Literature and it's functions

 General Introduction to Literature-in-English 

The term 'literature' has no specific meaning. It is coined from the Greek word 'literatura' meaning 'anything printed or written. This shows that literature may be seen as books or writings pertaining to a particular field, e.g science literature, religious literature, legal literature.Literature is divided into two categories: ART FOR THE SAKE OF ART & ART FOR THE SAKE OF LIFE. However, literature, as regarding the field of study, can simply be defined as those writings which have artistic, creative (imaginative) significance. It deals with works written by either poets, novelists or dramatists.

Functions of Literature 

1. It mirrors the society: Through literary works, the ills and good, rights and wrongs of the society is reflected in order to effect a positive change.

2. It promotes the people's culture: Since literature mirrors the society, it also promotes the cultural heritage of the people whose lifestyle have been reflected through a literary work.

3. It entertains the reader: The reader sad mood is gradually changed to a mood of relishing when he or she reads a play, poem or novel.

4. It teaches moral: One of the major roles of literature is the communication of moral lessons to the younger and old generation. 

5. Literature instructs its readers: From the lessons learnt, the reader suddenly realises that for every action there is reward. Thus, literature succeeds at instructing the leader on the does and don'ts of the society.

6. It educates the reader: Through reading of literary works, the soul and mind of the reader is transformed for greater exploits. With the help of literature learn culture, beliefs and values of other people around the world.

Genres of literature

The word genre simply means type, category, sort or kind of something, especially literature or other art works. Literature is divided into three genres:

*Drama

*Prose

*Poetry