking visions above and beyond the
plane of ordinary life and experience.
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