Exploring the World of Literature: From Classics to Modern

A Journey Through Time and Space in Literature

Literature, the art of language, has accompanied humanity throughout history. From ancient oral stories to modern epic novels, literature reflects the true life, thoughts, and aspirations of humankind. This article will take you on a journey to explore important periods, prominent schools, and classic works that have contributed to the rich tapestry of the literary world.

Classical Literature: The Source of Creativity

Legends and myths are the early forms of literature, preserving the cultural and religious values of communities. From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to Vietnamese folk tales, we see the enduring power of stories passed down through generations. Classical poetry, with forms such as Tang poetry and haiku, has created immortal works, demonstrating the subtlety of language and emotion.

Modern Literature: Development and Diversity

From the 19th century to the present, modern literature has witnessed an explosion of schools and styles. Realism, with works reflecting the true social life; Romanticism, with passionate and sublime emotions; Surrealism, with fantastic and extraordinary images; and many other schools have contributed to the diversity and richness of modern literature. Authors such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Faulkner… have left a profound mark on readers’ hearts.

Classic Works You Should Read

Novels: Crime and Punishment (Dostoevsky), War and Peace (Tolstoy), The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway), One Hundred Years of Solitude (García Márquez).

Poetry: Works by William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson.

Vietnamese Literature: National Identity and Spirit

Vietnamese literature, with its long-standing cultural traditions, has created outstanding works reflecting the national spirit, the beauty of nature, and the Vietnamese people. From Truyen Kieu by Nguyen Du to modern works by Nguyen Huy Thiep, Bao Ninh… Vietnamese literature always possesses a vibrant life force.

Conclusion

The world of literature is an endless treasure trove, full of fascination and discovery. Hopefully, this article has given you an overview of the history and development of literature, so you can find your passion for wonderful books.