Great Books Prelim Reviewer
Great Books Prelim Reviewer
WHAT IS LITERATURE? - is a short story, typically with animals as characters, that teaches a
- A body of written works. moral lesson.
- A broad term which usually denotes works which belong to the major 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 Poetics: - is a personal record of experiences, thoughts, and/or reflections
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 song.
ideas, or addressing controversial issues. DRAMATIC - Dramatic poetry is a type of poetry that is meant to be
To Entertain: Arouse emotions, good and bad, therefore uplifting the performed in a play or theatrical setting. It often includes elements of
soul. dialogue, monologue, and characterization.
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)
Lesson 3 In the story, six blind men touch an elephant. Although each man touches the
History of Greco-Roman Literature same animal, his determination of the elephant is based only on what he is
When the Ancient Greek Empire fell to the Roman Republic, the Romans able to perceive.
took Greece as slaves, some of whom ended up as teachers for noble
Roman children. Characters
This educational influence led to a strong cultural influence from Greece
The Blind Men
to Rome, and the classical writer Horace noted the irony of the situation:
Six men who are blind and each touch a different part of the elephant,
“Captive Greece conquered her savage victor.”
forming their own interpretation.
Roman education relied heavily on Greek writers. Thus, there is no
distinct Roman mythology outside Greek influence. The Elephant
The assimilation of Greek culture added prestige to Roman culture. A large animal that serves as the subject of misunderstanding.