Both popular literature and classic literature are literary works, but their definition and characteristics are different in different eras and cultural backgrounds. Generally speaking, popular literature referred to literary works that were easy to understand and targeted at a wide range of readers. They were usually entertaining, had simple plots, and had a common theme. The purpose of these works was usually to provide entertainment for the readers rather than to delve into complex social or human issues. Popular literature had a wide audience and did not require high cultural attainments and professional knowledge. Classic literature referred to works that had been tested for a long time, were widely recognized, and had profound thoughts and artistic value. The purpose of these works was usually to express a profound thought, to explore complex social or human problems, or to reflect the culture or social style of a certain era. The audience of classical literature was usually narrow. One needed to have a certain level of cultural accomplishment and professional knowledge to understand the deep meaning of it. In addition, the style, language, and structure of popular literature and classical literature were also different. Popular literature usually paid more attention to the plot and the shaping of the characters. The language was easy to understand and the structure was loose. On the other hand, classical literature paid more attention to the excavation and expression of the meaning of ideas. The language was more profound, refined, and the structure was more rigorous and complicated. Both popular literature and classic literature were literary works. Their definition and characteristics were different in different eras and cultural backgrounds.