IV. Reflection in Literature

The Importance of Influence of Literature

As stated in the quotation by C.S. Lewis, literature not only describes reality but also adds to it. Yes, literature is not merely a depiction of reality; it is rather a value-addition. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. They are a depiction of the different facets of common man's life. Classical literary works serve as a food for thought and a tonic for imagination and creativity. Exposing an individual to good literary works, is equivalent to providing him/her with the finest of educational opportunities. On the other hand, the lack of exposure to classic literary works is equal to depriving an individual from an opportunity to grow as an individual. 

Prose, poetry, drama, essays, fiction, literary works based on philosophy, art, history, religion, and culture and also scientific and legal writings are grouped under the category of literature. Creative nonfiction of the ancient times and literary journalism also fall under literature. Certain extremely technical writings such as those on logistics and mathematics are also believed to be a part of literature.

Some of the great literary works like the Bible and Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, among others, provide society with the guiding principles of life. Ancient poetic works by poets like Homer, Plato, Sappho, Horace and Virgil, Shakespeare's sonnets and notable poetry by W.B. Yeats, John Keats, Wordsworth, Tennyson and William Blake are timeless. The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, A Tale of Two Cities, James Bond series are some of the best-selling books of all times. The Adventures of Pinocchio, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Winnie-the-Pooh were some of the greatest works in children's literature. The relatively recent Harry Potter series made record sales across the globe and carved a niche for J.K. Rowling. However, a discussion about children's authors would be incomplete without the mention of all-time popular authors like Aesop, Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and Mark Twain. It is through reading such great literary and poetic works, that one understands life. They help a person take a closer look at the different facets of life. In many ways, it can change one's perspective towards life. Lives of brilliant achievers and individuals who have made a valuable contribution to society, are sketched in their biographies. These works give the readers an insight into the lives of these eminent people, while also serving as a bible of ideals.Literature serves as an enormous information base. Research works by famous inventors and literary works by notable scientists often narrate stories of their groundbreaking discoveries and inferences. Ongoing developments in the fields of science and technology are documented so that the world can know about them. Several ancient scriptures relating stories of human evolution and narratives of human life in the those times, have been of tremendous help to mankind. Thus, literature has always served as an authentic source of information from all around the world.True, languages are the building blocks of literature. But the study of literature cannot be restricted to only studying languages. In fact, literature cannot be confined to an educational curriculum. A degree in language and literature is perhaps unable to provide one, with everything that literature can offer. Literature, is definitely, much more than its literary meaning, which defines it as 'an acquaintance to letters'. It, in fact, lays the foundation of an enriched life; it adds 'life' to 'living'.

Types of Prose

1. Novel

2. Short Story

3. Play

4. Legends

5. Fables

6. Essays

7. Anecdotes

8. Biography

9. News

10. Oration

11. Parables

12. Mythodology

Elements or Ingredients of Prose

1. Characters/ Characterization

2. Setting

3. Plot

4. Theme

5. Point of View


Cactus

 Theme- Survival

The Quarrel 

Characters- Nina

                   Ismael

                   Mrs.Smith

                   The Carpenter

Setting- Accessoria

Theme-

 People of  Consequence 

Characters- Camus

                 -German Haciendero

                 - Meding

Setting-  Bario             

                      - Capitolyo

Rural Maid

Theme-  Longing for the Rural Maid

Frustrared Wish

Theme- Offering of Love for someone

Of Old Things and New

Theme- Wondering about the nature

Two Brothers 

Youth

Theme- reminiscing the childhood

A Night in the Hills 

C- Gerardo Luna

   - Sotera

    - Peregrina

    - wife 

S- Forest

          T-  To be contented

PLot-   

 I. 1.Gerardo Luna wanted to go to  the forest

    2. He speak of  this dream of his to Ambo

    3. His wife Died

II. 1. He was weary and sweat

    2. He sat with the young man and talked to him

   3. He was Surprised

III. 1. Gerardo was reassured

      2. he was wondering

      3. he wondered confusedly about many things

  

The Small Key

C- Tia Maria

     Pedro Buhay

              Soledad

 S- Dining Room

     Bed Room

           T- To trust the people You Love