What Is Literature

757 Words4 Pages
Generally speaking, the subjects we teach at school are divided roughly into two groups - science and art. The science, which includes the subjects such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, geography, computer, and physics and so on, refers to any systematic knowledge and practice. In a restricted sense, science refers to s system of acquiring knowledge based upon the scientific method as well as to an organized body of knowledge gained through scientific research and experimentation. As seen in these views, science depends upon concrete, tangible, experimental and observable facts. On the other hand, art, unlike science, lacks a satisfactory definition. It is easier to describe it as something is done – “the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environment or experience that can be shared with other”. Art comprises drawing, painting, drama, theatre, music, literature and so on. At school we learn both science and art to have ourselves fit for life in a civilized community, and thus these two subjects we study at school of are of vital importance in a civilized society. For the time being, let us leave the study of science to scientists and then focus upon ‘literature’, which is the main concern of the department of English language and literature. When I say ‘literature’, however, I have no intention of ignoring other branches of the art, since these branches enrich and contribute deeply to each other in terms of their development: simply, they help and complete each other in a constructive way. In fact, drama and theatre in particular, though they appear to many readers as different in certain ways, take place quite obviously within the context of ‘literature’ as an imaginative and creative writing. Then what is meant by literature? Or what does literature mean to you? How can we qualify a piece of writing as literature? It is not
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