EL121N: Literary

Appreciation & Critique

Why study
Literature?
1. Improves Language
Proficiency
MORE
EXPOSURE =
LEARNING
2. Promotes Tolerance &
Open-mindedness
3. Develops your Imagination
 PAST

PRESENT
4. Improves Analytical Skills

Notice Question

Compare
Think
5. Encourages Communication

Reading
literature Reading
inspires leads to
discussions writing
6. Promotes Empathy
7. Helps us grow personally &
intellectually
8. Literature is fun!
If you don’t like literature,
you’re reading the wrong
books or ones which are
too difficult.
The main goal of studying
literature is to enable students
to think liberally, to question
abundantly, and to elicit a
response from them so that they
can explore their own lives.
 What is
‘Literary Appreciation’?
‘Literary appreciation’ is the ability
to study, understand and appreciate
the famous/noteworthy works of
literature. The reader is able to gain
pleasure in understanding the value
and importance of literary works
and admire its complexity.
There
is
beauty
in
appreciation
What is ‘Literary Critique’?
Literary criticism is the study,
evaluation and interpretation of
literature. It is simply the attempt to
explain a literary work by assessing
A critique does
and commenting on the qualities,
not necessarily
components and characteristics
mean looking for of
the ‘negatives’
literary works.
 Genres in Literature

1. Drama
PROSE means
2. Poetry written
language
3. Prose (fiction)
4. Prose (non-fiction)
 Roles of Genres
1. Drama - helps students learn & improve their
communication skills.
2. Poetry - enhances imaginative and emotional
power of the readers.

3. Prose (fiction) - helps students learn & improve

their communication skills.

4. Prose (non-fiction) - helps readers develop

analytical and persuasive capabilities.
 Drama
Drama is a form of text (script) that is designed
to be performed in front of an audience. Its
written text contains dialogues and stage
directions. This genre has further categories
such as comedy and tragedy.
Famous examples:
Romeo & Juliet / Hamlet
Drama
 Poetry
Poetry is a concise form of text that is written in
lines and sometimes grouped into stanzas
(paragraphs). The language is more artistic,
indirect and there is more emphasis on rhyme
and rhythm.

Famous examples:
The Road Not Taken / Epic of Gilgamesh
Poetry
 Prose (Fiction)
These are stories (short/novels) that could
resemble real life but are usually unrealistic.
Different types of fiction include: mystery,
science fiction, horror, fantasy, fairy tales,
realistic fiction and fables.

Famous examples:
Cinderella / Harry Potter
Prose (Fiction)
The Short Story The Novel
Shorter Longer

One main event Many events

takes place take place

Limited number Many

of characters characters

Characters not fully Characters usually

developed developed
 Prose (Non-fiction)
These are texts that give information and data to
readers. The information they provide is factual
(unlike stories which are from the imagination).
This includes biographies, diaries, memoirs and
essays.

Famous examples:
The Secret / I am Malala
Prose (Non-fiction)
 Day 1 Homework
• Read about the “Six literary elements of
fiction” and understand their importance.

• Pick any book to read for this semester

and bring it with you next class.