Question

what is literature?

Answer 1

Literature (from Latin litterae (plural).
see here http://www.definitions.net/definition/literature
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature

has many definition :))

Answer 2

literature |ˈlit(ə)rəCHər, -ˌCHo͝or, -ˌt(y)o͝or|
noun
written works, esp. those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit: a great work of literature.
• books and writings published on a particular subject: the literature on environmental epidemiology.
• leaflets and other printed matter used to advertise products or give advice.
ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘knowledge of books’): via French from Latin litteratura, from littera (see letter) .

Answer 3

what are the new contemporary theories in literature?