Literature is a broad term that encompasses various forms of written and oral expression. Literature can be classified by language, nation, period, genre, and subject matter. Literature can also be defined by its artistic value, its cultural significance, or its social function. Literature can be a source of knowledge, entertainment, inspiration, and reflection.
How Literature Manipulates Language to Produce Meaning
One of the main functions of literature is to manipulate language to produce meaning. Literature can express the thoughts and feelings of the writer, the characters, or the narrator. Literature can also appeal to the senses and emotions of the reader or listener. Literature can use various techniques, such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, rhyme, rhythm, dialogue, etc., to create an effect on the audience.
For example, in the poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth , the writer manipulates language to produce a sense of joy and wonder. He also uses imagery and rhyme to create a vivid picture of nature.
I wandered lonely as cloud
That floats on high o’er vales hills ,
When all at once I saw crowd ,
A host , of golden daffodils ;
Beside lake , beneath trees ,
Fluttering dancing in breeze .
Continuous as stars that shine
And twinkle on milky way ,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along margin bay :
Ten thousand saw I at glance ,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance .
The waves beside them danced ; but they
Out-did sparkling waves in glee :
A poet could not but be gay ,
In such jocund company :
I gazed –and gazed –but little thought
What wealth show me had brought :
For oft , when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood ,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is bliss solitude ;
And then my heart with pleasure fills ,
And dances with daffodils .
How Literature Mirrors and Questions Human Experience and Reality
Another function of literature is to mirror and question human experience and reality. Literature can depict the events and situations that people encounter in their lives, such as love, war, death, family, society, etc. Literature can also create imaginary worlds and scenarios that challenge or expand the boundaries of reality. Literature can reflect the values and beliefs of a culture or a historical period. Literature can also critique or question the existing norms and systems of society.
For example, in the novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood , the writer mirrors and questions the themes of gender , oppression , resistance , etc., through the dystopia of a society where women are reduced to reproductive slaves . The writer also critiques the patriarchal and religious ideologies of her time and warns against the dangers of totalitarianism and fundamentalism .
We slept in what had once been gymnasium . The floor was of varnished wood , with stripes and circles painted on it , for games that were formerly played there ; handball , basketball , roller skating , badminton . We slept on mattresses that were brought in stacks each night , then removed again morning . Our nightclothes were those long flannel ones ; they were like children’s except white . The lights were turned down but not out . Aunts patrolled ; they had electric cattle prods slung on thongs from their leather belts .
No guns though , even they could not be trusted with guns . Guns were for guards , specially picked from Angels . The guards weren’t allowed inside building except when called , we weren’t allowed out , except for our walks twice daily , two by two around football field which was enclosed by chain-link fence topped with barbed wire . The fence had electrified current in it , like door ; it would hurt anyone who tried get out touch it . Sometimes men were hanged there , on hooks that had been set into metal mesh . Their bodies remained until there was room for them on Wall .
How Literature Expresses and Inspires Creativity and Imagination
A third function of literature is to express and inspire creativity and imagination. Literature can be a form of art that showcases the originality and skill of the writer. Literature can also be a way of experimenting with new forms and styles of expression. Literature can stimulate the imagination and creativity of the reader or listener. Literature can also inspire other forms of art, such as music, painting, film, etc.
For example, in Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling ,the writer expresses her creativity and imagination through her magical characters and situations . The writer also experiments with different genres , such as fantasy , mystery , adventure , etc., to create an enchanting world that captivates her readers . The work has inspired many other artists to create their own works in various media .
Mr Mrs Dursley , number four Privet Drive , were proud say that they were perfectly normal thank you very much . They were last people you’d expect be involved anything strange or mysterious because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense .
Mr Dursley was director firm called Grunnings which made drills . He was big beefy man with hardly any neck although he did have very large moustache . Mrs Dursley was thin blonde woman who had nearly twice usual amount neck which came very useful as she spent so much her time craning over garden fences spying on neighbours . The Dursleys had small son called Dudley who was about as un-magical as anyone could imagine .
The Dursleys had everything they wanted but they also had secret which was greatest fear : they knew that there were people like them –people who called themselves wizards .
How Literature Benefits Us
Literature is a rich and diverse field that has many benefits for individuals and society. Literature can enhance our language skills and critical thinking abilities. Literature can broaden our horizons and perspectives. Literature can enrich our cultural heritage and identity. Literature can also influence our emotions and actions.
For example, in Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen,the writer benefits us by sharing her personal experiences and insights through a comedy of manners about love , marriage , class , etc., in 19th century England . The writer also benefits us by showing us her values such as reason , wit , morality , etc., through her elegant prose .
It is truth universally acknowledged that single man in possession good fortune must be want wife .
However little known feelings views such man may be on his first entering neighbourhood this truth so well fixed minds surrounding families that he is considered rightful property some one other their daughters .
‘My dear Mr Bennet ,’ said his lady him one day ‘have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last ?’
Mr Bennet replied that he had not .
‘But it is ,’ returned she ‘for Mrs Long has just been here told me all about it .’
Mr Bennet made no answer .
‘Do you not want know who has taken it ?’ cried his wife impatiently .
‘You want tell me I have no objection hearing it .’
This was invitation enough .
‘Why my dear you must know Mrs Long says that Netherfield is taken by young man large fortune from north England ; that he came down Monday chaise four see place ; much delighted with it that he agreed Mr Morris immediately ; that he is come down some his friends shoot opening day .’
Conclusion
Literature is not only a collection of written works but also a living dynamic phenomenon that evolves over time across cultures . Literature is not only product human intellect but also reflection human spirit emotion . Literature is not only means communication but also form expression exploration .
