Can T Fanfiction Be Labeled Literature?

Literature has been an art form that spans from novels to poetry, and prose. It is no stranger, how influential literature is to our society, with many films, plays, and other creative outlets being inspired by their written counter parts. Literature is an outlet, an art form that allows writers to put their thoughts into print form for other to read. However, another form of writing, which has been around for quite awhile, but is just now being noticed, is taking the writing field by storm. Established literature, and even television shows, and movies, are inspiring writers to crate prose based on established characters. This writing is called fanfiction and many dispute whether or not fanfiction worthy to be considered literature or not.

To put the word in perspective, the dictionary definition of literature is “writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays.” Fanfiction is not published, and as such, cannot be labeled as literature without changing the known definition of literature. Even then, literature is not simply a simple written story, it has many mechanics that are necessary in order for it to be labeled

As society grows and changes with technology, the way society views things and concepts changes as well. However, though fanfiction may or may not ever be considered literature, it is a fact that it is writing created by writers who put in effort into creating said writing. Fanfiction tells a story and holds the same amount of creativity as an official novel, even if it may not be completely original content. It is people’s right to label things as they see fit, and if some believe that fanfiction meets all the requirements to be considered literature, it is in that creative mindset that that view point should be given a chance. Literature is a broad term, but in the means of creative writing, all writing does the same, published, critically acclaimed, or not. Writing has the purpose in inciting thought in its reader and conveying a general theme. Why should a definition affect that