Chapter Two: The Origin and Development of Literature – Literature in English Form Five

The origin and development of literature across cultures and times.

Takeaways

Mimetic theory, also known as the theory of imitation, was originally introduced by the Greek scholar Aristotle. Mimetic comes from the Greek word mimesis, meaning “copy”. The words “copy,” “representation,” and “imitation” are used interchangeably to refer to this theory. The central claim of imitation theory is that literature represents the copied experiences of the author from the community.

The theory, therefore, holds the assumption that a literary text is a product of the author’s imitation of the surroundings. After imitating, the author represents the imitated experiences through narration, dramatisation, or recitation. Literary texts that are said to be the representation of the imitated experiences are usually heightened by the writers’ true or imaginary encounters with what is happening in society.

Takeaways

The word myth comes from the Greek word mythos, which means “word” or “story”. It is a traditional story that explains the early history, the origin of something, or the reasons for certain behaviours, cultural beliefs or practices of people. In literature, myth theory is believed to have played a significant role in its origin by providing ancient societies with stories, themes, and characters that inspired the creation of written texts. It unfolds the characteristics of myth, such as the plot, settings, nature of the characters, and themes. The theory of myth is often used to examine the mythic elements within a text, such as the underlying themes, symbols, and structures present in a literary text. By doing so, readers gain a deeper understanding of the texts’ cultural, psychological, and symbolic significance.

Takeaways

Ritual theory is a multidisciplinary theory that is used to study and interpret rituals across various cultural, religious, and social contexts. It includes various perspectives from disciplines such as anthropology, literary studies, sociology, psychology and religious studies. Ritual theory focuses on social interaction; it is believed that rituals form group emotions that are linked to cultural symbols, beliefs, and thinking. In Greek literary history, the origin of drama is associated with ritual theory, specifically the worship of Dionysius, a god of wine and fertility.

Each year, Greek people went to a sacred place (shrine) to perform rituals in praise of or honour Dionysius. During this ceremony, there were the audience (Dionysius), actors (the Greeks), stage (sacred place/shrines), and message (what they intended god to do for them). In addition, there are singers (chorus), stories, and special costumes. These elements were adapted into written drama (play) in the 5th century, and drama became central to the Greek community.

Ritual theory helps in literary analysis by offering a framework for understanding the symbolic, psychological, and cultural dimensions of rituals represented in literary texts. It motivates readers to explore the meaning and implications of ritualistic practices used in storytelling.

Takeaways

Classical Greek Drama

Drama started to develop in Greece in the 6th century B.C., and it was connected with the worship of the Greek god called Dionysus. The rationale for linking the origin of drama and imitation theory can be established by analysing the ancient hymns called dithyrambs which were sung in honour of Lord Dionysius. The hymns were adopted in drama as the chorus, in which participants wore special costumes and masks. This provides a dramatic pattern that is observed during the performance.

Drama in the West (Europe)

From Greece, drama spread and developed in other European countries such as Italy, England and France at different times. For instance, mystery plays flourished during the medieval period (13th-16th centuries). They portrayed religious content, mainly the world’s creation, the death of Jesus Christ and the last judgement. The development of drama reached its climax during the Renaissance movement in the 16th century. It was during this time that Europeans began to venture into new lands. New ideas were born, and the church was separated from the state. This newness led to the development of new secular forms of play. Secular plays reminded people more about order and nationalism and encouraged them to stop struggling for power.

Drama in Africa

Three phases may be identified in the evolution of contemporary African theatre (drama) from traditional origins: Pre-colonial or ancient African, nationalist and modern drama.

Pre-Colonial/Ancient African Drama

The roots of traditional African drama emerged from various sources such as religious ceremonies, funeral customs and imitation of life, oral storytelling, and folk tales. Similar development patterns can be observed in various regions globally. In this phase, drama arose from the close relationships between individuals, communities, and the natural world. It satisfied basic human needs like amusement and adoration, and it was ritual, ceremonial and oral in transmission.

The Nationalist Drama

Foreign influences were introduced into contemporary African play during its second stage, which is known as the nationalist phase in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. In their efforts to convert more people to Christianity, European churches used theatre to educate and evangelize the local populace while advancing European culture.

The Modern Drama

This phase comprises the postcolonial and contemporary playwright and their works. In West Africa, it is marked by playwrights such as Hubert Ogunde, a Nigerian theatre pioneer, who combined Yoruba music and dances with novel features to create Native Air Opera, which is considered the first theatrical tradition.