Today, literature is often defined as written or spoken works that exhibit artistic qualities, linguistic craftsmanship, and convey ideas, emotions, or themes of universal relevance. literature, a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. Defining Literature Literature encompasses a wide range of written work, spanning various genres and forms, including fiction and non-fiction, prose, and poetry. It is a form of art that has evolved, reflecting the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which it was created. Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Fiction is any literary work based on imagination, including novels, short stories, and plays. These works often contain imaginary characters and events created by the author to convey a ... Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit. Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose. It can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and ...