When thinking of the word "Literature," people often associate the phrase with any form of readable text. However, not all writing should be considered literature. Pieces of literature are to be defined as written works, especially those considered to have superior or lasting artistic merit. This definition is widely accepted... for the most part. However, calling one piece of writing or artwork superior to another isn't quite the right way to put it. This week in class, we really stressed the different forms of value a piece of writing may have. Literature, unlike commercial work, does not focus on monetary value. Part of the definition of literature reads: ...superior or lasting artistic merit. This part of the definition truly expresses what literature is. Literature is art, and is a type of writing that lasts an extended period of time. Take Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for example. Romeo and Juliet was written between 1594 and 1596, but even after centuries, the story of Romeo and Juliet still lives on throughout high school curriculum's and throughout Hollywood scripts. To me, a story that has the ability to be carried on year after year is what most would consider to be literature. It is the lasting artistic merit, and not all written work has this characteristic. Take The Fault in Our Stars, written by John Green, for example. Although this piece presents a brilliant and moving story, it's popularity shriveled only months after its film release.
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November 2017
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