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Literature is a term that refers to imaginative or creative writing, including all works of
fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. There isn't a single, agreed-upon definition of
literature, but most academics and critics may agree that it has artistic or aesthetic
aspects, makes use of language, and conveys meaning in a variety of ways.
Etymologically, the term derives from Latin literatura/litteratura, which means "learning, writing, grammar," originally "writing formed with letters," from litera/littera, whichmeans "letter." In spite of this, the term has also been applied to spoken or sung texts. Literature is often referred to synecdochically as "writing," especially creative writing, and poetically as "the craft of writing" (or simply "the craft).
Literature consists of those writing which interpret the meanings of nature and life, inwords of charm and power, touched with the personality of the author, in artistic formsof permanent interest" - Hanry Van Dyke.
Literature is the expression of life in words of truth and beauty; it is written record ofman's spirit, of his thoughts, emotions, aspirations; it is the history, and the only historyof the human soul. It is characterized by its artistic, its suggestive and its permanentqualities - Shakespeare.
Literature expresses the feelings of people to the society, to the government, to hissurroundings, to his fellow men, to his Divine creator" - Brother Azurin.
Early literature is derived from stories told in hunter-gatherer bands through oraltradition, including myth and folklore. Storytelling emerged as the human mind evolvedto apply causal reasoning and structure events into a narrative and language, allowing early humans to share information with one another. Early storytelling providedopportunity to learn about dangers and social norms while also entertaining listeners. Myth can be expanded to include all use of patterns and stories to make sense of theworld, and it may be psychologically intrinsic to humans. Epic poetry is recognized asthe pinnacle of ancient literature. These works are long narrative poems that recountthe feats of mythic heroes, often said to take place in the nation's early history.
The history of writing began independently in different parts of the world, including inMesopotamia about 3200 BC, in Ancient China about 1250 BC, and in Mesoamericaabout 650 BC. Literature was not initially incorporated in writing, as it was primarily usedfor simpler purposes, such as accounting. Some of the earliest surviving works ofliterature include The Maxims of Ptahhotep and the story of Wenamun from AncientEgypt, Instructions of Shuruppak and Poor Man of Nippur from Mesopotamia, andClassic of Poetry from Ancient China.
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