Introduction to Literature: Lecture

Slide 1: Introduction to English Literature

English Literature is the study of works written in the English language, encompassing a wide variety of genres such as novels, plays, poems, and essays. It allows us to explore diverse human experiences, cultures, historical contexts, and philosophical ideas.

  • Definition: The body of written works in the English language.
  • Significance: Provides insight into human nature, society, and history.
  • Purpose: Engages readers intellectually and emotionally.

Slide 2: Horace's Definition - "Prodesse et Delectare"

Horace, a Roman poet, defined literature with the phrase "Prodesse et Delectare", meaning "to teach and to delight." This dual purpose of literature emphasizes that it should both provide moral lessons and offer aesthetic enjoyment.

  • Prodesse: The didactic purpose, to teach or inform.
  • Delectare: The aesthetic purpose, to entertain or delight.
  • Importance: Literature should serve both intellectual and emotional purposes.

Slide 3: Art for Art's Sake vs Art for Life's Sake

There are two major schools of thought regarding the purpose of art and literature: Art for Art's Sake and Art for Life's Sake.

  • Art for Art's Sake: Believes the primary purpose of art and literature is to provide beauty and pleasure, without any moral or instructional value. Aestheticism is its core principle.
  • Art for Life's Sake: Combines both the aesthetic and the didactic purposes, asserting that art should teach as well as entertain.

Slide 4: The Aesthetic Movement - Art for Art's Sake

The Aesthetic Movement, also known as "Art for Art's Sake," emerged in the late 19th century. Its proponents argued that the true value of art and literature lies in its beauty and ability to provide pleasure, without any ulterior motives such as moral teaching or political engagement.

  • Key Principle: Art exists for its own sake, with no obligation to teach or serve a social purpose.
  • Famous Poets and Writers: Oscar Wilde, Algernon Charles Swinburne, and James McNeill Whistler supported this movement.
  • Example Works: Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and Swinburne's "Poems and Ballads."

Slide 5: The Role of Aestheticism in Literature

Aestheticism emphasizes that the primary function of literature is to provide sensory pleasure and intellectual stimulation. It focuses on the artistic quality of language, form, and imagery.

  • Goal: To captivate the senses and engage the imagination.
  • Core Idea: Art is autonomous, independent of social or moral expectations.

Slide 6: The Didactic Movement - Art for Life's Sake

In contrast to Aestheticism, the "Art for Life's Sake" movement insists that literature and art have an important role in instructing, improving, or shaping society.

  • Key Principle: Literature should provide both enjoyment and moral lessons or guidance.
  • Famous Poets and Writers: Matthew Arnold, Henry James, and Charles Dickens supported this philosophy.
  • Example Works: Arnold's "The Function of Criticism," Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."

Slide 7: The Dual Purpose - Prodesse et Delectare

Horace's definition of literature, "Prodesse et Delectare," suggests that literature should serve both a moral (didactic) purpose and an aesthetic (pleasurable) purpose. Literature is not merely for pleasure or instruction but should balance both elements.

  • Prodesse: The purpose of teaching, informing, or persuading.
  • Delectare: The purpose of providing enjoyment, beauty, and aesthetic pleasure.

Slide 8: Art for Life's Sake - Combining Teaching and Pleasure

"Art for Life's Sake" merges the concepts of Prodesse and Delectare, meaning that literature and art should both teach and entertain. This view sees literature as a tool for moral and intellectual growth, while still allowing for enjoyment and artistic beauty.

  • Key Philosophers: Aristotle, Horace, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasized the importance of both teaching and delighting through art.
  • Example Works: Aristotle's "Poetics" and Coleridge's "Biographia Literaria."

Slide 9: Applied Literature vs Pure Literature

Literature can be categorized into two types: Applied Literature and Pure Literature. Understanding these categories helps us see the difference in how literature is used for various purposes.

  • Applied Literature: Focuses on the didactic aspect (Prodesse)—its primary purpose is to inform, teach, or persuade. Examples include political writings, moral stories, and scientific literature.
  • Pure Literature: Combines both Prodesse and Delectare—it teaches while also entertaining. Most novels, plays, and poems fall into this category.

Slide 10: Literature as a Vehicle for Learning

One of the key benefits of literature is that it allows us to learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. Through literature, we can live multiple lives and learn valuable lessons without making all the mistakes ourselves.

  • Benefit: Literature allows us to grow wiser by learning from characters' experiences, triumphs, and failures.
  • Learning from Mistakes: Through literature, we engage with characters who teach us life lessons and moral values.

Slide 11: Literature as a Window into Diverse Perspectives

Literature exposes us to a wide range of viewpoints, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of characters from different cultures, backgrounds, and circumstances.

  • Empathy: We learn to understand others' perspectives and see the world from their point of view.
  • Broader Perspective: Literature expands our horizons and makes us more open-minded and empathetic.

Slide 12: The Role of Literature in Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Engaging with literature helps develop emotional intelligence, as it forces us to confront complex emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas. By connecting with characters' struggles, we learn to understand our own emotions better.

  • Emotional Growth: We become more in tune with our own feelings and those of others.
  • Complexity of Life: Literature helps us navigate the emotional complexities of the human experience.

Slide 13: Literature as a Reflection of Society

Literature often mirrors the social, political, and cultural context in which it is written. Through literature, we gain insights into different eras, communities, and ideologies.

  • Reflection of Society: Writers capture the essence of their times and document historical and cultural shifts.
  • Social Change: Literature can challenge societal norms and inspire change through its portrayal of social issues.

Slide 14: Conclusion and Reflection

English literature is a powerful tool for both teaching and delighting, and it holds a mirror up to the world, offering insights into the human condition. By balancing the dual purpose of Prodesse et Delectare, literature continues to be a vital part of our intellectual and emotional lives.

  • Balance: Both aesthetic and didactic purposes must be balanced for literature to be truly impactful.
  • Enduring Value: The lessons and pleasures provided by literature continue to be relevant across time and cultures.

Slide 3: Uses of the Present Indefinite Tense

The Present Indefinite Tense is used in various contexts, such as describing habits, routines, general truths, and fixed arrangements. It also expresses feelings and emotions in the present.

  • Habitual Actions: "She walks to school daily."
  • Universal Truths: "The sun rises in the east."
  • Fixed Arrangements: "The train departs at 6 PM."
  • Feelings: "I love chocolate."

Slide 4: Habitual Actions

The Present Indefinite Tense is often used to describe habits or actions that happen regularly. Words like "always," "often," and "every day" are commonly associated with such sentences.

  • Example: "He drinks coffee every morning."
  • Keywords: Always, Often, Every day

Slide 5: Universal Truths

Statements of universal truth or general facts are expressed in the Present Indefinite Tense. These facts are true regardless of time.

  • Example: "Water boils at 100°C."
  • Characteristic: Always true

Slide 6: Fixed Schedules and Timetables

Scheduled events or timetables, especially for transportation or events, are described using the Present Indefinite Tense.

  • Example: "The bus leaves at 8 AM."
  • Usage: For predefined schedules

Slide 7: Expressing Feelings and Emotions

The Present Indefinite Tense is used to express feelings, opinions, and emotions in the present moment.

  • Example: "I enjoy reading novels."
  • Type: Emotional state or opinion

Slide 8: Rules for Third Person Singular

For third person singular subjects (he, she, it), add -s or -es to the base verb. For verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -s, -z, use -es.

  • Example: "She watches TV."
  • Rule: Add -s/-es to the verb

Slide 9: Forming Negative Sentences

Negative sentences are formed using do not (don’t) or does not (doesn’t) before the base verb.

  • Example: "He does not like coffee."
  • Rule: Use don’t/doesn’t + Base Verb

Slide 10: Forming Questions

Questions in the Present Indefinite Tense are formed by placing do or does before the subject, followed by the base verb.

  • Example: "Does she play the piano?"
  • Rule: Do/Does + Subject + Base Verb?

Slide 11: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes in the Present Indefinite Tense include using -s for plural subjects, omitting do/does in questions, and incorrect use of negative forms.

  • Example: Incorrect: "She do not play football."
  • Correction: "She does not play football."

Slide 12: Practice Sentences

Test your understanding by practicing these sentences:

  • Convert: "He go to school." (Correct it)
  • Form: Write a question using "she sings."
  • Write: A sentence showing a universal truth.

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