Is there a distinction that one can make with certainty? Literature is generally what has stood the test of time and can appeal to a number of people because of its inherent greatness, that transcends region, language, culture or genre.
The great epic poems of the world, the great tragedies of Shakespeare, the novels of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, the poetry of the Romantics, Neruda or Borges; any work of Literature that is still read, enjoyed and reflected upon, merits to be called Literature.
History and context also can contribute to what is called Literature. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, Martin Luther’s, I have a dream speech, have become milestones in the history of humankind, and though not exactly written works, merit to be called Literature for their stirring power and enduring relevance. Within a work of art what is Literature, and what is not cannot be determined arbitrarily because every utterance or statement is a part of the entire work, and stands its place as an intrinsic part of an indivisible whole. As an example the opening lines of Hamlet
‘Who’s there? Nay stop answer me’ read out of context may sound a little banal but within the context of the play, they are powerful and poignant, setting the tone for the gruesome, Gothic feel of the tragedy. Yet there are some lines which take on an iconic status regardless of their author or text and remain forever resonating.
“ When the stars threw down their spears
and watered heaven with their tears.”