Lesson 1 40,000 words in length.

WHAT IS LITERATURE?  FABLE

- A body of written works. - is a short story, typically with animals as characters, that teaches a
- A broad term which usually denotes works which belong to the major moral lesson.
genres. - Fables often have an element of humor and are an enduring form
- is a broad term used to refer to written works, such as books, magazines, of folk literature.
short stories, plays, and poems.  PARABLE
- It has been a powerful tool for expressing and exploring our humanity. - is a short story or brief tale that is used to illustrate a moral lesson
Literature can provide insight into the human experience and can be used as or religious principle.
a way to explore ideas - It typically features characters and events that are symbolic of
larger truths or ideas.
WHAT MAKES A TEXT LITERARY?  LEGEND
- It is considered literary when it possesses qualities that elevate it beyond - is a traditional story that has been passed down through
simple communication. generations and is typically based on historical events.
 CRITERIA OF LITERARINESS - Legends often include elements of mythology and folklore
1. FICTIONALITY
- Literary texts, even if they attempt to represent reality in some form or  NON-FICTION - in literature is a genre which encompasses essays,
another, are ultimately products of a writer’s imagination, and that at least, biographies, memoirs, and other written works that are based on facts
the characters and their conversations are fictitious. and real events.
2. SPECIALIZED LANGUAGE  DIARY
- According to the linguist Roman Jakobson in his essay Linguistics and - is a personal record of experiences, thoughts, and/or reflections
Poetics: Closing Statement (1960), literary texts have poetic function. kept regularly and often privately.
- To the Russian formalists, literary texts make use of language in such a way - It can be a physical book or an electronic document.
that it becomes strange and unfamiliar in a given context  ANECDOTE
3. LACK OF PRAGMATIC FUNCTION - is a brief, often amusing story about a real incident or person.
- Texts derive their meaning partly from their context, depending on the - Anecdotes are usually related as a way to support an argument
reader and the reading process. or point in a speech or essay.
- But literary texts do have a purpose—criticize, educate or entertain.  ESSAY
4. AMBIGUITY - is a short piece of writing that focuses on a particular topic or
- Literary texts are open to several interpretations because they express argument.
something beyond their literal “meaning”. - Essays are used to express ideas, explain a point, or discuss a
- They express different levels or layers of meaning that can be explored by topic in a structured and organized way.
attentive reading and analysis.
KINDS OF POETRY
Literary Standards  NARRATIVE - Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story. It
 Style - The peculiar way in which a writer sees life, forms his ideas and usually follows a plot with characters, a setting, and a climax.
expresses them.  EPIC
 Spiritual Value - Literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral - An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a
values. legendary hero.
 Intellectual Value - Great works of literature stimulates thought. - It features a hero who represents the values of a
 Universality - Themes are timeless and sweeping. particular society, and who goes on an epic journey or quest.
 Suggestiveness - Words are associated with ideas and emotions.  BALLAD
 Permanence - Great literature endures the test of time; forever relevant. - A ballad is a type of song that tells a story and often has a
 Artistry - Appeals to one’s sense of beauty. repeated chorus or refrain.
- Ballads typically have a slow, rhythmic structure and use simple
Themes of Literature and emotional language.
Literary Theme - is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a  METRIC TALE
novel, short story, or other literary work. It can be conveyed using characters, - A metric tale is a story told in verse, usually composed of stanzas
setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination of all of these elements. or lines of poetry.
- Metric tales are an ancient form of storytelling, often used in
Purpose of Literature traditional folklore, fables, and myths.
 To Educate: Teach something fundamental through the significant
human experiences.  LYRIC - Lyric poetry is a type of poetry that expresses personal emotions
 To Challenge: It provokes thought by questioning norms, presenting new or thoughts. It often includes rhyme and meter and can be sung as a
ideas, or addressing controversial issues. song.
 To Entertain: Arouse emotions, good and bad, therefore uplifting the  DRAMATIC - Dramatic poetry is a type of poetry that is meant to be
soul. performed in a play or theatrical setting. It often includes elements of
dialogue, monologue, and characterization.
Literary Genres
1. Prose WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- is a form of literature that uses ordinary language and has a natural flow of  Reading and understanding literature helps to build vocabulary,
speech. encourages imagination, and helps to develop critical thinking.
- It typically consists of sentences and paragraphs and is used for a variety of  Reading literature from different times and places can give us an insight
genres, including novels, essays, short stories, and newspaper articles. into the history, culture, and beliefs of the people who wrote them.
2. Poetry  Literature provides a form of escapism. It can be a great way to escape
- is a genre of literature that uses imaginative and often rhythmic language to from the stresses of daily life and open up a world of possibility.
express an idea, evoke emotion, or tell a story.  Literature can inspire and motivate. It allows readers to learn from the
- It is often used to convey complex emotions and ideas in an accessible and experiences of the characters.
creative way.  Literature encourages empathy. Readers develop a greater
understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
PROSE  Literature can help to build connections between people, creating a
 FICTION - in literature is any story or novel that is created from the sense of shared understanding and appreciation.
author's imagination, as opposed to being based on facts or real events.
 NOVEL
- is a work of long prose fiction, which is usually centered around
characters, events and settings.
- Novels usually have multiple chapters, with a larger plot and focus
on character development.
 SHORT STORY
- is a work of fiction that is usually shorter in length than a novel.
- Short stories often have less developed characters and settings
than longer works, but can still explore complex themes.
 NOVELLA
- is a work of narrative fiction, longer than a short story but shorter
than a novel. Generally, novellas are between 20,000 and
 Lesson 2 ❑ Falling Action
ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST The Younger son decided to return home and asked for his father’s
 was born a Greek and Gentile in Antioch, Syria forgiveness. He wanted to work as his father’s servant, so he does not
 historian, physician, artist starve. However, his father did not require it and accepted him with
 detail-oriented writer open arms.
 carefully researched events ❑ Ending
 remained with Paul until the end of his life The father had a feast for the return of his Youngest son. This enraged
his Eldest son, but his father said “you are always with me, and
ST. LUKE as an author everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because
 The only gentile who have written books in the Bible. this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
 He is the writer of the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. found. (Luke 15:31-32)
 His writings have been proven to be historically accurate.
 One of the three “Synoptic Gospels” (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) Theme:
 His style is formal, classical prose, “Bible Greek”. What is the theme of the story?
 logical, orderly, detail-oriented
 The Gospel of Luke focuses on the poor and oppressed, and encourages ❑ forgiveness
compassion for the less fortunate. “Forgiveness heals oneself from a painful past.”
 His Gospel includes the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. ❑ unconditional love
 Stories only found in the Gospel of Luke; Zachariah’s vision, angels & shepherds “We love deeply in spite of the pain it had caused us.”
at Jesus’ birth, child Jesus in the temple, Parable of the Good Samaritan, and ❑ repentance
Prodigal Son. “Sincere penitence of sinful ways leads us closer to the Father.”
 As literature, the Bible portrays human experience, which are interpreted by
the author, and presented in artistic style.
THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE
LITERARY FORMS IN THE BIBLE 3 TYPES OF WRITING
FICTION 1. RELIGION
● Myths 2. HISTORY
● Stories 3. LITERATURE
● Parables
POETRY
• Songs
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Lamentations
NON-FICTION
• Law
• History
• Epistles

PRODIGAL SON
SYMBOLISM:
❑ fallen mankind
❑ individual sinner
❑ demonstrates path of repentance

his request of inheritance = mankind’s follow his own will over God’s will
his fall = demonstrates alienation from God, descend into futility, and
darkness

ELDER SON
SYMBOLISM:
❑ envious, conceited, vain,
arrogant, snob
❑ Pharisees, scribes

his sins
❑ self-righteousness
❑ self-serving
❑ lack of forgiveness
❑ lack of compassion

FATHER
❑ POSITIVE
- gives his all to his sons
- forgiving and kind
- shows unconditional love to his
children
❑ NEGATIVE
- too lenient
- prodigal with his love, money,
property

SETTING
❑ father’s house
❑ God’s kingdom (deeper aspect)

PLOT
❑ Beginning
A man have two sons, whom he loved so dearly. The Elder
son, works in the field with his father. On the contrary, his
Younger son, who’s far off behind, unhelpful of such tasks.
❑ Rising Action
The Younger son asked for his fair share of the inheritance. His
father agreed immediately, and gave the inheritance to his
younger son. The Younger son set off to a new land and lived by
himself.
❑ Climax
Not long after, he squandered all of his money and became
penniless man. One day, a famine had struck the country
leaving him homeless and hungry.