Here's a breakdown of what non-literature might encompass:
1. Lack of Artistic or Literary Merit:
* This includes texts that are primarily functional, informative, or instructional, lacking the artistic elements typically associated with literature. Examples:
* Technical manuals
* Newspaper articles
* Scientific reports
* Textbooks
* Legal documents
2. Lack of Literary Conventions:
* Non-literary texts might not adhere to the conventions of storytelling, character development, plot structure, theme, or figurative language. Examples:
* Shopping lists
* Emails
* Letters
* Social media posts
* Advertisements
3. Subjective Categorization:
* The definition of non-literature can be subjective and depend on individual perspectives and cultural contexts. What one person considers "non-literature" might be considered "literature" by someone else.
4. Evolution of the Definition:
* The line between literature and non-literature is constantly evolving. Genres like graphic novels, fanfiction, and online storytelling blur the traditional boundaries.
It's important to remember that:
* There's no definitive, universally accepted definition of "non-literature."
* The term is often used for convenience, but it can be misleading as it implies that certain texts lack value or significance.
Instead of focusing on what is "non-literature," it's more productive to consider the various categories of writing and the reasons why some texts are studied and appreciated for their literary merit.