Intrinsic Qualities:
* Artistic Merit: This often includes elements like:
* Imagination and creativity: Is the work original, engaging, and thought-provoking?
* Language and style: Does the writing exhibit skill, artistry, and deliberate choices?
* Structure and form: Does the work have a coherent and compelling structure?
* Theme and ideas: Does the work explore meaningful ideas or themes?
* Enduring Value: Does the work have the potential to resonate with readers across time and cultures?
* Literary Conventions: Does the work engage with literary conventions and traditions in a meaningful way?
Extrinsic Factors:
* Cultural Significance: Does the work contribute to or reflect a specific cultural context?
* Historical Context: Is the work considered influential in its time or does it offer valuable insight into its historical context?
* Critical Reception: Has the work been recognized and discussed by literary critics and scholars?
* Popularity and Influence: Has the work been widely read and admired?
It's important to note:
* There is no strict line: The boundary between "literature" and other forms of writing is often blurry.
* Subjectivity is involved: What one person considers literature may not be considered so by another.
* Context matters: The way we understand and value a work can change depending on the context in which we encounter it.
Ultimately, "literature" is a term that is used to describe a broad range of works that possess certain qualities that make them worthy of study and appreciation.