What is Literature?

Throughout the past decades the definition of literature has expanded.  As technology advances in society, literature has evolved from being basic traditional novels into more advanced forms such as blogs or comics.  In Alan Moore’s graphic novel “Light of Thy Countenance”, he exemplifies the new form of literature that has emerged in society.  With such advanced technology, writers have the opportunity to take their basic literature and present it in a whole new manner.  Even though this novel breaks societies stereotype of traditional literature, “Light of Thy Countenance” still is seen as literature from my point of view because it tells a story within the comic and texts.  Take away the pictures and the format of the comic book; “Light of Thy Countenance” would be “traditional literature”.

In Alan Moore’s “Light of Thy Countenance” his creatively incorporates the idea of how new media and society is taking of individuals lives.  He writes from the narrator of the television,” I am the only pure true relationship that you will ever know.”  Ironically this story is showing how technology is taking away from the way we should live our lives and destroying personal relationship within our daily lives. 

If one looks at examples such as “The 21 Steps” story; the author presents his literature through texts in Google Earth.  Many traditionalists might find such a story to be a disgrace to literature, but I find it to be a very intellectual advancement that adds to the beauty and creativity of literature.  Literature is unique in many ways because there are so many different forms and types of literature.  Naming texts and writing literature is very controversial and cannot really be done because it’s a personal opinion.  As technology arises and new media begins to take over more and more the older generation might not understand the advancements that are taking place.