Question
What is a literary text?
Answer
A literary text is a written work that is primarily valued for its artistic and expressive qualities, often encompassing elements such as narrative, character development, and thematic depth. Literary texts can be found in various forms, including prose, poetry, and drama, and they are distinguished by their use of language to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and convey complex ideas.
Characteristics of literary texts include:
Artistic expression: Literary texts are crafted with attention to language and style, often employing figurative language, symbolism, and other literary devices to enhance their aesthetic appeal and emotional impact (Revzina, 2023; Altieri, 1979).
Narrative structure: Many literary texts, especially prose, are structured around a narrative that includes elements such as plot, characters, and setting. This structure helps to engage readers and convey the story’s themes and messages (Halász, 1983; Babayeva, 2020).
Thematic complexity: Literary texts often explore complex themes and ideas, encouraging readers to reflect on various aspects of human experience, society, and culture. This thematic depth is a key feature that distinguishes literary texts from non-literary works (Schraw, 1997; Graves and Frederiksen, 1991).
Emotional and intellectual engagement: Literary texts aim to evoke emotional responses and stimulate intellectual engagement, prompting readers to consider different perspectives and interpretations (Fucks, 1954; Abdupattoev, 2021).
Examples of literary texts include:
Poetry: Poems like “Two” by Z. Gippius and “This Is Just to Say” by William Carlos Williams are examples of literary texts that use poetic form to explore themes of love and everyday experiences, respectively. These works highlight the use of language to create meaning and evoke emotion (Revzina, 2023; Altieri, 1979).
Prose: Short stories such as “Scoundrels” by N. Teffi and works by Kafka demonstrate the narrative and thematic richness of prose. These texts often delve into character development and moral or philosophical questions, engaging readers on multiple levels (Revzina, 2023; Halász, 1983).
In summary, a literary text is a work of art that uses language to convey complex ideas and emotions, often through narrative and thematic exploration. Examples include poetry and prose, each offering unique insights into the human condition and the world around us.
References
Revzina, O., 2023. Cognitive space of literary text. Verba Northwest Linguistic Journal. https://doi.org/10.34680/verba-2023-3(8)-8-22
Halász, L., 1983. Processing Literary Works Under Repeated Presentation. Leonardo, 16, pp. 243 – 244. https://doi.org/10.2307/1574925
Altieri, C., 1979. Presence and Reference in a Literary Text: The Example of Williams’ “This Is Just to Say”. Critical Inquiry, 5, pp. 489 – 510. https://doi.org/10.1086/448003
Fucks, W., 1954. ON NAHORDNUNG AND FERNORDNUNG IN SAMPLES OF LITERARY TEXTS. Biometrika, 41, pp. 116-132. https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOMET/41.1-2.116
Schraw, G., 1997. Situational Interest in Literary Text. Contemporary educational psychology, 22 4, pp. 436-56. https://doi.org/10.1006/CEPS.1997.0944
Babayeva, N., 2020. Narrative text: a linguistic approach. Scientific Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.54414/swac9459
Graves, B., & Frederiksen, C., 1991. Literary expertise in the description of a fictional narrative. Poetics, 20, pp. 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-422X(91)90031-J
Abdupattoev, M., 2021. Unusual Connections As Forming Literary Text. The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations. https://doi.org/10.37547/TAJSSEI/VOLUME03ISSUE02-28
