What is World Literature?

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(born August 28, 1749), 
Frankfurt am Main [Germany]—died
March 22, 1832, Weimar, Saxe-
Weimar),
German poet, playwright, novelist,
scientist, statesman, theatre
director, critic, and amateur artist,
considered the greatest German
literary figure of the modern era.
WELTLITERATUR
in his letter to Johann Eckermann,

“National literature is now a

rather unmeaning term; the
epoch of world literature is at
hand, and everyone must strive
to hasten its approach.”
So…

What is World Literature?

(in the modern sense) refers to literary works
that are translated into multiple languages and
circulated to an audience outside their country
of origin.
THINK

FEEL

ACT
 How important???

1. Becomes a powerful tool for

World global studies because it
encompasses so many
Literature themes that are important
to understand globalization.
 How important???

2. It can show how

World information is shared
between cultures and
Literature nations.
 How important???

3. Provides insight into how

World cultural artifacts are
transformed as they traverse
Literature languages and boundaries.
 How important???

4. It helps to understand the ways

World that new media technologies could
facilitate globalization by creating a
Literature public space for the transmission of
literature and other information
across the globe .