Legal Definitions - literary composition

A literary composition refers to any original piece of writing that is the product of a person's intellectual effort, where words are intentionally arranged in a meaningful and structured way to convey ideas, information, or a story. It's more than just a collection of random words; it's a deliberate creation designed to communicate a specific message or artistic vision.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Published Novel

  Imagine a newly released novel, such as a historical fiction epic or a contemporary mystery. The author spent years developing the plot, crafting characters, and writing the narrative.

  This is a literary composition because it is an original expression of the author's imagination, requiring significant mental effort to create the story, dialogue, and descriptions. All of this is presented in written words, meticulously arranged in an intelligent and purposeful order across chapters and paragraphs to engage the reader and unfold the plot.

• Example 2: A Peer-Reviewed Research Paper

  Consider a scientific article published in an academic journal, detailing the results of a new study on climate change or a medical breakthrough.

  This qualifies as a literary composition because it presents original findings and analysis, requiring substantial mental effort in conducting research, interpreting data, and formulating arguments. The findings are communicated through written words, organized in a highly purposeful and intelligent order with sections like an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and discussion, all designed to clearly inform and persuade the scientific community.

• Example 3: A Play Script for a Theatrical Production

  Think about the complete written script for a new stage play, including all the dialogue, character descriptions, and stage directions.

  This is a literary composition because it represents an original creation by the playwright, demanding considerable mental effort to develop characters, construct the plot, write compelling dialogue, and envision the staging. The entire work is presented in written words, carefully arranged in a purposeful order of acts, scenes, and character lines, intended to be performed and understood by an audience.