18
a piece of writing that is valued as works of art, especially novels, plays, and poems. It is contrast to technical books and newspapers,
magazines, etc. Oxford English Dictionary the Sixth Edition, Wehmeir, 2000
There are many experts who contribute the definition of literature. In one point of view, literature is perceived as human expressions of life which uses
language as its medium. Those expressions of life might consist of experience, thought, and even feeling Hudson, 1910. Literature is a criticism of life. It is an
interpretation of life as life shapes itself in the mind of the interpreter. Literature is a performance in words which offers truth and gives
beneficial effects on the reader. This definition is also supported by Sylvan et al., 2004 which stated that literature is a performance in words. It has an element
of entertaining, display. There are three characteristics of literature: imitative, expressive, and
affectiveSylvan et al., 2004. The imitative theory holds that art is an imitation of something. The imitative theory often includes the notion that art gives us not
only pleasure but knowledge, insight into the nature of reality Sylvan et al., 2004. Literature is expressive because it expresses the artist feeling, emotion. It is
the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings Sylvan et al., 2004. Literature is affective because it holds that a work of art ought to arouse a
particular emotion, or affect to use the psychologists term, in the perceiver.
b. The Form of Literature
The word literature refers to imaginative theory which consists of plays, prose fictions and poems. Wellek, Warner 1956. Apart from the definition
19
of literature, Hudson also proposed three elements which are contributed in the form of literary art as follows:
First, there is the intellectual element, the thought which the writer brings to bear upon his subject, and which he expresses in his
work. Secondly, there is the emotional element, the feeling of whatever kind which his subject arouses in him, and which in turn
he desires to stimulate in us. Thirdly, there is the element of imagination, which is really the faculty of strong and intense
vision, and by the exercise of which he quickens a similar power of vision in ourselves 1910:14
Since literature is considered as a part of human experience, it can be inferred that literature and life have vital relations. Some people even perceive
literature as an art since it is interesting to learn. George Elliot said that it is a mode of amplifying experience and extending our contact with our fellow-
men beyond the bounds of our personal lot Hudson, 1910. Exemplifying the forms of literature, the writer classifies it into
three: prose, poetry, and drama. Those forms of literature are now commonly used as one of students’ learning activities in ELT classes in ways that can
implement their language skills. The first form of literature, prose, is also known as short story other than novel. It can be fiction or non-fiction, and it
is mostly in the form of narrative writing. Prose consists of writing that does not adhere to any particular formal structures Lowry, 2007. It means that
prose does not use complex grammar on its writing because it is aimed not only to make the readers know but also to comprehend the story as well.
Implemented in language skill, prose can improve students’ reading ability and enrich their vocabulary as well Preston, 2003.
20
The second form of literature is poetry. Poetry is a group of poems, compositions written in verse Hudson, 1910. A little bit different from prose,
poetry does not only consist of text or story. It more emphasizes on the beauty of a language which expresses deeper meaning. By analyzing poetry, the
students try to seek the meaning and communicate the ideas of the poet Hudson, 1910. Therefore, poetry has to be spoken. The students are to read it
aloud, in front of the class for example, with good manner expression so as to convey the real meaning of the poetry to the audience. Through this way, the
students’ speaking ability can be gradually enhanced. Then, the last form of literature is drama. Drama, or which is also
known as play, is usually written to be performed. Drama is an imitation of man’s action Hudson, 1910.
Drama is concerned directly with life, with men and women, and their relationships, with the thoughts and feelings, the passions and
motives by which they are governed and impelled, with their joys and sorrows, their struggles, successes, failures Hudson, 1910.
Using drama, the students can improve their speaking ability and pronunciation in ways that they are expected to perform and speak the script
loudly, clearly, and fluently. Drama can also enhance reading skill through reading, memorizing, and analyzing the script.
c. The Importance of Literature in Language Learning
