INTRODUCE TO LITERATURE

CHAPTER ONE

THE CONCEPT OF LITERATURE

Tzvetan Todorov, one leading figure in structuralism, quotes Paul Valery when
talking about literature : “Literature is, and cannot be anything but, a kind of extension
and application of certain properties of language.”

Francis Connolly (1955 : 1) when introducing literature also asks questions for
the reasons for reading literature. He answers that we read because of a hunger of
information, or amusement, or solace, because of an appetite for truth that seem to
grow by what is feedson.

In making a classification of literature, he mentions three points :

1. First, that literature has power

2. Second, literature is also

3. Third, the language of literature is clear

In discussing three kinds of literature, he mentions two main divisions, I e., the
literature of knowledge and the literature of imagination. Both kinds of literature differ in
function, according to the purpose of the writer.

1. The literature of knowledge presents or interprets facts, ideas, or scientific

process, the account of war, or the discussion of a political issues.

2. The literature of imagination interprets experience by a fictitious presentation of

persons ideas, and events.
 Laurence Perrine (1959 : 3ff) makes two broad categories: literature escape and
literature of interpretation.

1. Escape literature is that written purely for entertainment, to help to pass the time
agreeably. It takes us away from the real world; it ables us temporarily to forget
our troubles. Its only object is pleasure

2. Interpretative literature is written to broaden and deepen and sharpen our

awareness of life.

Art can be defined in various ways. Most criticism depend upon one the following
definitions, which differ according to what is considered “end.”

a. First, art is defined as expression

b. Second, art is defined as kinetic, operative, or functional

c. Third, art is defined as mimesis

d. Fourth, art is defined as communication

e. Finally, there is the idea that art is essentially indefinable

 NAME : BRYAN ADAM

REG. NUMBER : A1D3 09008

Tugas Ilmu Sosial Budaya Dasar

INTERAKSI SOSIAL
 OLEH :

KELOMPOK 9

1. BRYAN ADAM (A1D309011)

2. NUR AMNI (A1D309053)

3. MURSAFI (A1D308068)

4. RIZAYANI (A1D308086)

5. JULIANA (A1D308045)

FAKULTAS KEGURUAN DAN ILMU PENDIDIKAN

UNIVERSITAS HALUOLEO

KENDARI

2010