What makes a piece of literature good literature?

Answer 1

Are you talking good literature or canonical literature?

Canonical literature includes the things most people think of as "classics"; these are books which may not necessarily be "picked" by the average person as great books, but instead have been the subject of scholarly discussion. This doesn't mean the average person *wouldn't* pick these--the majority of books in canonical literature were popular in their day (Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde to name a few). Others, however, were only chosen by scholars (#1 example being Moby Dick, which was a failure during Melville's lifetime and was only later dug up for scholarly works). Canonical literature is therefore...sort of random and subject to whim.

As for good literature...it's hard to say. On one hand, I'd like to say that it's something a number of people have agreed upon as good literature; but to that I'd add the caveat of outstanding writing. Would most people call The DaVinci Code a good book? Quite possibly. Was the writing good? No, it's awful, but it's still an enjoyable read. (Still, I'm never one to dismiss "popular books" as bad...again, the majority of what we consider classics were popular books, and most are that way for a reason.)

Answer 2

What Makes Good Literature

Answer 3

Hi there, I don't have my PhD yet, but I'm in the final stages of my studies, if that counts... Anyway, my two cents: A great piece of literature (prose)... - uses elaborate language or language appropriate to theme or character (cf. The Color Purple or The Sound and the Fury) - has detailed, well-rounded characters that show a development in the course of the text - uses cultural sources (at least implicitly), such as the cultural heritage of a character or allusions to other texts (intertextuality) - adds something new to the field of literature (an original plot or character, interesting combination of thoughts, original literary devices etc.) I think this is everything... although I have the nagging feeling that I forgot something. Hmmm. Cheers S

Answer 4

It depends on the reader and the writer's unique style, but generally I'd say good grammar is a must, as well as a large vocabulary, without overdoing it with the 'fanceh' words. xD There should be feeling in the descriptions, good description, dialogue, character development (that means no PERFECT CHARACTERS!!!), a good beginning and ending and it has to be kept interesting without trailing off the point. And there should also be that something that makes the story that bit more special. =D

Answer 5

Good question.
This is one I make my students discuss all school year.

I personally think literature is good when -- it is accessible to many different readers (such as it is as appealing to a teenager as it is too someone who is middle aged, it is appealing to people from differernt cultures); when it makes a statement about society; when it causes discussions; when it causes the reader to think or better yet react; when it gives the reader insight/experience he or she might not otherwise be able to attain.
Or
Literature can be classified as good if you enjoy it.

Answer 6

I'm not sure if this what you mean.... But i read a book i think it was called MEN are like mice. It was on the best list for a while.
It was about CHANGE and how some don't like it. and others seem to adapt and move on. You could use it in a lose of a relationship or in business. Some corporations have used this.
I know their is a book 2.

Answer 7

The Test of Time!

Will it be Read, Remembered, and Relevant in the Future (10, 50, 100+ years from now...) ?

Answer 8

One that can stand the test of time,
One that have deep impact on the readers,
Messages that the author/poet/playwright are trying to convey...

Answer 9

When it stands the test of time and become classic, and it still reflects the society or human condition.

Answer 10

Great character development and addictive plot.