FIRST YEAR
NOVEL COURSE
LECTURE 1
Definition of literature and characteristics of a literary work WHAT IS LITERATURE?
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Literature can be generally defined as any written work that is produced for an artistic purpose, rather than merely to communicate information . A literary work, therefore, often has certain characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of writing. These characteristics will be outlined in the following slides. 1. LITERATURE IS
FICTIONAL
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Most works of literature are fictional: they tell about imaginary or unreal people, places and events. In fantasy fiction, for example, human beings fly, perform magic remain young, travel through time, and live happily ever after.

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Even historical literature, which is based on actual events, is fictional. It includes characters,

2. LITERATURE IS
AESTHETIC
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Literature is aesthetic as it gives a sense of pleasure to the reader.

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This pleasure rests in the way authors use literary conventions, such as metaphor, symbolism, irony , suspense, and poetic language to enhance and communicate ideas.

3. THE LANGUAGE OF
LITERATURE
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The medium of literature, whether oral or written, is language. 

Authors of literature use language in special ways. One of those ways is an emphasis on connotative rather than denotative meanings of words.

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For example, scientists use

THE LANGUAGE OF
LITERATURE-CONTINUED
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In contrast, writers of literature use language connotatively: they emphasize the emotional