Introducing Literature and
Its Philosophical Issues
OBJECTIVES
Recognize Recognize and record the different perspectives on literature.
and record
Discuss Discuss the key characteristics and attributes of literature.
Follow Follow the progression of philosophical literature.
Perhaps the words "literature" and "philosophy"
are familiar to you.
What are perceptions about them?
Let us WATCH and LISTEN to a video.
What is Philosophy?
What is Literature?
How do philosophy and literature relate
to each other?
Why study philosophy of
literature?
Defining Literature
Scholars have given some valid descriptions of what they consider to be literature. The following
are some helpful definitions in literature.
1. According to etymology, the term literature is derived from the Latin word Litteratura,
which means writing. Litteratus, which means learning, and litera which means letter.
2. Literature encompasses both oral and written works that exhibit expressive or inventive
qualities, nobility of thought, timelessness, and universality.
3. Literature also defines as having an excellent form that allows for the aesthetically formed
expression of permanent of permanent and universal ideas.
4. Literature is primarily concerned with important human interactions.
5. Literature primarily addresses different aspects of life, such as its joys and sorrows.
Characteristics of Literature
Some key characteristics of literature are listed below.
1. Literature is a form of communication. Literature, according to Montealegre, is primarily a
product or a reflection on the life process. Thus, through the power of literature, man's inner
thoughts, emotions, and circumstances can be unveiled . Our forefathers interacted with us
through literature as we read tales from the past. As a result, it transcends time and space.
Literature in fact, encourages us to share and impart a piece of ourselves that may be fascinating
and beneficial to others.
2. Literature is an art. Literature takes on a new dimension. Its beauty is a conscious expression
of the mind's ability to visualize and build. It is also defined as artistic expression of man's
desires, ambitions, and circumstances. The attraction of a literary work primarily increases its
importance to people based on how they judge and interpret the work's beauty and content.
Characteristics of Literature
3. Literature has the nobility of thoughts. It is appropriate to draw attention to ideas that
are extremely important and significant. Literature should be concerned with concepts that
can contribute to new ways of looking at the world and inspire people to make significant
observations about the various aspects of human life and experience.
4. Literature is timeless. The significance of literary work's revelation of a profound truth
about life does wane and dissipate as time passes. A work must have an enduring quality
that allows its beauty and applicability to endure the passage of time. For example, during
the Spaniards occupation of the Philippines, Rizal's popular novels exposed issues and
themes that are still considered to exists today.
5. Literature is universal.
Characteristics A work must be universally applicable, i.e., it must be able
of Literature
to transcends space. Many Filipinos, for example, enjoy watching foreign- language
dramas and films. Despite these stories are set in a different country, Filipinos are
able to relate and comprehend them.
6. Literature serves a purpose. We will learn more about individuals, society, and
culture through reading literature. Literature can also refresh and change themselves
into what has to offer. Literature, according to Montealegre, can both free and uplift
our minds and spirits. It has the ability to shape people's perceptions of themselves
and environment.
Knowing Philosophical Issues About Literature
What is PHILOSOPHY OF LITERATURE?
To answer this question, refer to the definition and description below.
1. Philosophy of Literature addresses the most fundamental questions about
the nature of literature as an art. Some of these questions are:
a. What distinguishes literary works of literature (such as epics, novels,
dramas, and poetry) from other types of writings ( such as science studies,
historical treatises, religious scriptures, guides, and manuals) written in a
literary style?
Fundamental Questions
b. What are literary works of art that seem to exist in some form over time, regardless
of any of their specific printed edition?
Other questions concern our approaches such as:
c. What rules control our perception and comprehension of such works?
d. Is a work's sense set, or does it change depending on the context in which it is read?
e. Can we have a genuine emotional reaction to the characters, events, and states of
affair depicted in such works, even though we know they aren't real?
f. Do they have some unique experience insights?
g. Will their intellectual and spiritual merits and flaws be counted as artistic merits
and flaws?
Applying the Philosophy of Literature in
Understanding a Poem
What is literary criticism?
According to critic I.A Richards, (Cambridge University, 1920), in his book
Practical Criticism(1929),
In this exercise, students are asked to analyze a short poem without knowing
who wrote it, when it was written, or what circumstances led to its
composition, requiring them to focus on the "words in the paper" rather than
biographical or historical contexts
Literary criticism is the comparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or
evaluation of works of literature. Literary criticism is essentially an opinion,
supported by evidence, relating to theme, style, setting or historical or
political context.
The steps for analyzing a poem are listed below.
Step 1: Read and Think.
• Read the poem in a serious, active manner, with your mind buzzing with
ideas as you try to figure out what is going on.
• Look for tension, conflict or opposition.
• Look for positive images and impressions that can be contrasted
with negative ones.
• Concentrate on the first few lines to get a sense of the poem.
• Try to see the bigger picture behind the poem's specific information. You can
use the suspense to figure out what is going on.
Step 2: Examine the poem's opening to see how the poet brings the theme to life.
Step 3: Examine a different portion of the poem, attempting to extend the study
of poem's details.
Step 4: Take a look of how the poem ends.
Reading Literary Texts.
About the Author
Bienvenido Lumbera (1932-present) is a poet, critic, and a playwright from
the Philippines. He has received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for
Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communications and is a National
Artist in the Philippines. The National Books Foundation's National Books
Awards and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards were among the many
literary honors he earned. Many literature professors regard Dr. Lumbera's
works as a starting points for the study of post-colonialism in the Philippines,
which was conditioned to embrace colonizing cultures.
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