Friday, September 11, 2009

Notes on literature

Literature
It is a work of art that reflects every nation's culture. It also expresses human thoughts, feelings, ideas and interests...
Literature not only describes reality but also adds to it. It is not merely a depiction of reality; it is rather a value-addition. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. Literary works based on philosophy, art, history, religion, and culture and also scientific and legal writings are grouped under the category of literature. Literature helps a person take a closer look at the different facets of life. It can change one's perspective towards life and help him to understand it.
Every literary work has a message to say or convey.

Major Forms of Literature
There are many kinds of literature. We will focus here in the main forms of literature which are:
· Poetry: A poem is a composition written in verse.
· Novel: A novel is a long narrative fictional prose.
· Novella: A novella is a written, fictional, prose narrative longer than a novelette but shorter than a novel.
· Short story: A short story is a fictional narrative work of art that tends to be short in length and has a very wide meaning.
· Drama: A drama is a play acted out on a stage.