Literature 1 Introduction

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Literature 1

Leerlingbespreking.nl

Road Map

English literature - Lesson 1

Introduction of the course

What is literature?

What are its functions?

Lesson goal

At the end of this class you are able to define the concept of literature, what it represents and what its functions can be. 

Introduction

What can you expect?

Reading diary

The assignments set to you in class and as homework are part of your diary. 

Periods of British Literature

Renaissance = also called 'Early Modern Period'

To Literature

or not to Literature?

Literature

'Pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays, and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines, etc.).'

Oxford Learning Dictionary

Literature is any text whose

reaction and response

Literature

 'Written works (such as poems, plays, and novels) that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance.'

Brittannica 

imaginitive content will stimulate

in the students (McCrea 1991)

One of the goals of this course is to get you thinking on what is artistic and lasting value, or imaginative writing, or when is something 'recognised'. 

What is literature?

Literature

• a cultural expression of value, 
• in this course, an English written, fictional work,
• which has more than just an entertainment value
• that makes people think about ideas in society/ the way the world works/ themselves.

Functions

• increase empathy
• help you to think about possible scenarios and responses
• enjoyment
• learning
• reflection of language use and what you can do with it

The Elephant in the Village of the Blind

traditional Indian story

(just to get you warmed up)

Pre-reading

Folk tale 

Over 2,000 years old

Oral tradition

On your own, read the story;

• Write down words that you don't know, but that you think may be important;
• Write down any questions that spring to mind.

During reading

Pay attention to:

1. the five stages of a story

2. Narrator

3. Characters

4. Setting

5. Literary language

6. Explicit and implicit meaning

Each student will be given a number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. 

Depending on their number they will have to focus on either the five stages of a story, the narrator, the characters, the setting, the use of literary language, the explicit and implicit meaning of the story. 

Now, read the story with the group while students focus on the assignments they have been given. They could take notes while reading. 

Discuss afterwards. 

Five stages of a story

Introduction

Rising action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Introduction: the traveller comes to the village of the blind to sell his wares

Rising action: he has brought an elephant and the villagers do not know what it is.

Climax: every one has a different opinion

Falling action: all the parts could be combined for the full picture of what constitutes an elephant. 

Resolution: if they buy something the traveller will return with the elephant as it is also good at carrying things. 

Narrator

Part of the story or not?

Tense

First, second, third person

What perspective does the narrator provide?

Tense: past tense

'Once' 

Third person narrator, omniscient

Characters

Protagonist

Antagonist

Roles of other characters

Expectations 

Various villagers: old woman, elders, young woman with children, a young girl, a boy.

Traveller

Passive elephant

Setting

Where and when does the story take place?

Is there more than one context in  the story?

Is the story linear or are there flash backs and flash forwards?

Linear story, takes place in the village of the Blind in the mountains, very isolated village. Only one context. 

Literary language

Style: simple or complex language?

Figures of speech, symbols

Tone or mood in the story

Descriptive language. They all discuss the elephant as if they know the truth = this is visible in the statements the villagers make (An elephant is....) . Others are more careful and use similes: 'like a leather fan', 'like a dry plowed field' 

Normal sentences length, some direct speech. 

Whole tale is basically a metaphor for how to deal with different perspectives and opinons as it can 'enhance your experience of a work of literature and your skill in responding to new works'. 

Meaning

Explicit meaning: 

the meaning of the story as you read it on the page, the literal meaning.

Implicit meaning:

the meaning that is implied and not stated directly, the 'message between the lines'. 

Post-reading

Write your first entry in your reading diary

Lesson goal

At the end of this class you are able to define the concept of literature, what it represents and what its functions can be. 

Exit ticket

Homework

In preparation of our next class bring your favourite English song lyrics. 

(printed version)