1. A collection of written works: This is the most common meaning of "portfolio" in literature. It refers to a selection of a writer's published or unpublished works, often used for showcasing their skills and abilities to potential employers, publishers, or agents.
* Example: "The aspiring novelist submitted a portfolio of short stories and excerpts from her novel to the literary agency."
2. A collection of works by a particular author or group of authors: This meaning is often used when discussing collections of works by authors with a common theme, style, or period.
* Example: "The museum's collection includes a portfolio of early 20th-century American poetry."
3. A specific collection of works associated with a literary movement or genre: This meaning is less common but still relevant in certain contexts.
* Example: "The Romantic poetry portfolio explored themes of nature, imagination, and emotion."
4. A collection of works that a student creates as part of their course or program: This is a more educational context.
* Example: "The students presented their creative writing portfolios for the final assessment."
In all these cases, the common thread is that a literary portfolio is a curated collection of written work that represents the writer's style, skills, and ideas. It serves as a showcase of their literary abilities and is often used for professional or educational purposes.