Definition of literature - SS1 Literature Lesson Note

Literature is any work of art which addresses peculiarities about a group of people who are bounded together by certain features such as culture, language, history, folktales etc.

Literature can also be defined as the mirror of life. It is so calledbecause it is a perfect reflection of the events that unfold daily in the real world. Literature is important in everyday life because it connects individuals with larger truths and ideas in a society. Literature creates a way for people to record their thoughts and experiences in a way that is accessible to others, through fictionalized accounts of the experience.

Literature is a body of written works. It includes novels, plays, poems, essays, and other forms of writing that are considered to be works of art. Literature can be fiction or nonfiction, and it can be serious or humorous. It can be about anything, from the human experience to the natural world. Literature is a way of telling stories.It can be used to entertain, educate, or enlighten. It can also be used to explore complex ideas and emotions. Literature can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. Literature is a way of using language. It can be used to create imagery, to evoke emotions, and to persuade. Literature can also be used to play with language and to challenge our expectations. "Literature is the mirror of society. It reflects the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the people who create it and the people who read it." - Chinua Achebe

Different scholars have defined literature in different ways. For example, the American author Mark Twain once said that "literature is anything that isn't dull." The Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe defined literature as "the expression of the human condition." And the American poet Emily Dickinson said that "poetry is the art of using words to say more than you mean." No matter how it is defined, literature is an important part of our culture. It can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. It can also provide us with entertainment and escape. And it can inspire us to think more deeply about the human condition.

Some Notable quotes from Nigerian authors that can help you to understand the importance of literature:

"Literature is the mirror of society. It reflects the hopes, dreams, and fears of the people who create it." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

"Literature is the food of the soul. It nourishes us and helps us to grow as human beings." - Wole Soyinka

"Literature is the window to the world. It allows us to see things from different perspectives and to learn about different cultures." - Ben Okri