What is Literature?

What is Literature? (Before  PG)

What is Literature? (After PG)

Literature encompasses written works that possess artistic and intellectual value. This broad term includes various writing styles such as poetry, novels, short stories, plays, and essays. Typically, literature is associated with creative writing that delves into themes, character development, and intricate plots with sophistication.

“Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life." - Fernando Pessoa

I hold a different view. Literature is a veritable treasure chest, filled with the rich expressions and emotions of humanity. My understanding of literature has evolved over time, especially after completing my master's degree. I now perceive it as a medium that allows individuals to step back in time and learn about life on Earth from those who came before us.

As F. Scott Fitzgerald noted, “That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.” As literature students, we don’t just learn to write creatively; we learn to read and understand written literature. We analyze and interpret literature. This process has enriched my understanding, making me realize that literature is not merely a form of storytelling; it encapsulates history, geography, science, and more. Literature's role is not limited to entertaining or relaxing the mind; it also serves as a wake-up call to stay vigilant about current events.

For example, W.H. Auden's poem "Epitaph on a Tyrant" allegorically depicts the dictator Hitler and provides imagery of how dictators rise to power. This helps us interpret contemporary periods, especially when a new dictator might be emerging and history is about to repeat itself. Similarly, "September 1, 1939," by the same poet, describes America's decisions during World War II, encouraging us to reflect on current events, such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Literature connects the past and the present, sharpens critical thinking skills, and teaches us to read between the lines, a critical life skill. As Cassandra Clare wrote in Clockwork Angel, "Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry."

Reading literature enables us to understand and learn from the characters' lives, experiences, and complexities. It sharpens our decision-making skills through imagination. If we delve deeply into literature, it can help us navigate challenging situations in our own lives by drawing inspiration from fictional characters' experiences. As Robert Frost wrote in his poem "The Road Not Taken," "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

In summary, Literature offers us a window into other people's lives, allows us to learn from them, and inspires us to shape our own lives. While literature is undoubtedly a source of relaxation, it also enlightens, teaches, and provides glimpses into the future through its portrayal of the past. Literature is not just a written work but a guiding light that can illuminate our path through life.

How has literature shaped me? (before MA course)

The Literary work I liked the most is 'All My Sons' by Arthur Miller. The reasons for liking All My Sons are-

• The purposed served in the play is to show ' a men's public acts and responsibilities are inseparable from his private ones'. This moral from the play very intensively taught a life lesson and gives a way to live a life.

• The other thing which attracted me to it is to stand for the right thing even against the family.  Joe attempted to cover up his mistakes at the plant and blamed Steve, to protect his family but later consequences led Joe to suicide. The more one attempts to care for one's family The more one makes decisions that end up harming one's family.

• In the play, Joe acquires wealth in order to please his family and make something of himself in the world. But in pursuing wealth he forgets his moral complexities which led him to end his own family.

These three morals attract me to the play the most.

How has literature shaped me? (after MA course)

“Most of us have only one story to tell. I don’t mean that only one thing happens to us in our lives: there are countless events, which we turn into countless stories. But there’s only one that matters, only one finally worth telling.” 

-Julian Barnes, The Only Story

As mentioned in What is Literature, literature has the power to influence, shape, and inspire us in profound ways. From novels and poetry to essays and memoirs, literary works provide us with unique perspectives on life and guide us in our personal journeys. Throughout my studies, I have encountered numerous literary quotes that have left a lasting impact on me, helping me better understand myself and the world around me. Here, I would like to share how literature shaped me during my five-year journey of studying it.

"Past and present, too, are divided by an unbridgeable gulf." 

-Midnight's Children

This quote suggests that the past and present cannot be easily connected or reconciled. It implies that the events and actions of the past have a profound impact on the present but cannot be undone or changed. It encourages acceptance of the past and present as separate entities that must be acknowledged and dealt with in their own ways.

“What can't be cured must be endured." 

-Midnight's Children

This quote means that some things in life are beyond our control and cannot be changed. Instead of dwelling on these things, we must accept them and continue working towards our goals. This quote taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

"What's real and what's true aren't necessarily the same." 

-Midnight's Children

This quote suggests that there is a distinction between what is real (what can be physically observed or experienced) and what is true (what is based on personal beliefs or experiences). It implies that what we perceive as reality may not always reflect the truth and that our perceptions may be influenced by personal biases and experiences. This quote encouraged me to question assumptions and be open to alternative perspectives.

The quote by Arthur Miller: 

“Chris: 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.” 

-All My Sons

This quote implies that people have a natural inclination toward self-interest but are often prevented from pursuing their desires due to the potential negative impact on others. It highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in human interactions, as individuals should consider the well-being of others when making decisions.

The quote by Robert Louis Stevenson: 

“All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil.” 

-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This quote suggests that all humans possess both good and evil qualities. It helped me recognize my own flaws and limitations and strive to improve myself by focusing on my positive attributes while addressing my negative traits.

The quote by Julian Barnes: 

“You realize how sympathy and antagonism can coexist. You are discovering how many seemingly incompatible emotions can thrive, side by side, in the same human heart.” 

-The Only Story

This quote emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and the coexistence of seemingly opposing feelings such as sympathy and antagonism. It helped me understand the nuances of human relationships and interactions and develop greater empathy and understanding toward others.

The quote by Arthur Miller: 

“You want to live? You better figure out your life.” 

-All My Sons

This quote suggests that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and make intentional choices to create a fulfilling existence. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness to make choices that align with one's values and goals. The same work's quote, “Forget now. Live,” encouraged me to let go of the past and focus on the present, reminding us that life is fleeting and we must make the most of it while we can.

The quote by Julian Barnes: 

“That’s one of the things about life. We’re all just looking for a place of safety. And if you don’t find one, then you have to learn how to pass the time.” 

-The Only Story

This quote acknowledges the universal human desire for safety and security but also recognizes that life is not always predictable or controllable. It encouraged me to find ways to pass the time and enjoy life even amid uncertainty.

The quotes from Midnight’s Children: 

“The Clouds Will Soon Roll By” and “The moment of one's greatest triumph also contains the seeds of one's final downfall” highlight the cyclical nature of life and the idea that nothing is permanent. These quotes encouraged me to embrace the present moment, recognizing that life is impermanent and constantly changing. They suggest that individuals have the power to shape their own lives and make the most of the time they have, even in the face of uncertainty and change.

“People think that knowing the future can help you prepare for what is to come – but often it only makes you powerless.” 

-Gun Island

“I sometimes think if we knew all, we should be more glad to get away.” 

-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

These quotes reflect the idea that knowing too much about the future or having too much control over one's life can be overwhelming or even detrimental to one's sense of agency and happiness. They suggest that focusing on the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or constantly daydreaming about the future, can lead to unexpected opportunities and a more fulfilling life. They challenge the idea that constantly planning for the future is the key to success and instead encourage individuals to embrace the here and now.

The quote from Amitav Ghosh's Gun Island suggests that the desire to predict or control the future can ultimately leave individuals feeling powerless and unable to fully enjoy or engage with the present moment. It implies that the pursuit of certainty can be counterproductive and lead to anxiety or a sense of helplessness. The quote by Robert Louis Stevenson from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde suggests that ignorance may be bliss and that the burden of knowledge can sometimes outweigh its benefits. It implies that knowing too much about the world and its complexities can be a heavy burden to bear and may even detract from one's ability to find joy in life.

The quote by Julian Barnes: 

“Love was by its very nature disruptive, cataclysmic; and if it was not, then it was not love.” 

-The Only Story

This quote suggests that love, by its very nature, is intense and can be disruptive to one's life. Love has the power to fundamentally change a person's perspective and way of being, often leading to significant transformations in one's life. This quote encourages individuals to embrace the disruptive nature of love and recognize it as a powerful force for change.

The quote by Julian Barnes: 

“Because once you had been through certain things, their presence inside you never really disappeared.” 

-The Only Story

This quote highlights the idea that certain experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual's life. Even if the experience itself has passed, the emotions and memories associated with it can continue to shape a person's perspective and way of being. This quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing past experiences in order to move forward and grow as an individual.

“Be sure don't let people's telling you, you are pretty, puff you up; for you did not make yourself, and so can have no praise due to you for it. It is virtue and goodness only, that make the true beauty.” 

-Pamela

“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.” 

-The Rape of The Lock

“Till this moment I never knew myself.” 

-Pride and Prejudice

“I am not an angel,' I asserted; 'and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.” 

-Jane Eyre

These quotes are helpful reminders that true beauty and worth come from within. They emphasize the importance of focusing on developing our character and staying true to ourselves rather than being solely concerned with external appearances or pleasing others. These quotes have always been a source of inspiration for me, as they emphasize the importance of focusing on one's own character and virtues rather than being swayed by external appearances or praise. They remind me to strive for personal excellence and to work hard towards my goals without being distracted by superficial things. Ultimately, these quotes encourage me to be true to myself and focus on self-improvement, rather than seeking validation from others or the world around me.