Hello,
This blog is a response to a task assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad. In this post, I will share my perspective on the question, "What is literature?", reflect on how literature has influenced me, and present my own metaphor for literature.
What is Literature?
Literature, in its traditional sense, encompasses a wide range of written works, including novels, dramas, prose, and poetry. Initially, stories were passed down through oral traditions, ensuring their preservation for future generations. However, the invention of printing technology in Europe during the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, paving the way for the Enlightenment. From that point onward, literature evolved through the modern and postmodern periods, and today, we find ourselves in a technologically driven, "flat" world. In this new era, literature has acquired novel forms, with machines now capable of generating poetry and stories using AI technology. It was amidst this transformation that I first became familiar with literature.
Interestingly, I was not familiar with the term "literature" until I enrolled in a B.A. program. Even during my bachelor’s studies, I wasn’t particularly inclined toward literature and perceived it as merely stories about kings and queens. However, in the last semester of my degree, I found myself drawn to English literature and books. This fascination deepened during my master’s studies, especially after being introduced to cultural studies, critical theories, and absurd and existential philosophy.
Literature is often regarded as a way of understanding and living life. It exerts a gradual yet profound impact on individuals. In my case, studying and engaging with critical theories and philosophy has played a crucial role in shaping my worldview and understanding of how human society functions. I personally believe that studying and reading literary texts makes one more mature than those who do not engage with such works. At the same time, reading literature and watching quality films fosters empathy and kindness toward fellow human beings. It allows one to understand people and their ways of thinking. I think one of the most paramount values that literature teaches us is to be kind and helpful to everyone.
Moreover, literature serves as a guide, helping us avoid wrong decisions by offering a moral compass through the actions of its characters. From the virtuous paths of noble characters, we learn how to navigate the boat of our own lives, while flawed characters like Macbeth warn us against the perils of unchecked ambition and greed. Similarly, figures like Victor Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll caution us against indulging in reckless scientific pursuits without considering their consequences. Jay Gatsby vividly illustrates the dangers of clinging to the past, teaching us to embrace the present rather than be consumed by unattainable dreams.
I have always been particularly fascinated by politics, authority, and the construct of human behavior. During my study of cultural studies and literary theories, I had the opportunity to explore the writings of Michel Foucault, Louis Althusser, Frederic Jameson, Frantz Fanon, and Jacques Derrida. Their views and philosophies on the world, the individual, and society changed my perspective, allowing me to see things in a different light. It has often been said that literature and politics go hand in hand. The connection between literature and politics is deeply rooted in history, where writers, poets, and playwrights have used their works as tools to challenge authority, inspire revolutions, or critique social and political systems. Anti-colonial and feminist literature are prime examples of this, along with works written against the dangers of totalitarianism by writers like George Orwell. The influence of European literature also led to the establishment of the Indian Renaissance and nationalist movements. These instances demonstrate that literature is a uniquely powerful medium capable of sparking the force of liberation within an individual's mind. Sadly, however, we have also witnessed the manipulation of literature by those in power, giving rise to propagandist literature. To read and understand literature is to develop a historical sense, and to view contemporary happenings through the lens of literature is an essential practice.
For me, literature is a complex entity that cannot be confined to a single definition. It is a liberating force that penetrates deeply into the mind, forever changing the individual and often leading them into isolation or solitude. This is my perspective on literature after completing my Master’s in English Language and Literature.
How Literature Shaped Me?
One of the most significant impacts literature has had on me is that it has made me agnostic. Ever since I truly connected with literature and writing, it has turned me into a doubter, a questioner of everything. However, I have not always been this way.
My schooling was in a thoroughly Gujarati-medium environment, yet I was always fascinated by the charm of the English language. Back then, the word "literature"—or even "Sahitya"—was foreign to me. I do not recall any significant emotional or practical impact from the stories or poems I encountered, whether in Gujarati or English. I remember a few Gujarati stories like Gila no Chakdo, Vismay, Mithyabhiman, and Jumo Bhisti, but they left no lasting impression on me. For me, those classes were just free periods where we were told stories.
Later, I chose the science stream for my higher secondary education. At that time, I didn’t take English or my English teacher seriously. Now, I can understand the plight of an English teacher, but back then, I didn’t. When my aspirations in the science stream faltered, I made the pivotal decision to enroll in a B.A. program with English as my main subject. Looking back, I can only recall the lines from Robert Frost’s 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.
I had no idea that I would someday pursue a Master’s in English literature. I started my B.A. simply to complete my graduation and prepare for government exams. But in the last semester of my bachelor’s degree, I found myself drawn to books and poems. Whatever difference I see in myself after studying literature for almost three years is because of that decision—the one that has made all the difference.
However, this change was not sudden. While I am not an avid reader, as people might expect from a literature student, I do enjoy reading summaries of classical, modern, and postmodern texts, along with learning about authors' backgrounds. Though I am not a voracious reader, I have read a handful of books. The first book I read was George Orwell’s 1984, which had a significant initial impact on my mind. It made me reflect on how totalitarian regimes work and how leaders, often backed by the masses, can also be manipulative. I began to view the functioning of governments and states from an Orwellian perspective. The most important change in me is that I can now see contemporary events, whether global or national, through the lens of literature. Connecting the dots between past events and what is happening in the present is invaluable. By learning from the past, we can develop a better historical sense.
Having become familiar with existentialism, absurdism, and nihilism, I deeply connect with absurdist philosophy. Life is absurd, but we must embrace the absurd. I identify with the myth of Sisyphus: life can feel monotonous and repetitive, yet existentialism offers hope in the belief that, despite the boredom of living, life still has meaning and is worth living. This perspective has made me more responsible and decisive in my life choices.
Additionally, I’ve developed a taste for quality cinema. Film Studies has sparked my fascination with philosophical films and cinematic adaptations. I now approach films critically, viewing them not just for entertainment, but with an analytical eye. I’ve even started reviewing films that I particularly enjoy.
My Metaphor For Literature
If literature were an earthquake, its power would lie in its ability to shake the very foundations of our beliefs, dismantling the rigid structures of bias, ignorance, and preconceived notions. Just as an earthquake disrupts the landscape, forcing a reconfiguration of what once seemed unshakable, literature challenges inherited perspectives and compels individuals to rebuild their understanding on a more conscious and enlightened foundation.
I was never personally against any religion or community, but I grew up surrounded by people who were deeply dogmatic toward each other’s beliefs. Over time, their views began to influence me, even though I never fully shared them. It was only through literature—especially existential philosophy and the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre—that I experienced a shift within myself. Sartre’s notion that "humans are condemned to be free" made me realize that every person is responsible for their own choices and beliefs. We may not be able to change how others think, but we can at least show them that such biases are harmful to a healthy society.
Another major shift came in my perspective on religion. Before studying literature and philosophy, I considered myself religious. But then I encountered Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous declaration, "God is dead." His argument about the decline of religious faith in the wake of scientific advancement made me question my own beliefs. I do not deny the possibility of God’s existence, but I no longer believe that God has any involvement in human affairs. The idea that resonated with me the most was Nietzsche’s concept of the "Übermensch" or "Superman"—the idea that humans must create their own values and morals rather than relying on external doctrines. Since "God is dead," we are free to shape our own destinies, taking full responsibility for the lives we choose to lead.
At first, these tremors of literature were unsettling. They challenged long-held perspectives and shook the ground beneath my feet. But just as an earthquake reshapes the land, literature and philosophy reshape the mind. They force us to confront the fragility of our assumptions, to look beyond cultural conditioning, and to question the narratives we once accepted without hesitation.
Moreover, like an earthquake, the impact of literature is not always the same for everyone. Some books cause only minor tremors—small shifts in perspective—while others create seismic changes, fundamentally altering how we view history, identity, morality, and even ourselves. The aftershocks linger, much like the lasting influence of a transformative book, continuing to shape our thoughts long after we have finished reading.
This is what literature has done for me—it has shaken my world, challenged my beliefs, and helped me see beyond the biases I once unconsciously carried. And in doing so, it has allowed and will further allow me to rebuild my understanding of life on a stronger, more open foundation.
What I believe is that this metaphor of an earthquake reflects the process of Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn. Literature shakes the foundations of what we once believed, dismantles outdated notions, and pushes us to reconstruct our understanding with greater wisdom. It is through this continuous process that we evolve—not just as individuals, but as a society.
References:Here is the additional resources to look upon.
- Is BA English in India just timepass? (Ketan Krishna)
Barad, D. (n.d.). Literature: What, why and how. https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2016/03/literature-what-why-and-how.html
DoE-MKBU. (2020a, December 18). Humanities vs STEM: DS Sem 1 and 4 2020 12 18 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92E0oWss6mg
DoE-MKBU. (2020b, December 21). How Literature Shaped Me: Sem 4 online classes: 2020 12 21 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zJpW_WNZoI
DoE-MKBU. (2020c, December 22). How to Write “Learning Outcome of Studying Literature”: Sem 4 Online classes 2020 12 22 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3URIsg7pxw8
Macat. (2016, April 14). An introduction to the discipline of Literature [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz9rfDm1Wr4
The School of Life. (2014, September 18). What is Literature for? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RCFLobfqcw
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