Wednesday, February 19, 2025

What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?

This blog is written as part of a task assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad, Department of English (MKBU). The blog is about my understanding of literature and how literature shaped me?



Teacher's Blog



Introduction

Literature, to me, is more than just words on a page; it is a vast ocean of human experience, emotions, and ideas. It transcends time and space, allowing us to connect with people, cultures, and thoughts that we might never encounter otherwise. Before I formally studied literature, I saw books as mere stories—entertaining, sometimes thought-provoking, but nothing beyond that. However, my perspective evolved as I delved deeper into literary analysis and critical theory, realizing that literature is a powerful force that shapes minds and societies.

What is Literature?

Literature is the collection of stories, ideas, and experiences that help us understand what it means to be human. It’s more than just entertainment—it’s a way of reflecting on life and the world we live in. Through literature, we can see different perspectives, connect with characters whose experiences are far from our own, and better understand the complexities of human emotions and behavior. It allows us to explore feelings we might not always be able to express ourselves. Whether it’s through the pages of a novel, a poem, or a play, literature captures the essence of human life, making it something we can relate to, even if the world it describes is completely different from our own.

Why Does Literature Matter?

Literature is important because it challenges our thinking and helps us grow. It opens our eyes to new ideas and experiences we might not have considered. For example, books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee made me think deeply about justice, racism, and moral courage. It wasn’t just a story; it was a way of seeing the world from another person’s point of view, and that experience changed the way I think. Literature doesn’t just entertain—it makes us question what we know and understand the world more clearly. It has the ability to open our minds, teach empathy, and inspire creativity. The more I read, the more I realize that literature connects us all—it helps us understand the challenges and joys that others face, and in turn, it helps us connect with our own humanity.

Literature as a Lighthouse: My Personal Metaphor

A lighthouse does not calm the sea or stop the storm, but it provides light to those lost in the dark. Literature has done the same for me. It has not solved all my problems, but it has helped me understand the world, guiding me through confusion, doubts, and difficult times.

Just like a lighthouse warns sailors about hidden dangers, literature has revealed the unseen truths of society. When I read The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, I saw how power and corruption shape people’s lives. It made me question the systems around me, just as a lighthouse helps sailors see what lies beneath the surface. Similarly, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy showed me the pain of those pushed to the margins of society. It reminded me that even in darkness, people search for love, identity, and purpose—just like lost ships looking for a guiding light.

A lighthouse does not tell sailors where to go—it only shows them that a path exists. Literature has done the same for me. It has shaped the way I think, helped me see beyond my own experiences, and given me light in moments of uncertainty. I may not always know my destination, but with literature as my lighthouse, I know I will never be completely lost.

A lighthouse does not erase the darkness, nor does it change the course of the sea. It simply stands tall, unwavering, offering light to those who seek it. That is what literature has been for me—a steady, guiding presence through the storms of life. It has not given me certainty, but it has given me clarity. It has not handed me a destination, but it has assured me that there is always a way forward.

  •  How Literature Shaped me?


Studying literature has opened my eyes to so many different aspects of the world. One of the most important lessons literature has taught me is how deeply it reflects society and the problems we face. For example, reading Animal Farm by George Orwell gave me a new perspective on politics and power. Before reading this book, I didn’t fully understand how easily power could corrupt those in charge and how systems could be manipulated for selfish gain. Orwell’s critique of political systems made me think critically about how politics works in real life and how important it is to hold leaders accountable. It helped me realize that the problems in society—like inequality, oppression, and corruption—are often much more complex than we might think.

Literature has also made me more aware of social issues like the rights of LGBTQ individuals. I remember reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf, a novel that challenges ideas about gender and identity. Orlando’s journey through time, changing gender and identity, made me think more about the way society labels people and how these labels can limit freedom and understanding. It opened my eyes to the struggles that people in the LGBTQ community face and made me more empathetic to their experiences.

But literature hasn’t just influenced my understanding of these broad societal issues; it’s also shaped my views on more personal, complex matters—such as the absurdity and tragedy surrounding suicide. In books like The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and through modern cultural studies and media representations, I began to see how society often deals with mental health and depression in an absurdly detached way. It was not just the novels, but also TV shows and even the way suicide is portrayed in popular culture that made me reflect on the real-life consequences of societal indifference. These portrayals often present suicide as a final, solitary act without examining the emotional turmoil or social isolation that leads to such decisions. Literature made me question why society tends to stigmatize mental health struggles instead of addressing the deeper societal issues at play—issues like alienation, lack of empathy, and the pressures of perfectionism.

Reading these texts helped me see the absurdity of how we often expect individuals to overcome such complex, emotional challenges on their own. It’s made me more sensitive to the struggles of others, pushing me to be more aware of how we, as a society, talk about—and avoid—these difficult conversations.

Reading these texts helped me see the absurdity of how we often expect individuals to overcome such complex, emotional challenges on their own. It’s made me more sensitive to the struggles of others, pushing me to be more aware of how we, as a society, talk about—and avoid—these difficult conversations. The absurdity of how society treats mental health and suicide is something literature taught me to confront, not ignore, and it has shaped how I approach these topics in both my personal life and my work.

Through these books and countless others, I’ve come to see literature as a way of understanding the world’s problems more clearly. It’s not just about the characters or the story—it’s about how these stories make us reflect on society’s issues and how we, as individuals, can make a difference. Literature has also taught me to be more aware of my own privilege and to question my assumptions. It’s made me more active in thinking about the world’s injustices and how I can contribute to positive change.

Finally, literature has shaped me in terms of my personal growth. It’s made me more empathetic, more creative, and more thoughtful. I’ve learned to express my emotions and ideas better, and I’ve come to appreciate the power of words in creating change. Through literature, I’ve become more aware of the power of storytelling and how it can influence not just the individual but society as a whole.

Conclusion

Looking back on my journey with literature, I realize just how much it has shaped me into a more thoughtful, empathetic, and self-aware person. It has given me the ability to see the world through different lenses, helping me understand both societal issues and my own feelings. Literature has taught me the importance of questioning what I know, reflecting on the world around me, and thinking critically about the systems that govern our lives.

A lighthouse does not erase the darkness, nor does it change the course of the sea. It simply stands, unwavering, offering light to those who seek it. That is what literature has been for me—a steady, guiding presence through the storms of life. It has not given me certainty, but it has given me clarity. It has not handed me a destination, but it has assured me that there is always a way forward.

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