what is literature? Definitions, characteristics and types

what is Literature, definitions, characteristics and types

Literature is the mirror of life. It has a specific pattern and effect on the reader. The literature is derived from the Latin word "littera", which means "to write form with letters". It doesn't have a specific definition; it's so vast that it changes over time. According to Aristotle: Literature is high art. Literature is the mirror of life. It is based on human experiences that tell about the lives of people from other parts of the world. It helps us to compare our own experiences with other people in the world. It is an art that gives aesthetic pleasure. The main purpose of literature is entertainment, enjoyment, and it is read for aesthetic pleasure. 

Literature is available in both written form and oral form. Novels, poems, dramas, plays, and films are literature. Not every piece of writing is literature. It contains “aesthetic” and “artistic” elements that distinguish it from other texts. The subject of literature is man and his life. It shows the harsh reality of life. It's about human interest. It is full of imagination and thoughts that skillfully depict human reality. It is an expression of life. It is the representation of culture, people, customs and traditions. All languages ​​have their literature. It is said: "Literature teaches us humanity and makes us human." Writers write us the true face of society. When we read different novels, we come into contact with different characters, some of whom portray the people around us. Writer reveals hypocrisy in institutions such as the judiciary, churches, schools, hospitals and factories. Henry Fielding's novel "Joseph Andrew" reveals the hypocrisy and brutality of many institutions. Characters in the novel present our struggle and us in our daily lives. The habit of reading has decreased in the last century. We should read more to learn more about our society.

Characteristics of the literature: 

There are many characteristics of the literature. Some of them are;

1. It has a specific pattern

2. It has a certain way

3. It has specific effects on the reader.

4. It is a spontaneous flow of strong emotions.

5. It has universality.

Literature types:

There are two types of literature: applied literature and pure literature. Applied literature means getting information from it, while pure literature means taking and giving aesthetic pleasure.