HP on Sparknotes.com

[Cindy C.]

Steve wrote:

> By definition and in the sense that you are using it, literature 
>must have artistic merit, so the daily newspaper is not literature, 
>Time magazine is not literature. 

I have to admit that I haven't spent a great deal of time studying 
literature, but this statement did catch my eye.  I wouldn't 
characterize a typical article in a newspaper or magazine as 
literature.  I suppose that it is certainly possible for a newspaper 
or magazine to print something that is literature (New Yorker does 
this, IMO), but by and large, I always figured literature was 
something with lasting value.  Not something you haul to the curb on 
Thursdays.  ;-)

As for whether HP will be a classic and rise to my definition of 
literature, I don't know about that.  I enjoy the books, but I don't 
consider them especially Important (for lack of a better word).  
They always struck me as fun and interesting and imaginative 
children's books, and there's no shame in that.  

Maybe the acid test for me is whether people will ever quote HP -- 
you know, the way people quote established literature to make a 
point in a serious paper or a speech.  I've never seen anyone open a 
speech with a quote from HP, but I guess it could happen. <g>

Cindy -- wondering if George Bush will start ending his speeches 
with "Constant Vigilance!" <beg>