Recently this week, Bob Dylan, a well-known musician, was awarded the Nobel Literature Prize, one of the most renowned literature prizes in the world. The prize, however, came with many controversies.

Dylan, 75, became famous during the 1960's for his music. His songs fall into many categories, from rock and roll to blues to folk. According to the Rolling Stone, "The music Dylan made in 1965 and 1966 revolutionized rock." It is very clear the Dylan's music had a strong influence on music during the 1960's and 1970's, with songs such as "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'." Dylan served as an embodiment of the times, singing "protest songs" and becoming a pop icon.

Some critics argue that Bob Dylan's lyrics do not qualify for the literature award. Past winners of the Nobel Literature Prize include influential authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and Toni Morrison. Arguably, Dylan's lyrics were not influential enough or should not fall into the literature category. Per the will of Alfred Nobel "The said interest shall be divided into five equal parts, which shall be apportioned as follows: ... one part to the person who shall have produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction..." This ambiguous statement leaves the Nobel Literature Prize open to virtually any form of literature, including song lyrics. The "most outstanding work in an ideal direction..." is very subjective and allows those awarding the prize to give it based off of their own opinions.