Week 2 - December 2-6
Week 2 - December 2-6
Week 2 - December 2-6
B. Discussion/Practice
INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY GENRES
Defined simply as the “art of words,” literature comes in various meanings. Rexroth (2020) defines literature as “those imaginative works of poetry
and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution.” Citing the 11th edition of
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Rexroth adds that literature is “writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of
permanent or universal interest.” These definitions point out two important aspects of literature: excellence and expression.
For a work to be considered literature, it should not simply express humankind’s thoughts, feelings, experiences, and aspirations, but should also
reflect merit and brilliance of expression. Due to the depth and breadth of literature, various academics have classified it based on its different
aspects such as content, technique, tone, or simply definition. Based on content, literature is divided into two major forms – fiction and nonfiction.
As to techniques used, literature is also classified into prose and poetry. Genre refers to a type of art, literature, or music characterized by a distinct
form, content, and style. In literature, there are four literary genres: poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction. All these literary genres have specific
functions and features which distinguish one from the others. As readers of literature, part of understanding a text is knowing to which genre a
material belongs since the message it conveys may be affected by certain conventions. When you have mastered what distinguishes one from the
other, it is easier to grasp what the writer is trying to tell you hence, putting you in a better position to think critically about the material you have
read. Different genres also have different roles. Fiction, for instance, may let you into a world that is different from ours. Poetry may enrich your
emotional and imaginative powers while drama can help improve your communicative competencies. Nonfiction essays can give you insights about
life or it may lead you to think critically or persuasively about things and ideas around you. Whatever genre you read, you must have an
understanding of what delineates one from the other for you to balance your expectations of a particular literary work’s distinct conventions and
style.
Literary genres refer to the different categories or types of literature that are classified based on common characteristics such as form, style, tone,
and subject matter. These genres have evolved over centuries and play a significant role in how we interpret and appreciate literature. By
understanding literary genres, readers can better appreciate the distinct qualities of each type of literary work, its intended purpose, and the
audience it seeks to engage.
The primary purpose of classifying literature into genres is to provide a framework for both readers and writers, helping them understand the
expectations and conventions associated with different kinds of literary works. Genres often reflect the values, culture, and historical periods in
which they were created, offering insight into societal attitudes and beliefs.
Theme: Poetry often distills profound ideas and emotions into a small space, dealing with themes like love, death, nature, or existence.
o Example: In Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas, the theme of defiance against death is conveyed
through the repeated line, "Do not go gentle into that good night."
3rd meeting (October 5, 2024)
- PRAYER
Continuation of the lesson
3. Drama
Dominant Literary Conventions:
Dialogue: Drama relies heavily on dialogue to reveal character motivations, emotions, and advance the plot. Unlike novels, dramas are
typically written with characters speaking directly to one another.
o Example: In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the dialogue between Romeo and Juliet expresses their deep love and
urgency to be together despite the feud between their families.
Stage Directions: In addition to dialogue, plays often include stage directions that instruct actors on how to physically behave, move, or
position themselves on stage, helping to convey the emotional tone or action of a scene.
o Example: In A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, stage directions emphasize Nora’s interactions with her husband Torvald and her
eventual realization of her need for independence, such as when she slams the door in the final scene.
Conflict: Central to most dramas is the presence of conflict, whether internal (e.g., character vs. self) or external (e.g., character vs.
society). This conflict drives the plot and character development.
o Example: In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Hamlet’s internal conflict over avenging his father’s death is a central theme,
affecting both his actions and his relationships with others.
Characterization: Much like novels, drama also focuses on the development of characters, though this is often accomplished through
their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others.
o Example: In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth’s character arc from a noble hero to a tyrant consumed by ambition is
revealed through his soliloquies and his interactions with Lady Macbeth and other characters.
Setting: The setting in drama is crucial because it helps establish the time, place, and atmosphere in which the events unfold. It is usually
indicated through both stage directions and the characters' interactions with their environment.
o Example: In Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, the setting of the Loman family's home in post-war America contributes to
the play's themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Valuing
How can studying and sharing insights about various literary genres empower you to wisely use your time, talents, and creativity to influence others
positively?
4th meeting (October 6, 2024)
- PRAYER
C. Processing/Synthesis/ Assessment
Possible Answers:
1. Imagery
Definition: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.
Examples in the Poem:
o “Her hands, scarred and calloused, were maps of battles fought in silence” evokes a visual image of a hardworking woman’s
hands, symbolizing her struggles.
o “Beneath the moon’s solemn gaze, she rested” appeals to sight and mood, creating a peaceful and reflective scene.
2. Symbolism
Definition: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Examples in the Poem:
o “Rice grains she planted spoke of hope”: The rice grains symbolize nourishment, hope, and the fruits of her labor.
o “Her hands… maps of battles”: Her hands symbolize her perseverance and the struggles she endured silently.
o “The earth was her canvas”: The earth symbolizes her life’s work and legacy, while "canvas" represents her creativity and
devotion.
3. Metaphor
Definition: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Examples in the Poem:
o “Her hands… were maps of battles fought in silence”: Compares her hands to maps, emphasizing the marks of her hard work
and struggles.
o “The earth was her canvas”: Compares the earth to a canvas, symbolizing her creative labor and prayerful life.
4. Simile
Definition: A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Example in the Poem:
o “Her laughter, fleeting like the wind”: Compares her laughter to the wind, highlighting its brief yet impactful nature.
5. Personification
Definition: Assigning human qualities to non-human things.
Examples in the Poem:
o “The rice grains… spoke of hope”: Gives human-like qualities (speaking) to rice grains, symbolizing their role as a promise of
sustenance.
o “In her eyes danced a quiet storm”: Gives movement (danced) and complexity (storm) to her emotions and dreams.
6. Tone
Definition: The poet’s attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and style.
Example in the Poem:
o The tone is reverent and reflective, as seen in phrases like “her whispers of faith unspoken” and “her legacy… in the lives her
hands had grown.”
7. Theme
Definition: The central idea or message of the poem.
Examples in the Poem:
o Resilience and hope: “Her hands, scarred and calloused, were maps of battles fought in silence.”
o Legacy: “Her legacy… in the lives her hands had grown.”
o Faith and perseverance: “The earth was her canvas, her prayer.”
Valuing
As we begin a new liturgical year, how can the traditions and rituals of this sacred season, such as the Advent journey, deepen our understanding
of resilience, hope, and faith? In what ways do the conventions of traditional literary genres, like symbolism, imagery, and metaphor, help us
express and reflect on these spiritual values in our daily lives?
COACHING INPUTS (SUPERVISOR’S FEEDBACK)
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