There are many definitions of literature, because it could be intended in different ways. For me literature is the form of expression that uses the words as a means of expression. It has several purposes. What I consider most important is to convey the emotion from the author to the reader.
A reader can make up his own idea but not in a free way. He must support his idea by references to the text. To read and understand and appreciate a text which is not contemporary, we have to think like we were in that time because are values and knowledge are not the same as the ones of the readers of that time.
The text is made up of the grammar, the language, the uses of image and so on. A text is only ink stain on a paper, we could say, so the argument that the meaning is ‘in' the text is not a convincing one.
The meaning exists when it means something to someone and art is composed in order to arouse emotions and responses in the reader.
For me, literature is a way to break down the walls we have around us. The walls built by who don't want we express. An author demolishes the walls prevent him from seeing over them, and in the same time he puts another brick in his/her wall.