What is Literature 2

Defining literature is a hard task. Many people know what it is but are unable to explain it. Brian Moon defines literature as: "A shifting category of texts defined by a complex combination of factors including textual features and value judgements." Literature is language that portrays certain qualities. These qualities are: an impact on the audience, a good use of the resource of language and the style used by the author, which should appeal to …

…a value judgement or strong meaning. It features well crafted, descriptive, metaphorical language and is written in a form that will appeal to the reader. To enjoy a text and therefore define it as Literature. It has to be written in according to our culture and values. If a work is considered a classic, timeless piece it will be entered in the literary canon. Literature is and always will be an asset in one's culture.