What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?

 

Greetings!! Everyone, This blog is part of the thinking activity based on 'What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?', assigned by Dr Dilipsir Barad.

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# What is Literature?

Introduction

Literature is one of the most profound and enduring expressions of human creativity. It serves as a mirror reflecting human emotions, cultures, histories, and philosophies, offering a glimpse into the depths of human experiences across time and space. From ancient oral traditions to contemporary digital narratives, literature has evolved to accommodate changing societies while retaining its fundamental purpose: to communicate, to question, and to preserve knowledge and imagination. This essay seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of literature by examining its definitions, characteristics, purposes, and impact on individuals and societies.

Defining Literature

The term literature originates from the Latin litteratura, which means “writing formed with letters.” Traditionally, literature has been defined as written works that possess artistic and intellectual value. However, this definition is limiting, as literature encompasses both written and oral traditions, including folktales, epics, and contemporary digital storytelling.

Literature can be broadly categorized into fiction and non-fiction. Fiction includes novels, short stories, poetry, and drama, which use imagination to create narratives and explore human experiences. Non-fiction comprises essays, biographies, autobiographies, and philosophical works that present factual or analytical content. Regardless of form, literature serves as a vessel for artistic expression, social commentary, and philosophical inquiry.

Philosophers and literary theorists have attempted to define literature in varying ways. Russian Formalists such as Viktor Shklovsky argued that literature is distinguished by its use of defamiliarization, making the ordinary seem extraordinary. Meanwhile, poststructuralists like Jacques Derrida asserted that literature is an open-ended construct, dependent on interpretation rather than a fixed definition. Terry Eagleton, in his book Literary Theory: An Introduction, suggests that literature is ultimately defined by cultural and institutional validation rather than by inherent qualities.

> Now, let's discuss What is Literature for me before my master's and after my Masters.

# Before Post Graduate Course:-

What is Literature for Me? A Reflection on My Bachelor’s Journey

During my bachelor's, I was not that connected or curious about reading or learning such kinds of novels or literary works. Literature, for me, was just another subject in the curriculum, something I had to study to pass exams. While I appreciated storytelling in movies and casual reading, I never saw literature as something transformative or deeply relevant to my personal life. The complexity of classical texts, the unfamiliarity of poetic expressions, and the abstract nature of literary theory initially made literature seem distant and unapproachable.

However, as I progressed through my undergraduate studies, my perspective gradually began to shift. It was then that I realized literature was more than just fiction; it was a reflection of reality, a means of questioning norms, and a powerful voice against injustice.

Another major turning point in my bachelor's journey was being introduced to postcolonial literature. Reading Arundhati Roy’s "The God of Small Things" opened my eyes to how literature preserves history, challenges dominant narratives, and gives voice to the marginalized. I began to see literature as a space where history, philosophy, psychology, and culture converge.

By the time I encountered T.S. Eliot’s "The Waste Land" and Virginia Woolf’s "Orlando", I had completely transformed the way I approached texts. Literature was no longer just about stories; it became a way of understanding human emotions, dissecting societal constructs, and even reflecting on my own life experiences.

Now, as a Master’s student in English, I look back at my undergraduate years with a sense of appreciation and nostalgia. Literature, which once felt distant, has now become an inseparable part of my intellectual and personal growth. If I were to define it in my own way, I would say that literature is like an ocean—vast, deep, and ever-changing. At first, I hesitated to step in, afraid of its depth, but now, I find myself immersed in its endless waves of knowledge, perspectives, and emotions.

What is Literature for Me? A Reflection on My Master Journey

During my Master’s in English, literature is no longer just an academic discipline but an intellectual and emotional journey that shapes my understanding of the world. Unlike my undergraduate years, where I approached literature with hesitation, I now see it as a space for critical inquiry, self-reflection, and cultural dialogue. Engaging with complex literary theories—poststructuralism, feminist criticism, and deconstruction—has deepened my appreciation for how literature functions as a site of power, resistance, and meaning-making. Texts are no longer just stories; they are layered discourses that reveal hidden ideologies, historical tensions, and philosophical dilemmas.

#Metaphor:-

"Literature: A Song of the Soul"

Literature, for me, is like a Song of the Soul—a melody that resonates with the deepest corners of human existence, carrying echoes of emotions, memories, and untold histories. Just as a song has different notes that harmonize to create meaning, literature weaves together themes, narratives, and voices to form a profound dialogue between the past and present, the personal and the universal. Each reading, like a new rendition of a familiar tune, brings forth a fresh interpretation, refracting reality unexpectedly. Some texts whisper gentle lullabies of nostalgia and longing, while others strike powerful chords of resistance and transformation.

Whether it is navigating the existential struggles in Samuel Beckett’s "Waiting for Godot",  or analysing the metafictional elements in J.M. Coetzee’s "Foe", literature constantly challenges my thinking and expands my worldview. It is a symphony of diverse voices—the oppressed and the oppressor, the dreamer and the realist, the past and the future—blending into a chorus that enriches my understanding of life. As I continue this academic journey, I realize that literature is not something to be mastered but an ever-evolving composition—one that transforms with every text, every thought, and every perspective, much like a song that lingers in the mind long after the last note has been played.

# How has Literature shaped me?

Literature has profoundly changed my thinking by making me more empathetic and critical of the world around me. Every story, poem, or play I have encountered has offered me an opportunity to see life through different perspectives—whether it be the struggles of marginalized communities, the inner conflicts of complex characters, or the philosophical dilemmas of modern existence. Frantz Fanon’s works helped me understand the psychological consequences of colonialism, while J.M. Coetzee’s "Foe" made me reconsider authorship, truth, and the nature of storytelling itself. These engagements have made me question dominant narratives and appreciate the multiplicity of human experiences.

Furthermore, literature has transformed my approach to people and relationships. It has taught me that every individual carries their own stories, influenced by personal histories, cultural backgrounds, and internal conflicts. This realisation has fostered patience, understanding, and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives. Instead of accepting single narratives, I now seek deeper meanings, considering alternative viewpoints and underlying motivations.

Looking back, literature has been more than just an academic pursuit; it has been a transformative journey that has shaped my intellectual and emotional growth. What once seemed like distant texts are now powerful tools for understanding human nature, social structures, and the complexities of existence. Literature has given me not just knowledge but a way of seeing, questioning, and engaging with the world in a more profound and meaningful way. It is an ongoing dialogue—one that continues to evolve with every book I read and every perspective I encounter.

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HAPPY LEARNING...EXPLORING...