UGRC 160-Introduction to Literature

Session 13
Overview
 Session Objectives
This session is aimed at highlighting and
reviewing the essential components of the
course.
It provides a summary of each of the genres
studied and the texts discussed, and also aims at
re-emphasizing key concepts discussed in the
course.
 Remember, Remember.…
Style in literature describes the peculiar ways in which authors use words or
expressions in order to create their final products. Different writers have different
styles; for instance, a particular writer may be fond of using long and complex
sentences, while another one may opt for simple, monosyllabic words as often as he
or she can manage them.

Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal
meaning. It is, consequently, used to represent a concept or an idea that is larger than
what the physical symbol is. For instance, the colour red symbolizes danger.

Satire in literature refers to the practice of making fun of human weakness or

character flaws. It is a genre of literature in which characters’ vices, follies, abuses, and
shortcomings are held up to ridicule with the intent to shame those concerned.

A metaphor refers to a meaning or identity ascribed to one subject by way of another.

It is a comparison between two things without the use of as or like.
 Remember, Remember…, cont’d.
Irony in literature refers to using words or expressions such that the
meaning implied of an expression is actually different from the literal or
the more obvious meaning.

A novel is a narrative of substantial length which portrays characters

and usually presents a sequential organization of action.

Drama defines a genre or style of writing that is mostly performed for

theatre, radio or even television.

Poetry refers to the development of usually emotional ideas in the

form of verse which may be free, blank, or rhymed. These ideas are
intensified by the use of rhythm and other devices. ..
 Remember, Remember…, cont’d.
Plot refers to the sequence of related events and happenings
that make up a story. It is the underlying plan by which
characters live out their lives, and through which action
develops.

Character is any person, animal, thing or figure represented in

a literary work. Characters are the inhabitants of literary
works.
Action refers to the motivations and desires of characters and
how these motivations and desires look like when acted upon

Conflict in drama refers to a struggle between opposing forces

 Remember, Remember…, cont’d.
Dramatic techniques include literary devices and staging elements
determined by the playwright, director or stage manager which are used to
enhance the experience of the audience

The subject matter is usually one word or phrase that tells us what material
or subject a literary work and its concerns are derived from. It is often
confused with the theme but this should not be so. A theme refers to the
central idea or message in a work of literature. So, a table might be a subject
matter, but what message is being given about the table, at any given time,
becomes the theme.
 FINAL WORDS
• This course, UGRC 160, has been about
introducing you to the diverse forms of literature
and the various elements that go into producing
great works of literature.
• But more than that, the course has also sought to
make you appreciate the deeper delights of good
literature and equip you with the analytical tools
to engage in sophisticated conversation—written
and spoken—about the works selected for this
course and those you may meet even beyond.
 FINAL WORDS, Cont’d
• This is just the beginning, though. Though we wish you all the
best in your studies and look forward to all of you doing well
in class assignments and final exams, we will be even happier
when we see you apply some of the knowledge and the skills
you acquired in the class to other domains of social and
intellectual challenge.

• Perhaps some of you will even end up creating literary works

of your own, having been inspired by the samples you were
introduced to in this course. One can never tell…

• Whatever the final outcomes, let’s just say that it was

certainly a pleasure to have all of you on board this exciting
journey of discovery and cerebral gymnastics.