Literature refers to written or oral works that convey ideas, emotions, stories, or information. It encompasses various forms such as novels, poems, plays, essays etc., serving as a reflection of society's values and beliefs.
Related terms
Poetry: Poetry is a form of literary expression that often utilizes rhythm and imagery to convey emotions or depict scenes. Examples include haiku poems from Japan or sonnets from Shakespeare.
Prose: Prose refers to ordinary writing without any specific poetic structure. Novels and essays are typical examples of prose.
Oral Tradition: Oral tradition involves passing down stories or knowledge through spoken words rather than written texts. This was prevalent in many ancient civilizations before widespread literacy.