Mary Dawson<br>
Eng.214-<br>
What is Literature?<br>
8/26/97<p>
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To define "Literature" would be a difficult task without considering several points of view from many noted writers or scholars.  Keats states that Literature must be universal and meet the needs of both the ordinary and the intellectual reader.   Wordsworth thinks that the writer must meet the ordinary man where he or she is intellectually and it must be for a common purpose.  On the other hand, Poe says literature must meet the emotional needs of the reader.  Scholars try to include into the "Introduction of Literature" texts as many  popular pieces of what they consider classic and longstanding over the test of time.  Context of these texts include poetry, drama, and the essay.  Pieces of literature could be based on actual experiences of the writer or fiction.  Emphasis is on encouraging the students to get actively involved in thought and feeling as the work can be applied in their own actual experience in life.    Style and language is a vital part of whether or not a work will stand the test of time.  Does the piece flow easily if it is poetry or does the language of the writer entice the reader to become so encompassed he or she must continue reading?  The answer to this question is "yes" or the writer will not be successful in his or her endeavor to reach the reader by making him or her "one" with the work.  I know some would argue this combination of definitions is not a complete one, but most will agree that it is the core of longevity when analyzing what make some literature the best while other works are just good reads.     
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