Sastra Adalah? Mengungkap Hakikat Sastra

Summary

The video delves into the complexities of defining literature, exploring various perspectives from renowned experts. It discusses literature's dynamic nature, its evolution alongside societal changes, and the ongoing debates over its meaning. The script also examines literature etymologically and terminologically, highlighting differences between oral and written traditions. Key scholars like Rene Wellek, Austin Warren, and Sugianto Mas offer nuanced views on literature as an artistic expression conveyed through language, with imaginative elements distinguishing literary works from non-literary ones. Ultimately, the video emphasizes the importance of understanding literature's multifaceted nature and its role in human expression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Literature remains a complex concept with no universally agreed-upon definition, which leads to ongoing debate in literary science.
• 😀 Literature is dynamic, evolving along with societal developments, with its meaning continuously debated over time.
• 😀 Etymologically, the word 'literature' originates from Sanskrit, meaning text containing instructions or guidelines.
• 😀 The term 'literature' in Javanese evolved to mean books with good content and beautiful language, reflecting a shift towards aesthetic value.
• 😀 The word 'literature' in English comes from Latin and refers to writing, not necessarily confined to artistic works.
• 😀 Some experts, like Rene Wellek and Austin Warren, argue that 'literature' should include both oral and written traditions.
• 😀 According to experts like Sugiantomas, literature is an artistic activity conveyed through language, either spoken or written, which limits its scope compared to other art forms like visual arts or music.
• 😀 Literature is viewed by scholars like Jakob Sumardjo and Saini KM as a personal expression of human experiences, feelings, and ideas using language to evoke aesthetic charm.
• 😀 Another definition by Mursal Esten emphasizes that literature is an imaginative and artistic expression of human life and society, distinguishing it from non-literary works like textbooks or cookbooks.
• 😀 The imaginative aspect of literary works, such as novels, is what differentiates them from historical or factual accounts, even if both cover similar events.

Q & A

What is the central question that Professor Atrium raises in the opening paragraph of Chapter 1?

Professor Atrium raises the central question of literary science: 'Is literature a dynamic entity that evolves in accordance with the development of society and its meaning, which continues to be debated over time?'

What does the term 'literature' mean etymologically according to the script?

Etymologically, 'literature' comes from the Sanskrit word 'sastra,' which means a text containing instructions or guidelines. It involves a tool for teaching or directing.

How does the meaning of 'literature' evolve in Javanese?

In Javanese, the word 'sastra' gets a prefix 'Soo,' meaning 'good' or 'beautiful.' This changes the meaning to a 'good and beautiful book,' referring to works with both good content and beautiful language.

What is the significance of the development of the word 'literature' in English?

In English, 'literature' is derived from the Latin 'litteratura,' meaning writing or written language. This reflects the broadening of the term to encompass all written forms, including literary and non-literary texts.

What is the perspective of Rene Wellek and Austin Warren on the term 'literature'?

Rene Wellek and Austin Warren argue that the term 'literature' should not be limited to written works. They emphasize that literature should also include oral traditions, such as fairy tales, legends, and other oral works, which are deeply rooted in society.

How does Sugiantomas define literature, and how does it differ from other artistic activities?

Sugiantomas defines literature as artistic activity expressed through language, both spoken and written. This limits the term to language-based creations, distinguishing literary works from other forms of art, like visual arts or music.

What is the definition of literature according to Jakob Sumardjo and Saini KM?

Jakob Sumardjo and Saini KM define literature as a personal expression of human beings, conveyed through language to evoke charm. It includes experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and beliefs presented through concrete imagery.

What does Mursal Esten's definition of literature highlight?

Mursal Esten highlights that literature is an artistic and imaginative expression that reflects human life and society. It has a positive effect on human life and distinguishes literary works from non-literary ones, such as textbooks or cookbooks.

Why are textbooks and cookbooks not considered literary works according to the script?

Textbooks and cookbooks are not considered literary works because they lack the imaginative and artistic elements that are central to literature. Literary works involve creative expression and an aesthetic use of language, which these types of writing do not possess.

What distinguishes literary works like 'Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk' by Ahmad Tohari from non-literary works?

The distinction lies in the imaginative element and the use of language. 'Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk' presents historical events through a literary, imaginative lens, using language creatively, while non-literary works present the same events in a factual, non-imaginative way.