The document defines literature and discusses its key characteristics and classifications. It states that literature is written works considered to have artistic and intellectual merit. There are two major classifications - prose, which is written like ordinary speech, and poetry, which uses rhythm and style to express ideas and feelings. Literature is further divided into genres like fiction, nonfiction, narrative poetry, lyric poetry, and dramatic poetry. The document also outlines several key aspects of literature, such as permanence, universality, artistry, style, intellectual and spiritual value, and suggestiveness. It describes three common models for studying literature and lists several functions of literature like entertainment, socio-political influence, and education.

1. LEADING THE WAY
ADRIAN G. CAPILI, LPT
CASAP Marikina

2. LEADING THE WAY
What is literature?
• Literature is defined as written (spoken) works,
especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic
merit. (Google)
• Literature is defined as writings having excellence of
form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent
or universal interest. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

3. LEADING THE WAY
What is literature?
• Literature, in its broadest sense, is any single body of
written works. More restrictively, literature is writing
that is considered to be an art form, or any single
writing deemed to have artistic or intellectual value,
often due to deploying language in ways that differ from
ordinary usage. Its Latin root literatura/litteratura
(derived itself from littera: letter or handwriting) was
used to refer to all written accounts, though
contemporary definitions extend the term to include
texts that are spoken or sung (oral literature).
(Wikipedia)

4. LEADING THE WAY
What is literature?
• It is the enduring expression of a significant human
experience in words well-chosen and arranged.

5. LEADING THE WAY

6. LEADING THE WAY
2 Major Literary Classifications
Prose- It is one of the two major classifications of
literature which is written in the pattern of ordinary
spoken language and within the common flow of
conversation. It is derived from the Latin word prosa
which means ‘straightforward’.
Poetry- a major classification of literature in which
special intensity is given to the expression of feelings
and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm

7. LEADING THE WAY

8. LEADING THE WAY
Fiction
o Short Story
o Novel
o Myth
o Legend
o Folktale
o Fairytale
o Fable
o Parable

9. LEADING THE WAY
Nonfiction
o Biography
o Autobiography
o Diary
o Journal
o Letter

10. LEADING THE WAY

11. LEADING THE WAY
Narrative Poetry
o Epic
o Ballad
o Metrical Romance
o Metrical Tale

12. LEADING THE WAY
Lyric Poetry
o Ode
o Elegy
o Sonnet
o Song
PETRARCHAN SONNET SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET
 Also known as the Italian
sonnet
 Also known as the English
sonnet
 Has 2 stanzas which contain
one octave and one sestet
respectively
 Has 4 stanzas which contain
three quatrains and one couplet
 Employs the rhyme scheme
ABBAABBA CDECDE (or
CDCDCD)
 Employs the rhyme scheme
ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

13. LEADING THE WAY
Dramatic Poetry
o Comedy
o Tragedy
o Farce
o Melodrama

14. LEADING THE WAY

15. LEADING THE WAY
Permanence
An important feature of great literature is that it
endures. Classic literature such as Dickens is still
enjoyed by readers today, generations after it was
originally written and in a completely different world to
the one it was intended for. This is extremely important
because if a work of literature is not enjoyed 20 years
after publication, it will simply be forgotten.

16. LEADING THE WAY
Universality
This is similar to endurance in the fact that literature
must appeal to a range of people across different age
groups, nationalities, cultures and beliefs.

17. LEADING THE WAY
Artistry
Literature should be well written and appeal to our
creative sides with beautifully crafted phrases and
sentences. Sentences such as these are often
memorized and can become famous phrases. This is a
quality which appeals to our sense of beauty.

18. LEADING THE WAY
Style
The writer of literature will usually have a unique view
of the world and will put thoughts to us in a way we
have never considered. It may be thoughts about the
world or it may simply be thoughts about the actual
words used. Words may be used in a creative and
unusual way that is entertaining and interested.

19. LEADING THE WAY
Intellectual Value
Literary work will usually inform us about our past, our
present or the world around us. It may not be in the
form of facts and figures but it will help us understand
our lives and realize truths about humanity and life in
general. Literature should mentally stimulate us and
enrich our thoughts.

20. LEADING THE WAY
Suggestiveness
Literature should carry many associations that lead
beyond the surface meaning. Underlying suggestions
usually carry an enormous amount of emotional power,
often because it is not directly mentioned but hinted at
through associations that can often be more powerful.
The reader is left to establish what the author is
suggesting and this captures the reader's imagination by
making think about what they are reading and engaging
them into the story.

21. LEADING THE WAY
Spiritual Value
Great works of literature are often thought to have an
underlying moral message that can potentially make us
better people. Moral values are often written between
the lines and can help us become better people.

22. LEADING THE WAY

23. LEADING THE WAY
3 Literary Models
The study of literature appeals in different aspects and
importance. Some of the noted ones include:
1. Cultural Model- literature aims to understand and
appreciate cultures and ideologies different from one’s own
time and space.
2. Language Model- literature aims to promote language
development like vocabulary and structure.
3. Personal Growth Model- literature aims to help one
achieve lasting pleasure and deep satisfaction in reading.

24. LEADING THE WAY

25. LEADING THE WAY
Functions of Literature
o Entertainment
o Socio-political
o Ideological
o Moral
o Linguistic
o Cultural
o Educational
o Historical

26. LEADING THE WAY

27. LEADING THE WAY