Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material. Derived from the Latin word literature meaning “writing formed with letters,” literature most commonly refers to works of the creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some instances, journalism, and song. Simply put, literature represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The concept is difficult to precisely define, though many have tried; it’s clear that the accepted definition of literature is constantly changing and evolving.For many, the word literature suggests a higher art form; merely putting words on a page doesn’t necessarily equate to creating literature. A canon is the accepted body of works for a given author.
