21st Literature in the Philippines and the Word
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
 Literature
 describes written and sometimes
spoken material
 in Latin, means "writing formed with
letters,"
 represents the culture and tradition of a
language or people.
 SHE – Significant Human Experience
 Latin word – Uteratur – “Litera”
Other descriptions of Literature:
 Oral, written, or visual
 Imaginative language that realistically
portrays thoughts, emotions, and
experience of the human condition
 Faithful reproduction of man’s experiences
 Story of man
 Product of a culture
CHARACTERISTICS OF LITERATURE
Ellis (1989:30) defines literature as the
verbal expression of human imagination and
one of the primary means by which a culture
transmits itself. Based on thus definitions,
literature contains universal ideas, human
imagination, and human interest written in any
writings and use language as medium to
express human’s ideas and feelings.
2 TYPES OF LITERATURE
1. Imaginative Literature
 It is a type of literature that uses creative
writing to depict characters, settings,
and events that are not necessarily
based on real-world events or people.
 It often uses elements of fantasy, magic,
or supernatural elements.
 It often uses elements of fantasy, magic,
or supernatural elements.
 Some examples of imaginative literature
include novels, short stories, poems,
and plays.
2. Non-Imaginative Literature
 It is a type of literature that presents
factual information or events that are
based on real life.
 It often uses a straightforward and
objective writing style.
 It can be used to inform the reader
about a particular topic, to persuade the
reader to adopt a certain viewpoint, or to
simply document events.
 Some examples of non-imaginative
literature include essays, biographies,
histories, and news articles.
To demarcate a literary text from a non-literary
text follow these criteria:
 Fictionality
 Specialized language – jargon
 Lack of pragmatic function
 Ambiguity – quality of being open to
multiple interpretation
– it can be a word, phrase, or
statement that can be observe to different
things.
NATURE OF LITERATURE
Primarily the language of literature
differs from ordinary language in three ways:
(1) language is concentrated and meaningful,
(2) its purpose is not simply to explain, argue,
or make a point but rather to give a sense
of pleasure in the discovery of a new
experience, and
(3) it demands intense concentration from the
readers. It indicate that the language of
literature has originality, quality, creativity,
and pleasure.
THE FUNCTIONS OF LITERATURE
Horace also stated that (1) Utile et (2)
Dulce should be contained in literary work. In
Latin, it means “sweet and useful” (Mikics,
2007: 95). It means that a literary work should
be Utile (useful) or give benefits and instruct
the reader and Dulce (sweet) or give delightful
enjoyment.

THE 4R’ S OF LITERATURE

1. Recreation
 Literature is a means of reassembling
reality. We want to see what we cannot
see in reality.
2. Recognition
 Literature helps us recognize the people
and their contribution.
3. Redemption
 Literature is a means of modification of
behavior.
4. Revelation
 Literature is a means of recording
history. It reveals the past, the present,
and the future.