Literature vs. literature.

[lingeringviolet]

So sitting here reading one of the multitude of lame vampire novels that I can't keep my hands off of (except for Twilight, even I'm not that far gone) and I'm reminded of something my American Lit. II professor brought up last year. Is there a difference between literature and Literature (said with a snooty accent)? For example, are Harlequin romance novels considered Literature? Does it have to be Shakespeare or Joyce to be considered worthy of the title? If there is a line between them, where is it drawn?

My professor didn't have any answers and neither do I. Most of the students in my class said that cheap paperback romances are definitely not Literature and pretty much stuck their noses in the air but they couldn't define why. And now I've lost my train of thought after Poof decided she can has snuggles...NOW. (Plump kitty cuddling ftw.)


ETA: Ok fine, I admit it. I did in fact read the first book of the Twilight series last year and it does indeed suck just as much as everyone says it does.

Comments

[lingeringviolet.livejournal.com]

I've been wondering about it being a personal decision for every reader but then I think well what if so-and-so is really into graphic novels? Are they Literature? And then what if so-and-so-2 really likes reading comic strips and insurance brochures? (Don't ask, I'm still caffeinating.)

And as for Twilight, if it was billed as a young adult romance type thing, then fine. I can understand that. But it wasn't and I'm sorry but squeaky clean, knight-in-shining-armor vampire aren't vampires anymore. They're preteens with fake Halloween fangs. Do. Not. Want.

(*chants* the cabbage is in your head! the cabbage is in your head!*cue spooky synth music*)

[tree]

i don't think graphic novels or comics (or insurance brochures :P) fall under the rubric of literature, the same way that children's picture books don't. and i don't really think it's a personal decision, in the same way that what constitutes pornography is not really a personal decision. and yet it is equally difficult to determine an exact definition for both categories. and disagreement will always occur.