- Literature refers to written or spoken works that express ideas, emotions, and thoughts creatively.
- It includes poetry, novels, plays, essays, and even songs.
- Literature is a way for people to share their experiences, dreams, and beliefs through storytelling and artistic expression.
- It can be fictional (imaginary) or non-fictional (real-life events).
Definitions by Famous Writers and Poets:
- William Wordsworth:
- He called poetry (and literature in general) “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
- According to him, literature comes from deep emotions and connects humans with nature and their inner selves.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge:
- Coleridge described literature as a combination of emotion and imagination.
- For him, it’s not just about expressing feelings but also using imagination to create beauty and wonder.
- Matthew Arnold:
- Arnold believed literature should be a “criticism of life.”
- This means that literature should reflect on and analyze life’s truths, helping people understand the world better.
- T. S. Eliot:
- Eliot saw literature as both a personal expression and a product of culture.
- He believed that literature grows from tradition and historical context, influencing both the individual and society.
- Sumitra Nandan Pant:
- Pant, a renowned Hindi poet, viewed literature as a means of connecting with nature and human emotions.
- He emphasized the beauty of the natural world and the human heart as important elements in literature.
- Sahir Ludhianvi:
- Ludhianvi, a famous Urdu poet, described literature as a reflection of social reality and struggle.
- He believed that literature should speak for the oppressed, criticize injustice, and inspire change in society.
Summary:
- Literature is all about expressing thoughts, feelings, and imagination creatively.
- It connects with nature, life’s truths, emotions, and social issues.
- Famous poets and writers like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Arnold, Eliot, Pant, and Ludhianvi have all shared unique views on what literature means.
This explanation gives a basic understanding of literature and the diverse perspectives that enrich it.
Literary Latitude 