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Which types of writing are most often considered literature?

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Antique book open to the frontispiece of The Iliad of Homer, showing the title and an engraved portrait of a bearded man, with old books in the background. — literature *The Iliad*, an epic of the Trojan War attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is considered a foundational work of Western literature.

Literature is traditionally associated with imaginative works of poetry and prose, such as novels, which are distinguished by the author's intent and the perceived aesthetic excellence of the work. While definitions vary, literature is generally considered a form of human expression that possesses artistic merit.12

The following types of writing are most often recognized as literature:

Poetry: Often considered the purest literary form, including lyric, elegiac, epic, and dramatic verse.2
Drama: Most great plays are classified as literature.2
Prose Fiction: Many novels are considered literature, though not all works of fiction achieve this status.2
Essays and Philosophy: Certain works of philosophy and essays, particularly those written with artistic intent, are frequently included.2
Personal Documents: Autobiographies, diaries, memoirs, and letters are often ranked among the world's greatest literature when they demonstrate depth, insight, and a polished style.2

Conversely, writings that are primarily informative—such as technical, scholarly, or journalistic texts—are often excluded, though some may achieve literary value.2