Literature
An Overview of Literature
Although a "picture is worth a thousand words," writing is an integral part of humanity. In fact, the delineation between pre-historic and a civilization is dependent upon when that culture was able to read and write.
Broadly, literature refers to any written work. Specifically, literature refers to writing that has "literary merit."
Genres
Generally speaking, literature can be divided into fiction and non-fiction, poetry or prose.
The major genres are:
Although a "picture is worth a thousand words," writing is an integral part of humanity. In fact, the delineation between pre-historic and a civilization is dependent upon when that culture was able to read and write.
Broadly, literature refers to any written work. Specifically, literature refers to writing that has "literary merit."
Genres
Generally speaking, literature can be divided into fiction and non-fiction, poetry or prose.
The major genres are:
- Novel
- Poem
- Drama
- Short story
- Novella
- Fable
Elements of Literature
The elements of literature are:
+Rhetoric
+Structure/Plot
+Theme/Message
+Rhetoric
+Structure/Plot
+Theme/Message
Design Principles of Literature
As we know, artists (including authors) take the elements listed above and put them together in different ways to create different styles of literature.
The design principles of literature are:
+Symbolism
+Metaphor
+Simile
+Imagery
+Point of View
+Characterization
The design principles of literature are:
+Symbolism
+Metaphor
+Simile
+Imagery
+Point of View
+Characterization
Dream Deferred - Langston Hughes
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As you read this poem, pay special attention to Hughes's use of rhetoric, imagery, and simile.
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Mirror by Sylvia Plath
I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions. Whatever I see, I swallow immediately. Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike I am not cruel, only truthful – The eye of a little god, four-cornered. Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall. It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so long I think it is a part of my heart. But it flickers. Faces and darkness separate us over and over. Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me. Searching my reaches for what she really is. Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon. I see her back, and reflect it faithfully She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands. I am important to her. She comes and goes. Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness. In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish. |
As you read this poem, pay special attention to Plath's use of symbolism, point of view, and characterization.
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Astonishing Art - Music
As I research for our lessons, I find a LOT of interesting artworks. I have put some of the coolest literature inspired art I have found below. Some of these will be referenced in class, some will not. Explore!
+Extra Credit Opportunity
Spectrum
If you submit a piece of writing to the Spectrum Publication, and it is selected for publication, you get Extra Credit!
Spectrum
If you submit a piece of writing to the Spectrum Publication, and it is selected for publication, you get Extra Credit!