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 Employs Language to Create Meaning
One of the main functions of literature is to employ language to create 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 short story “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe , the writer uses language to create a sense of horror and suspense. He also uses dialogue to reveal the madness and guilt of the narrator.
True! –nervous –very , very dreadfully nervous I had been am ; but why will you say that I am mad ? The disease had sharpened my senses –not destroyed –not dulled them . Above all was sense hearing acute . I heard all things in heaven earth . I heard many things hell . How , then , am I mad ? Hearken ! observe how healthily –how calmly I can tell you whole story .
It is impossible to say how first idea entered my brain ; but once conceived , it haunted me day night . Object there was none . Passion there was none . I loved old man . He had never wronged me . He had never given me insult . For his gold I had no desire . I think it was his eye ! yes , it was this ! He had eye of vulture –a pale blue eye , with film over it . Whenever it fell upon me , my blood ran cold ; and so by degrees –very gradually –I made up my mind take life old man , rid myself eye forever .
How Literature Reflects and Challenges Human Experience and Reality
Another function of literature is to reflect and challenge 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 Animal Farm by George Orwell , the writer reflects and challenges the themes of power , corruption , revolution , etc., through the allegory of a farm where animals overthrow their human oppressors and establish their own society . The writer also critiques the totalitarian regimes of his time and warns against the dangers of propaganda and manipulation.
Mr. Jones , of Manor Farm , had locked hen-houses for night , but was too drunk remember shut pop-holes . With ring light from his lantern dancing side side , he lurched across yard , kicked off his boots at back door , drew himself a last glass beer from barrel in scullery , made his way up to bed , where Mrs. Jones was already snoring .
As soon as light in bedroom went out there was a stirring rustling in farm buildings . Word had gone round during day that old Major , prize Middle White boar , had had strange dream previous night wished communicate it other animals . It had been agreed that they should all meet in big barn soon Mr. Jones was safely out way .
How Literature Expresses and Fosters Creativity and Imagination
A third function of literature is to express and foster 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 Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll ,the writer expresses his creativity and imagination through his whimsical characters and situations . The writer also experiments with different forms of logic , language , humor , etc., to create a fantastical world that delights and puzzles his readers . The work has inspired many other artists to create their own works in various media .
Alice was beginning get very tired sitting by her sister on bank , having nothing do : once twice she had peeped into book her sister was reading , but it had no pictures conversations in it , ‘and what use book ,’ thought Alice ‘without pictures conversation ?’
So she was considering in own mind (as well as she could , for hot day made her feel very sleepy stupid ), whether pleasure making daisy-chain would be worth trouble getting up picking daisies , when suddenly White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her .
There was nothing so very remarkable in that ; nor did Alice think it so very much out way hear Rabbit say itself ‘Oh dear ! Oh dear ! I shall be late !’ (when she thought it over afterwards , it occurred her that she ought have wondered at this , but at time it all seemed quite natural ); but when Rabbit actually took watch out its waistcoat-pocket , looked at it , then hurried on , Alice started her feet , for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen rabbit with either waistcoat-pocket watch take out it .
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 The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,the writer benefits us by sharing his personal experiences and insights through a fable about a young prince who travels across different planets . The writer also benefits us by showing us his values such as friendship , curiosity , responsibility , etc., through his simple yet profound words . The work has been widely praised for its universal appeal and its impact on human spirit .
I have serious reason think that planet from which little prince came is asteroid known as B-612 .
This asteroid has only once been seen through telescope . That was by Turkish astronomer in 1909 .
On making his discovery astronomer had presented it International Astronomical Congress in great demonstration . But he was in Turkish costume nobody would believe what he said .
Grown-ups are like that …
Fortunately however sake reputation asteroid B-612 Turkish dictator made his people wear European clothes . Then astronomer repeated his demonstration in 1920 everybody accepted his report .
If I have told you these details about asteroid B-612 if I have given you its number it is on account grown-ups their ways . When you tell them that you have made new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters . They never say you ‘What does his voice sound like ? What games does he love best ? Does he collect butterflies ?’ Instead they demand ‘How old is he ? How many brothers has he ? How much does he weigh ? How much money does his father make ?’ Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him .
If you were tell grown-ups ‘I saw beautiful house made rosy brick with geraniums window-sills doves roof ,’ they would not be able imagine such house . You would have say them ‘I saw house that cost $20 000 .’ Then they would exclaim ‘Oh what pretty house !’
That is why if you have been very very good boy I have made present this beautiful book about little prince who jumped down from star ; I beg you not hold it against me if I talk numbers little bit first …
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.
