ThAct: What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?

 

My Journey with Literature: From Acceptance to Questioning

During my school days, I encountered poetry and short stories as mere pieces of creative writing. Back then, I saw literature simply as an assortment of stories or poems with no deeper meaning. It wasn’t until I entered my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program that my understanding began to evolve. At that stage, I became familiar with the common adage, “Literature is a mirror of society.” However, my comprehension of literature remained surface-level; I didn’t fully grasp its broader implications.

Over time, I realized that literature is not just a reflection of society—it is also a reflection of the self. It shapes our minds, broadens our perspectives, and empowers us to question and critique the world around us. Literature challenges us to think deeply and creatively, fostering a questioning mindset that can dismantle the passive acceptance of ideas.

If you search for a definition of literature online, you’ll find various descriptions. One common explanation is:

"Literature refers to written and sometimes spoken material, derived from the Latin litteratura, meaning 'writing formed with letters.' It most commonly includes works of creative imagination such as poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and even song."

While this definition provides a foundation, literature’s meaning is far more fluid. It evolves over time and varies with individuals, cultures, and historical contexts. Initially, in B.A., we were taught to accept the definition that “literature is the mirror of society” without question—a mindset that mirrored conformity. We were, in a way, intellectual “sheep,” unquestioningly absorbing what we were told.

It was during my Master of Arts (M.A.) program that I learned to question established notions. This shift in mindset allowed me to move beyond surface interpretations and embrace literature’s complexity. I came to understand that literature is not merely a mirror reflecting society; it is a multifaceted lens that offers insights into societal truths, individual psyches, and the interplay between the two.

For instance, novels like Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens reveal the harsh realities of Victorian society, exposing its inequalities and struggles. Similarly, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe explores the clash of cultures and the impact of colonialism. These texts don’t merely reflect society—they challenge it, offering critiques that force us to confront uncomfortable truths.

Earlier in my journey, I read Hamlet as just a story. But during my M.A., I approached it through various critical lenses, such as psychoanalysis, feminism, and postcolonial theory. This enriched my understanding and revealed layers of meaning that were invisible before. Literature, I realized, is as much about what is absent as it is about what is present.

Literature defies singular definitions. It is dynamic, constantly reshaping itself with the passage of time and the evolution of thought. Like architecture, which arises from the human ability to build, literature arises from our ability to use language creatively. It reflects ideologies, shapes them, and offers us the means to question them.

Through literature, we gain insight into ourselves and our society. It teaches us to appreciate language’s beauty, critique social norms, and understand the complexity of human experiences. It is both a mirror and a lamp, reflecting reality while illuminating new possibilities.

After two years in M.A., I’ve developed critical thinking and an argumentative mindset. Free thinking has become a cornerstone of my literary studies, enabling me to move beyond rote learning. Literature is no longer just about accepting what is taught—it’s about engaging with texts actively, questioning perspectives, and seeking deeper meanings.

In the end, literature weaves the thoughts, emotions, and imaginations of individuals into a shared human experience. It is the intellectual essence of a nation, an artistic form that transforms language into a reflection of our existence. As I continue this journey, I find myself not only understanding literature but also understanding life in ways I never imagined before.

How Literature Has Shaped Me (Before and After PG)

Before PG

Before I pursued my postgraduate studies, literature had already begun to shape my understanding of life and its complexities, but I was only beginning to grasp its true power. One literary work that left a significant impact on me was Arthur Miller's All My Sons. This play taught me several essential life lessons:

1. Responsibility and Consequences: The play made it clear that a person’s actions, especially in their professional life, can have profound effects on their personal life. Joe Keller’s decision to prioritize his family’s financial security, even at the expense of others' lives, ultimately led to tragic consequences, including his own suicide. This lesson showed me how even well-intentioned decisions can go wrong and affect the people you love in ways you never imagined.

2. Moral Integrity vs. Family Loyalty: All My Sons also highlights the painful conflict between doing what is morally right and staying loyal to one’s family. Joe’s attempt to cover up his mistakes for the sake of his family ultimately destroyed it. This was a powerful reminder that family loyalty should never come at the cost of one’s moral compass.

3. The Pursuit of Wealth and Its Impact: Joe Keller’s quest to build a better life for his family, driven by the desire for wealth, blinded him to his own moral failings. His actions led to the downfall of his family. This resonated with me deeply, urging me to reconsider the true value of life—relationships and integrity matter far more than wealth or social status.

After PG

After my postgraduate studies, my understanding of literature has deepened significantly. I now see it not just as a source of entertainment but as a tool for personal growth, self-reflection, and understanding society. Literature has become a mirror through which I can view the complexities of life in a more nuanced way. Here are some key insights that have shaped my perspective:

1. The Complexity of Human Nature: Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children helped me understand the intricacies of human emotions and existence. The quote, "Past and present, too, are divided by an unbridgeable gulf," made me realize how history shapes our present and how important it is to live in the moment while carrying the weight of the past.

2. Resilience and Acceptance: Midnight’s Children also taught me the value of resilience. The line, "What can't be cured must be endured," helped me accept that I cannot control everything in life. Sometimes, the best course of action is simply to endure and move forward. This wisdom has made me more patient and resilient when life gets tough.

3. The Subjectivity of Reality: The line, "What’s real and what’s true aren’t necessarily the same," also from Midnight’s Children, challenged me to rethink my perception of reality. It made me question what is presented to me—whether in literature or life—and to seek the deeper truths beneath the surface.

4. Empathy and Compassion: The quote from All My Sons, "I don’t know why it is, but every time I reach out for something I want, I have to pull back because other people will suffer," taught me the importance of considering the impact of my actions on others. It made me realize that pursuing personal desires should not come at the cost of others’ well-being.

5. The Dual Nature of Humanity: The quote from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, "All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil," helped me embrace my own imperfections. It reminded me that everyone has both strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to accept both in ourselves and others.

6. Love’s Disruptive Nature: Julian Barnes' The Only Story helped me understand that love, by its very nature, is disruptive. "Love was by its very nature disruptive, cataclysmic; and if it was not, then it was not love." This taught me that love can change everything, even if it disrupts life in unexpected ways. It’s this transformative quality of love that makes it so powerful.

7. Letting Go of the Past: A key lesson from All My Sons—“Forget now. Live”—reminded me of the importance of letting go of past mistakes or regrets. Holding onto the past prevents growth and happiness, and the only way to truly live is by moving forward.

8. Self-Reflection and Growth: Quotes like "Till this moment I never knew myself" from Pride and Prejudice and "I am not an angel; I will be myself" from Jane Eyre have inspired me to be true to myself. These lines remind me that personal growth is a continuous process, and self-awareness is key to evolving into the best version of myself.

Through literature, I have gained a much deeper understanding of myself and others. The diverse themes, characters, and perspectives in literature have helped me navigate life’s complexities. I’ve come to see that literature is not only a source of entertainment but also a profound teacher about human nature, society, and history.

In summary, literature has shaped me by encouraging self-reflection, enhancing my empathy, promoting resilience, and offering valuable guidance on how to navigate life’s uncertainties. It has been both a source of comfort and a strength, teaching me the importance of staying true to myself while embracing the complexities of life. Literature continues to guide me, and I am grateful for the way it has transformed my outlook on the world.

Metaphor: Literature as a Compass

Another metaphor that resonates with me in my journey through literature is seeing literature as a compass. Just as a compass guides us when we are lost or uncertain, literature has served as a guide throughout my academic and personal life. It has pointed me in the right direction, offering wisdom, perspective, and insight to navigate the complexities of human experience.

Literature, like a compass, helps us chart our course by providing different points of view, moral dilemmas, and the rich diversity of human emotions. Just as a compass doesn’t give you the destination but shows you the way, literature doesn’t provide easy answers but encourages exploration and self-discovery. It helps me find my path, guiding me when I feel lost or unsure, and it challenges me to think critically and question my assumptions about the world. Through literature, I’ve found direction, learned to embrace ambiguity, and continue to grow, just as a compass leads us through the unknown with the promise of discovery ahead.

Metaphor: Literature as a Garden

Another metaphor that captures the essence of literature is viewing it as a garden. Just as a garden is full of diverse plants, each with its unique characteristics, literature offers a vast array of stories, ideas, and perspectives, each contributing to the richness of the whole.

Like a garden, literature requires patience and care. It grows with time, and the more you immerse yourself in it, the more it blossoms. Some works may seem difficult at first, like a thorny bush or an unfamiliar flower, but with time, the lessons they offer begin to unfold, adding depth and color to your understanding. Additionally, just as a garden provides a space for reflection and tranquility, literature offers a similar sanctuary, giving us the space to pause, think, and connect with our inner selves and others.

In this metaphor, each book is like a different plant, some vibrant and full of life, others quiet and contemplative. Together, they form a landscape that encourages personal growth, expanding our horizons and nurturing our minds.