Literature 1. Covers all the writing of a particular country, time, kind, etc.

especially those valued for excellence of form and expression 2. The art of written work and can, in some circumstances, refer exclusively to published sources. The word literature literally means "things made from letters" and the pars pro toto term "letters" is sometimes used to signify "literature," as in the figures of speech "arts and letters" and "man of letters." Literature is commonly classified as having two major formsfiction & non-fictionand two major techniquespoetry and prose. 3. Written works, esp. those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit 4. Philippine literature, regardless of the language in which it is written, expresses the Filipino soul, national traditions & cultural values which are so ingrained in a people that no super-imposition of foreign cultural patterns can completely eradicate them. Aspects of Literature 1. simple enjoyment and appreciation 2. analysis and exact description Criteria of Good Literature Literature is considered to be good if it has all the three qualities/characteristics of Literature namely: 1. Artistic quality All art is the expression of life in forms of truth and beauty; or rather, it is the reflection of some truth and beauty which are in the world, but which remain unnoticed until brought to our attention by some sensitive human soul, just as the delicate curves of the shell reflect sounds and harmonies too faint to be otherwise noticed. In the same pleasing, surprising way, all artistic work must be a kind of revelation. Literature must be the art that expresses life in words that appeal to our own sense of the beautiful 2. Suggestiveness The second quality of literature is its suggestiveness, its appeal to our emotions and imagination rather than to our intellect. It is not so much what it says as what it awakens in us that constitutes its charm. 3. Permanence

Simply put, literature is considered good if it literature can teach us what it means to be human, to show us where we belong in our time and in all time. It can show us how to live rightly and love well, and it can show us how to be the best we can be. Language 1. The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. Language of Literature The Language used in literature differs whether the work is prose or poetry. When it comes to prose, the language is shown through the tone of the work which can gradually shift from sarcastic to ironic or from angry to remorseful. The tone of a work is produced mainly by the writer's diction or choice of words, but stylistic choices concerning syntax, line or sentence length, imagery, and so forth may also contribute. With regards to poetry, poems abound and thrive in the used of different figures of speech such as simile, alliteration metaphor and onomatopoeia. Rhyme & rhythm and meter is also often used. Elements of Literature Element of literature includes all the elements that are essential to create a piece. These elements help a writer to create splendid poetry, superb drama and soul-touching novel. These elements are used to form the structure of a literary piece. 1. Theme The main idea of the work, or a specific message they author attempts to convey. 2. Point of View/Narrator Pertains to who tells the story and how it is told. The point of view of a story can sometimes indirectly establish the author's intentions. 3. Setting It refers to geographical location of the story, time period, daily lifestyle of the characters and climate of the story. 4. Character Representation of a person, place, or thing performing traditionally human activities or functions in a work of fiction 5. Plot The arrangement of ideas and/or incidents that make up a story. It encompasses all the incidents and provides aesthetic pleasure. 6. Style

The language of the work where it is modern, old, easy, or difficult. Also, the techniques the author uses to convey his or her message. 7. Symbols Symbols represent things and ideas for something which they are not. For example, a character can be symbolic of a particular idea, or an object can be symbolic of a concept. Division of Plot 1. Exposition The exposition introduces all of the main characters in the story. It shows how they relate to one another, what their goals and motivations are, and the kind of person they are. Most importantly, in the exposition, the audience gets to know the main character (protagonist), and the protagonist gets to know his or her main goal and what is at stake if he or she fails to attain this goal. 2. Rising Action It starts with the death of the characters or a conflict. Generally, in this phase the protagonist understands his or her goal and begins to work toward it. Smaller problems thwart their initial success, and in this phase his progress is directed primarily against these secondary obstacles. This phase shows us how he overcomes these obstacles. 3. Climax The point of climax is the turning point of the story, where the main character makes the single big decision that defines the outcome of the story and who he is as a person. The beginning of this phase is marked by the protagonist finally having cleared away the preliminary barriers and being ready to engage with the adversary. Usually, entering this phase, both the protagonist and the antagonist have a plan to win against the other. Now for the first time we see them going against one another in direct, or nearly direct, conflict. This struggle results with neither character completely winning, nor losing, against the other. Usually, each character's plan is partially successful, and partially foiled by his adversary. What is unique about this central struggle between the two characters is that the protagonist makes a decision which shows us his moral quality, and ultimately determines his fate. In a tragedy, the protagonist here makes a "bad" decision, a miscalculation that demonstrates his tragic flaw. The climax often contains much of the action in a story, for example, a defining battle. 4. Falling Action This is where the loose ends are being tied up. However, it is often the time of greatest overall tension, because it is the phase in which everything goes mostly wrong.

In this phase, the villain has the upper hand. It seems that evil will triumph. The protagonist has never been further from accomplishing the goal. For Freytag, this is true both in tragedies and comedies, because both of these types of play classically show good winning over evil. The question is which side the protagonist has put himself on, and this may not be immediately clear to the audience. 5. Dennoument/Resolution All mystery is solved. In this stage all patterns of events accomplish artistic or emotional effect. Kinds of Conflict 1. External Conflict An external conflict is between a character and an outside force a. Man vs. Man A character struggles with another character Protagonist vs. Antagonist The classic good guy vs. bad guy situation b. Man vs. Nature A character struggles with a force of nature Usually, the character is struggling to survive c. Man vs. Society A character or a group of characters fight against the society in which they live. The character fights against social tradition or rules Society becomes a character of its own Usually used to comment on positive or negative aspects of real society (Satire) 2. Internal Conflict An internal conflict is between a character and his/herself a. Man vs. Self The character struggles with his/her own mind Usually has something to do with a choice, or it may have to do with overcoming emotions or mixed feelings 3. Others a. Man vs. Supernatural Gods, ghosts, monsters, spirits, zombies etc. b. Man vs. Machine Computers, technology, artificial intelligence etc. c. Man vs. Fate

Fight for choice, fight against destiny Types of Point of View 1. Objective The writer tells what happens without stating more than can be inferred from the story's action and dialogue. The narrator never discloses anything about what the characters think or feel, remaining a detached observer. 2. First Person First-person point of view indicates that the main character is telling the story 3. Second Person The author addresses the reader directly as though she is part of the story. 4. Third Person Here the author does not participate in the action of the story as one of the characters, but lets us know exactly how the characters feel. We learn about the characters through this outside voice. i. Omniscient The story is told by the author, using the third person, and his knowledge and prerogatives are unlimited. He can interpret the behavior of his characters; he can comment, if he wishes, on the significance of the story he is telling. ii. Limited Omniscient The author tells the story in the third person, but he tells it from the viewpoint of one character in the story. He tells us what this character sees and hears, and what he thinks and feels; he possibly interprets the character's thought's and behavior. He shows no knowledge of what other characters are thinking or feeling or doing--except for what his chosen character can infer. 5. Stream of Consciousness The stream of consciousness point of view is an extension of the first-person point of view, but it involves an unusual technique. Stream of consciousness is an attempt to reconstruct the mental processes of a character on a page, to show how his or her mind actually sound inside. The idea is not simply to capture the conscious and rational side of a character's mind, but to plumb the unconscious and irrational side of it as well. Types of Setting 1. Neutral The setting is not important, just a place where the action takes place. 2. Integral The setting is fully described in both time and place, usually found in historical fiction. 3. Backdrop

the setting is vague and general, which helps to convey a universal, timeless tale. This type of setting is often found in folktales and simply sets the stage and the mood. For example, "long ago in a cottage in the deep woods" and "once upon a time there was a great land that had an Emperor." 4. Dynamic The setting may take on the role of a character. 5. Cultural/Spiritual The values embodied in the physical setting; there is no easy relationship between physical setting and moral values Types of Literature 1. Written Drama, novel, poetry and nonfictional literature. 2. Oral Ballads, myth, jokes, folktales and fables Kinds of Literature 1. Prose Literature History, journalism, philosophy, fiction and fantasy writings, scientific writings, children's literature authors and writers are included in Prose Literature. a. Fictional Literature Literary fiction focuses more on style, psychological depth, and character and tends to be multilayered stories which wrestle with universal dilemmas rather than with plot. They usually provoke the readers beliefs and thoughts, often with an outcome of changing or altering their audiences outlook on life. More often than not, literary fiction addresses what might be considered more serious issues to uncover a truth bringing its audience; by the way of the main character; to a deeper understanding about life. i. Drama Drama is the theatrical dialog performed on stage, it consists of 5 acts. Tragedy, comedy and melodrama are the sub types of drama. ii. Myth Myths are the fairy tales with lots of adventure, magic and it lacks scientific proof. Nursery rhymes, songs and lullabies are forms of myths that strike the interest of children. Creative and nature myth are stories of the stars and moon. Magic tales are wonderful tales of quests and fantasy. Hero myths are ideal heroes of adventure. iii. Short Story

The small commercial fiction, true or imaginary, smaller than a novel is known as short story. Short stories are well-grouped that followed the sequence of easy and no complexity in beginning, concrete theme, some dialogs and ends with resolution. They are oral and short-lived which have gossip, joke, fable, myth, parable, hearsay and legend. iv. Novel Fictional prose narrative of considerable length, typically having a plot that is unfolded by the actions, speech, and thoughts of the characters. v. Folktale Folk Tales are traditional stories that have been creating interest since ancient times. The children and old persons like religious story, magic and superstition as well. Fable, tall tales, cumulative, trickster and proverbs are the sub categories of folk tales. Mythology or legend is the ancient religious stories of origin and human civilization such as story of Robin Hood. b. Nonfictional Literature i. Autobiography An autobiography is the story of the author's own life. 'Family Life at the White House' by Bill Clinton is focused on his life and achievements. 'Wings of fire' by Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, Mein kampf of Adolph Hitler are the autobiography books on real life. ii. Biography A biography is a detailed description or account of a person's life. It entails more than basic facts (education, work, relationships, and death) - a biography also portrays a subject's experience of these events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae (rsum), a biography presents a subject's life story, highlighting various aspects of his or her life, including intimate details of experience, and may include an analysis of the subject's personality. iii. Essay Generally the authors' point of view about any particular topic in a detailed way is an essay. Essay has simple way of narrating the main subject; therefore they are descriptive, lengthy, subject oriented and comparative.

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Different types of essay: Personal essay, expository essay type, response essay, process essay, persuasive essay, argumentative essay, critical essay type, interview essay, reflective essay type, evaluation, observation essay, comparison type of essay, application essay, compare and contrast essay and narrative essay type. Literary Criticism It is the critical study of a piece of literature. Here critics apply different theories, evaluation, discussion and explanation to the text or an essay to give total judgments. Plato, Aristotle, T.S.Eliot, Saussure and Frye are some of the famous critics. Travel Literature It is the narration of any tour or foreign journey with the description of the events, dates, places, sights and author's views. Francis Bacon's natural philosophies in the middle of Seventeenth century is one famous example of travel literature. Diary Diaries are the incidents recorded by the author without any means of publishing them. It is the rough work of one's daily routine, happenings, memorable days or events in their life. E.g. Anne Frank's 'Diary of a Young Girl' was published by her father in 1940s; it's a story of a girl trapped during German invade Amsterdam. Journal Journal is one of types of diaries that records infinite information. The types of journals are: personal, academic, creative, trade, dialectical Newspaper It is a collection of daily or weekly news of politics, sports, leisure, fashion, movies and business. Magazine Magazines can be the current affairs or opinions well collected covering various content.

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2. Poetry Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm a. Sonnet Sonnet is the short poem of 14 lines grouped into Shakespearean and Italian sonnets.

b. Ballad The poems that are on the subject matter of love and sung by the poet or group of singers as telling readers a story. c. Elegy This type of poem is the lamenting of the death of a person or his near one. Elegy Written in Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray is one of the famous poems marked as sad poems of the ages. d. Ode Ode is the formal and long poem serious in nature. e. Allegory Allegory is the famous form of poetry and is loved by the readers because of its two symbolic meanings. One is the literal meaning and another is the deep meaning. f. Epic and Mock Epic Epics are the narrative poems that convey moral and culture of that period. The Odyssey and Iliad are one of the largest philosophical epics written by Samuel Butler. Rape of the Lock is the great mock epic focusing on the minor incident of cutting of a curl. g. Lyric It has Greek origin that gives a melody of imagery. It is the direct appeal of a poet to the readers about any incident or historical events. Lyrics are most of the time similar to ode or sonnets in the form. Types of Drama 1. Tragedy The ruin of the leading characters; dismal life for modern characters 2. Comedy Lighter drama in which the leading characters overcome the difficulties that beset them 3. Problem Play Drama of social criticism discusses social, economic, or political problems 4. Farce When comedy involves ridiculous or hilarious complications without regard to human values 5. Comedy of Manners Comedy which wittily portrays fashionable life 6. Fantasy A play sometimes, not always, in comic spirit which the author gives free reign to his fantasy, without regard to reality 7. Melodrama

Pays almost no attention to human value, like farce, but gives thrills instead of laughs. Has no literary value. 8. Medieval Mystery Dealt with Bible stories and allegorical mysteries 9. Masques Slight playing involving much singing and dancing and costuming. Usually allegorical Elements of Drama 1. Theme The theme of a drama refers to the central idea of the play. It can either be clearly stated through dialog or action or can be inferred after watching the entire performance. 2. Plot The order of events occurring in a play is referred to as the plot of the drama. It is the basic storyline that is narrated through a play. The entertainment one derives from a play depends largely on the sequence of events that occur in the story. The logical connection between the events and the characters, which enact the story form an integral part of the plot of drama. 3. Characters The characters that form a part of the story are interwoven with the plot of the drama. Each character in a play has a personality of its own and has a distinct set of principles and beliefs. Actors who play various roles in a drama have the very important responsibility of bringing the characters to life. 4. Dialog The story of any play is taken forward by means of the dialog. The story is narrated to the audiences through the dialog written by the playwright. The success of a drama depends hugely on the contents of the dialog and the quality of dialog delivery by the actors of the play. 5. Music This element of drama comprises the melody in the use of sounds and rhythm in dialogs as well as melodious compositions, which form a part of many plays. The background score, the songs and the sound effects that are used in a play make up the musical element of drama. Music composers and lyricists sit together to create music that can go well with the theme of the play. If the scenes of a play are accompanied by wellsuited pieces of music, they become more effective on the audiences. Hence, music forms a very important element of drama. 6. Visual Element

While the dialog and music constitute the audible aspect of drama, the visual element deals with the scenes, costumes and special effects used in it. The visual element of drama, also known as the spectacle, renders a visual appeal to it. The costumes worn by the artists must suit the characters they are playing. Besides, it is important for the scenes to be dramatic enough to hold the audiences to their seats. The special effects used in a play add to the visual appeal. Thus, the spectacle forms an essential component of drama. Kinds of Folk Literature 1. Myths A myth is a story that usually explains something about the world and involves gods and other superhuman beings. 2. Legends A tradition or story handed down from earlier times and popularly accepted as true but actually a mix of fact and fiction. The term is also applied to any fictitious tale concerning a real person, event, or place and is likely to be less concerned with the supernatural than a myth. 3. Epics/Heroic Poems A lengthy narrative poem in which the action, characters, and language are on a heroic level and the style is exalted and even majestic. Early epics often stemmed from oral traditions. 4. Fables A fable is a very brief story in prose or in verse that teaches a moral or a practical lesson about how to succeed in life. 5. Folktales A folk tale is a story with no known author. Folk tales are passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. Reasons why people change from evil to good Usually, when a person is evil there should be a really big reason for him to reform. One reason is that he has finally found a purpose in life or that they have come to realize that the truth they have long believed in is actually a lie. Some try to walk the good path when their lives have been touched by a kind soul. Not knowing what else to do, they are usually inspired by this person to finally be good.