Ok I had 2 eng. questions, what makes a piece of writing literature, and the second was who decides what is literary or not? I got the first question, but no idea on the second one?? Is it publishers and scholarly peers or what?
Generally, scholars determine a work's literary merit. Publishers are primarily interested in making a profit, while scholars look at the quality of writing.
You're on the right track! The determination of what is considered literary or not usually involves the input of scholars, critics, and literary experts. These individuals assess the artistic and intellectual value of a particular piece of writing based on various criteria.
Scholars examine different aspects of a work such as its use of language, its depth of meaning, its exploration of themes, its stylistic techniques, and its literary devices. They analyze how effectively the writer conveys ideas, emotions, and character development and how the work relates to the cultural, social, and historical context in which it was written.
Additionally, scholars often consider the enduring impact and influence of a piece of writing. They evaluate whether it contributes something significant to the field of literature or pushes boundaries in terms of form, genre, or storytelling techniques.
While publishers do play a role in determining what gets published and distributed, their main consideration is usually commercial success. They prioritize works that they believe will sell well and generate profits. However, publishers may take into account the opinions of literary experts when making decisions about what to publish.
Ultimately, it is the collective wisdom of scholars and literary experts that helps shape our understanding of what is considered literature and what is not. However, it's important to note that literary opinions can vary, and what is deemed literary by one scholar may be viewed differently by another.