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Works of or about literature normally fall into the PR (English literature) or PS class (American literature), with Canadian works being classified in the PS 8000s.
Note that the first Cutter number of edited works of literary criticism of a single author (or, where the first Cutter number is pre-defined, the second Cutter number) will normally be derived from the editor, not from the title of the work.
Literature is not usually classified by subject (as usual, there are exceptions) but by surname of the author.
The call numbers of literary works differ from those of most other books, first, in that the class number indicates both a date range as well as a range of letters.
Thus, the books of James Joyce, who did most of his writing in the first half of the 1900s, will have a call number beginning with PR 6019: "PR", because he is an English writer; and "6019" because his surname begins with "J" AND because he wrote (mostly) between 1900 and 1960. Had he done his writing in the 1800s, his books would have had a call number beginning with PR 4829.
For literature from the pre-1900s, the first Cutter number is usually derived from the first letter of the author’s surname, and then one, two, or three numbers as assigned by the LC schedule. (When a pre-1900 author is not listed by the LC schedule, use the Cutter table to construct the number, but taking care that the number is unique to this particular author. Check the OPAC to determine this. Some creativity may be required to produce a unique number. You may wish to consult with a librarian.)
But for literary works in the 20th century and beyond, the first cutter number of works of literature is derived from the second letter of the author’s surname. Thus, Margaret Laurence’s, The Diviners, is classified as:
Again, where you have a book by an author not listed in the schedule, you will have to create your own author Cutter number, taking care not to use a number already used for another author.
For especially significant and influential authors, the LC schedule will provide a more detailed breakdown of numbers. If you are unsure whether you are dealing with book by a writer of special significance, consult the schedule or check the OPAC. If the author of the book you have in hand has written other books, she/he could well be notable.
The schedule for Canadian literature is found (at the time of writing) in a binder in Room C02. It is not included in the standard LC schedules.
Upon checking the library’s OPAC, you may find literary works classified in a manner that deviates from the instructions given here. There may be cases in which it is advisable to adhere to older practice. Consult with a librarian before proceeding further.
Note also that you may have to make use of the LC P-PZ Tables, as directed by the LC schedule. Consult with a librarian on how to use these tables properly. If you are directed to use the P-PZ 40 Table for a general work of biography or criticism, use this form to generate the second Cutter number.
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