Literature vs. Letters — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Literature encompasses a wide range of written works with artistic value; letters are personal written communications between individuals.
Difference Between Literature and Letters
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Literature refers to written works regarded for their artistic or intellectual value, spanning genres like fiction, poetry, and drama. On the other hand, letters are personal communications written from one individual to another, often private and informal in nature.
While literature often aims to explore universal themes, express emotions, or reflect on human experiences through various forms and styles, letters typically focus on exchanging news, resolving personal matters, or maintaining relationships.
Authors of literature might seek to influence or engage a broad audience, using complex narratives and developed characters. In contrast, letters are directed at specific individuals, tailored to personal contexts and immediate concerns.
Literature is intended for public consumption and is often published and studied. Whereas letters are usually intended for private use, though historically significant letters can be collected and published.
The language in literature can be highly stylized, employing various literary devices and formal structures. Letters, however, tend to use straightforward, conversational language that mirrors everyday speech.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Artistic expression, entertainment, reflection
Personal communication, information exchange
Audience
General public
Specific individuals
Formality
Often formal and stylized
Generally informal and direct
Preservation
Intended for publication and study
Primarily private, unless of historical value
Language
Uses literary devices, diverse styles
Straightforward, conversational
Compare with Definitions
Literature
The profession or art of a writer.
Her place in literature is secure.
Letters
Scholarly attainment.
He is a man of letters.
Literature
Often studied for its thematic depth and stylistic techniques.
His literature class analyzed the symbolism in The Great Gatsby.
Letters
The literary culture.
This book shows American letters at its best.
Literature
The humanistic study of a body of literature.
He took a course in Russian lit.
Letters
Written communications addressed from one person to another.
Sam wrote a letter to his sister sharing his travel experiences.
Literature
Artistic written works intended for contemplation or enjoyment.
Jane enjoys the complex characters and themes found in classical literature.
Letters
Can be casual or formal, but are always direct.
Lisa's letter to her landlord formally requested necessary home repairs.
Literature
Literature broadly is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, much of which has been transcribed.
Letters
A written symbol or character representing a speech sound and being a component of an alphabet.
Literature
Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit
A great work of literature
Letters
A written symbol or character used in the graphemic representation of a word, such as the h in Thames. See Note at Thames.
Literature
The body of written works of a language, period, or culture.
Letters
A written or printed communication directed to a person or organization.
Literature
Imaginative or creative writing, especially of recognized artistic value
"Literature must be an analysis of experience and a synthesis of the findings into a unity" (Rebecca West).
Letters
Often letters A certified document granting rights to its bearer.
Literature
The art or occupation of a literary writer.
Letters
Literal meaning
Had to adhere to the letter of the law.
Literature
The body of written work produced by scholars or researchers in a given field
Medical literature.
Letters
Literary culture; belles-lettres.
Literature
Printed material
Collected all the available literature on the subject.
Letters
Learning or knowledge, especially of literature.
Literature
(Music) All the compositions of a certain kind or for a specific instrument or ensemble
The symphonic literature.
Letters
Literature or writing as a profession.
Literature
The body of all written works.
Letters
A piece of type that prints a single character.
Literature
The collected creative writing of a nation, people, group, or culture.
Letters
A specific style of type.
Literature
(usually preceded by the) All the papers, treatises, etc. published in academic journals on a particular subject.
Letters
The characters in one style of type.
Literature
Written fiction of a high standard.
However, even “literary” science fiction rarely qualifies as literature, because it treats characters as sets of traits rather than as fully realized human beings with unique life stories. —Adam Cadre, 2008
Letters
An emblem in the shape of the initial of a school awarded for outstanding performance, especially in varsity athletics.
Literature
Learning; acquaintance with letters or books.
Letters
To write letters on
Lettered the paper.
Literature
The collective body of literary productions, embracing the entire results of knowledge and fancy preserved in writing; also, the whole body of literary productions or writings upon a given subject, or in reference to a particular science or branch of knowledge, or of a given country or period; as, the literature of Biblical criticism; the literature of chemistry.
Letters
To write in letters
Lettered our name on the mailbox.
Literature
The class of writings distinguished for beauty of style or expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction from scientific treatises and works which contain positive knowledge; belles-lettres.
Letters
To write or form letters.
Literature
The occupation, profession, or business of doing literary work.
The origin of all positive science and philosophy, as well as of all literature and art, in the forms in which they exist in civilized Europe, must be traced to the Greeks.
Learning thy talent is, but mine is sense.
Some gentlemen, abounding in their university erudition, fill their sermons with philosophical terms.
Letters
To earn a school letter, as for outstanding athletic achievement
She lettered in three collegiate sports.
Literature
Creative writing of recognized artistic value
Letters
Plural of letter
Literature
Published writings in a particular style on a particular subject;
The technical literature
One aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature
Letters
Literature school subject.
Rickert was the first woman (and second individual) to be awarded a Ph.D. in English letters and philology with that academic honor at the University of Chicago.
Letters
The liberal arts, humanities, learning broad accumulated cultural knowledge.
Though architecture in ancient Rome was not generally considered to belong to the artes liberales, Vitruvius easily qualified as a man of letters because of his wide learning.
Common Curiosities
Can letters be considered literature?
Letters can be considered a form of literature when they offer significant artistic or historical value.
What are common forms of literature?
Common forms include novels, short stories, poems, and plays.
Can literature influence society?
Yes, literature can profoundly influence society by shaping opinions, reflecting cultural values, and sparking dialogue.
What is the primary purpose of a letter?
The primary purpose of a letter is personal communication, often informal and direct.
What defines literature?
Literature is defined by its artistic and intellectual value, often exploring themes of human experience.
What type of language is used in literature?
Literature often uses elevated, stylized language with various literary devices.
How do literature and letters differ in audience?
Literature is intended for a broad audience, while letters are written for specific individuals.
How is the language in letters typically?
The language in letters is usually straightforward and mirrors spoken language.
Are letters published like literature?
Letters are generally private; however, those of significant historical or literary value may be published.
What historical role have letters played?
Historically, letters have served as crucial tools for personal communication and documentation of events.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
