Literature

Know thyself

Socrates

LITERATURE

- LIFE - INNERMOST FEELINGS- THOUGHTS- EXPERIENCES- REFLECTION/MIRROR- ART (FORM OF ART)- TIMELESS TREASURE- UNIVERSAL, UNDYING- REAL AND REEL- EMBODIMENT OF

TRADITION, ETC.

Literature Defined

It is an artistic representation and reflection of the individuality of a group of people and of their life manifested in different forms or expressions. It is a timeless treasure because it is an embodiment of a nation’s traditions, customs and cultural patterns and is also a vehicle for expressing experiences, thoughts, innermost feelings, beliefs and attitudes of the people.

Roles of Literature in Society

1. Transmitter of values

2. Preserver of ideals, customs and traditions

3. Mirror of culture

4. Agent of change

5. Source of pleasure

Transmitter of valuesEvents, as we read them in literature,

make us look at ourselves and live through the experiences of the characters. We glean from the stories the morals that lend to good life: honesty, respect, love of country, justice, honor, etc.Preserver of ideals, customs and traditions

Literature is our link to the past. We get a glimpse at our ancestors’ way of life by reading their stories and poems. Reflecting on their practice, beliefs and attitudes make us understand more deeply our roots, thereby inspiring us to strengthen our ideals, customs and traditions at the present.

Mirror of culture

Literature reflects the cultures of different races. Those who do not have the resources to travel and personally observe the ways of people from other parts of the world may enrich their knowledge vicariously through literature. Knowing how people from the other side of the planet live broadens our perception of life and humanity.

Agent of change

History bears records of significant changes in society brought about by literature. The choice of Tagalog as basis for Filipino, the national language of the Philippines, has been partly due to the popularity of writings in Tagalog like Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura.

Today, literature in the mass media is a potent force swaying public opinion. Ideas massively delivered, whether orally or in writing, can greatly influence people’s thinking. They can make or unmake heroes, presidents, etc.

Source of pleasure

Like other forms of art, literature entertains and gives pleasure. Some people read literature for the fun of it, while some people read for the wisdom they get from it. Others enjoy analyzing the message in it or the style and structure of the selection.