The nature of literature

1.) Literature as the 'foregrounding' of language:

Shakespeare's Writing. 

I always remember in high school that we couldn't read Shakespeare without first talking about the way that he wrote and how he not only rhymed what he wrote but also with iambic pentameter. 

2.) Literature as the Integration of Language:

She sells sea-shells on the sea-shore.
The shells she sells are sea-shells, I'm sure.
For if she sells sea-shells on the sea-shore
Then I'm sure she sells sea-shore shells.

This tongue twister calls attention to itself and is very hard to say. 

3.) Literature as Fiction:

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter books are fictional and the events and story all happen in a make believe world. Many people who read these books try and interpret them different ways. Each person takes something different and views the book in their own individual way.

4.) Literature as Aesthetic Object:

Les Miserables
The broadway play and movie are incredible. It was so powerful that it brought me to tears (something that rarely if ever happens). While I have never read the book, I am sure it is even better than the play and movie. 

5.) Literature as Intertextual or Self-reflexive Construct:
Wicked

This broadway play was only made possible by the previous story of The Wizard of Oz. Wicked plays off of the story line and is the story behind The Wizard of Oz. It gives the audience a new perspective on who all of the characters are and what their previous lives were like before Dorothy was introduced to them.