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Introduction To Literature in English

This document provides an introduction to literature in English by covering its definition, importance, genres, and literary ages. It defines literature as collected creative writings of a nation that are considered to have artistic merit or lasting value. The importance of literature is highlighted as it allows understanding of humanity, reflection on different cultures, and development of creativity and individuality. The main genres of literature are identified as poetry, prose, and drama. Finally, the document outlines several historical periods that define the evolution of English literature.

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Mr Pasindu
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106 views13 pages

Introduction To Literature in English

This document provides an introduction to literature in English by covering its definition, importance, genres, and literary ages. It defines literature as collected creative writings of a nation that are considered to have artistic merit or lasting value. The importance of literature is highlighted as it allows understanding of humanity, reflection on different cultures, and development of creativity and individuality. The main genres of literature are identified as poetry, prose, and drama. Finally, the document outlines several historical periods that define the evolution of English literature.

Uploaded by

Mr Pasindu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

Literature in
English
Table of contents

01 02
Definition Importance

03 04
Genres Literary Ages
01
Definition
You can enter a subtitle
here if you need it
Literature is defined

“The existence of the different types of literature have made it


difficult for scholars to come up with one working definitions for
literature. Each of the definitions that exist now all have deficiencies. This
is so because the body of literature is wide, has many forms. Literature
exists both in written and oral form. Any definition that may be deemed
wholistic is one that will embrace all the genres, forms in their varying
degrees.”
As collected
creative
writings of a
nation,
group,
people or
culture.
As bodies of
written works
especially those
considered to have
creative or artistic
merit or lasting
value.
02
Importance
Why do we learn ‘literature’ ?

● In an era of modern media, such as television and movies, people are misled into thinking that every
question or problem has its quick corrections or solutions. However, literature confirms the real complexity
of human conflict”.

● Literature is a reflection of humanity and a way for us to understand each other. By listening to the voice of
another person we can begin to figure out how that individual thinks.

● Literature allows a person to step back in time and learn about life on Earth from the ones who walked
before us. We can gather a better understanding of culture and have a greater appreciation of them.

● When students study Literature, they learn to appreciate words and their power.

● students develop a sense of individuality and creativity, as they develop their own opinions about issues in
their texts. They also learn skills of persuasion – they need to convince others of their interpretations.
03
Genres of Literature
There can be identified;
POETRY PROSE DRAMA

literature that evokes a Prose is verbal or written a composition in verse or


concentrated imaginative language that follows the prose intended to portray
awareness of experience or a natural flow of speech. It is the life or character or to tell a story
specific emotional response most common form of writing, usually involving conflicts and
through language chosen and used in both fiction and non- emotions through action and
arranged for its meaning, sound, fiction. dialogue and typically designed
and rhythm. for theatrical performance.
Lyric / Narrative/ Dramatic Fiction/ Non-fiction Tragedy/ Comedy/ Tragicomedy
Robert Frost/ Sylvia Plath/ Leo Tolstoy/ Mark Twain/ Jane William Shakespeare /
Rabindranath Tagore/ Jean Austen/ Arunndati Roy/Chinua Tenessee Williams/ Bernard
Arsanayagam/ Maya Angelou/ Achebe/ Punyakanthi Wijenaike/ Shaw/ Anton Chekov/ Euripedes
P.B Shelley/ Charlotte Bronte/ Shyam Selvadurai/ Nicholai / Bertolt Brecht/ Hanif Kureishi
Anne Ranasinghe/ William Gogol/ Thomas Hardy
Wordsworth
04
Ages of Literature
The Evolution of Literature

• Old English (Anglo-Saxon Period): 450–1066


• Middle English Period: 1066-1500
• The Renaissance: 1500-1600
• The Neoclassical Period: 1600-1785
• The Romantic Period: 1785-1832
• The Victorian Age: 1832-1901
• The Edwardian Period: 1901-1914
• The Georgian Period: 1910-1936
• The Modern Period: Early 20th century
• The Postmodern Period: Mid-20th century
THANK YOU !

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