What Is Literature?

What is Literature? According to wiki.answers.com, literature is a term used to describe written or spoken material. The term is most commonly used to refer to words of the creative imagination including works of poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction. But in today’s society, there is a lot of question of what is literature and what is not literature. Literature evolves as society does and comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. May it be a novel, poetry, or even graffiti on a building, society expresses their thoughts in different ways. The only form that is not literature, is that of the unwritten. Many consider literature to be a conservative matter, expressed through symbolic themes, diction, etc. Literature is most commonly categorized in novels, essays, and poetry. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story and prime example of old fashion literature. The story’s premise back in the days of feminism is to portray how women were kept passive during their time of need. “...you see, he does not believe I am sick! And what can one do? If a physician of high standing, and one’s own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression - a slight hysterical tendency - what is one to do?” Gilman wanted the reader to understand how the main character was neglected and the affect it lead on her mindset. The symbolism, repetition, and sentence structure are all prime examples of classic literature. As time evolves, so does our definition of literature. The classification from novels, poetry, short stories, journals, increases to new platforms. It’s midday in Kansas City, MO. 60 degrees and the sky is overcast. The towering buildings overlook the shaded streets and the vibrant colors of the parked cars contrast the dirty gray streets, cluttered with trash. Walking down the sidewalk, you glance over your right shoulder and you see an old abandoned warehouse.