AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE (THEORY OF LITERATURE)
BASIC CONCEPTS OF LITERATURE
Almost everything needs some preparation. Students need some preparation for a specified time before
they sit for final exams.
For example, you may theoretically learn how to identify themes/issues when you learn Introduction to Literature, but you can practically identify them when you are actually reading or analysing a book itself.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF LITERATURE
The following are the basic concepts of literature:
THEORY
A theory is a body of rules or principles used to appraise works of literature. Theories are learnt, then they are put into practice after that.
LITERARY THEORY
Literary theory refers to the methods used in interpreting and analysing various works of literature.
LITERARY CRITICISM
Literary criticism refers to the critical study, interpretation, and analysis of literary works by using all elements of literature.
CRITIC
This is a person who applies different forms of literary theories and criticism to study, interprete and analyse different works of art.
GENRE
A genre refers to a category or type of literature. Literature is divided into three main sub-genres,
namely; Prose, drama, and poetry.
FICTION WRITING
This is the writing or composition of non-factual texts. For example, “Houseboy“.
NONFICTION WRITING
This is the writing or composition of factual texts. For example, “The Autobiography of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere”.
CONCLUSION
In most cases, Theory of Literature is important because it introduces students to major techniques and approaches of studying, interpreting and analysing literature. To Ordinary Level Secondary Students it sets a path to the more advanced studies of Literature in other levels.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
[1] Write short notes on the following:(a) Theory
(b) Literary theory
[2] Differentiate the following:
(a) Literary criticism and critic
(b) Fiction writing and Nonfiction writing
[3] Define the term ‘Genre’ and describe the main genres of literature
What is Literature?
Literature as a separate discipline has been defined differently by several scholars. The simplest definition of literature is that it is simply anything that is written. So, textbooks, brochures, newspapers, manuals and so on are all forms of literature.
For instance, if you buy a Television Set, you will be given its instructions manual (it’s literature). However, not any writing can be termed as ‘literature’ because for a composition to be called ‘literature’ it must have some literary values.
DEFINITIONS OF TERM ‘LITERATURE’
The term ‘Literature’ has been defined as follows:
(1) Literature is defined as a piece of writing that is valued as a work of art, especially novel, play, and poetry.
(2) Literature also refers to the creative and imaginative writing which is designed to engage readers emotionally and intellectually.
(3) Literature is a reflection of social, political, economic, and cultural realities.
Conclusively, there are various definitions of literature but all of them amount to one, that is, literature is an art that uses language creatively to portray social and personal experiences.
CONCLUSION
Various scholars have defined the term Literature and it has remained with its core aspects such as artistic nature of it, creativity it has, its uniqueness in using the language, and its purposes in the society.