Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Literary tradition refers to the body of written works, genres, styles, themes, and techniques that have been passed down through generations. It encompasses the collective knowledge and artistic heritage of a particular culture or society.
Related terms
Canon: A collection of literary works considered to be important or influential within a specific time period or cultural context.
Oral Tradition: The transmission of stories, poems, or other forms of literature through spoken word rather than written text.
Intertextuality: The relationship between texts where one text references or influences another text in terms of themes, characters, or style.