The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.  ~Anaïs Nin

What is literature,anyway?

Literature is literally “acquaintance with letters” (from the Latin littera meaning “an individual written character/letter”). It means a collection of texts. As a proper noun it refers to a whole body of literary work

Literature is imaginative or creative writing

Literature is meant to create an intellectual and emotional impact

Literature is verbal art. Words are the literary artist’s tools.

Why do we study literature?

We study literature because it is an excellent way to sharpen our close reading skills, enable critical thinking, and refine our general sense of art appreciation.

We study literature because it is profound, beautiful and moving.

We study literature because it enriches us; for wisdom, for entertainment, for an understanding of diverse human experiences.

We study literature because it gives us spiritual and psychological insight.

What makes it good?

Has a lasting impression Is fleeting

It stretches the imagination Is formulaic, simplistic

Is aesthetically pleasing, Is ordinary, has no real artistic aesthetic value

The message traverses Has immediate value, but

cultures and time no permanence

Is accepted into the ‘Canon’ Is not on the list