Chapter Two: The Origin And Development Of Literature - Literature In English Form Five - Darasa Huru
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Chapter Two: The Origin and Development of Literature – Literature in English Form Five

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Literature in English Form Five Full Notes, LITERATURE IN ENGLISH FORM 5 FIVE NOTES, In-depth Understanding of Elements of Literature, Analysis of the Relationship Between Folklore and Written Literature, The Origin and Development of African Literature in English, The Origin and Development of Literature, The Concepts of Literature, Literature in English - Darasa Huru, Explanations and Definitions of Common Literary Terms, NECTA QUESTIONS NECTA QUESTIONS: Are you looking for Form Four NECTA Past Papers? RESPONDING TO LITERATURE QUESTIONS It is very important to understand the skills for answering literature questions because, more often than not, students fail to respond to literature questions not because they don’t have the right answers for those questions but chiefly because they fail to interpret the questions appropriately and respond accordingly. Therefore, to successfully respond to literature questions, the following things should be taken into consideration at least as the first step to start with: a)Read the question carefully. It is advised to read the question more than once as it helps you to understand it. Re-reading the question twice or thrice may help you to gain some additional insights on the requirements of the question b)Paraphrase the question. At this point try to re-state the question in your own words. This helps you among other things to see if you have understood what you are asked to do. E.g. “With reference to two plays that you have read in class compare two female characters one from each play and show how they differ”. PARAPHRASE: The question requires me to pick two female characters and show their similarities and differences c)Pay attention to key words in the question. Questions have key words that tell you what you are required to do. When you are reading the question note whether it requires you to;- discuss, list, mention, compare and contrast, verify, describe, comment, criticize, interpret, justify.etc.Buy bestselling books online d)Write an outline of your answer. At this juncture try to frame how your essay will look like and what you are going to put in the introduction, the main body and conclusion. i.e. in the introduction you may show (i). The key words to be defined, (ii) the books you are going to use. In the main body you may jot down the points you are going to use from each reading. In the conclusion you may show how you are going to conclude. THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR ESSAY INTRODUCTION. Remember that introduction is the key to your essay. It gives an impression on whether the reader should continue reading your essay or not. Here you are supposed to do the following. 1. Define key terms. For example in our question above; you may need to define: Character(s) this helps your reader to understand your working definition. E.g. Characters are animate or inanimate beings that play different roles in a literary work.Buy bestselling books online 2. Sometimes there are no key words to be defined. In such a case give some background information on the subject in question. E.g. “Women occupy different roles in literary works. By using two readings you have studied in class show the roles of women in your society”. Here you may need to agree with the statement and show that women do really occupy different roles in different societies. 3. List the readings you are going to use. Of course you will have outlined them somewhere, but this is the right place to include them in your essay. A good choice of readings is also very important as it shows whether you are going to respond to the question correctly or wrongly. E.g. To prove the above statement my discussion will be centred on Juliette of Three Suitors One Husband by O. Mbia and Wanjiro of This Time Tomorrow by Ngugi wa Thiong’o. or In this essay references will be made to Juliette of Three Suitors One Husband by O Mbia and Wanjiro of This Time Tomorrow by Ngugi wa Thiong’o. 4. Show the readings you are going to start with. In case of the questions that need each reading to be treated separately. E.gBuy bestselling books online In this essay references will be made to Juliette of Three Suitors One Husband by O Mbia and Wanjiro of This Time Tomorrow by Ngugi wa Thiong’o. To start with Three suitors one husband; MAIN BODY. Here you need to be careful because it is this part that answers your question. Organization. You should organize your essay in paragraphs whereby each paragraph carries one point. That is to say the number of points is determined by the number of paragraphs and vice versa. Each paragraph must contain a topic sentence. A topic sentence is the one containing the argument you are making. E.g. in our question you could begin each sentence by saying “Both Juliette and Wanjiro are…” Provide supporting details. These are evidences from a literary work plus supporting examples. Example if you say… “Both Juliette and Wanjiro are denied to marry men of their choices. Juliette is denied by her family to marry Oko since he is still a schoolboy and has no money compared to the other suitors like Mbia. Similarly, Wanjiro is denied by her mother to marry Asinjo on the ground that he is a man from another tribe, he is poor and has no job.” Citation Your citation will largely depend on the nature of the question you are attempting. Different questions call for different responses. Questions on themes for instance have issues cutting across two or more readings. If that is the case it is possible to refer to two readings in one paragraph. However this approach is used when the point is the same. For example, “Literature is the product of the society. It is used by artists to reflect social realities within their societies. Use two novels you have read to verify the above statement”. In such a case you may discuss a theme like HIV/AIDS which appears in both “Passed Like a Shadow” and “The Interview”. Your citation will be; One of the social realities portrayed is the plight of HIV/AIDS pandemic. In “Passed like a Shadow” people like Adyeri, Amoti, Vicky, David and others die of AIDS due to ignorance of the ways it spreads and beliefs in superstition. Similarly, in “The Interview” people like Georgina and the pastor die of AIDS or kill themselves due to Ignorance without even taking blood test to confirm whether they are infected. If the readings contain different points it is advisable that you deal with one reading at a time and then move to another.Buy bestselling books online If the question requires you to compare and contrast two aspects in two readings you make references to both readings at the same time using words like; whereas, while, on the other hand, by contrast, or comparing by using words like also, similarly, likewise. NOTE: Answering a question is not the same as narrating a story. You should avoid narrating what is taking place in the story but rather analyze and make arguments. CONCLUSION. This is the final part of your essay. You are expected to write your position. Don’t conclude by saying; What I have said/written above are/is…………… The above points are………. It is advised that you conclude your essay with expressions like; Ø In conclusion….., Ø To conclude……., Ø In summary….., Ø By the way of conclusion……., Ø To sum up ……, Ø Generally it can be said that…., Ø To capitulate…….. etc E.g. “Generally it can be concluded that, different characters from different readings may be alike or different depending on the experiences they face in the societies they live. If the experiences are the same the characters are likely to behave the same way and vice versa.” NECTA 2010 1. How can literature help us in fighting against HIV/AIDS in Tanzania? 2. An artist can best use his pen and not rifle to teach and warn the society. Validate this statement using your life experience. 3. Write brief notes on the following literary concepts. (a) Written literature. (b) Setting. (c) Proverbs. (d) Narrator. NECTA 2011 1.(a). Briefly comment on what the following literary concepts are. (I) Short stories. (II) Figurative language. (iii) Characterization. (iv) Setting. (b) What is oral literature? State any five characteristics of oral literature. 2.Using your own life experience, show how literature and language can not be separated. 3.Writting literature in local languages is the only way to make sure that it reaches every individual in the society. Use eight (8) points to argue for or against this statement. NECTA 2012 1. Compare and contrast between the following pairs of literary terminologies (a) Ballad and Epic. (b) Irony and Satire. (c) Conflict and denouement. (d) Round character and flat character. (e) Form and content. 2. What do you understand by the term ‘technique ‘ in a work of art? Explain briefly on seven techniques which can be used in a literary piece of work. 3. Does oral literature still exist in the Tanzanian society today? Discuss basing your arguments on the nature and transmission of oral literature. NECTA 2013 1.How does the language of literature differ from ordinary writing and speech? 2.(a). Define the following terms as used in works of literature. (i) Rehearsal. (ii) Imagery. (iii) Tone. (iv) Point of view. (v) Plot. (vi) Symbolism. (vii) Fable. (Viii) Persona. (ix) Character. (x) Stanza. (b)Give five reasons as to why literature should be taught as a subject to all secondary school students. 3.(a) What are the differences in each of the following terms? (i) Litotes and understatement. (ii) Straight forward narration and flashback. (iii) Metaphorical and literal language. (iv) Onomatopoeia and metonymy. (v) Metaphor and simile. (b) With examples, give a brief explanation of the genres of literature. NECTA 2014 1.’The subject of literature differs from other subjects taught in school’. What are the differences between literature and other subjects in the secondary school curriculum? 2.Briefly compare and contrast the following pairs of literary terms: (a) Symbolism and imagery. (b) Fable and folktale. (c) Antagonist and protagonist. (d) Play and Drama. (e) Alliteration and Assonance. 3.Support the view that ‘the society makes Literature and Literature holds the society ‘. NECTA 2015 1.(a) Define the following literary terms: (i) Satire. (ii) Allusion. (iii) Alliteration. (iv) Conflict. (v) Simile. (b) Show how literature is a reflection of life by giving five points. 2.(a) Briefly explain how the difference between a novel and a poem lies in their form giving three points for each. (b) Why is it important to put plays in action? (c) With examples briefly explain the following literary devices: (i) Hyperbole. (ii) Irony. (iii) Litotes. (iv) Metaphor. (v) Contrast. 3.(a) Briefly explain the following: (i) Oral literature. (ii) Written literature. (b) Mention the three basic genres of literature. (c) It is argued that, the definition of the term literature is not complete unless it involves three elements namely art, language and society. Briefly support this view showing how these elements are part of literature. NECTA 2016 1.Analyse eight elements which makes drama look different from other works of literature. 2.Giving eight points, explain the importance of studying literature. 3.Analyse four key elements of Form and four of Content in a piece of literary writing. NECTA QUESTIONS on Literature in English (Form 3 & 4) NECTA QUESTIONS on English in Literature ORAL LITERATURE THEORIES OF LITERATURE STUDY QUESTIONS ON ENGLISH IN LITERATURE SELECTED POEMS FROM TANZANIA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (ANALYSIS) INTERPRETING LITERARY WORKS WRITTEN LITERATURE AFRICAN LITERATURE ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE NECTA 2017 1.Write brief explanations on each of the following literary terms. (a) Fiction. (b) Film. (c) Stage direction. (d) Episode. (e) Figures of speech. (f) Setting. (g) Tragic comedy. (h) Verse. (I) Scene. (j) Play within play. 2.(a) What are the four major difficulties that students face when appreciating a poem? (b) Distinguish between the following literary terms: (i) Poem and poet. (ii) Verse and stanza. (iii) Rhyme and Rhythm. (iv) Narrative poem and Deductive poem. (v) Theme and Message. 3.Account for features of play /drama which make it different from other genres of literature. NECTA 2018 1. Write brief explanations on the following literary concepts: (I) Conflict. (ii) Myth. (iii) Stage direction. (iv) Dramatic monologue. (v) Modern poetry. (vi) Diction. (vii) Climax. (viii) Euphemism. (ix) Character. (x) Symbol. 2. Using your own life experience, show how literature and language cannot be separated. 3.(a) What is drama? (b) Outline six features of drama. (c) Differentiate the following dramatic terms: (i) Act and scene. (ii) Comedy and tragedy, LITERATURE IN ENGLISH FULL NOTES, LITERATURE IN ENGLISH BOOKS ANALYSIS (INTERPRETING LITERARY WORKS), WRITTEN LITERATURE, ORAL LITERATURE, ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE - CONTENTS, ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE, LITERARY DEVICES, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE, FORMS OF LITERATURE, CONTEXT IN WHICH LITERATURE IS APPLIED, FUNCTIONS OF LITERATURE, LITERATURE AS AN ART, Introduction to Literature

CHAPTER TWO: THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF LITERATURE

Chapter Two: The Origin and Development of Literature – Full Notes| Origin of literature, Development of oral literature, Development of written literature, Relationship between oral and written literature, Factors influencing the development of literature

Development of African literature, Development of Tanzanian literature, Effects of social, cultural, political, and technological changes on literature. Role of language in the development of literature, Modern trends in literature

Introduction

The study of the origin and development of literature helps students understand how literature began, why it developed, and how different literary genres evolved over time in different societies.

Literature did not emerge suddenly; it developed gradually as human beings sought ways to communicate their experiences, beliefs, emotions, and knowledge.

The earliest forms of literature were oral and later developed into written forms with the invention of writing systems.

1. THE ORIGIN OF LITERATURE

Origin refers to the beginning or source of something. Therefore, the origin of literature means how literature started among human societies.

Long before writing was invented, people communicated through:

  • Songs
  • Stories
  • Proverbs
  • Myths
  • Legends
  • Ritual performances
  • Dances
  • Religious ceremonies

These oral performances later developed into written literature.

Why Literature Originated?

Literature originated because people needed to:

1. Explain natural phenomena

Ancient people wanted to explain events such as:

  • Thunder
  • Lightning
  • Earthquakes
  • Rain
  • Death
  • Birth

Example

Many African myths explain why death came into the world.

2. Preserve history

Communities wanted future generations to know:

  • Heroes
  • Kings
  • Wars
  • Traditions
  • Example

Legends about Chief Mkwawa preserve Tanzanian history.

3. Teach moral values

Parents and elders used stories to teach children:

  • Honesty
  • Respect
  • Courage
  • Hard work

Example

The Hare and Hyena folktales teach wisdom.

4. Entertain society

People gathered around fires to tell stories, sing songs, and dance.

5. Express emotions

People composed songs during:

  • Weddings
  • Funerals
  • Harvests
  • Wars

DEVELOPMENT OF LITERATURE

Development means gradual improvement or change over time.

Literature developed from:

  • Oral performances
  • Simple written records
  • Manuscripts
  • Printed books
  • Digital literature

STAGES OF LITERARY DEVELOPMENT

Stage One

Oral traditions

No writing existed.

Examples

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  • Folktales
  • Songs
  • Proverbs
  • Riddles

Stage Two

Written literature

After writing systems were invented, oral works began to be recorded.

Examples

  • Ancient Egyptian writings
  • Greek plays
  • Roman literature

Stage Three

Printing Revolution

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440 enabled books to be produced in large numbers. This greatly increased literacy and the spread of literature.

Stage Four

Modern Literature

Today’s literature appears in:

  • Books
  • Newspapers
  • Films
  • Television
  • Websites
  • Blogs
  • Social media
  • E-books

THEORIES OF THE ORIGIN OF LITERATURE

Scholars developed several theories explaining how literature originated.

The major theories are:

  • Mimetic Theory
  • Myth Theory
  • Ritual Theory

A. MIMETIC THEORY

The word mimesis is Greek and means imitation.

The Mimetic Theory argues that literature originated because human beings naturally imitate the world around them.

The theory was mainly developed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Main Ideas

  • Human beings imitate:
  • Nature
  • People’s behaviour
  • Animals
  • Social life
  • Historical events

Through imitation they create literature.

Examples

  • Children imitate adults.
  • Actors imitate real people.
  • Novelists imitate society.
  • Poets imitate human emotions.

Example

In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe imitates African traditional life before colonialism.

IMPORTANCE OF MIMETIC THEORY

1. Reflects society

Literature becomes a mirror of society.

Example

Corruption portrayed in Betrayal in the City.

2. Preserves history

Historical events are represented artistically.

Example

Novels about colonial Africa.

3. Educates readers

Readers learn from real-life situations.

4. Promotes realism

Characters resemble real people.

5. Encourages observation

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Writers carefully study society.

WEAKNESSES

Not all literature imitates reality.

Fantasy literature uses imagination beyond real life.

B. MYTH THEORY

Myth Theory argues that literature originated from myths explaining supernatural events.

Myths are traditional stories about:

  • Gods
  • Spirits
  • Ancestors
  • Creation
  • Natural phenomena

CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTHS

  • Supernatural beings
  • Traditional beliefs
  • Anonymous authors
  • Symbolic meaning

Examples

  • African creation myths
  • Greek mythology
  • Stories explaining the origin of death.

CONTRIBUTIONS

  • Explains human existence
  • Preserves beliefs
  • Inspires writers
  • Promotes cultural identity
  • Provides themes

Modern writers borrow mythological ideas.

WEAKNESSES

Some myths cannot be historically verified.

C. RITUAL THEORY

Ritual Theory argues that literature originated from religious ceremonies and rituals.

Meaning of Ritual

A ritual is an organized ceremony performed for religious or cultural purposes.

Examples

  • Initiation ceremonies
  • Wedding ceremonies
  • Funeral ceremonies
  • Rain-making ceremonies
  • Harvest celebrations

MAIN IDEAS

  • Songs
  • Dances
  • Chants
  • Prayers
  • Performances

Gradually developed into drama and poetry.

Examples

  • Traditional initiation dances.
  • Harvest songs.
  • Funeral songs.

IMPORTANCE

  1. Strengthens unity
  2. Preserves culture
  3. Develops drama
  4. Inspires poetry
  5. Encourages participation

WEAKNESSES

Not every literary work comes from rituals.

CONTRIBUTION OF IMITATION, RITUAL AND MYTHICAL ELEMENTS IN LITERARY TEXTS

These elements continue to influence literature today.

A. CONTRIBUTION OF IMITATION

  1. Creates realistic characters.
  2. Reflects social problems.
  3. Preserves historical events.
  4. Enhances learning.
  5. Makes literature believable.
  6. Encourages social criticism.
  7. Promotes creativity.

Example

Things Fall Apart portrays realistic Igbo society.

B. CONTRIBUTION OF RITUAL

  1. Develops dramatic performance.
  2. Preserves ceremonies.
  3. Promotes cultural identity.
  4. Creates symbolism.
  5. Inspires songs.
  6. Strengthens community values.
  7. Enriches literary themes.

Example

Traditional wedding ceremonies in African plays.

C. CONTRIBUTION OF MYTH

  1. Explains mysteries.
  2. Enriches imagination.
  3. Builds symbolism.
  4. Preserves beliefs.
  5. Creates memorable characters.
  6. Provides universal themes.
  7. Inspires modern literature.

Example

Greek myths continue influencing world literature.

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF WRITTEN LITERATURE INTERNATIONALLY

A. DRAMA (PLAY)

Origin

Drama originated in Ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE, particularly during festivals honoring the god Dionysus, where people performed songs, dances, and dramatic presentations.

Development

  • Ancient Greece (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes).
  • Ancient Rome (adaptation of Greek drama).
  • Medieval Europe (religious and morality plays).
  • Renaissance (William Shakespeare).
  • Modern drama (Henrik Ibsen, Bertolt Brecht, Wole Soyinka, Francis Imbuga).

Examples

  • Hamlet
  • Macbeth
  • An Enemy of the People
  • Betrayal in the City

B. NOVEL

Origin

The modern novel developed mainly in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

One of the earliest modern novels is Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605–1615).

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Development

Novels expanded during the Industrial Revolution due to increased literacy and printing.

Famous Writers

  • Charles Dickens
  • Jane Austen
  • Chinua Achebe
  • Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

C. SHORT STORY

Origin

Short stories developed from ancient oral narratives such as fables, folktales, and parables. As a distinct written genre, they flourished in the 19th century.

Famous Writers

  • Edgar Allan Poe
  • Anton Chekhov
  • Guy de Maupassant

D. POETRY

Origin

Poetry is considered the oldest literary genre. It began as oral songs used in worship, work, war, and celebrations.

Development

Poetry evolved from oral traditions to written forms such as epics, sonnets, odes, and free verse.

Examples

  • Homer’s The Iliad
  • Homer’s The Odyssey
  • Shakespeare’s Sonnets

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF WRITTEN LITERATURE IN TANZANIA

Written literature in Tanzania developed from rich oral traditions and later expanded through education, missionary activities, printing, and the growth of Kiswahili and English literature.

Historical Development

Pre-colonial period

Dominated by oral literature: folktales, songs, riddles, proverbs, myths, and legends.

Colonial period

Missionaries introduced formal education and printing.

Kiswahili and English writing increased.

Post-independence period

Literature promoted national unity, education, and social awareness.

Many Tanzanian authors wrote novels, plays, and poems about development, identity, and justice.

Notable Tanzanian Writers

  • Euphrase Kezilahabi
  • Shaaban Robert
  • Penina O. Mlama
  • Ebrahim Hussein
  • Mohamed Said Abdulla

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOLKLORE INTERNATIONALLY

Folklore originated before writing and was transmitted orally from generation to generation.

MAJOR GENRES

  1. Myths – Explain creation, gods, and natural events.
  2. Legends – Focus on historical heroes.
  3. Folktales – Teach morals through fictional stories.
  4. Proverbs – Express wisdom in brief statements.
  5. Riddles – Test intelligence and reasoning.
  6. Songs – Used during ceremonies, work, worship, and entertainment.

As societies changed, many folklore genres were written down, studied academically, and adapted into books, films, theatre, and digital media.

THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOLKLORE IN TANZANIA

Tanzanian folklore developed from the traditions of more than 120 ethnic communities.

Historical Development

Traditional Period

  • Stories told around evening fires.
  • Songs accompanied farming, weddings, initiation, and funerals.
  • Proverbs and riddles were used to teach children.

Colonial Period

  • Missionaries and researchers collected and documented oral traditions.

Post-independence Period

  • Folklore became part of school curricula.
  • Universities and cultural institutions researched and preserved oral traditions.
  • Radio, television, books, and festivals helped spread Tanzanian folklore.

Major Genres in Tanzania

  • Folktales
  • Myths
  • Legends
  • Proverbs
  • Riddles
  • Work songs
  • Wedding songs
  • Funeral songs
  • Children’s songs
  • Praise poems

IMPORTANCE OF TANZANIAN FOLKLORE

  1. Preserves cultural heritage.
  2. Teaches moral values.
  3. Strengthens national identity.
  4. Promotes Kiswahili and indigenous languages.
  5. Entertains communities.
  6. Preserves history.
  7. Inspires modern writers and artists.

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Related Posts:

  1. Chapter One: The Concepts of Literature – Literature in English Form Five
  2. Chapter Three: The Origin and Development of African Literature in English – Literature in English Form Five
  3. Chapter Four: Analysis of the Relationship Between Folklore and Written Literature – Literature in English Form Five
  4. Chapter Five: In-depth Understanding of Elements of Literature – Literature in English Form Five
  5. ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF LITERATURE

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