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 Uses Language to Communicate
One of the main functions of literature is to use language to communicate ideas and emotions. Literature can convey 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 novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley , the writer uses imagery of light and darkness to communicate the themes of creation and destruction. She also uses dialogue to reveal the characters’ personalities and motivations.
No one can conceive the variety of feelings which bore me onwards , like a hurricane , in the first enthusiasm of success . Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds , which I should first break through , and pour a torrent of light into our dark world . A new species would bless me as its creator and source ; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me . No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs . Pursuing these reflections , I thought , that if I could bestow animation upon lifeless matter , I might in process of time (although I now found it impossible ) renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption .
How Literature Represents and Explores Human Experience and Reality
Another function of literature is to represent and explore 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 play Hamlet by William Shakespeare , the writer represents and explores the themes of revenge , madness , mortality , corruption , etc., through the perspective of a young prince who faces a moral dilemma after his father’s murder . The writer also creates a complex plot that involves ghosts , spies , duels , poison , etc., that challenges the conventions of reality .
To be , or not to be ? That is question :
Whether ’tis nobler in mind to suffer
The slings arrows outrageous fortune ,
Or to take arms against sea troubles ,
And by opposing end them ? To die : to sleep ;
No more ; by sleep to say we end
The heart-ache thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to , ’tis consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d . To die , to sleep ;
To sleep : perchance to dream : ay , there’s rub ;
For in that sleep death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil ,
Must give us pause : there’s respect
That makes calamity so long life ;
How Literature Expresses and Stimulates Creativity and Imagination
A third function of literature is to express and stimulate 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 The Catcher in The Rye by J.D. Salinger ,the writer expresses his creativity and imagination through his unique voice and style . The writer also experiments with different narrative techniques , such as stream-of-consciousness , unreliable narration , colloquial language , etc., to create a realistic and engaging portrait of his protagonist . The work has inspired many other artists to create their own works in various media .
If you really want hear about it , first thing you’ll probably want know is where I was born , what my lousy childhood was like , how my parents were occupied all before they had me , all that David Copperfield kind crap , but I don’t feel like going into it , if you want know truth . In first place , that stuff bores me , in second place , my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything pretty personal about them . They’re quite touchy about anything like that , especially my father . They’re nice all — I’m not saying that — but they’re also touchy as hell .
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 Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank ,the writer benefits us by sharing her personal experiences and insights during World War II . The writer also benefits us by showing us her courage , optimism , humanity , etc., despite her tragic circumstances . The work has been widely praised for its educational value and its impact on social awareness .
I don’t think then myself as odd one out any more . I’ve discovered nature myself . I’ve found God myself . I love flowers so much don’t even want pick them . And there are so many things have learned here which never knew before . For instance how much beauty there is everything around me . How good people are at bottom . And how much suffering there still is world .
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 .
