Best section of comparative literature (5)
I believe the answer is:
elite
'best' is the definition.
(elite can mean the very best of a group)
'section of comparative literature' is the wordplay.
'section of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ELITE' can be found hidden inside 'comparative literature'.
(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "12 letters = 1 inch (type)" , "top drawer?" , "Superior group in society" , "Creme de la creme" , "Pick of the bunch" .)