The Nature and Elements of Literature by W.H.Hudson

The Nature and Elements of Literature 

Introduction:

In his book "An Introduction to the Study of Literature" (1963), W.H. Hudson explains the nature and elements of literature in a simple and practical way. He believes that even though many books discuss specific topics of literature, there is still a need for a clear and comprehensive book like his, which has been proven useful by practical experience in educational institutions.

1. What is Literature?

Hudson defines literature as books that are of general interest to all people and give pleasure through their form. He explains that literature is not just any written work but those books that:

• Talk about topics that people can relate to

• Present ideas in a way that connects with the reader’s mind

• Provide enjoyment and beauty through well-structured writing

He also emphasis that literature is different from technical or specialized books like astronomy or history because literature is meant for everyone, not just for experts.

2. Literature and Life

Furthur to Hudson, literature reflects life. It is a record of what people see, feel, and experience in their lives. Good literature helps us understand life better and forms a connection between the reader and the world. Hudson states:

A great book grows directly out of life, and by reading it, we develop a deeper relationship with life, which explains its power and importance.

3. The Impulses behind Literature

Hudson mentions four basic reasons why people create literature:

Desire for self-expression – expressing one’s thoughts and emotions

Interest in people and their actions – writing about human experiences and relationships

Interest in reality and imagination – describing the world we live in or creating a world from imagination

Love of form as art – enjoying beauty and structure in writing

He also explains that these reasons often overlap, just like they do in real life.

4. The Themes of Literature

Hudson groups the themes of literature into five categories:

Personal experience – a person’s own life and feelings

Common human life – big questions like life, death, sin, and destiny

Social world – relationships between people and society’s problems

Nature – our relationship with the natural world

Literature and art – how humans create and express through art and writing

5. The Classification of Literature

Hudson divides literature into three main types:

Self-expression – works where the writer expresses their feelings, like lyric poetry, essays, and criticism

Going outside oneself – works that describe human activities and history, like novels, biographies, and plays

Descriptive literature – books that describe places and experiences, such as travel books and descriptive poems

6. The Elements of Literature

Hudson explains that literature has three important elements:

Intellectual Element – the ideas and thoughts the writer shares

Emotional Element – the feelings that the writer wants to express and share with the reader

Imaginative Element – the creative power that makes the writing vivid and helps readers imagine things

---

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, W.H. Hudson explained  literature is not just about writing but about expressing life, feelings, thoughts, imagination, and beauty in a way that everyone can enjoy. It helps us understand ourselves and the world around us, making it an important part of education and life.