1. Artistic Purpose and Form:
* Aesthetic Value: Literature prioritizes beauty, creativity, and emotional impact, often employing artistic techniques like figurative language, symbolism, and imagery.
* Form and Structure: Literary works adhere to specific structures and conventions depending on the genre. This could involve rhyme, meter, chapters, acts, or other structural elements.
* Language: Literary works use language in a deliberate and artful way, often employing literary devices to create meaning and effect.
2. Exploration of Human Experience:
* Themes: Literature explores universal human themes such as love, loss, identity, power, and morality. It offers insights into the complexities of human life.
* Characters: Literary works feature memorable and relatable characters, allowing readers to explore different perspectives and experiences.
* Plot and Conflict: The narrative structure of literature often involves conflict, challenges, and growth, reflecting the human condition.
3. Purpose and Impact:
* Entertainment: Literature can be highly entertaining, offering enjoyment through engaging narratives and emotional resonance.
* Education and Insight: Literature can educate readers about different cultures, historical periods, and social issues. It can also provide intellectual stimulation and promote critical thinking.
* Cultural Significance: Literature often reflects and shapes the cultural values and beliefs of a society. It serves as a record of human history and experience.
4. Subjectivity and Interpretation:
* Multiple Meanings: Literary works often have multiple layers of meaning, allowing for diverse interpretations and individual responses.
* Authorial Intent: While authors have intentions, the meaning of a literary work is ultimately shaped by the reader's own experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.
* Ambiguity and Openness: Literature can be open-ended, leaving room for the reader to draw their own conclusions and make connections.
Important Note: There's no definitive checklist for "literary" works. Some works that might not be considered traditional literature, like popular fiction or even song lyrics, can still possess many of these features. Ultimately, what makes something "literary" is a matter of individual taste and critical judgment.