We frequently encounter the term literature, but what does it mean? When do we consider a book to be literature? Literature usually refers to books of exceptional quality and enduring influence. This article looks at some ways literature can be judged.
Defining Good Literature
Good literature is more than enjoyable stories and intriguing characters. Literature, as we usually use the term, to mean books of particular merit. While the qualities that define literature are varying and subjective, there are some generally accepted qualities that set some books apart from the rest.
Timelessness
The best literature transcends time. It encompasses themes, characters, and messages that resonate across generations. Although Shakespeare wrote his plays more than four centuries ago, they still strike a chord with audiences due to the universal themes they explore, like love, power, and betrayal.
Depth of Meaning
Good literature typically possesses layers of significance. It invites readers to delve into its essence—to contemplate and question its implications. Great books, according to C.S. Lewis “invite and reward additional readings.” Works of literary merit demand multiple readings that reveal deeper and more subtle meanings.
Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird is an example. On the surface, it tells the story of a little girl's sometimes humorous and sometimes harrowing experiences in a small southern town. At the same time, it also explores themes of social injustice, personal integrity and personal growth.
Emotional Resonance
Good literature often evokes powerful emotions and invites critical thinking. For instance, Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl" deeply touches readers with its honest and realistic portrayal of life during the Holocaust.
Quality of Writing
To be considered literature, a book must be well written.Works of literary merit exhibit original style and structure. Their authors are masters at putting words to work. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, a book in which nearly every sentence is a work of art, exemplifies this kind of craftsmanship.
Cultural Impact
Another quality of great literature is its impact or influence on society. Works like George Orwell's 1984, for example, raise important questions about the potentially malevolent and destructive power of government.
Universality and Relatability
Good literature often contains truths or experiences that resonate with people across different backgrounds and cultures. Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice addresses timeless themes of romance, independence, integrity and societal pressures–issues that remain relevant hundreds of years after its publication.
It's Not Science, Exactly
Assessing the quality of literature is not a science but rather a subjective matter that varies from person to person. However, certain factors such as enduring appeal, depth of storytelling, emotional resonance, skillful writing, cultural significance, and universality can help us recognize what elevates a book from merely good to truly great.
One of the aspects of literature is its ability to offer a voyage of exploration. Each book provides a unique perspective and encounter that enriches our lives. Therefore, when you embark on your reading adventure, consider these benchmarks.
