Literature as an inquiry into the meaning of life

Abstract

This paper contributes to the unending content and form argument in literary criticism. It examines the subject from the standpoint of content which correlates with the aspect of meaning in imaginative literature. While not denouncing the relevance of form, the paper attempts to show that the essential activity in the literature is the enquiry into the meaning of life. It constitutes the reason-for-being of literature; more so because in a work of literature, form derives its nature and essence from the works concerned for meaning of life which it (form) also serves to portray. Illustrations are drawn from literary works selected from European countries and Nigeria, representing Africa.