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This blog explores the intricate and thought-provoking world of literature as imagined by Hudson, focusing on the nature and boundaries of literature. We delve into the complexities of what defines a work as literature and examine the perspectives that have shaped our understanding of this art form.
THE NATURE OF LITERATURE
William Henry Hudson
Introduction
The term "literature" implies a distinction between works considered literary and those not. However, defining this boundary is difficult and subjective.
Some texts clearly belong or do not belong to literature, such as "Paradise Lost" being literature and Railway Guide not being literature.
As we move towards the "border country" of literature, it becomes harder to determine what should be included, leading to uncertainty and debate.
Charles Lamb humorously narrowed literature to exclude even notable historical works, while Hallam included fields like jurisprudence, theology, and medicine.
"Literature is composed of those books, and of those books only, which, in the first place, by reason of their subject-matter and their mode of treating it, are of general human interest; and in which, in the second place, the element of form and the pleasure which form gives are to be regarded as essential"
"One ideal end of piece of literature is to yield aesthetic satisfaction by the manner in which it handles its theme"
Difference Between Literature and Specialized Treatises:
Unlike specialized treatises, literature appeals to a general audience and aims to provide aesthetic satisfaction in addition to knowledge.
Significance of Literature:
Literature is valued for its deep human significance and its ability to bring readers into a closer relationship with life. A great book reflects life, offering insights into what people have seen, experienced, thought, and felt about life.
Literature as Expression of Life:
The primary reason we care about literature is because of its profound connection to human experiences and emotions. Literature resonates deeply with readers because it reflects fundamental aspects of human life and existence. As Hudson puts it,
"We care for literature primarily on account of its deep and lasting human significance"
Literature is an expression of life through language, crafted into various forms of literary art.
"Literature is a vital record of what men have seen in life, what they have experienced of it, what they have thought and felt about those aspects of it which have the most immediate and enduring interest for all of us.
The study of literature should focus on its connection to life, rather than being confused with the study of philology, rhetoric, or literary technique. Literature serves as a vital record of what people have seen, experienced, thought, and felt about the world. It captures and conveys the most significant and enduring aspects of human life.
A great book is rooted in real-life experiences and insights. When we read literature, we engage with life on a larger, closer, and fresher scale, gaining new perspectives and understandings. This intimate relationship with life is the source of literature's power and enduring appeal.
Origin and Meaning of Literary Forms:
Fundamentally, literature is an expression of life articulated through language. This expression is crafted into various forms of literary art, such as poetry, novels, and essays. These forms of literary art will naturally attract the interest and study of those who appreciate literature.
The classification of literature is based on life itself, not arbitrary conventions.
Understanding literature requires translating its formal divisions into terms of life to grasp their origins and meanings.
Reference:
Hudson, William Henry. An introduction to the study of literature. Harrap, 1919.
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Happy reading!
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