When I think of literature I think of readings that I read that were both fiction and non-fiction. As a child I read Dr. Suess books, and now that I'm older I have read literature such as Wordsworth. I think that literature is thoughts and emotions put into words that allows individuals to think deeply.

In Terry Eagleton's "What is Literature" he states that literature is fact or fiction, historical, artistic, creative, and imaginative. I agree with this. I think that literature is both fact and fiction because the bible is of truth where comic books and most children books are fiction. I don't agree with Plato on his notion of truth. Literature is artistic because it is a collection of thoughts or expressions of ideas in a form that may be interpreted by others. It can also be from one's life experiences. Literature is also historical because it can be a contributing factor to personal growth. Literature in the historical outlook can enlight one's history of culture from past all the way to the present. I think that literature is both creative and imaginative because when I read funny, sad, serious, difficult, mysterious, and adventurous literature, I let my mind run wild. I create my own interpretation and picture of what is going on beyond the words written down. I don't believe that there is a standard to literature.

I think that if all literature was to be truthful, that there would be very few enjoyable stories out there. Even Eagleton states that there are many forms of literature. These are essay, poem, speech, and play. Do all we want is truth? I know for sure that I don't. I think that all kinds of literature makes one a well-rounded individual in both spirit and mind.