Introduction to Literature

Summary

This video script explores the multifaceted nature of literature, tracing its origins from Latin 'litterae' meaning 'letters' and examining various definitions by scholars. It emphasizes literature as an artistic expression of human experiences, encompassing imaginative, aesthetic, and universal ideas. Definitions range from Oxford's view of literature as imaginative writings to Filipino author Arsenia Tan's perspective of it as significant human experience. The script concludes by highlighting literature's role in elevating life's meaning and restoring sanity in an unjust world.

Takeaways

• 📚 Literature has various meanings depending on the context and the person defining it.
• 🔍 The term 'literature' originates from the Latin 'litteratura', meaning 'writing formed with letters'.
• 🎨 The Oxford English Dictionary defines literature as a collection of texts or works of art, characterized by imaginative expression, aesthetic form, universality of ideas, and permanence.
• 💡 According to Robert Frost, literature is a 'performance in words', highlighting the active and expressive nature of the written word.
• 🌿 Henry Van Dyke views literature as writings that interpret the meanings of nature and life with charm and power, reflecting the author's personality.
• 🌐 Arsenia Tan from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines sees literature as a representation of human experience, akin to life itself.
• 📘 One of the professors from Sibu Normal in USJR refers to literature as 'S.H.E', symbolizing Significant Human Experience.
• 🌟 Surreal Cerillo F. Bautista believes literature elevates life to a new level of meaning and understanding, restoring sanity and justice in an otherwise insane and unjust world.
• 📝 Literature exists because individuals want to express their feelings, emotions, and experiences through writing, using words and sentences in an artistic manner.
• 📖 While any printed text can be considered literature, the focus is often on those written in artistic or creative forms.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to explain the meaning of literature and discuss its different definitions provided by various authors and sources.

What is the origin of the term 'literature'?

The term 'literature' comes from the Latin word 'literatura,' which means writing formed with letters, and it is derived from 'litira,' meaning 'letter.'

How does the Oxford English Dictionary define literature?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines literature as 'an acquaintance with letters,' and it identifies a collection of texts or works of art. It also defines literature as writings with imaginative expression, aesthetic form, universality of ideas, and permanence, especially in fiction, poetry, and drama.

What does Robert Frost say about literature?

According to Robert Frost, literature is a 'performance in words.'

How does Henry van Dyke define literature?

Henry van Dyke defines literature as writings that interpret the meanings of nature and life in words of charm and power, touched by the personality of the author, and presented in artistic forms of permanent interest.

What is Arsenia Tan's definition of literature?

Arsenia Tan from the University of Santo Tomas defines literature as a human experience that presents life, reflecting significant human experiences.

What unique definition does the speaker's professor offer?

The speaker's professor defines literature as 'SHE,' which stands for 'Significant Human Experience,' emphasizing that literature captures important aspects of human life.

What does Cirilo F. Bautista believe literature does for life?

Cirilo F. Bautista believes that literature raises life to a new level of meaning and understanding, and in doing so, restores sanity and justice in an insane and unjust world.

Why did literature come into existence, according to the speaker?

Literature came into existence because people wanted to express their feelings, emotions, and experiences through writing. They used letters, words, and compositions in an artistic way to convey their perceptions of life.

What types of literature will the video focus on?

The video will focus more on literature written in artistic and creative forms, rather than scientific or technical texts.