APPROACHES TO TEACHING LITERATURE Alexis Melvy Pana
key points Language-Based Approach A. B. C. D. Paraphrastic Approach Moral-Philosophical Approach Stylistics Approach
LANGUAGE -BASED APPROACH
This approach focuses on the use of literature to develop students’ language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). It emphasizes analyzing the linguistic features of a literary text to understand its meaning and structure. LANGUAGE -BASED APPROACH Why is this useful? It helps students improve their vocabulary and grammar. It enhances their ability to understand complex texts. It encourages close reading and deeper analysis. language skills
PARAPHRASTIC APPROACH
PARAPHRASTIC APPROACH This approach involves simplifying or restating a literary text in the student’s own word for better understanding. Example Translating Shakespear’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy into simple English to understand Hamlet’s internal conflict. Simplifying text
It makes difficult texts easier to understand. It helps students grasp the main ideas without getting lost in complex language. It boosts confidence in reading classic literature. ADVANTAGES
Literature isn’t just about understanding words—it’s also about learning lessons.
MORAL-PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH
MORAL-PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH lessons This approach examines the moral, ethical, and philosophical messages within a literary text. Literature often reflects real-life situations, and this method helps students think critically about the message of a text.
METHODS Discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by characters. Analyzing themes related to morality and human behavior. Writing reflective essays on how the story’s values apply to real life.
It connects literature to real-world issues. It teaches students how to think critically about ethics and values. It encourages personal reflection and discussion. ADVANTAGES
STYLISTIC APPROACH
STYLISTCS APPROACH focuses on analyzing the way an author writes. Instead of focusing on the story’s meaning, we study how the author uses language, tone, and literary devices to create an effect. style
METHODS It helps students appreciate the artistic elements of writing. It teaches them how different styles create different effects. It makes literature more enjoyable by focusing on creativity
EXAMPLE Examining Virginia Woolf’s use of stream-of-consciousness narrative in “Mrs. Dalloway” and its effect on portraying inner thoughts.
"She had the oddest sense of being herself invisible; unseen; unknown; there being no more marrying, no more having of children now, but only this astonishing and rather solemn progress with the rest of them, up Bond Street, this being Mrs. Dalloway; not even Clarissa any more; this being Mrs. Richard Dalloway."
It helps students appreciate the artistic elements of writing. It teaches them how different styles create different effects. It makes literature more enjoyable by focusing on creativity. ADVANTAGES