Key Features of Literature
2 Through literature, we can obtain relevant information
 Literature is a form of communication
1.1 Montealegre described literature mainly as a product or a
commentary on the life process
1.2 Man’s inner thoughts, feelings, and conditions can be
disclosed and revealed through the power of literature
1.3 Literature engages us to share and to impart a portion of
ourselves which may be interesting and benefiting to
other people
 Literature is an art
1.1 Literature takes an excellent form. its beauty is a
deliberate manifestation of the mind’s ability to create
and imagine
1.2 The appeal of a literary work mainly intensifies its value to
the people depending on how they judge and perceive the
beauty and quality of the work
 Nobility of thoughts
1.1 Literature should deal with ideas that can lead to new
response to the world and can move people to achieve
great discoveries of the dimensions of human life and
experience
 Timelessness
1.1 The significant truth about life that a literary work reveals
should not wane and dissipate as time passes by. A work
must have an enduring quality in which its beauty as well
as its applicability can withstand the change if time
 Universality
1.1 A work must have global applicability in which a work
transcends across space. For example, many Filipinos love
to watch dramas and movies of foreign origin. Though
these stories are set in a different locale, Filipinos can
effectively connect themselves to and understand these
foreign stories
 Literature has utility
1.1 The term “utile” refers to the intellectual, emotional,
and social function of any creative or literary work
1.
to better understand people, society, and culture
1.3 Literature has the power to influence perspectives
about the self and the world in general
MAJOR FORMS OF LITERATURE
a. Prose- this form does not have any measurement scheme for it is
known to have free-flow of sentences. The language used int his form
is ordinary for it has a close resemblance to man’s pattern of everyday
speech.
b. Poetry- form of literature characterized by its highly controlled
manner of choosing and arranging language with the use of regulating
devices such for sound and rhythm to aesthetically convey a meaning
which may call for a specific emotional response.
GENRES OF LITERATURE
a. Poetry- ascribed as the most economical means of expression
since it only uses limited number of words. Its beauty is mainly
forced by the intricate and careful use of words, figurative
expression, imagery, rhythm, and sound
b. Prose Fiction- any literary work that is an imaginative recreation
and reconstruction of life. This type covers short stories and
novels in which theses are said to be manifestations of the
creative and imaginative thinking of a particular writer.
c. Drama- this involves stories concerning significant human
encounters which are intended to be performed on stage. It
may involve a certain number of characters who also deal with
some complications and issues. It presents fictional or
imaginative events presented or portrayed by actors and
actresses before an audience
d. Non- Fiction Prose- this genre manly attempts to present, to
interpret, or to describe facts. With such judgements, opinions,
and commentaries may be framed and expressed in the form of
essays, feature articles, editorials, and the like.