What Is Literature

What is Literature?

What is Literature? The term literature derives from Latin meaning "letter". Therefore, it has to consist of some solid shape, as in letters or notes. Literature can occur in written as well as in oral form. In worlds history a tremendous amount of novels, poems, songs, ballads and other elements have been created. Nevertheless, human nature brings forth many different opinions and interpretations, regarding a single text. This is what makes literature so difficult to define. Where does literature start, where does it end? How does a piece of writing receive the status of being called literature? To me, literature is a collection of text, having a significant meaning to the reader and to the society it is written in. It offers the reader an escape into a fictive world, making him reflect on the context and teaching him a valuable lesson. This essay will examine the importance of reading pieces of literature and in doing so, explain which books and poems can be considered literary ones.

In starting, it is of great importance to determine the first thing required for any writing: "Originality". Every writer, who is today considered a creator of a piece of literature, was once able to reinvent the term literature itself, by adding on to it with his own thoughts and ideas. "Sir William Shakespeare" became as famous as he is today, because he revolutionized the term literature by using individual writing techniques and putting together words and phrases in his own way.

To understand what literature really is, it is important to find reasons for reading it. This will make clear what makes it stand out over other writings. There are several key elements, which, being combined, result in a "true piece of literature". One of literature's roles in life is to deliver new ideas and views of the world and how it works. It must make a reader reflect on social issues, on his feelings and on his beliefs. A book or a poem has to have a purpose, not just wanting to entertain. Many pieces of writing being read do not evoke any response out of us. We read it, might be amused or touched about certain passages, but still, in the end it leaves us "cold". Reading the book "The Lord of the Rings", I realized that the author J.R.R Tolkien intended to deliver a higher message to the reader. The story is not just about two hobbits destroying a ring and in doing so, experiencing a great amount of danger. The plot of the three books deals with matters like friendship, the fight between good and bad, and the belief that an individual can succeed against an almost invincible power. Those concerns will always be topical, no matter in what country of the world and no matter in what period of time. In a very creative way "Tolkien" creates a timeless world, challenging the reader to think about the content. Furthermore, he describes his characters, the nature and creatures in very elaborate ways, using words