What is Literature?

It is very good to observe how your thoughts change during Semester 1 to Semester 4. Literature really changed my views and here is my answers to the same questions "What is Literature?" and you can observe the difference too. First have a look at this image and mentioned date.

Now see the difference by this write up. I can see the change in thoughts. Can you observe?

Literature Word:

  • The word 'Literature' came from the Latin word 'Littera'.

Meaning of the Word:

  • The word has many meanings like; knowledge of the books, written works on a particular subject or any single body of written works.

What is Literature for a student of Literature?:

  • Many things we have heared about literature that Literature is a mirror of our society, Literature reflects Humanbeings, Literature shows culture of the Country etc
  • Literature is different for those who have not studied it.
  • It is different for those who writes it.
  • It is different for us who are studying it. I will explain as I have studied it.
  • Literature gave me a sense to understatnd the world. Literature has an ability to turn the thinking of any person. Literature shows the culture of the particular society. Any literature writer tries to serve his/ her cultural values, norms or customs through their writing. So when we study literature we directly get the information of the society of the writer.
  • Literature is an art. Literature includes all the type of artistic written work.
  • Simon and Delyse Ryan says about Literature that.......

"The quest to discover a definition for "literature" is a road that is much travelled, though the point of arrival, if ever reached, is seldom satisfactory. Most attempted definitions are broad and vague, and they inevitably change over time. In fact, the only thing that is certain about defining literature is that the definition will change. Concepts of what is literature change over time as well."

Simon Ryan; Delyse Ryan. "What is Literature?". Foundation: Fundamentals of Literature and Drama. Australian Catholic University. Retrieved 9 February 2014.

  • Literature is as old as the civilization.
  • It is more than just entertainment. It has information about economics, psychology, science, religions, politics, cultures, and social depth. Studying and analyzing literature becomes very important in terms of learning about our history.
  • Literature intruduces us with our History and religion.
  • Literature has many forms like poetry, drama, novella, short stories, essays, autobiographies etc.
  • It is written in many genres like fiction, legend, mythology, mystery, horror, historical fiction, humor, fantasy etc.
  • Literature has no limit. It can be realistic. It can be fantasy too. It speaks about religion. In contrast it speaks about science too. It beleives in customs and norms and in the same way it believes in rebellion against customs too.
  • Thus, Literature is a shaper to the student of Literature.