Critical reading and the analysis of works of literature make exciting intellectual work! Yet we often forget to pause and ask ourselves, what do we consider to be “literature” – how is it defined – or should it be defined? (And! does that definition shift over time, or must it remain an Aristotelian absolute?)

For this discussion, we will visit the Discussion Board three times. 

First

Please think about pieces of writing (whether those are novels, epic poems, plays, screenplays, short stories, song lyrics, or any other source of writing that has struck you for its beauty or genius), and post

an initial reply due by Sunday, 2/27/22, at 11:59 p.m.

• Tell us what piece of literature you’ve chosen, and 
• Three rules that it follows or exhibits that you believe are essential criteria for naming something “literature.” 
• Place the three rules in bullet point format.

Second

By Wednesday, 3/2/22, Reply to at least two peers in which you 

• Add to their three “rules” or criteria,
• And argue against (or for refinement of) one or more of their three “rules” or criteria 

Third

By Saturday, 3/5/22, post a “Final Response” beneath your original with its threaded replies, where you

• Demonstrate (by your conclusion as to a solid set of criteria for defining literature) that you have read the whole Discussion Board and all the replies you specifically received.

Follow the rules of Netiquette or lose points!

For my writing, I chose Homer’s fiction/poetry work “The Odyssey.” There are three standards that this poem adheres to, which I feel are necessary requirements for designating