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 littérature

nom féminin

(latin litteratura, de littera, lettre)

  • 1.  Ensemble des œuvres écrites auxquelles on reconnaît une finalité esthétique.
  • 2.  Ces œuvres, considérées du point de vue du pays, de l'époque, du milieu où elles s'inscrivent, du genre auquel elles appartiennent : La littérature française du XVII e  s.
  • 3.  Ensemble des connaissances et des études qui se rapportent à ces œuvres et à leurs auteurs : Cours de littérature.
  • 4.  Activité, métier de l'écrivain, de l'homme de lettres.
  • 5.  Ensemble des ouvrages, des articles de journaux, etc., consacrés à quelqu'un, à un sujet : Cette affaire a suscité une abondante littérature.
  • 6.   Familier. Correspondance épistolaire abondante, verbeuse, délayée : Qu'est-ce qu'il t'envoie comme littérature !

Expressions avec littérature

C'est de la littérature,, littérature d'idées,, littérature orale,, citations avec littérature.

  • Louis Aragon (Paris 1897-Paris 1982) La critique devrait, en matière de littérature, être une sorte de pédagogie de l'enthousiasme. J'abats mon jeu , Éditeurs français réunis
  • Marcel Arland (Varennes-sur-Amance 1899-Saint-Sauveur-sur-École, Seine-et-Marne, 1986) Académie française, 1968 Je ne conçois pas de littérature sans éthique. La Route obscure , Gallimard
  • Honoré de Balzac (Tours 1799-Paris 1850) Le vrai littéraire ne saurait être le vrai de la nature. Le Cabinet des antiques , Préface
  • Louis, vicomte de Bonald (château du Monna, près de Millau, 1754-château du Monna, près de Millau, 1840) Académie française, 1816 La littérature est l'expression de la société, comme la parole est l'expression de l'homme. Pensées sur divers sujets
  • Georg Brandes (Copenhague 1842-Copenhague 1927) Le fait qu'une littérature ne mette rien en discussion signifie qu'elle est en train de perdre toute signification. Principaux courants de la littérature du XIX e  siècle
  • André Breton (Tinchebray, Orne, 1896-Paris 1966) Dites-vous bien que la littérature est un des plus tristes chemins qui mènent à tout. Manifeste du surréalisme , Pauvert
  • Jalmari Finne (1874-1938) Notre littérature est comme une poule, elle pond sans cesse. Et les ufs se ressemblent terriblement. Jeune Finlande
  • André Gide (Paris 1869-Paris 1951) J'ai écrit, et je suis prêt à récrire encore ceci qui me paraît d'une évidente vérité : C'est avec les beaux sentiments qu'on fait de la mauvaise littérature. Je n'ai jamais dit, ni pensé, qu'on ne faisait de la bonne littérature qu'avec les mauvais sentiments. Journal , Gallimard
  • Jean Giraudoux (Bellac 1882-Paris 1944) Le plagiat est la base de toutes les littératures, excepté de la première, qui d'ailleurs est inconnue. Siegfried , I, 6, Robineau , Grasset
  • Louis Poirier , dit Julien Gracq (Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, Maine-et-Loire, 1910-Angers 2007) Quand on légifère dans la littérature, il faut avoir au moins la courtoisie et la prudence de dire aux œuvres Après vous Lettrines , José Corti
  • Georges Charles, dit Joris-Karl Huysmans (Paris 1848-Paris 1907) Au fond, en littérature, on arrive, comme dans l'armée, à l'ancienneté ; le principal est de débuter. Lettre , 2 mars 1901
  • Franz Kafka (Prague 1883-sanatorium de Kierling, près de Vienne, 1924) Tout ce qui n'est pas littérature m'ennuie, et je le hais. Journal , 21 août 1913 Alles, was nicht Literatur ist, langweilt mich und ich hasse es. Tagebücher
  • Stéphane Mallarmé (Paris 1842-Valvins, Seine-et-Marne, 1898) La littérature, d'accord avec la faim, consiste à supprimer le monsieur qui reste en l'écrivant […]. La Musique et les lettres , Gallimard
  • Stéphane Mallarmé (Paris 1842-Valvins, Seine-et-Marne, 1898) - Oui, que la Littérature existe et, si l'on veut, seule, à l'exclusion de tout. La Musique et les lettres , Gallimard

Commentaire Chaque citation des Pensées porte en référence un numéro. Celui-ci est le numéro que porte dans l'édition Brunschvicg - laquelle demeure aujourd'hui la plus généralement répandue - le fragment d'où la citation est tirée.

  • Charles-Louis Philippe (Cérilly, Allier, 1874-Paris 1909) Toutes les crises morales de la littérature sont les crises morales de la bourgeoisie. In Littérature contemporaine , par G. Le Cardonnel et Ch. Velay Mercure de France
  • Ezra Loomis Pound (Hailey, Idaho, 1885-Venise 1972) La grande littérature est simplement du langage chargé de sens au plus haut degré possible. Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree. How to Read , I, 4
  • Nathalie Sarraute (Ivanovo, Russie, 1900-Paris 1999) La poésie, dans une œuvre, c'est ce qui fait apparaître l'invisible. Tel quel , n° 9
  • Jean-Paul Sartre (Paris 1905-Paris 1980) Le monde peut fort bien se passer de la littérature. Mais il peut se passer de l'homme encore mieux. Situations II , Gallimard
  • Anne Louise Germaine Necker , baronne de Staël-Holstein, dite Mme de Staël (Paris 1766-Paris 1817) Le bon goût en littérature est, à quelques égards, comme l'ordre sous le despotisme, il importe d'examiner à quel prix on l'achète. De l'Allemagne
  • Paul Valéry (Sète 1871-Paris 1945) Il faut n'appeler Science que l'ensemble des recettes qui réussissent toujours . Tout le reste est littérature. Moralités , Gallimard
  • Paul Verlaine (Metz 1844-Paris 1896) Que ton vers soit la bonne aventure Éparse au vent crispé du matin Qui va fleurant la menthe et le thym Et tout le reste est littérature. Jadis et naguère , Art poétique , Messein
  • Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (Dublin 1854-Paris 1900) La différence entre littérature et journalisme, c'est que le journalisme est illisible et que la littérature n'est pas lue. The difference between literature and journalism is that journalism is unreadable, and literature is not read. The Critic as an Artist

Mots proches

À CONSULTER ÉGALEMENT DANS L'ENCYCLOPÉDIE

Émile Chartier, dit Alain . Philosophe français...

Sainte-Beuve .

Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve . Écrivain et critique littéraire français...

À DÉCOUVRIR DANS L'ENCYCLOPÉDIE

  • architecture. [DOSSIER] .
  • Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant .
  • Cléopâtre .
  • Code civil.
  • Copernic . Nicolas Copernic .
  • daim . [FAUNE]
  • géologie. [DOSSIER] .
  • hernie de la paroi abdominale . [MÉDECINE]
  • Poe . Edgar Allan Poe .
  • réduction . [MÉDECINE]
  • révolution russe de 1905 .
  • Sahara (le).
  • Seldjoukides .

definition la literature

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definition la literature

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definition la literature

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Termes, abréviations et symboles, littérature, page numérisée, histoire du mot, voisinage alphabétique, historique de consultation, littérature.

section

  • litote, n. f.
  • litre [I], n. m.
  • litre [II], n. f.
  • litron, n. m.
  • littéraire, adj.
  • littérairement, adv.
  • littéral, -ale, adj.
  • littéralement, adv.
  • littéralité, n. f.
  • littérateur, n. m.
  • littérature, n. f.
  • littoral, -ale, adj. et n.
  • littorine, n. f.
  • lituanien, -enne, adj.
  • liturgie, n. f.
  • liturgique, adj.
  • liturgiste, n. m.
  • lituus, n. m. [7 e  édition]
  • liure, n. f.
  • livarot, n. m.
  • Francophonie (BDLP) [1]

ORTHOGRAPHE

  • litterature, n. f. [1 re  édition]
  • litterature, n. f. [2 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [3 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [4 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [5 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [6 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [7 e  édition]
  • littérature, n. f. [8 e  édition]

definition la literature

littérature

Définition de littérature ​​​ votre navigateur ne prend pas en charge audio. nom féminin, synonymes de littérature nom féminin.

lettres , belles-lettres ( vieux )

Combinaisons

Mots qui s'emploient fréquemment avec littérature, verbe + littérature, littérature + adjectif, littérature + verbe, phrases avec le mot littérature, dictionnaire universel de furetière (1690), définition ancienne de litterature s. f..

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Definition of literature

Examples of literature in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'literature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin litteratura writing, grammar, learning, from litteratus

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing literature

  • gray literature

Articles Related to literature

woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background

Famous Novels, Last Lines

Needless to say, spoiler alert.

alt 5b5f7903e540d

New Adventures in 'Cli-Fi'

Taking the temperature of a literary genre.

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Trending: 'Literature' As Bob Dylan...

Trending: 'Literature' As Bob Dylan Sees It

We know how the Nobel Prize committee defines literature, but how does the dictionary?

Dictionary Entries Near literature

literature search

Cite this Entry

“Literature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of literature, more from merriam-webster on literature.

Nglish: Translation of literature for Spanish Speakers

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about literature

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Literary Theory

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A body of written works related by subject-matter (e.g. the literature of computing), by language or place of origin (e.g. Russian literature), or by prevailing cultural standards of merit. In this last sense, ‘literature’ is taken to include oral, dramatic, and broadcast compositions that may not have been published in written form but which have been (or deserve to be) preserved. Since the 19th century, the broader sense of literature as a totality of written or printed works has given way to more exclusive definitions based on criteria of imaginative, creative, or artistic value, usually related to a work's absence of factual or practical reference (see autotelic). Even more restrictive has been the academic concentration upon poetry, drama, and fiction. Until the mid-20th century, many kinds of non-fictional writing—in philosophy, history, biography, criticism, topography, science, and politics—were counted as literature; implicit in this broader usage is a definition of literature as that body of works which—for whatever reason—deserves to be preserved as part of the current reproduction of meanings within a given culture (unlike yesterday's newspaper, which belongs in the disposable category of ephemera). This sense seems more tenable than the later attempts to divide literature—as creative, imaginative, fictional, or non-practical—from factual writings or practically effective works of propaganda, rhetoric, or didactic writing. The Russian Formalists' attempt to define literariness in terms of linguistic deviations is important in the theory of poetry, but has not addressed the more difficult problem of the non-fictional prose forms. See also belles-lettres , canon, paraliterature. For a fuller account, consult Peter Widdowson, Literature (1998).

From:   literature   in  The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms »

Subjects: Literature

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What Literature Can Teach Us

Communication and research skills—and how to be a better human being

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Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material. Derived from the Latin word  literature  meaning "writing formed with letters," literature most commonly refers to works of the creative imagination, including poetry, drama , fiction , nonfiction , and in some instances, journalism , and song. 

What Is Literature?

Simply put, literature represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The concept is difficult to precisely define, though many have tried; it's clear that the accepted definition of literature is constantly changing and evolving.

For many, the word literature suggests a higher art form; merely putting words on a page doesn't necessarily equate to creating literature. A canon is the accepted body of works for a given author. Some works of literature are considered canonical, that is, culturally representative of a particular genre (poetry, prose, or drama).

Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction

Some definitions also separate literary fiction from so-called "genre fiction," which includes types such as mystery, science fiction, western, romance, thriller, and horror. Think mass-market paperback.

Genre fiction typically does not have as much character development as literary fiction and is read for entertainment, escapism, and plot, whereas literary fiction explores themes common to the human condition and uses symbolism and other literary devices to convey the author's viewpoint on his or her chosen themes. Literary fiction involves getting into the minds of the characters (or at least the protagonist) and experiencing their relationships with others. The protagonist typically comes to a realization or changes in some way during the course of a literary novel.

(The difference in type does not mean that literary writers are better than genre fiction writers, just that they operate differently.)

Why Is Literature Important?

Works of literature, at their best, provide a kind of blueprint of human society. From the writings of ancient civilizations such as Egypt and China to Greek philosophy and poetry, from the epics of Homer to the plays of William Shakespeare, from Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte to Maya Angelou , works of literature give insight and context to all the world's societies. In this way, literature is more than just a historical or cultural artifact; it can serve as an introduction to a new world of experience.

But what we consider to be literature can vary from one generation to the next. For instance, Herman Melville's 1851 novel " Moby Dick "   was considered a failure by contemporary reviewers. However, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece and is frequently cited as one of the best works of Western literature for its thematic complexity and use of symbolism. By reading "Moby Dick" in the present day, we can gain a fuller understanding of literary traditions in Melville's time. 

Debating Literature 

Ultimately, we may discover meaning in literature by looking at what the author writes or says and how he or she says it. We may interpret and debate an author's message by examining the words he or she chooses in a given novel or work or observing which character or voice serves as the connection to the reader.

In academia, this decoding of the text is often carried out through the use of  literary theory using a mythological, sociological, psychological, historical, or other approaches to better understand the context and depth of a work.

Whatever critical paradigm we use to discuss and analyze it, literature is important to us because it speaks to us, it is universal, and it affects us on a deeply personal level. 

School Skills

Students who study literature and read for pleasure have a higher vocabulary, better reading comprehension, and better communication skills, such as writing ability. Communication skills affect people in every area of their lives, from navigating interpersonal relationships to participating in meetings in the workplace to drafting intraoffice memos or reports.

When students analyze literature, they learn to identify cause and effect and are applying critical thinking skills. Without realizing it, they examine the characters psychologically or sociologically. They identify the characters' motivations for their actions and see through those actions to any ulterior motives.

When planning an essay on a work of literature, students use problem-solving skills to come up with a thesis and follow through on compiling their paper. It takes research skills to dig up evidence for their thesis from the text and scholarly criticism, and it takes organizational skills to present their argument in a coherent, cohesive manner.

Empathy and Other Emotions

Some studies say that people who read literature have more empathy for others, as literature puts the reader into another person's shoes. Having empathy for others leads people to socialize more effectively, solve conflicts peacefully, collaborate better in the workplace, behave morally, and possibly even become involved in making their community a better place.

Other studies note a correlation between readers and empathy but do not find causation . Either way, studies back the need for strong English programs in schools, especially as people spend more and more time looking at screens rather than books.

Along with empathy for others, readers can feel a greater connection to humanity and less isolated. Students who read literature can find solace as they realize that others have gone through the same things that they are experiencing or have experienced. This can be a catharsis and relief to them if they feel burdened or alone in their troubles.

Quotes About Literature

Here are some quotes about literature from literature giants themselves.

  • Robert Louis Stevenson : "The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely as you wish."
  • Jane Austen, "Northanger Abbey" : "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid."
  • William Shakespeare, "Henry VI" : “I’ll call for pen and ink and write my mind.”
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  • What's the Difference Between Classical and Classic Literature?
  • 5 Novel Setting Maps for Classic American Literature
  • Why We Don't Read
  • Notable Authors of the 19th Century
  • The Basic Characteristics of Effective Writing
  • What Is a Modern Classic in Literature?
  • American Author Maps: Informational Texts in the English Classroom
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2.1: Defining Literature

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Literature , in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin  litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit. Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose. It can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and works are often categorized according to historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations (genre).

Taken to mean only written works, literature was first produced by some of the world’s earliest civilizations—those of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria—as early as the 4th millennium BC; taken to include spoken or sung texts, it originated even earlier, and some of the first written works may have been based on a pre-existing oral tradition. As urban cultures and societies developed, there was a proliferation in the forms of literature. Developments in print technology allowed for literature to be distributed and experienced on an unprecedented scale, which has culminated in the twenty-first century in electronic literature.

Definitions of literature have varied over time.  In Western Europe prior to the eighteenth century, literature as a term indicated all books and writing. [1]   A more restricted sense of the term emerged during the Romantic period, in which it began to demarcate “imaginative” literature. [2]

  Contemporary debates over what constitutes literature can be seen as returning to the older, more inclusive notion of what constitutes literature. Cultural studies, for instance, takes as its subject of analysis both popular and minority genres, in addition to canonical works. [3]

Major Forms

French words arranged on a page to form a sketch of a man wearing a hat

Poetry is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, prosaic ostensible meaning (ordinary intended meaning). Poetry has traditionally been distinguished from prose by its being set in verse; [4]  prose is cast in sentences, poetry in lines; the syntax of prose is dictated by meaning, whereas that of poetry is held across metre or the visual aspects of the poem. [5]  

Prior to the nineteenth century, poetry was commonly understood to be something set in metrical lines; accordingly, in 1658 a definition of poetry is “any kind of subject consisting of Rythm or Verses”. [6]  Possibly as a result of Aristotle’s influence (his Poetics ), “poetry” before the nineteenth century was usually less a technical designation for verse than a normative category of fictive or rhetorical art. [7]  As a form it may pre-date literacy, with the earliest works being composed within and sustained by an oral tradition; [8]  hence it constitutes the earliest example of literature.

Prose is a form of language that possesses ordinary syntax and natural speech rather than rhythmic structure; in which regard, along with its measurement in sentences rather than lines, it differs from poetry. [9]  On the historical development of prose, Richard Graff notes that ”

  • Novel : a long fictional prose narrative.
  • Novella :The novella exists between the novel and short story; the publisher Melville House classifies it as “too short to be a novel, too long to be a short story.” [10]
  • Short story : a dilemma in defining the “short story” as a literary form is how to, or whether one should, distinguish it from any short narrative .  Apart from its distinct size, various theorists have suggested that the short story has a characteristic subject matter or structure; [11]   these discussions often position the form in some relation to the novel. [12]

Drama is literature intended for performance. [13]

  • Leitch et al. , The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism , 28 ↵
  • Ross, "The Emergence of "Literature": Making and Reading the English Canon in the Eighteenth Century," 406 &  Eagleton, Literary theory: an introduction , 16 ↵
  • "poetry, n.". Oxford English Dictionary . OUP . Retrieved 13 February 2014 . (subscription required) ↵
  • Preminger, The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics , 938–9 ↵
  • Ross, "The Emergence of "Literature": Making and Reading the English Canon in the Eighteenth Century", 398 ↵
  • Finnegan, Ruth H. (1977). Oral poetry: its nature, significance, and social context. Indiana University Press. p. 66. &  Magoun, Jr., Francis P. (1953). "Oral-Formulaic Character of Anglo-Saxon Narrative Poetry".Speculum 28 (3): 446–67. doi:10.2307/2847021 ↵
  • Preminger, The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics , 938–9 &Alison Booth; Kelly J. Mays. "Glossary: P". LitWeb, the Norton Introduction to Literature Studyspace . Retrieved 15 February 2014 .  ↵
  • Antrim, Taylor (2010). "In Praise of Short". The Daily Beast . Retrieved 15 February 2014 . ↵
  • Rohrberger, Mary; Dan E. Burns (1982). "Short Fiction and the Numinous Realm: Another Attempt at Definition". Modern Fiction Studies . XXVIII (6). &  May, Charles (1995). The Short Story. The Reality of Artifice . New York: Twain. ↵
  • Marie Louise Pratt (1994). Charles May, ed. The Short Story: The Long and the Short of It . Athens: Ohio UP. ↵
  • Elam, Kier (1980). The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama . London and New York: Methuen. p. 98.ISBN 0-416-72060-9. ↵
  • Literature. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature#cite_note-44 . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Image of man formed by words. Authored by : Guillaume Apollinaire. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calligramme.jpg . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright

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What is Literature? || Definition & Examples

"what is literature": a literary guide for english students and teachers.

View the full series: The Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms

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What is Literature? Transcript (English and Spanish Subtitles Available in Video; Click HERE for Spanish Transcript)

By Evan Gottlieb & Paige Thomas

The question of what makes something literary is an enduring one, and I don’t expect that we’ll answer it fully in this short video. Instead, I want to show you a few different ways that literary critics approach this question and then offer a short summary of the 3 big factors that we must consider when we ask the question ourselves.

Let’s begin by making a distinction between “Literature with a capital L” and “literature with a small l.”

“Literature with a small l” designates any written text: we can talk about “the literature” on any given subject without much difficulty.

“Literature with a capital L”, by contrast, designates a much smaller set of texts – a subset of all the texts that have been written.

what_is_literature_little_l.png

speaker gesturing to literature with a small "l" rather than with a big "L"

So what makes a text literary or what makes a text “Literature with a capital L”?

Let’s start with the word itself.  “Literature” comes from Latin, and it originally meant “the use of letters” or “writing.” But when the word entered the Romance languages that derived from Latin, it took on the additional meaning of “knowledge acquired from reading or studying books.” So we might use this definition to understand “Literature with a Capital L” as writing that gives us knowledge--writing that should be studied.

But this begs the further question: what books or texts are worth studying or close reading ?

For some critics, answering this question is a matter of establishing canonicity.  A work of literature becomes “canonical” when cultural institutions like schools or universities or prize committees classify it as a work of lasting artistic or cultural merit.

The canon, however, has proved problematic as a measure of what “Literature with a capital L” is because the gatekeepers of the Western canon have traditionally been White and male. It was only in the closing decades of the twentieth century that the canon of Literature was opened to a greater inclusion of diverse authors.

And here’s another problem with that definition: if inclusion in the canon were our only definition of Literature, then there could be no such thing as contemporary Literature, which, of course, has not yet stood the test of time.

And here’s an even bigger problem: not every book that receives good reviews or a wins a prize turns out to be of lasting value in the eyes of later readers.

On the other hand, a novel like Herman Melville’s Moby-Di ck, which was NOT received well by critics or readers when it was first published in 1851, has since gone on to become a mainstay of the American literary canon.

moby_dick_with_quote.png

graphic with cover of Melville's "Moby Dick" and quote

As you can see, canonicity is obviously a problematic index of literariness.

So… what’s the alternative?  Well, we could just go with a descriptive definition: “if you love it, then it’s Literature!”

But that’s a little too subjective.  For example, no matter how much you may love a certain book from your childhood (I love The Very Hungry Caterpillar ) that doesn’t automatically make it literary, no matter how many times you’ve re-read it.

Furthermore, the very idea that we should have an emotional attachment to the books we read has its own history that cannot be detached from the rise of the middle class and its politics of telling people how to behave.

Ok, so “literature with a capital L” cannot always by defined by its inclusion in the canon or the fact that it has been well-received so…what is it then? Well, for other critics, what makes something Literature would seem to be qualities within the text itself.

According to the critic Derek Attridge, there are three qualities that define modern Western Literature:

1. a quality of invention or inventiveness in the text itself;

2.  the reader’s sense that what they are reading is singular. In other words, the unique vision of the writer herself.

3. a sense of ‘otherness’ that pushes the reader to see the world around them in a new way

Notice that nowhere in this three-part definition is there any limitation on the content of Literature. Instead, we call something Literature when it affects the reader at the level of style and construction rather than substance.

In other words, Literature can be about anything!

what_is_literature_caterpillar.png

speaker telling a secret with photo of Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" in the background

The idea that a truly literary text can change a reader is of course older than this modern definition. In the English tradition, poetry was preferred over novels because it was thought to create mature and sympathetic reader-citizens.

Likewise, in the Victorian era, it was argued that reading so-called “great” works of literature was the best way for readers to realize their full spiritual potentials in an increasingly secular world.

But these never tell us precisely what “the best” is.  To make matters worse, as I mentioned already, “the best” in these older definitions was often determined by White men in positions of cultural and economic power.

So we are still faced with the question of whether there is something inherent in a text that makes it literary.

Some critics have suggested that a sense of irony – or, more broadly, a sense that there is more than one meaning to a given set of words – is essential to “Literature with a capital L.”

Reading for irony means reading slowly or at least attentively.  It demands a certain attention to the complexity of the language on the page, whether that language is objectively difficult or not.

In a similar vein, other critics have claimed that the overall effect of a literary text should be one of “defamiliarization,” meaning that the text asks or even forces readers to see the world differently than they did before reading it.

Along these lines, literary theorist Roland Barthes maintained that there were two kinds of texts: the text of pleasure, which we can align with everyday Literature with a small l” and the text of jouissance , (yes, I said jouissance) which we can align with Literature. Jouissance makes more demands on the reader and raises feelings of strangeness and wonder that surpass the everyday and even border on the painful or disorienting.

Barthes’ definition straddles the line between objectivity and subjectivity. Literature differs from the mass of writing by offering more and different kinds of experiences than the ordinary, non-literary text.

Literature for Barthes is thus neither entirely in the eye of the beholder, nor something that can be reduced to set of repeatable, purely intrinsic characteristics.

This negative definition has its own problems, though. If the literary text is always supposed to be innovative and unconventional, then genre fiction, which IS conventional, can never be literary.

So it seems that whatever hard and fast definition we attempt to apply to Literature, we find that we run up against inevitable exceptions to the rules.

As we examine the many problematic ways that people have defined literature, one thing does become clear. In each of the above examples, what counts as Literature depends upon three interrelated factors: the world, the text, and the critic or reader.

You see, when we encounter a literary text, we usually do so through a field of expectations that includes what we’ve heard about the text or author in question [the world], the way the text is presented to us [the text], and how receptive we as readers are to the text’s demands [the reader].

With this in mind, let’s return to where we started. There is probably still something to be said in favor of the “test of time” theory of Literature.

After all, only a small percentage of what is published today will continue to be read 10, 20, or even 100 years from now; and while the mechanisms that determine the longevity of a text are hardly neutral, one can still hope that individual readers have at least some power to decide what will stay in print and develop broader cultural relevance.

The only way to experience what Literature is, then, is to keep reading: as long as there are avid readers, there will be literary texts – past, present, and future – that challenge, excite, and inspire us.

Interested in more video lessons? View the full series:

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Definition of literature noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

  • English/American/French literature
  • children's literature
  • great works of literature
  • For most people, the desire to study literature begins with a love of reading.
  • write/​publish literature/​poetry/​fiction/​a book/​a story/​a poem/​a novel/​a review/​an autobiography
  • become a writer/​novelist/​playwright
  • find/​have a publisher/​an agent
  • have a new book out
  • edit/​revise/​proofread a book/​text/​manuscript
  • dedicate a book/​poem to…
  • construct/​create/​weave/​weave something into a complex narrative
  • advance/​drive the plot
  • introduce/​present the protagonist/​a character
  • describe/​depict/​portray a character (as…)/(somebody as) a hero/​villain
  • create an exciting/​a tense atmosphere
  • build/​heighten the suspense/​tension
  • evoke/​capture the pathos of the situation
  • convey emotion/​an idea/​an impression/​a sense of…
  • engage the reader
  • seize/​capture/​grip the (reader’s) imagination
  • arouse/​elicit emotion/​sympathy (in the reader)
  • lack imagination/​emotion/​structure/​rhythm
  • use/​employ language/​imagery/​humour/ (US English) humor/​an image/​a symbol/​a metaphor/​a device
  • use/​adopt/​develop a style/​technique
  • be rich in/​be full of symbolism
  • evoke images of…/a sense of…/a feeling of…
  • create/​achieve an effect
  • maintain/​lighten the tone
  • introduce/​develop an idea/​a theme
  • inspire a novel/​a poet/​somebody’s work/​somebody’s imagination
  • read an author/​somebody’s work/​fiction/​poetry/​a text/​a poem/​a novel/​a chapter/​a passage
  • review a book/​a novel/​somebody’s work
  • give something/​get/​have/​receive a good/​bad review
  • be hailed (as)/be recognized as a masterpiece
  • quote a(n) phrase/​line/​stanza/​passage/​author
  • provoke/​spark discussion/​criticism
  • study/​interpret/​understand a text/​passage
  • translate somebody’s work/​a text/​a passage/​a novel/​a poem
  • contemporary

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

  • sales literature
  • literature on something a review of the scientific literature on the topic
  • I've read all the available literature on keeping rabbits.
  • literature about something I picked up some literature about pensions.
  • Chapter 1 reviews the literature and discusses the main types of sources available.
  • literature about
  • literature concerning
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Defining literature.

Literature , in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin  litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit. Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose. It can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and works are often categorized according to historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations (genre).

Taken to mean only written works, literature was first produced by some of the world’s earliest civilizations—those of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria—as early as the 4th millennium BC; taken to include spoken or sung texts, it originated even earlier, and some of the first written works may have been based on a pre-existing oral tradition. As urban cultures and societies developed, there was a proliferation in the forms of literature. Developments in print technology allowed for literature to be distributed and experienced on an unprecedented scale, which has culminated in the twenty-first century in electronic literature.

Definitions of literature have varied over time.  In Western Europe prior to the eighteenth century, literature as a term indicated all books and writing. [1]   A more restricted sense of the term emerged during the Romantic period, in which it began to demarcate “imaginative” literature. [2]

  Contemporary debates over what constitutes literature can be seen as returning to the older, more inclusive notion of what constitutes literature. Cultural studies, for instance, takes as its subject of analysis both popular and minority genres, in addition to canonical works. [3]

Major Forms

French words arranged on a page to form a sketch of a man wearing a hat

A calligram by Guillaume Apollinaire. These are a type of poem in which the written words are arranged in such a way to produce a visual image.

Poetry is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, prosaic ostensible meaning (ordinary intended meaning). Poetry has traditionally been distinguished from prose by its being set in verse; [4]  prose is cast in sentences, poetry in lines; the syntax of prose is dictated by meaning, whereas that of poetry is held across metre or the visual aspects of the poem. [5]  

Prior to the nineteenth century, poetry was commonly understood to be something set in metrical lines; accordingly, in 1658 a definition of poetry is “any kind of subject consisting of Rythm or Verses”. [6]  Possibly as a result of Aristotle’s influence (his Poetics ), “poetry” before the nineteenth century was usually less a technical designation for verse than a normative category of fictive or rhetorical art. [7]  As a form it may pre-date literacy, with the earliest works being composed within and sustained by an oral tradition; [8]  hence it constitutes the earliest example of literature.

Prose is a form of language that possesses ordinary syntax and natural speech rather than rhythmic structure; in which regard, along with its measurement in sentences rather than lines, it differs from poetry. [9]  On the historical development of prose, Richard Graff notes that ”

  • Novel : a long fictional prose narrative.
  • Novella :The novella exists between the novel and short story; the publisher Melville House classifies it as “too short to be a novel, too long to be a short story.” [10]
  • Short story : a dilemma in defining the “short story” as a literary form is how to, or whether one should, distinguish it from any short narrative .  Apart from its distinct size, various theorists have suggested that the short story has a characteristic subject matter or structure; [11]   these discussions often position the form in some relation to the novel. [12]

Drama is literature intended for performance. [13]

  • Leitch et al. , The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism , 28 ↵
  • Ross, "The Emergence of "Literature": Making and Reading the English Canon in the Eighteenth Century," 406 &  Eagleton, Literary theory: an introduction , 16 ↵
  • "poetry, n.". Oxford English Dictionary . OUP . Retrieved 13 February 2014 . (subscription required) ↵
  • Preminger, The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics , 938–9 ↵
  • Ross, "The Emergence of "Literature": Making and Reading the English Canon in the Eighteenth Century", 398 ↵
  • Finnegan, Ruth H. (1977). Oral poetry: its nature, significance, and social context. Indiana University Press. p. 66. &  Magoun, Jr., Francis P. (1953). "Oral-Formulaic Character of Anglo-Saxon Narrative Poetry".Speculum 28 (3): 446–67. doi:10.2307/2847021 ↵
  • Preminger, The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics , 938–9 &Alison Booth; Kelly J. Mays. "Glossary: P". LitWeb, the Norton Introduction to Literature Studyspace . Retrieved 15 February 2014 .  ↵
  • Antrim, Taylor (2010). "In Praise of Short". The Daily Beast . Retrieved 15 February 2014 . ↵
  • Rohrberger, Mary; Dan E. Burns (1982). "Short Fiction and the Numinous Realm: Another Attempt at Definition". Modern Fiction Studies . XXVIII (6). &  May, Charles (1995). The Short Story. The Reality of Artifice . New York: Twain. ↵
  • Marie Louise Pratt (1994). Charles May, ed. The Short Story: The Long and the Short of It . Athens: Ohio UP. ↵
  • Elam, Kier (1980). The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama . London and New York: Methuen. p. 98.ISBN 0-416-72060-9. ↵
  • Literature. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature#cite_note-44 . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Image of man formed by words. Authored by : Guillaume Apollinaire. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calligramme.jpg . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright

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Meaning of literature in English

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literature noun [U] ( WRITING )

  • He's very knowledgeable about German literature.
  • I had a brilliant English teacher who fired me with enthusiasm for literature at an early age .
  • She's studying for an MA in French literature.
  • Classic literature never goes out of print .
  • The festival will encompass everything from music , theater and ballet to literature, cinema and the visual arts .
  • action hero
  • alliterative
  • alternative history
  • fictionality
  • fictionally
  • non-character
  • non-literary
  • non-metrical
  • nonsense verse
  • sympathetically
  • tartan noir

literature noun [U] ( SPECIALIST TEXTS )

  • advance notice
  • advance warning
  • advertisement
  • aide-mémoire
  • bumper sticker
  • push notification
  • the gory details idiom
  • the real deal

literature noun [U] ( INFORMATION )

  • information Can I get some information on college courses?
  • details Please send me details of your self-defense classes.
  • directions Just follow the directions on the label.
  • instructions Have you read the instructions all the way through?
  • directions We had to stop and ask for directions.
  • guidelines The government has issued new guidelines on health and safety at work.
  • adverse publicity
  • customer relationship management
  • differentiator
  • opinion mining
  • overexposure
  • unadvertised
  • unmarketable

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

literature | Intermediate English

Literature | business english, examples of literature, collocations with literature.

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Home » What is Literature – Definition, Types, Examples

What is Literature – Definition, Types, Examples

Table of Contents

What is Literature

Definition:

Literature refers to written works of imaginative, artistic, or intellectual value, typically characterized by the use of language to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences. It encompasses various forms of written expression, such as novels, poems, plays, essays, short stories, and other literary works.

History of Literature

The history of literature spans thousands of years and includes works from many different cultures and languages. Here is a brief overview of some of the major periods and movements in the history of literature:

Ancient Literature (3000 BCE – 500 CE)

  • Ancient Mesopotamian Literature (3000 BCE – 2000 BCE): This period includes the earliest known writings, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian epic poem that explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the search for immortality.
  • Ancient Greek Literature (800 BCE – 200 BCE): This era produced works by legendary writers such as Homer, known for the Iliad and the Odyssey, and playwrights like Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides, who wrote tragic plays exploring human nature and the conflicts between gods and mortals.
  • Ancient Roman Literature (200 BCE – 500 CE): Roman literature included works by poets like Virgil (known for the Aeneid) and historians like Livy and Tacitus, who chronicled the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

Medieval Literature (500 CE – 1500 CE)

  • Early Medieval Literature (500 CE – 1000 CE): During this period, literature was mainly religious and included works such as Beowulf, an Old English epic poem, and The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, an Italian epic poem that describes the journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
  • High Medieval Literature (1000 CE – 1300 CE): This era saw the emergence of troubadour poetry in Provence, France, which celebrated courtly love, as well as the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, such as The Canterbury Tales, which combined diverse stories and social commentary.
  • Late Medieval Literature (1300 CE – 1500 CE): Notable works from this period include Dante’s Divine Comedy, Petrarch’s sonnets, and the works of Christine de Pizan, an early feminist writer.

Renaissance Literature (14th – 17th centuries)

  • Italian Renaissance Literature (14th – 16th centuries): This period witnessed the flourishing of humanism and produced works by authors such as Francesco Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio, who emphasized the individual, the secular, and the revival of classical themes and styles.
  • English Renaissance Literature (16th – 17th centuries): This era saw the works of William Shakespeare, including his plays such as Hamlet and Macbeth, which explored complex human emotions and the human condition. Other notable writers include Christopher Marlowe and Edmund Spenser.

Enlightenment Literature (17th – 18th centuries)

  • This period marked a shift towards reason, rationality, and the questioning of established beliefs and systems. Influential writers during this time included René Descartes, John Locke, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Denis Diderot.

Romanticism (late 18th – mid-19th centuries)

  • Romantic literature emphasized individual emotion, imagination, and nature. Key figures include William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats.

Victorian Literature (19th century)

  • This era was characterized by the reign of Queen Victoria and featured writers such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emily Brontë, and Oscar Wilde.

Modernist Literature (late 19th – early 20th centuries)

  • Modernist literature emerged as a response to the social, political, and technological changes of the time. It is characterized by experimentation with narrative structure, language, and perspective. Notable modernist writers include T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and Marcel Proust.

Postmodern Literature (mid-20th century – present)

  • Postmodern literature challenges traditional notions of narrative and reality. It often incorporates elements of metafiction, intertextuality, and fragmented narratives. Prominent postmodern authors include Jorge Luis Borges, Italo Calvino, Salman Rushdie, and Margaret Atwood.

Contemporary Literature (late 20th century – present)

  • Contemporary literature encompasses a wide range of diverse voices and styles. It explores various themes and addresses contemporary issues, reflecting the cultural, social, and political contexts of the present time. Notable contemporary authors include Toni Morrison, J.K. Rowling, Haruki Murakami, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Zadie Smith.

Types of Literature

Types of Literature are as follows:

Short story

Graphic novel, electronic literature.

Poetry is a form of literature that uses language to convey emotions or ideas in a concise and often rhythmic manner. Poetry has been around for centuries, with many different cultures creating their own unique styles. While some people may view poetry as difficult to understand, there is often great beauty in its simplicity. Whether you are looking to read poems for enjoyment or to better analyze literary works, understanding the basics of poetry can be very helpful.

Examples of Poetry in Literature

There are countless examples of poetry in literature, ranging from ancient works to contemporary masterpieces. Here are just a few examples:

  • “ The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ” by T.S. Eliot (1915): This modernist poem explores themes of alienation, identity, and the human condition.
  • “ Do not go gentle into that good night ” by Dylan Thomas (1951): This villanelle is a powerful meditation on death and the struggle for survival.
  • “ The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot (1922) : This epic poem is a complex and multi-layered exploration of the modern world and its spiritual emptiness.
  • “ The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe (1845) : This famous poem is a haunting and macabre exploration of grief, loss, and the supernatural.
  • “ Sonnet 18″ by William Shakespeare (1609) : This classic sonnet is a beautiful and romantic tribute to the beauty of the beloved.
  • “ Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats (1819) : This ode is a sublime exploration of the power of beauty and the transcendent experience of art.
  • “ The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost (1916) : This famous poem is a contemplative meditation on choices, regrets, and the uncertainties of life.

These are just a few examples of the many works of poetry that exist in literature. Poetry can explore a wide range of themes and emotions, using language and imagery to create powerful and moving works of art.

Prose is a type of written language that typically contains dialogue and narration. In literature, prose is the most common form of writing. Prose can be found in novels, short stories, plays, and essays.

Examples of Prose in Literature

“ The Essays” by Michel de Montaigne (1580) – This collection of prose is a seminal work of the French Renaissance and is credited with popularizing the use of personal reflections in prose literature. Montaigne’s writing style in these works is informal and conversational, and covers a vast range of topics including morality, philosophy, religion, and politics. The prose is notable for its intimacy and personal nature, as Montaigne often uses his own experiences and thoughts to illustrate his ideas.

A novel is a fictional book that is typically longer than 300 pages. It tells a story, usually in chronological order, and has characters and settings that are developed over the course of the story. Novels are often divided into chapters, which help to break up the story and make it easier to read.

Novels are one of the most popular genres of literature, and there are many different types of novels that you can read. Whether you’re looking for a romance novel, a mystery novel, or a historical fiction novel, there’s sure to be a book out there that you’ll love.

Examples of Novels in Literature

  • “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes (1605) – This novel is considered one of the greatest works of Spanish literature and is a satirical take on chivalric romance. It follows the adventures of a delusional knight, Don Quixote, and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
  • “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe (1719) – This novel is considered one of the earliest examples of the English novel and is a tale of survival and self-reliance. It follows the story of a man named Robinson Crusoe, who is stranded on a deserted island for 28 years.
  • “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen (1813) – This novel is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and is a romantic comedy of manners. It follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her complicated relationship with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy landowner.
  • “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee (1960) – This novel is a classic of American literature and deals with issues of race, class, and justice in the American South during the 1930s. It follows the story of a young girl named Scout and her experiences with racism and prejudice.
  • “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) – This novel is considered a masterpiece of American literature and is a social commentary on the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties. It follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man, and his obsession with a woman named Daisy Buchanan.

A novella is a work of fiction that is shorter than a novel but longer than a short story. The word “novella” comes from the Italian word for “new”, which is fitting because this type of story is often seen as being between the old and the new. In terms of length, a novella typically has about 20,000 to 40,000 words.

While novels are usually about one main plot with several subplots, novellas are usually focused on one central conflict. This conflict is usually resolved by the end of the story. However, because novellas are longer than short stories, there is more room to develop characters and explore themes in depth.

Examples of Novella in Literature

  • “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad (1899) – This novella is a powerful and haunting portrayal of European imperialism in Africa. It follows the journey of a steamboat captain named Marlow, who is sent to find a man named Kurtz deep in the Congo.
  • “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway (1952) – This novella is a Pulitzer Prize-winning story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago and his epic struggle to catch a giant marlin. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
  • “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka (1915) – This novella is a surreal and disturbing tale of a man named Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. It explores themes of isolation, identity, and the human condition.
  • “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck (1937) – This novella is a tragic story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own farm but are thwarted by their own limitations and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. It is a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the plight of the working class.
  • “Animal Farm” by George Orwell (1945) – This novella is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. It follows the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner and create their own society, only to be corrupted by their own leaders. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and propaganda.

A short story is a work of fiction that typically can be read in one sitting and focuses on a self-contained incident or series of linked incidents.

The short story is one of the oldest forms of literature and has been found in oral cultures as well as in written form. In terms of length, it is much shorter than the novel, typically ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 words.

The short story has often been described as a “perfect form” because it allows for greater compression and variety than either the novel or poem. It also allows writers to experiment with different styles and genres.

Examples of Short Story in Literature

  • “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe (1843) – This classic horror story is a chilling portrayal of a murderer who is haunted by the sound of his victim’s heartbeat. It is a masterful example of Poe’s psychological and suspenseful writing style.
  • “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (1948) – This controversial short story is a commentary on the dark side of human nature and the dangers of blind adherence to tradition. It follows the annual tradition of a small town that holds a lottery, with a surprising and shocking ending.
  • “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (1905) – This heartwarming story is a classic example of a holiday tale of selflessness and sacrifice. It follows the story of a young couple who each give up their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other.
  • “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway (1933) – This minimalist story is a reflection on the existential angst and loneliness of modern life. It takes place in a cafe late at night and explores the relationships between the patrons and the waiter.
  • “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892) – This feminist short story is a powerful critique of the medical establishment and the treatment of women’s mental health. It follows the story of a woman who is confined to her bedroom and becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper on the walls.

A graphic novel is a book that tells a story through the use of illustrations and text. Graphic novels can be based on true stories, or they can be fictional. They are usually longer than traditional books, and they often have more complex plots.

Graphic novels first gained popularity in the 1970s, when publishers began releasing collections of comics that had been previously published in magazines. Since then, the genre has grown to include original works, as well as adaptations ofexisting stories.

Graphic novels are now widely respected as a form of literature, and they have been adapted into many different mediums, including movies, television shows, and stage plays.

Examples of Graphic Novels in Literature

  • “ Watchmen” by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1986-1987) – This graphic novel is considered one of the greatest works of the medium and is a deconstruction of the superhero genre. It follows a group of retired superheroes who come out of retirement to investigate the murder of one of their own.
  • “ Maus” by Art Spiegelman (1980-1991) – This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel is a harrowing and poignant account of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust and his strained relationship with his son. The characters are depicted as animals, with the Jews as mice and the Nazis as cats.
  • “ Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi (2000-2003) – This autobiographical graphic novel is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. It follows the author’s experiences growing up in Iran and then moving to Europe as a teenager.
  • “Sandman” by Neil Gaiman (1989-1996) – This epic fantasy series is a masterful exploration of mythology, literature, and human nature. It follows the story of Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, as he navigates through the world of dreams and interacts with characters from across time and space.
  • “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller (1986) – This influential graphic novel is a gritty and realistic portrayal of an aging Batman who comes out of retirement to fight crime in a dystopian future. It is credited with revolutionizing the Batman character and inspiring a new era of darker and more mature superhero stories.

Electronic literature, also known as e-literature, is a genre of writing that uses electronic media to create works of art. This type of literature often includes elements of interactivity, hypertextuality, and multimedia.

E-literature has its roots in early computer games and interactive fiction. These early works were created using simple text-based programming languages like BASIC and HTML. Today, e-literature has evolved into a complex form of art that incorporates multimedia elements such as audio and video.

Examples of Electronic Literature in Literature

  • “ Afternoon: A Story” by Michael Joyce (1987) – This hypertext fiction is considered one of the earliest examples of electronic literature. It is a nonlinear narrative that can be read in multiple paths and contains multimedia elements like images and sound.
  • “ Patchwork Girl” by Shelley Jackson (1995) – This hypertext novel is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” that uses digital media to explore the themes of identity, gender, and creation. It contains animated graphics, video, and sound.
  • “ The Dreamlife of Letters” by Brian Kim Stefans (2000) – This work of interactive poetry uses computer algorithms to generate new poems based on the user’s input. It combines traditional poetic forms with digital technologies to create a unique reading experience.
  • “ Flight Paths” by Kate Pullinger and Chris Joseph (2007) – This work of electronic literature is a collaborative multimedia project that explores the lives of immigrants and refugees. It combines text, video, and audio to create an immersive and interactive experience.
  • “Inanimate Alice” by Kate Pullinger and Chris Joseph (2005-2016) – This interactive digital novel follows the story of a young girl named Alice as she grows up in a world of technology and media. It uses a combination of text, video, animation, and sound to create a unique and engaging narrative.

Non-fiction

Non-fiction in literature is defined as prose writings that are based on real events, people, or places. Non-fiction is often divided into categories such as biography, history, and essay.

Examples of Non-fiction in Literature

  • “ The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin (1859) – This landmark book is one of the most influential works in the history of science. It lays out Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and provides evidence for the descent of all living things from a common ancestor.
  • “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (1965) – This autobiography is a candid and powerful account of Malcolm X’s life as an African American civil rights leader. It explores his journey from a troubled youth to a powerful orator and activist, and provides insights into the social and political climate of the time.
  • “ The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan (1963) – This groundbreaking book is a seminal work of feminist literature. It critiques the idea of the “happy housewife” and argues that women’s social roles and expectations are limiting and oppressive.
  • “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander (2010) – This book is a powerful critique of the criminal justice system and its impact on communities of color. It argues that the system perpetuates racial inequality and provides a call to action for reform.

Drama is a genre of literature that tells a story through the use of dialogue and action. It often has a strong plot and characters who undergo change or development over the course of the story. Drama can be divided into several subgenres, such as tragedy, comedy, and farce.

Examples of Drama in Literature

  • “ Hamlet” by William Shakespeare (1603) – This tragedy is considered one of the greatest plays ever written. It tells the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark and his quest for revenge against his uncle, who murdered his father and married his mother.
  • “ A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen (1879) – This play is a landmark work of modern drama. It explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and personal identity through the story of a married woman who decides to leave her husband and children in order to discover herself.
  • “ Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller (1949) – This play is a powerful critique of the American Dream and the pressures of modern society. It tells the story of a salesman named Willy Loman and his family, as they struggle to come to terms with the realities of their lives.
  • “ Fences” by August Wilson (1985) – This play is part of Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle,” a series of ten plays that explore the African American experience in the 20th century. It tells the story of a former Negro League baseball player named Troy Maxson and his relationship with his family.

Also see Literature Review

Examples of Literature

Examples of Literature are as follows:

  • “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
  • “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
  • “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
  • “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany
  • “The Ferryman” by Jez Butterworth
  • “The Inheritance” by Matthew Lopez
  • “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage
  • “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman (inaugural poem at the 2021 U.S. presidential inauguration)
  • “The Tradition” by Jericho Brown
  • “Homie” by Danez Smith
  • “The Carrying” by Ada Limón
  • “Call Me by Your Name” (2017) directed by Luca Guadagnino (based on the novel by André Aciman)
  • “The Great Gatsby” (2013) directed by Baz Luhrmann (based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
  • “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001-2003) directed by Peter Jackson (based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien)
  • “The Handmaiden” (2016) directed by Park Chan-wook (based on the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters)
  • “Lemonade” (2016) by Beyoncé (visual album with accompanying poetry and prose)
  • “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015) by Kendrick Lamar (rap album with dense lyrical storytelling)
  • “I See You” (2017) by The xx (album inspired by themes of love and connection)
  • “Carrie & Lowell” (2015) by Sufjan Stevens (folk album exploring personal and familial themes)
  • Blogs and online articles that discuss literary analysis, book reviews, and creative writing
  • Online literary magazines and journals publishing contemporary works of fiction, poetry, and essays
  • E-books and audiobooks available on platforms like Kindle, Audible, and Scribd
  • Social media platforms where writers share their works and engage with readers, such as Twitter and Instagram

Purpose of Literature

The purpose of literature is multifaceted and can vary depending on the author, genre, and intended audience. However, some common purposes of literature include:

Entertainment

Literature can provide enjoyment and pleasure to readers through engaging stories, complex characters, and beautiful language.

Literature can teach readers about different cultures, time periods, and perspectives, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Reflection and introspection

Literature can encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs, prompting self-discovery and personal growth.

Social commentary

Literature can serve as a medium for social criticism, addressing issues such as inequality, injustice, and oppression.

Historical and cultural preservation

Literature can document and preserve the history, traditions, and values of different cultures and societies, providing insight into the past.

Aesthetic appreciation:

literature can be appreciated for its beauty and artistic value, inspiring readers with its language, imagery, and symbolism.

The Significance of Literature

Literature holds immense significance in various aspects of human life and society. It serves as a powerful tool for communication, expression, and exploration of ideas. Here are some of the key significances of literature:

Communication and Expression

Literature allows individuals to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences across time and space. Through various literary forms such as novels, poems, plays, and essays, writers can convey their ideas and perspectives to readers, fostering understanding and empathy.

Cultural Reflection

Literature often reflects the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular culture or society. It provides insights into different historical periods, social structures, and cultural practices, offering a glimpse into the diversity and richness of human experiences.

Knowledge and Education

Literature is a valuable source of knowledge, as it presents ideas, concepts, and information in an engaging and accessible manner. It introduces readers to different subjects, such as history, science, philosophy, psychology, and more, allowing them to expand their understanding and broaden their intellectual horizons.

Emotional and Intellectual Development

Literature has the power to evoke emotions and provoke critical thinking. By immersing oneself in literary works, readers can develop a deeper understanding of complex emotions, empathy for diverse perspectives, and the ability to think critically and analytically.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Literature acts as a repository of a society’s cultural heritage. It preserves the history, traditions, myths, and folklore of a particular community, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots and learn from the experiences of the past.

Social Commentary and Critique

Literature often serves as a platform for social commentary and critique. Writers use their works to shed light on social issues, challenge societal norms, and promote positive change. By addressing controversial topics and presenting alternative viewpoints, literature can spark discussions and inspire activism.

Entertainment and Escapism

Literature offers a means of entertainment and escapism from the realities of everyday life. Engaging narratives, compelling characters, and vivid descriptions transport readers to different worlds, allowing them to experience joy, excitement, and adventure through the pages of a book.

Imagination and Creativity

Literature fuels the human imagination and nurtures creativity. It encourages readers to think beyond the boundaries of their own experiences, envision new possibilities, and explore alternative realities. Literature inspires writers to craft unique stories and ideas, contributing to the expansion of artistic expression.

Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

Reading literature can have a profound impact on personal growth and self-reflection. It provides opportunities for introspection, introspection, and self-discovery, as readers identify with characters, grapple with moral dilemmas, and contemplate the deeper meaning of life and existence.

The Enduring Impact of Literature

Literature has an enduring impact that transcends time and continues to influence individuals and societies long after it is written. Here are some ways in which literature leaves a lasting impression:

Cultural Legacy:

Literary works become part of a society’s cultural legacy. They shape and reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular era or community. Classic works of literature, such as Shakespeare’s plays or the novels of Jane Austen, continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated, preserving their impact across generations.

Influence on Other Art Forms:

Literature has a profound influence on other art forms, such as film, theater, music, and visual arts. Many famous literary works have been adapted into films or stage productions, reaching new audiences and extending their influence beyond the written word. Artists and musicians often draw inspiration from literary themes, characters, and narratives, further amplifying their impact.

Shaping Worldviews:

Literature has the power to shape and challenge worldviews. Through stories, ideas, and perspectives presented in literary works, readers are exposed to different cultures, experiences, and ideologies. This exposure fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and encourages critical thinking, ultimately influencing how individuals perceive and understand the world around them.

Inspirational Source:

Literature serves as an inspirational source for individuals in various fields. Writers, artists, scientists, and thinkers often draw inspiration from the works of literary giants who have explored the depths of human emotions, grappled with existential questions, or challenged societal norms. Literature provides a wellspring of ideas and creativity that continues to fuel innovation and intellectual discourse.

Social and Political Change:

Literature has played a significant role in driving social and political change throughout history. Many literary works have addressed pressing social issues, advocated for human rights, and challenged oppressive systems. By shedding light on societal injustices and encouraging readers to question the status quo, literature has been instrumental in inspiring activism and fostering social progress.

Universal Themes and Human Experience:

Literature explores universal themes and the complexities of the human experience. Whether it’s love, loss, identity, or the pursuit of meaning, these themes resonate with readers across time and cultures. Literary works offer insights into the depths of human emotions, dilemmas, and aspirations, creating a shared understanding and connecting individuals across generations.

Intellectual and Personal Development:

Reading literature stimulates intellectual growth and personal development. It encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to empathize with diverse perspectives. Literary works challenge readers to reflect on their own lives, values, and beliefs, promoting self-discovery and personal growth.

Enduring Literary Characters:

Iconic literary characters have a lasting impact on popular culture and the collective imagination. Characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hamlet, or Elizabeth Bennet have become archetypes, influencing the portrayal of similar characters in other works and becoming a part of our cultural lexicon.

Preservation of History and Memory:

Literature plays a crucial role in preserving historical events, experiences, and cultural memories. Historical novels, memoirs, and eyewitness accounts provide valuable insights into past eras, allowing future generations to learn from and connect with the past.

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writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays.

the entire body of writings of a specific language, period, people, etc.: the literature of England.

the writings dealing with a particular subject: the literature of ornithology.

the profession of a writer or author.

literary work or production.

any kind of printed material, as circulars, leaflets, or handbills: literature describing company products.

Archaic . polite learning; literary culture; appreciation of letters and books.

Origin of literature

Synonym study for literature, other words from literature.

  • pre·lit·er·a·ture, noun

Words Nearby literature

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use literature in a sentence

If you want to understand the flamboyant family of objects that make up our solar system—from puny, sputtering comets to tremendous, ringed planets—you could start by immersing yourself in the technical terms that fill the scientific literature .

Poway Unified anticipates bringing forward two new courses – ethnic studies and ethnic literature – to the school board for review, said Christine Paik, a spokeswoman for the district.

The book she completed after that trip, Coming of Age in Samoa, published in 1928, would be hailed as a classic in the literature on sexuality and adolescence.

He also told Chemistry World he envisages the robots eventually being able to analyze the scientific literature to better guide their experiments.

Research also suggests that reading literature may help increase empathy and understanding of others’ experiences, potentially spurring better real-world behavior.

The research literature , too, asks these questions, and not without reason.

She wanted to know what happened over five years, or even 10, but the scientific literature had little to offer.

The religion shaped all facets of life: art, medicine, literature , and even dynastic politics.

Speaking of the literature you love, the Bloomsbury writers crop up in your collection repeatedly.

literature in the 14th century, Strohm points out, was an intimate, interactive affair.

All along the highways and by-paths of our literature we encounter much that pertains to this "queen of plants."

There cannot be many persons in the world who keep up with the whole range of musical literature as he does.

In early English literature there was at one time a tendency to ascribe to Solomon various proverbs not in the Bible.

He was deeply versed in Saxon literature and published a work on the antiquity of the English church.

Such unromantic literature as Acts of Parliament had not, it may be supposed, up to this, formed part of my mental pabulum.

British Dictionary definitions for literature

/ ( ˈlɪtərɪtʃə , ˈlɪtrɪ- ) /

written material such as poetry, novels, essays, etc, esp works of imagination characterized by excellence of style and expression and by themes of general or enduring interest

the body of written work of a particular culture or people : Scandinavian literature

written or printed matter of a particular type or on a particular subject : scientific literature ; the literature of the violin

printed material giving a particular type of information : sales literature

the art or profession of a writer

obsolete learning

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

La Classe du Littéraire

Explications de textes, biographies d'auteurs, méthodologie, grammaire … Tout pour le Bac de Français et les études littéraires.

Comment définir la littérature ?

Lorsque l’on étudie la littérature, pour la dissertation du bac de français , ou dans le cadre d’études de lettres, il est important de réfléchir à sa définition. Dans cet article, je vais vous expliquer l’histoire du mot et vous donner les clés pour définir la littérature en son sens moderne.

D’abord, un peu d’histoire :

Le mot « littérature » est un mot complexe, dont le sens a changé au fil des époques pour aboutir au mot polysémique et sujet à débats que nous connaissons. 

Origines du mot :

En latin,  littera, litterae  permettait de désigner les textes produits et conservés grâce à l’écrit. Ensuite, ce sens de « ensemble des textes  » s’est maintenu jusqu’au XVIIe siècle. On le retrouve parfois appliqué à certains secteurs spécifiques, comme lorsque l’on parle de « la littérature juridique » ou de « la littérature sur tel sujet ». 

Ce qui se rapprochait le plus alors de ce que l’on appelle maintenant « littérature », c’est la notion de «  Lettres  ». Elle était divisée en « Lettres saintes » pour les textes religieux, « Lettres savantes » pour les textes scientifiques et « Belles-Lettres » pour les textes littéraires.

Le classement des textes était différent de celui que nous connaissons aujourd’hui ; aussi, l’Histoire faisait-elle partie des « Belles-Lettres » au même titre que la poésie et l’éloquence. Le roman n’existait pas encore en tant que genre et oscillait entre poésie et histoire dans les premiers classements.

Évolution du sens :

Au XVIIIe siècle, après 1750, le mot commence à prendre son acception moderne . On peut le voir avec le titre de certaines publications de cette époque, par exemple :  De la littérature considérée dans ses rapports avec les institutions , Mme de Staël, 1800. Ici, « littérature » est à entendre en son sens moderne.

Pour bien percevoir cette évolution, il est intéressant de comparer les définitions de dictionnaires anciens. Le dictionnaire de l’académie française propose sur son site de constater l’évolution d’une définition au fil de ses éditions. Regardez ici la différence entre la 1ère édition de 1694 et la 5e édition .

Enfin, c’est au XIXe siècle que la littérature affirme pleinement son sens actuel . Notamment grâce aux nombreuses réflexions et théories sur l’art et sur le roman qui se développent sous l’influence des  réalistes  et  naturalistes .

Au XXe siècle, des auteurs comme Michel Butor ou encore Nathalie Saraute mettent en cause la littérature, en particulier ses aspects “narratifs” et “engagés”. C’est ici que nait le «  nouveau roman  ».

Mais alors, la littérature, c’est quoi ?

Cette question ne cesse de faire débat et d’alimenter théories et critiques. Le dictionnaire « Le Robert » la définit comme suit : « Les œuvres écrites, dans la mesure où elles portent la marque de préoccupations esthétiques ; connaissances, activités qui s’y rapportent. » 

Pour en donner une première ébauche de définition qu’il conviendra de nuancer, on peut donc dire que : la littérature rassemble l’ensemble des productions écrites qui prêtent une attention particulière à leurs qualités esthétiques .

Ainsi, un mode d’emploi est bien une production écrite, mais il ne revendique aucune prétention esthétique, donc ce n’est pas de la littérature.

Pistes d’approfondissement :

Cependant, il est un peu plus complexe de vraiment définir la littérature. Certains la lient directement à la perception qu’en a la société .

Par exemple : personne ne reconnait un mode d’emploi comme étant de la littérature, donc un mode d’emploi n’est pas littéraire. Cependant, si suffisamment de critiques et/ou professeur considéraient ce mode d’emploi comme littéraire, il pourrait prétendre au titre de texte littéraire.

Ainsi, le célèbre critique Roland Barthes affirme-t-il que : «  la littérature, c’est ce qui s’enseigne sous ce nom  ». On comprend bien ici que le temps, l’enseignement et les institutions jouent un rôle décisif pour qu’un ouvrage puisse prétendre à l’étiquette de « littérature ».

Quelles sont les caractéristiques d’un texte littéraire ?

Pour essayer de définir la littérature de manière plus précise, on peut donc utiliser plusieurs critères : 

  • La littérature a une composante sociale nécessaire. En effet, un texte doit être lu par d’autres personnes que son auteur pour pouvoir être considéré comme littéraire.
  • La littérature varie nécessairement selon les époques, en fonction des moyens techniques, des goûts et des modes. En effet, la littérature n’est pas la même avant et après l’invention de l’imprimerie, de même que le goût du public change quand le peuple apprend à lire.
  • La littérature se construit par l’intermédiaire des débats sur sa définition et sur l’art en général. En effet, les auteurs la font évoluer pour s’approcher au maximum de la définition qu’ils en ont. Cela explique en partie l’apparition régulière de nouveaux genres littéraires.
  • La littérature implique un travail de la forme . En effet, une œuvre littéraire peut avoir une visée argumentative ou informative, mais elle accompagne toujours cette visée par une attention particulière au style et à la forme.
  • La littérature s’adresse à tous , à toutes les époques. Ce caractère aléatoire lui confère une universalité qui lui est propre. Même si l’auteur écrit plutôt pour les personnes qui vivent à son époque, il est souvent lu longtemps après sa mort.

Conclusion :

La littérature est un terme vivant et par conséquent difficile à définir . Sa définition a varié à travers les siècles : la littérature a d’abord désigné l’ensemble des textes écrits , puis s’est restreinte au sens de textes ayant une visée esthétique .

Mais sa définition fait encore débat et n’est pas fixée. On peut cependant retenir que la littérature désigne un texte qui cherche à remporter l’adhésion du lecteur (qu’il ressente ce que l’auteur veut faire ressentir, ou qu’il rejoigne sa thèse, ou qu’il apprenne ce qu’il veut lui apprendre) en portant une attention toute particulière au style et à la forme .

Article similaire : Comment analyser un texte en français ?

Quelques citations à méditer :

definition la literature

“La littérature ne change ni l’homme ni la société. Pour autant, l’absence de littérature rendrait l’homme encore plus infréquentable.” Tahar Ben Jellou n

“Ce sont les critiques qui font la littérature.” Jacques Chardonn e

“En littérature, le plus sûr moyen d’avoir raison, c’est d’être mort.” Victor Hugo

“La littérature ne permet pas de marcher, mais elle permet de respirer.” Roland Barthes

“La littérature est parfaitement inutile : sa seule utilité est qu’elle aide à vivre.” Claude Roy

Sources : Le dictionnaire du littéraire, Paul Aron, Denis Saint-Jacques, Alain Viala ; Site Magister ; Site Wikipedia

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Definition of Literature

What is literature (definition of literature by celebrated authors).

What is literature

The word ‘ Literature’   is a modified form of a Latin word ( literra, litteratura or litteratus)  that means: ‘ writing formed with letters’ . Let us look at what is literature according to definitions by different celebrated literary personalities.

Literature can be any written work, but it is especially an artistic or intellectual work of writing. It is one of the fine arts, like painting, dance, music, etc. which provides aesthetic pleasure to the readers. It differs from other written works by only its one additional trait: that is aesthetic beauty. If a written work lacks aesthetic beauty and serves only utilitarian purpose, it is not literature. The entire genre like poetry, drama, or prose is a blend of intellectual works and has an aesthetic beauty of that work. When there is no any aesthetic beauty in any written work that is not pure literature.

Definition of Literature According to Different Writers

  Throughout the history of English literature , many of the great writers have defined it and expressed its meaning in their own way. Here are the few famous definitions of literature by timeless celebrated authors.

Virginia Woolf :   Virginia defined literature in a perfect way. “Literature is strewn with the wreckage of those who have minded beyond reason the opinion of others.”

Ezra Pound :  “Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.”

Alfred North Whitehead :  “It is in literature that the concrete outlook of humanity receives its expression.”

Henry James :  “It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature.”

Lewis :  “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.”

Oscar Wilde :  “Literature always anticipates life. It does not copy it but moulds it to its purpose. The nineteenth century, as we know it, is largely an invention of Balzac.”

Chesterton :  “Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.”

Forster: The definition of literature by Forster is much interesting. “What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote”.

All the these definitions of literature by great writers represent different aspects of it, and shows that in how many ways it can be effective.

Literature: A Depiction of Society

It might sound strange that  what is literature’s  relation with a society could be. However, literature is an integral part of any society and has a profound effect on ways and thinking of people of that society. Actually, society is the only subject matter of literature. It literally shapes a society and its beliefs. Students, who study literature , grow up to be the future of a country. Hence, it has an impact on a society and it moulds it.

According to different definitions of literature by authors, it literally does the depiction of society; therefore, we call it ‘ mirror of   society’ . Writers use it effectively to point out the ill aspects of society that improve them. They also use it to highlight the positive aspects of a society to promote more goodwill in society.

The  essays   in literature often call out on the problems in a country and suggest solutions for it. Producers make films and write novels, and short stories  to touch subjects like morals, mental illnesses, patriotism, etc. Through such writings, they relate all matters to society. Other genre can also present the picture of society. We should keep in mind that the picture illustrated by literature is not always true. Writers can present it to change the society in their own ways.

The Effects of Literature on a Society:

 The effects of literature on a society can be both positive and negative. Because of this, the famous philosophers Aristotle and Plato have different opinions about its effect on society.

Plato was the one who started the idea of written dialogue. He was a moralist, and he did not approve of poetry because he deemed it immoral. He considered poetry as based on false ideas whereas the basis of philosophy came from reality and truth. Plato claims that, “poetry inspires undesirable emotions in society. According to him, poetry should be censored from adults and children for fear of lasting detrimental consequences” (Leitch & McGowan). He further explains it by saying, “Children have no ability to know what emotions should be tempered and which should be expressed as certain expressed emotions can have lasting consequences later in life”. He says, “Strong emotions of every kind must be avoided, in fear of them spiraling out of control and creating irreparable damage” (Leitch & McGowan). However, he did not agree with the type of poetry and wanted that to be changed. ( read Plato’s attack on poetry )

Now Aristotle considers literature of all kinds to be an important part of children’s upbringing. Aristotle claims that, “poetry takes us closer to reality. He also mentioned in his writings that it teaches, warns, and shows us the consequences of bad deeds”. He was of the view that it is not necessary that poetry will arouse negative feelings. ( Read Aristotle’s defense of poetry )

Therefore, the relation of literature with society is of utter importance. It might have a few negative impacts, through guided studying which we can avoid. Overall, it is the best way of passing information to the next generation and integral to learning.

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COMMENTS

  1. Littérature

    La littérature est l'ensemble des œuvres écrites ou orales auxquelles on reconnaît une valeur esthétique 1 ; c'est un art exprimant un idéal de beauté. Grâce aux productions littéraires, elle permet de manifester des émotions et de révéler aux lecteurs ou aux auditeurs ce qu'une personne a dans le cœur.

  2. Définitions : littérature

    ensemble des écrits littéraires à vocation philosophique, morale, politique ou esthétique, reposant sur l'argumentation directe (essais, pamphlets, manifestes) ou indirecte (apologues, contes, fables, romans ou pièces à thèse, poésie engagée). Littérature orale, ensemble des légendes, des récits transmis par la tradition. Citations

  3. littérature

    1. Ensemble des œuvres écrites qui appartiennent, par leurs qualités durablement reconnues, au patrimoine d'un peuple, d'un pays, et de toute l'humanité. La littérature française, russe, chinoise. Les littératures anciennes. La littérature médiévale, moderne. Histoire de la littérature. Littérature comparée, voir Comparé.

  4. What is Young Adult Literature? || Definition and Examples

    Adult literature, on the other hand, is targeted at a more mature audience, typically 18 years and older, who are seeking narratives that reflect the challenges, experiences, and complexities of adulthood. Many books blur the lines between young adult and adult literature, and there is a wide range of reading preferences among readers of all ages.

  5. littérature

    Définition de littérature nom féminin. Les œuvres écrites, dans la mesure où elles portent la marque de préoccupations esthétiques ; connaissances, activités qui s'y rapportent. Œuvres littéraires. La littérature française, allemande. Le travail de l'écrivain. Ce qu'on trouve dans les œuvres littéraires et qui ne correspond pas ...

  6. Literature

    literature, a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution.

  7. Literature

    Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose, fiction, drama, poetry, and including both print and digital writing. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, also known as orature much of which has been transcribed.

  8. Literature Definition & Meaning

    literature noun lit· er· a· ture ˈli-tə-rə-ˌchu̇r ˈli-trə-ˌchu̇r, ˈli-tər-ˌchu̇r, ˈli-tə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r -ˌtu̇r 1 a (1) : writings in prose or verse especially : writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest literature stands related to man as science stands to nature J. H. Newman (2)

  9. 1.1: What is Literature?

    Literature is art, but with words. While the artist uses different colors, paintbrushes, mediums, canvases, and techniques, the writer uses different genres and literary techniques called literary devices. Just like different types of paint, paintbrushes, and artistic tools, there are literally hundreds of literary devices, but some of the most ...

  10. Literature

    Literature (from the Latin Littera meaning 'letters' and referring to an acquaintance with the written word) is the written work of a specific culture, sub-culture, religion, philosophy or the study of such written work which may appear in poetry or in prose. Literature, in the west, originated in the southern Mesopotamia region of Sumer (c. 3200) in the city of Uruk and flourished in Egypt ...

  11. Literature

    Search for: 'literature' in Oxford Reference ». A body of written works related by subject-matter (e.g. the literature of computing), by language or place of origin (e.g. Russian literature), or by prevailing cultural standards of merit. In this last sense, 'literature' is taken to include oral, dramatic, and broadcast compositions that ...

  12. LITERATURE

    noun [ U ] uk / ˈlɪt.rə.tʃə r/ us / ˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ə.tʃɚ / literature noun [U] (WRITING) Add to word list B1 written artistic works, especially those with a high and lasting artistic value: classical / modern literature "Wuthering Heights" is a classic of English literature. Fewer examples He's very knowledgeable about German literature.

  13. What Literature Can Teach Us

    Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material. Derived from the Latin word literature meaning "writing formed with letters," literature most commonly refers to works of the creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some instances, journalism, and song. What Is Literature?

  14. 2.1: Defining Literature

    Definition. Major Forms. Poetry. Prose. Drama. Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin litaritura/litteratura "writing formed with letters," although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit.

  15. What is Literature? || Definition & Examples

    1. a quality of invention or inventiveness in the text itself; 2. the reader's sense that what they are reading is singular. In other words, the unique vision of the writer herself. 3. a sense of 'otherness' that pushes the reader to see the world around them in a new way

  16. literature noun

    /ˈlɪtrətʃə (r)/ /ˈlɪtrətʃər/, /ˈlɪtrətʃʊr/ [uncountable] pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers, magazines, etc.) English/American/French literature children's literature great works of literature

  17. Defining Literature

    Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work.Etymologically, the term derives from Latin litaritura/litteratura "writing formed with letters," although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit. Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose.

  18. 1

    For this purpose definitions of literature may be divided, without remainder, into the descriptive and the honorific; the honorific being those which refer to value or quality, and the descriptive those which do not. In an age when the natural sciences are in such high repute it is usual to look first for a descriptive definition since this, it ...

  19. LITERATURE

    LITERATURE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary Meaning of literature in English literature noun [ U ] us / ˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ə.tʃɚ / uk / ˈlɪt.rə.tʃə r/ literature noun [U] (WRITING) Add to word list B1 written artistic works, especially those with a high and lasting artistic value: classical / modern literature

  20. What is Literature

    Literature refers to written works of imaginative, artistic, or intellectual value, typically characterized by the use of language to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences. It encompasses various forms of written expression, such as novels, poems, plays, essays, short stories, and other literary works. History of Literature

  21. LITERATURE Definition & Usage Examples

    In the broadest sense, literature includes any type of writings on any subject: the literature of medicine; usually, however, it means the body of artistic writings of a country or period that are characterized by beauty of expression and form and by universality of intellectual and emotional appeal: English literature of the 16th century.

  22. Comment définir la littérature

    La littérature est un terme vivant et par conséquent difficile à définir. Sa définition a varié à travers les siècles : la littérature a d'abord désigné l'ensemble des textes écrits, puis s'est restreinte au sens de textes ayant une visée esthétique. Mais sa définition fait encore débat et n'est pas fixée.

  23. Definition of Literature

    The word 'Literature' is a modified form of a Latin word (literra, litteratura or litteratus) that means: 'writing formed with letters'. Let us look at what is literature according to definitions by different celebrated literary personalities. Literature can be any written work, but it is especially an artistic or intellectual work of writing.

  24. What Is Literature?, by Arthur Krystal

    It became literature rather than poetry." What Ross and other historians of literature credibly maintain is that the literary canon was largely an Augustan invention evolving from la querelle des Anciens et des Modernes, which pitted cutting-edge seventeenth-century authors against the Greek and Latin poets. Because a canon of vastly superior ...