Unveiling Literature: Elements, Structure, and Language

Understanding Literature: Definition and Core Elements

Definition of Literature

Literature is broadly defined as 'art that uses language as a tool, encompassing works focused on aesthetic elements.' It is a creative expression that transcends mere communication, delving into the beauty and power of words.

Elements of Literary Creation

Several key elements are involved in the creation and reception of a literary work:

• Author (Creator)

  The individual or collective mind behind the work. When writing in prose, the creator is typically called a writer; when writing in verse, a poet. Authors can be known or anonymous, a distinction that helps differentiate between contemporary and classical literature. Authorial consciousness, as we understand it today, did not fully emerge until the Renaissance. Before then, many authors remained anonymous, perhaps to avoid repercussions for social criticism (e.g., Lazarillo de Tormes or La Celestina – Fernando de Rojas is now known as the author, but this was not the case upon its initial publication).

• Audience (Receptor)

  This includes the reader, but also the listener, as some early works were oral, such as The Song of Deeds.

• Message

  The literary work itself, conveying its themes, ideas, and narrative.

• Channel

  The medium through which the work is transmitted, which can be oral (e.g., a recited poem) or written.

• Code

  The specific literary language used, with its unique conventions and stylistic choices.

• Context

  All the circumstances surrounding the literary work, such as the author's biography, the historical period, cultural influences, or literary traditions.

Structure of a Literary Work

A literary work is typically divided into two fundamental levels:

• Level of Expression

  This refers to the language of the work – how it is written. This level encompasses aspects like phonetics, grammar, and semantics, focusing on the stylistic and linguistic choices made by the author.

• Level of Content

  This refers to the theme or subject matter – what the work is about. It delves into the ideas, plot, and characters presented.

Plot Organization within Content

Within the level of content, particularly in narrative works, we find:

• Subject

  The central conflict, idea, or main topic that drives the narrative and often involves the characters.

• Organization of the Plot

  This typically evolves through distinct stages:

  • Exposition: The presentation of characters, setting, and initial situation.
  • Rising Action/Climax: The development of the conflict, leading to the peak of tension.
  • Resolution: The outcome or conclusion of the conflict.

  Works can have an open structure, where elements are arranged in an indefinite succession, allowing for further additions or interpretations. Conversely, a closed structure has a definite and conclusive ending.

Key Features of Literary Language

Literary texts possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from other forms of communication:

• Poetic Function

  Among the various functions of language, the poetic function is predominant in literary language. This function emphasizes not only what is written but also how it is written, focusing on the aesthetic qualities of the language itself.

• Fiction

  While a literary work presents a fabricated reality, it must still be credible or seem true within its own context. The reader engages with a world that, though imagined, feels authentic.

• Connotation

  Literary texts are highly connotative, unlike many other texts that aim for a single, denotative meaning. This often involves subjectivity, as the work is presented from the author's perspective, influencing its development and inviting multiple interpretations.

• Semantic Richness (Polysemy)

  Literary works often possess multiple layers of meaning, rather than a single interpretation. This is where elements like metaphor, symbolism, and imagery play a crucial role, enriching the text's depth and complexity.