Final answer:
Literature in modern times has expanded to include various forms such as novels, including those with popular appeal found in newsagents, and genres like science fiction and crime. The American literary culture flourished with advancements like the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Industrial Age. Debates on what constitutes literature are ongoing, with inclusion of digital forms like tweets and video games.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Literature Flourishing in Modern Times
The field of literature has seen vast changes in modern times, accommodating new forms and mediums that align with technological advancements and changing social landscapes.
The advent of the novel sparked an evolution in literature during the eighteenth century, creating a platform for storytelling that allowed a broader demographic of readers, including women, to interpret works without the mediation of male authorities. Authors such as Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson captivated audiences with this new form.
As technology further progressed and the demand for different types of reading experiences grew, the literary world expanded to include genres like the western, hospital romance, family chronicle, science fiction, and crime, available in various outlets, including newsagents and supermarkets.
This diversification illustrates literature's ability to adapt and remain relevant in the face of society's evolving entertainment needs.
A defining moment for American literature was the development of the American publishing industry, which saw an increase in homegrown literary production following technological and infrastructural advancements like the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Industrial Age, further enriching the literary culture.
Literature in the broadest sense includes not just traditional writings but also spoken or sung texts. The distinction of literature possessing literary merit often correlates with its adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations of genres.
This inclusivity has sparked debates about the boundaries of literature, questioning if tweets, memes, or video games qualify under this ever-evolving definition.