What makes great literature?

The greatest value of literature is the emotion that is brought forth to the reader.  Literature also is the starting point to creating other forms of art.  Stories are constantly being edited to create movies, plays, and songs.  Literature gives the reader the opportunity to feel emotions that may be new to them.  I also need to say that these valuable emotions aren't always positive.  There is great value to literature that brings forth sadness, anger, jealousy, or any other instance of self-reflection.  The power of words and the poetic way these words are brought together have changed mindsets and lives.  Human beings are the happiest when they feel they are not alone, regardless of what peril they find themselves against.  Being from a small town (like myself), finding someone you can relate to is not always quick or easy, but I guarantee that I can turn to literature and find in writing something that is relevant to my own experiences.