Western literature refers to the body of written works produced in the Western world, primarily in Europe and the Americas. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, and prose, and has evolved over centuries. Key periods include Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Modern Era, each contributing unique styles and themes. Notable authors such as Homer, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen have shaped Western literary traditions. Themes often explore human experience, morality, and society, reflecting cultural values and historical contexts. Western literature continues to influence global literature and thought today.