QURTABA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

D.I.KHAN, K.P.K, PAKISTAN

Introduction to Literary Studies

SUBMITTED BY: Sidra Bibi

Student’s ID: 23253

Department: English Language and Literature

Q.No. 1: Define Literature Through Different Critics and Its Importance in

Human Life

Literature is the written or oral expression of human experiences, emotions, and

ideas. Various critics, philosophers, and literary theorists have offered unique

perspectives on literature, each reflecting its multifaceted nature. Here’s how

different critics have defined it and how literature plays an important role in human

life:

1. Aristotle (Ancient Greek Philosopher)

• Definition: Aristotle defined literature, especially drama and poetry, as an

"imitation of life" (mimesis). According to him, literature mimics real life,

reflecting human actions and emotions.

• Viewpoint: Aristotle's view suggests that literature is a means to understand

human nature and societal dynamics. He also emphasized the cathartic role of

literature, particularly in tragedies, where audiences experience purification

through pity and fear.

2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Romantic Poet and Critic)

• Definition: Coleridge viewed literature as an expression of "imagination,"

which transcends reality. For him, literature is not merely a representation of

 life but a way to express emotions and ideas in a more profound and creative

manner.

• Viewpoint: Coleridge focused on the power of the writer's imagination to

transform ordinary experiences into something extraordinary and meaningful.

He argued that literature stimulates intellectual and emotional responses and

elevates the human spirit.

3. Matthew Arnold (Victorian Poet and Critic)

• Definition: Arnold regarded literature as a "criticism of life." He believed that

literature should engage with the complexities of human existence and moral

concerns.

• Viewpoint: Arnold argued that literature’s primary role is to illuminate the

ethical and moral questions of life, offering a means for people to understand

and reflect on their place in society and the world.

4. T.S. Eliot (Modernist Poet and Critic)

• Definition: Eliot suggested that literature is an expression of a collective

cultural and historical consciousness, with works serving as both a reflection

of society and an interaction between the past and present.

• Viewpoint: Eliot's perspective was that literature is a continuous process of

tradition, with modern works being influenced by and in dialogue with past
 works. Literature provides a lens to explore the complexities of the modern

world.

5. Roland Barthes (Post-Structuralist Critic)

• Definition: Barthes proposed that literature is a "system of signs" that carries

various interpretations. He emphasized that the meaning of a text is not fixed

by the author but is open to multiple readings by different readers.

• Viewpoint: Barthes believed that literature's power lies in its ability to

generate multiple meanings and interpretations, engaging readers in a

dynamic process of meaning-making.

Importance of Literature in Human Life

Literature plays a profound role in shaping human life in several ways:

1. Cultural Reflection and Preservation:

o Literature serves as a mirror of society, reflecting its values, struggles,

and transformations. It preserves the cultural, historical, and social

contexts of a particular time and place, allowing future generations to

understand their past.

2. Emotional and Psychological Growth:

 o Literature helps individuals connect with their emotions and the

emotions of others. It provides a space for readers to explore complex

feelings, conflicts, and human experiences, aiding in emotional

development and empathy.

3. Intellectual Development:

o Reading literature broadens the mind by introducing new ideas,

perspectives, and ways of thinking. It encourages critical thinking and

stimulates intellectual curiosity, allowing readers to engage with

diverse viewpoints and challenging ideas.

4. Moral and Ethical Understanding:

o Many works of literature present moral dilemmas, conflicts, and

resolutions that prompt readers to consider ethical questions. Literature

fosters empathy by allowing individuals to step into the lives of others

and understand different moral and cultural contexts.

5. Inspiration and Creativity:

o Literature inspires creativity and imagination by transporting readers to

different worlds, exploring hypothetical scenarios, and experimenting

with language. It sparks new ideas and fosters a deeper appreciation for

the arts and human expression.

Q.No. 2: Illustrate Impulses of Literature

The "impulses of literature" refer to the different motivations, drives, or forces that

prompt the creation of literary works. These impulses stem from the needs, desires,

and expressions of both writers and society. Here are some of the key impulses that

drive literature:

1. The Impulse to Express the Human Condition

• Explanation: One of the primary impulses behind literature is the desire to

understand and express the complexities of the human condition — emotions,

relationships, struggles, and triumphs. Writers aim to capture the essence of

what it means to be human, including the universal themes of love, loss, hope,

and despair.

• Examples: Works like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Dostoevsky's Crime and

Punishment, or Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway explore the inner lives and

psychological struggles of their characters, reflecting broader human

experiences.

2. The Impulse to Challenge and Question Society

• Explanation: Literature often arises from a desire to critique or challenge

social norms, political systems, and cultural conventions. Writers use

 literature to question authority, injustice, and inequality, pushing readers to

reflect on and reconsider societal structures.

• Examples: George Orwell’s 1984 critiques totalitarian regimes and the loss

of individual freedom, while Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin

challenged the institution of slavery in America.

3. The Impulse to Preserve and Record History

• Explanation: Literature can serve as a historical record, preserving stories,

events, and personal experiences for future generations. Many works of

literature document historical periods, wars, revolutions, and cultural shifts,

providing valuable insights into the past.

• Examples: The Diary of Anne Frank preserves the experiences of a Jewish

girl during the Holocaust, while The Iliad and The Odyssey capture the myths

and values of ancient Greek culture.

4. The Impulse to Entertain

• Explanation: One of the more basic impulses behind literature is the desire

to entertain. Writers create stories to captivate audiences with imaginative

tales, humor, suspense, and excitement. Entertainment has always been a key

function of literature, from ancient epics to modern genres like fantasy and

science fiction.
 • Examples: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series provides entertainment

through its magical world, while Agatha Christie’s detective novels captivate

readers with mystery and suspense.

5. The Impulse to Evoke Empathy and Foster Connection

• Explanation: Literature allows readers to step into the shoes of others,

experiencing different perspectives and emotions. It helps cultivate empathy

by allowing readers to understand the lives, struggles, and hopes of people

from different cultures, backgrounds, and situations.

• Examples: Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird fosters empathy for

marginalized groups, and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner provides insight

into the complexities of friendship, guilt, and redemption in Afghanistan.

6. The Impulse to Experiment with Language and Form

• Explanation: Some writers are driven by the impulse to experiment with

language, form, and narrative structure. This creative impulse leads to

innovations in literary style, helping to push the boundaries of what literature

can achieve.

• Examples: James Joyce’s Ulysses experiments with stream-of-consciousness

narrative, while Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse explores nonlinear

narrative techniques and symbolic use of language.

Conclusion

The impulses of literature are diverse and often intertwined, reflecting the

complexity of human experience. Literature serves as a tool for expression,

communication, critique, and preservation, while also entertaining, inspiring, and

educating readers. Whether it’s exploring the depths of the human psyche,

challenging societal norms, or recording history, literature plays a vital role in

shaping and enriching human life.