What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?
This blog is part of an activity given by Prof. Dilip Barad from the English Department at MKBU. It talks about how reading literature has helped me understand the world and myself better. By reading different books, I have learned new things and grown as a person. Literature has not only given me new ideas but also made me think about my own life. This blog shares how literature has played a big role in my personal growth and how it keeps shaping the way I see things.
For more details, visit (Teacher's blog).
There are many interpretations of what literature is, and the document I have uploaded represents my views on literature prior to my MA studies. Looking back, I realize that my understanding at the time was somewhat shallow and not deep enough, especially for someone aspiring to be a scholar of literature. I now recognize that my perspective lacked the critical depth that comes with a more scholarly approach.
In my personal view, literature is a maturing force. It offers a complex tapestry of characters, their behaviors, and interactions, shedding light on the intricacies of human nature. Through literature, we gain valuable insights into how societies function, how individuals navigate their roles within them, and, most importantly, how human nature manifests in various forms across different contexts. In essence, literature acts as a mirror, reflecting the myriad aspects of life and existence.
Moreover, literature provides a profound historical sense that goes beyond the conventional narratives of the elite. It offers an authentic representation of history—not just as a series of political events or stories of rulers, but through the lived experiences of ordinary people. By understanding the historical contexts embedded in literature, we can better comprehend the cycles of history, recognizing that history often repeats itself. This awareness allows us to anticipate future trends and developments with greater clarity.
For example, literature reflects the collective consciousness of societies that have experienced the horrors of dictatorship, offering a sense of caution against its rise. Through countless stories, we witness the human response to tyranny and the desire to prevent its recurrence. In this way, literature serves not only as a historical archive but also as a guide to future possibilities.
Thus, my assertion is that literature provides the true history of the past, along with the experiences people endured. By examining these, literature offers valuable insights that can help us predict the future. This is why I have referred to literature as "THE SEER."
Literature has played a significant role in shaping my intellectual and personal growth. Initially, my understanding of literature was somewhat simplistic, seeing it primarily as a means of storytelling or entertainment. However, as I delved deeper into the study of literature, especially during my postgraduate studies, I began to appreciate its profound ability to shape one's understanding of human nature, society, and history.
Through literature, I have gained a deeper insight into the complexities of the human experience. It has shown me how individuals, in various historical and social contexts, navigate struggles, desires, and moral dilemmas. Literature helped me develop empathy, as I began to understand perspectives that were different from my own, from the voices of marginalized groups to those in positions of power.
Moreover, literature has taught me the importance of critical thinking. It encouraged me to question norms, challenge assumptions, and look beyond the surface of events and characters. The process of analyzing texts has sharpened my ability to think analytically and critically, equipping me with tools to evaluate not just literature but also the world around me.Literature has also given me a broader sense of history. Rather than viewing history solely through dates and political events, I now see it as a tapestry woven from countless individual experiences. The stories of ordinary people, as well as the larger historical narratives, have deepened my understanding of societal evolution and the cyclical nature of human behavior.
In short, literature has shaped me into a more thoughtful, empathetic, and critical thinker. It has enhanced my awareness of the world, allowing me to see patterns, connections, and insights that were previously hidden. As I continue my academic journey, I know that literature will remain a guiding force in my intellectual and personal development.
My metaphor is that literature is akin to "THE SEER."
A seer refers to someone endowed with the ability to foresee the future or perceive truths beyond ordinary understanding.
Literature, in this sense, functions as "the seer" by offering profound insights into human nature, societal structures, and historical events. It reveals recurring patterns in human experience, illustrating how individuals and societies confront challenges and navigate life’s complexities. Through the lens of literature, we gain the foresight to anticipate future trends and understand the cyclical nature of history. In this way, literature serves as both a mirror and a guide, offering wisdom that informs our present and future decisions.
References:
Barad, D. (1970, January 1). Literature: What, why and how. Literature: What, Why and How. https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2016/03/literature-what-why-and-how.html
Comments
Post a Comment