How did the meaning of literature develop?
The meaning of literature has experienced a long and complicated development process, which can be traced back to the narrative literature of ancient Greece and Rome. During the Middle Ages, literature was mainly concerned with religious and moral topics such as the Bible and Christian doctrines. During the Renaissance, literature began to focus on individual freedom and humanity, such as shakespeare's plays and Renaissance poetry. In the 18th and 19th centuries, literature began to emphasize science and rationality, such as the literature of the Enlightenment. In the 20th century, literature experienced two waves. The first was the rise of realism, and the second was the vigorous development of post-realism. 21st-century literature continues to focus on social and human issues, such as the theme of contemporary novels and poetry. The meaning of literature has changed in different periods and cultural backgrounds, and with the development and progress of technology, literature is also constantly innovative and developing.