Literature is not merely a library of books, but a miraculous collection produced by writers set out to seek the truth and tell their tale. What separates Great Literature from the rest lies in the interpretation. It reaches new levels and cross borders no one has crossed before. The main body of literary works as we know them dates to the Greeks and Romans. They had produced epic works that withstand the test of time. Even the 21st century readers will find something fresh and worthy of thought. Writing that becomes timeless, crisp and perfected in its form, provides the basis of what we would describe as Great Literature. .
Great Literature teaches, it prods, it probes, it evokes ones emotions, and at the very least ones thought. Great Literature does not necessarily need to be related to weighty subjects such as religion, philosophy or history, it can be from everyday life. J.D. Salinger's, Catcher in the Rye is a prime example. It is a piece all too- over- analyzed but there, lies its strength. The fact that is has become "over-analyzed" belies the fact that it has prodded many people to think and respond. It is a work filled with truth and growth and still holds interest, and remains current for high school readers some fifty years later. At one time this piece and many others were found unreadable or not understandable. But people have evolved; we have a new understanding of humanity with these works. A new level of insight has emerged, and a new respect for the writer as well. For in every piece of Great Literature there is a bit of the writer actually in it; may it be a character , an emotion or a place.
Great Literature is a key to many doors. It unlocks portals to different times, different cultures, different societies and people. It transports us from where we are, to new and different horizons of thought and experience. Great Literature brings tears, joy, anger and sheer happiness.