Western Literature

Western literature, also known as European literature, is

the literature written in the context of Western culture in
the languages of Europe, and is shaped by the periods in which they
were conceived, with each period containing prominent western
authors, poets, and pieces of literature.
Can also be broadly categorized into several branches, each with its own unique
characteristics, themes, and literary forms. Some of the major branches of Western
literature include:
 Poetry - Poetry is a genre of literature that uses language to evoke emotion,
tell stories, and convey ideas. It is characterized by its use of rhythm, meter,
and rhyme, and can take many forms, including sonnets, haikus, and epic
poems.
 Fiction - Prose fiction is a form of literature that tells stories in prose form, as
opposed to poetry. It includes novels, short stories, novellas, and other forms of
long-form fiction.
 Drama - Drama is a form of literature that is written to be performed on stage. It
includes plays, musicals, and other forms of live performance.
 Non-fiction: Non-fiction is a genre of literature that is based on
facts and real-world events. It includes memoirs, biographies,
history books, and other forms of non-fiction writing.
 Essay: Essay is a form of literature that uses language to explore
ideas, express opinions, and convey information. It can be written
on a wide range of topics and can take many forms, including
personal essays, literary criticism, and political essays.
Greco-Roman literature
• Literature in the Greco-Roman world refers to the body
of written works produced during the classical period of
ancient Greece and Rome. These works are considered
some of the most important and influential in Western
literature, as they have shaped our understanding of art,
philosophy, history, and culture.
Greco literature

• The literature of ancient Greece is known for its

emphasis on the human condition, exploring
themes such as love, honor, and the relationship
between mortals and gods. Some of the most
famous works of Greek literature include:
SOPHOCLES' TRAGEDIES, "OEDIPUS
REX" AND "ANTIGONE"
• which explore the nature of fate,
free will, and the relationship
between the individual and the
state.
OEDIPUS REX
Oedipus Rex is a tragedy
written by the ancient Greek
playwright Sophocles around 429
BCE. The play is set in the city of
Thebes and revolves around the story
of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, and
his efforts to discover the truth about
his past and the circumstances of his
rule.
ANTIGONE
Antigone is a tragedy written by the ancient Greek
playwright Sophocles, believed to have been first performed
in 441 BCE. The play is set in the aftermath of a civil war in
Thebes, and it revolves around the story of Antigone, the
daughter of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta.
Antigone is a play by Sophocles about a woman
who defies the order of her uncle, King Creon, and buries
her brother, who was considered a traitor. Creon punishes
her, leading to a debate about the nature of law and justice.
Antigone believes that the laws of the gods must be upheld,
while Creon argues that the authority of the state must be
maintained. The play ends tragically with the deaths of
Antigone, Creon's son, and his wife. It is considered a
classic work of Western literature and explores the conflict
between individual conscience and the laws of the state.
 Homer's epic poems, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey”

• which follow the adventures of heroes such

as Achilles and Odysseus. These works are
considered the foundation of Western
literature specially in ancient Greece, as they
established many of the literary conventions
and themes that have persisted to this day.
The Iliad
is an epic poem by the ancient
Greek poet Homer, believed to have
been composed around the 8th
century BCE. It tells the story of the
Trojan War, a legendary conflict
between the Greeks and the Trojans
that is said to have taken place in
the 12th or 13th century BCE.
The Odyssey
Is another epic poem written by the ancient
Greek poet Homer, which tells the story of the
Greek hero Odysseus, who returns to his
homeland of Ithaca after ten years of fighting in
the Trojan War. The poem is written in dactylic
hexameter and consists of 24 books or chapters.
Is also considered one of the greatest works of
literature in the Western canon and has inspired
countless works of art and literature throughout
the ages. It explores themes such as loyalty,
temptation, and the power of cunning and wit.
 Plato's philosophical dialogues, such as "The Republic" and
"Symposium,"

• which use dialogue and debate to

explore philosophical concepts such as
justice, virtue, and the nature of reality.
The Republic

• is a philosophical dialogue that

explores the nature of justice, the ideal
state, and the nature of reality. It is set
in Athens in the 5th century BCE and
features conversations between
Socrates and various other characters,
including Glaucon, Adeimantus, and
Thrasymachus.
• It is also one of platos’s most
influential works that has had a
significant impact on philosopical and
political thought throughout history.
Symposium

is a philosophical dialogue that

explores the nature of love, desire, and
beauty. The dialogue takes place at a dinner
party where a group of Athenians, including
Socrates, gather to discuss these topics. The
speeches given by the guests at the party are
the heart of the dialogue, with each character
providing their own understanding of love and
desire.
Aristophanes' comedies, such as "The Clouds" and "Lysistrata,"

which use humor and satire to comment

on social and political issues of the day.
The Clouds

is a satire on the intellectual and moral corruption

of Athens, presented through the character of Socrates
and his disciples. The play begins with Strepsiades, an
indebted farmer, seeking the help of Socrates to teach him
the art of argument so that he can win his legal cases and
avoid paying his debts.
The Clouds is a critique of the sophist movement,
which Socrates is often associated with, and a warning
against the misuse of knowledge and rhetoric for personal
gain or to justify immoral actions. It also highlights the
dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders and the
importance of critical thinking and ethical behavior.
Lysistrata

Is a play by the Greek playwright

Aristophanes, first performed in 411 BCE. It is a
comedy that tells the story of Lysistrata, a clever
and determined woman who rallies the women of
Greece to stage a sex strike in order to force their
husbands to end the Peloponnesian War.
Is known for its raunchy humor and
irreverent take on gender roles and politics. Its
themes of unity, peace, and resistance to authority
have made it a favorite of modern audiences and
a staple of theatrical performance worldwide.
Roman literature

• The literature of ancient Rome, while heavily

influenced by Greek literature, also
developed its own distinct style and themes.
Some of the most famous works of Roman
literature include:
 Virgil's epic poem, "The Aeneid,"

A Latin epic poem which tells the

story of the Trojan hero Aeneas and
his journey to found the city of Rome.
The work is known for its emphasis on
the ideals of duty, piety, and honor.
Ovid's "Metamorphoses,"
is a Latin narrative poem from 8 CE by
the Roman poet Ovid. It is considered his magnum opus
(great works). The poem chronicles the history of the world
from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar in a
mythico-historical framework comprising over 250 myths, 15
books, and 11,995 lines. Which is a collection of myths and
legends that explore the themes of transformation, love, and
the power of art.
- The Metamorphoses is one of the most influential works
in Western culture.
 Cicero's speeches and letters,

• which are known for

their eloquence and
their defense of the
values of the Roman
Republic.
 Lucretius' philosophical poem, "On
the Nature of Things,"
is a philosophical poem written on
(ca 99-55 BCE). The poem is divided into
six 'books' or sections and each of these
books deals with different aspects of
Epicurean thought which also presents
an Epicurean view of the universe and
the nature of existence.
Orpheus and Eurydice
The most tragic love story ever told is that of Orpheus and
Eurydice. One of the most well-known Greek tales, it
served as an inspiration to many notable artists,
including Peter Paul Rubens and Nicolas Poussin. In
addition, numerous operas, songs, and plays have been
written in their honor to remember these two wonderful
lovers who tragically died before they could experience
their love. There are a few minor variations among the
various versions of the Orpheus and Eurydice narrative.
The earliest record is from the Greek lyric poet Ibycus,
who lived around 530 BC. Here, we offer you a
combination of these several variants.
English and European Literature
• English and European literature have
produced some of the greatest literary
masterpieces of all time. These works are
known for their enduring impact on society
and culture, and for their ability to convey
universal themes and emotions that resonate
with readers across time and place.
Understanding English and
European Literature
 English and European Literature are rich and diverse fields of study that
encompass a wide range of literary works, authors, and historical periods. The
following are some concepts and themes that can help us understand and
appreciate English and European literature:
• Literary genres - English and European literature include a variety of genres,
such as poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. Each genre has its own
conventions, styles, and techniques that authors used to express their ideas and
convey meaning of their masterpiece.
• Historical and cultural context - Literature reflects the cultural, and historical
contexts in which it was produced. Understanding the historical and cultural
background of a literary work can help you appreciate its significance and
relevance.
• Themes and motifs - Literary works often explore universal themes and motifs,
such as love, death, power, identity, and human nature. Recognizing these
themes and motifs can help the reader identify the underlying message of a
literary work.
• Literary devices - the authors of English and European use a
variety of literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, imagery,
symbolism, and irony, to convey meaning and create effects
to their literary works. These devices can help the reader
appreciate the skill and artistry of the author.
• Literary movements - English and European literature are
characterized by various literary movements, such as
Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Postmodernism.
These movements can help the reader trace the evolution of
literary styles and ideas over time.
The following are some examples of literary
masterpieces in English literature
 William Shakespeare's plays
• Was considered the
pinnacle of English
literature. His works such
as "Hamlet," "Macbeth,"
and "Romeo and Juliet"
explore timeless themes
such as love, betrayal,
revenge, and the human
condition.
Jane Austen's novels
• where known for their social
commentary and insightful
portrayal of the lives of women
in the late 18th and early 19th
centuries. Her works such as
"Pride and Prejudice" and
"Sense and Sensibility" are
still widely read and enjoyed
today.
Charles Dickens' novels
• Where famous for their vivid
characters and descriptions of
life in Victorian England. His
works such as "Oliver Twist,"
"David Copperfield," and
"Great Expectations" explore
themes such as poverty, social
inequality, and the struggles of
the working class.
Virginia Woolf's novels
• Where known for their
experimental style and focus
on the inner lives of characters.
Her works such as "Mrs.
Dalloway" and "To the
Lighthouse" explore themes
such as the passage of time,
the nature of memory, and the
role of women in society.
European literature
Also produced many literary masterpieces, that
includes the following:
 Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote"

• Don Quixote is considered

one of the greatest works of
European literature. The novel
follows the adventures of a
would-be knight and explores
themes such as reality and
illusion, love and chivalry, and
the human condition.
 Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace"
• War and Peace Set during
the Napoleonic Wars, the work
mixes fictional narrative with
chapters discussing history and
philosophy. is a sprawling epic
that explores the impact of war
on individuals and society. The
novel also explores into themes
such as love, family, and the
search for meaning in life.
Gustave Flaubert's "Madame Bovary"
• Madame Bovary is known for
its psychological depth and its
critique of bourgeois society in
19th-century France. The novel
follows the life of a disillusioned
woman who seeks escape from
her mundane existence through
adultery and materialism.
Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis"
• The Metamorphosis is a
surreal and unsettling story
about a man who wakes up one
day to find that he has been
transformed into a giant insect.
The story explores themes such
as alienation, isolation, and the
absurdity of modern life.
Lesson 1: Sonnet 18

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Was born on April 23, 1564 in
Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He is of
course best known as the writer of
sonnets and of plays, but he also wrote
lyrics for songs in some of the plays.
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? - A
Thou art more lovely and more temperate: - B
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, - A
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: - B
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, - C
And often is his gold complexion dimm’d; - D
And every fair from fair sometime declines, - C
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm’d; - D
But thy eternal summer shall not fade - E
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; - F
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, - E
When in eternal lines to time thou growest: - F
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, - G
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. - G
Analysis
Sonnet 18 is certainly the most famous in the sequence of
Shakespeare’s sonnets;
In the line "And every fair declines" is a poetic expression that
suggests that all good things come to an end. The word "fair" here
refers to something that is beautiful, pleasing, or desirable. The
word "declines" suggests that this beauty or goodness diminishes
over time, eventually disappearing altogether.
LESSON 2:
I USED TO LIVED HERE
BY JEAN RHYS
JEAN RHYS (1890-1979)
“Jean Rhys” was a
pseudonym used by Ella
Gwendolen Rees Williams. She
wasborn in the West Indies, in
Dominica (at that time a British
colony), and educated there and in
England.
 I USED TO LIVED HERE
• Is a short and haunting poem
that explores themes of
memory, loss, and mortality.
• The poem is written in the first
person and describes a
journey through a landscape
that the speaker used to know
well.
I USED TO LIVED HERE..

As she travels through this landscape, she notices changes

and disruptions in the environment, such as a road that is
now wider and busier than it used to be, or a stream that
has dried up.
The speaker also encounters people and animals that she
does not recognize or that seem to ignore her.
I USED TO LIVED HERE..
As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is a ghost or a
spirit revisiting a place that was once important to her.
• The changes she observes suggest that time has passed and that she is
no longer a part of the living world.
• The poem ends with the speaker realizing that she has died and that the
landscape she is visiting is no longer a physical place, but a memory.
The poem's spare language and eerie imagery create a sense of loneliness
and disorientation. The speaker's detachment from the world of the living and
her acceptance of her own mortality make the poem a powerful meditation on
the transience of human experience.
 Mademoiselle
Guy de Maupassant
English Translation by Jane Saretta
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

Was born in Dieppe, France. (In speaking of

him by his last name only the name is
Maupassant not de Maupassant.) He studied
law briefly, served in the Franco-Prussian
War (1870-1871), and then lived in Paris
where he met such distinguished writers as
Emile Zola and Gustave Flaubert.
Mademoiselle
is a novel written by French
author Guy de Maupassant, first
published in 1884. The story is set in
the Normandy region of France and
revolves around the life of a young man
named Jean Marie Mathieu Valot,
who is referred to as "Mademoiselle"
throughout the novel.
Mademoiselle
Is a story about a young man registered under the name Jean
Marie Mathieu Valot, but he was never anything but “Mademoiselle,”
because he was living in disguise.
one day mademoiselle dressed as a man, but the people in
her village did not like that because they were more used to seeing
her dressed as a woman. He is very innocent, and he reached the
age of twenty without knowing anything or without ever having natural
impulse, but being tenacious of purpose, and dissembling, he asked
no questions, but observed that was said and done.
The Term Mademoiselle
"Mademoiselle" is a French word that translates to "Miss" or
"young lady" in English. It is a title used to address an unmarried
woman or girl in French-speaking countries.
In English-speaking countries, "Mademoiselle" was also used
as a courtesy title for unmarried women in the past, but it fell out of
use in the mid-20th century. The use of "Miss" is now more common,
and "Mademoiselle" is considered somewhat old-fashioned or even
patronizing.
The Little Prince: Chapter 21
By Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
was born in Lyons on June 29, 1900; he
attended Jesuit schools in France and Switzerland. He
was a poor and unruly student but took great interest in
the rapidly developing science of flight. In 1921 he
began military service and learned to fly, later being
commissioned as an air force officer. After 3 years in
business, Saint-Exupery became a commercial pilot in
1926, flying first from France to Morocco and West
Africa. From his experiences he drew the novel that
launched his military career in 1929, Courrier Sud
(Southern Mail). Here he portrays the pilot’s solitary
struggle against the elements and his sense of
dedication to his vocation, stronger ever than love.
The Little Prince: Chapter 21
"The Little Prince" is a
novella by Antoine de Saint-
Exupéry that tells the story of a
young prince who travels from
planet to planet, encountering
various strange characters and
learning important lessons about
life, love, and human nature.
 The traits of the characters of the story

The little prince appears to be polite and curious, as evidenced by his

response to the fox's greeting and his questions about the concept of "tame." He is
also described as unhappy and in search of friends, suggesting that he may be
lonely or isolated.
The fox, on the other hand, initially appears distant and uninterested in the
little prince, noting that he is not tamed and therefore cannot play with him.
However, as their conversation continues, the fox reveals a desire to establish ties
with the little prince and become tamed, explaining that this will make them unique
to each other.
Thus, the characters of the little prince and the fox demonstrate qualities
such as curiosity, politeness, loneliness, and a desire for connection.
Tame

In the context of the story, “tame” refers to the

process of establishing a bond or connection with
another being through mutual trust and affection.
The fox explains to the little prince that to be tamed
means to establish ties with someone, to create a
relationship that goes beyond just being
acquaintances.
 The moral lesson of the story in real life

The story of "The Little Prince" has several moral lessons that can be applied in real
life:
• The importance of human connections - The story emphasizes the value of
establishing connections with others and building meaningful relationships. In a
world where people can feel lonely and isolated, the little prince reminds us that
human connection and companionship are essential for our emotional and
mental wellbeing.
• The beauty of simplicity - The story suggests that the most important things in
life are often the simplest. The little prince finds joy in small pleasures like
watching the sunset and caring for his rose. In our fast-paced, materialistic world,
the story encourages us to appreciate the simple things in life that can bring us
true happiness.
 The moral lesson of the story in real life
• The power of imagination - The little prince's journey is fueled by his imagination and
sense of wonder. The story encourages us to cultivate our own sense of creativity and
imagination, which can help us see the world in new ways and find inspiration in
unexpected places.
• The dangers of adult life - Through the little prince's encounters with the adults he meets
on his journey, the story highlights the dangers of losing touch with our inner child and
becoming consumed by adult concerns like power, money, and status. The story
encourages us to hold onto our sense of innocence and wonder, even as we grow older.
Thus, "The Little Prince" offers valuable lessons about the importance of human
connections, the beauty of simplicity, the power of imagination, and the dangers of losing
touch with our inner child. These lessons can help us lead a more fulfilling, meaningful lives
and cultivate deeper relationships with those around us.
Lesson 5:
I Wandered Lonely as a
Cloud
By William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
Is the son of an attorney, grew up in the Lake
District of England. After graduating from Cambridge
University in 1791, he spent a year in France, falling in
love with a French girl, with whom he had a daughter.
His enthusiasm for French Revolution waned, and he
returned alone to England, where, with the help of a
legacy, he devoted his life to poetry. With his friend
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in 1798 he published
anonymously a volume of poetry Lyrical Ballads, which
changed the course of poetry. In 1799 he and his sister
Dorothy settled in Grasmere in the Lake District, where
he married and was given the office of distributor of
stamps. In 1843 he was appointed poet laureate.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
is a renowned poem by William Wordsworth,
published in 1807 in the collection called "Poems in
Two Volumes." The poem is also commonly known
as "Daffodils" for the seasonal flower that features
prominently in its imagery. The poem is a simple yet
highly evocative meditation on the beauty of nature
and the power of memory. The speaker of the poem
describes himself as "wandering lonely as a cloud"
("lonely" does not mean being alone, but rather a
metaphor for feeling unconnected to the world)
when he suddenly appear upon a patch of daffodils,
swaying and dancing in the breeze.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
The inward eye - through this
imagery, Wordsworth captures the
essence of the Romantic movement – a
celebration of nature, beauty and
imagination – and reminds readers of the
power of memory to bring us joy and
comfort in times of need. The poem also
shows Wordsworth's great admiration for
the natural world, which he believed was a
source of spiritual and emotional
upliftment.
Inward eye
the Inward eye is a metaphor for the mind’s ability to recall
past experiences and memories. The inward eye represents the
imagination and the ability to bring back to mind the images, sounds,
and the feelings of past experiences.