How Literature shaped me ?

Literature has played a transformative role in shaping my thoughts, emotions, and worldview. It has been more than just a collection of stories; it has been a teacher, a companion, and a source of inspiration. As Franz Kafka once said, 

   “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”

 Literature has helped me break through my limitations and see the world with new eyes.

Reading fiction has deepened my empathy, allowing me to connect with characters and their emotions. Works like Jane Eyre and The Great Gatsby have made me reflect on ambition, identity, and resilience. At the same time, critical theories have sharpened my analytical thinking, teaching me to question and interpret texts beyond their surface meaning.

Literature has taught me about the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Shakespeare’s Hamlet made me question the nature of morality and revenge, while Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights showed me the power of love and obsession. These stories did not just entertain me; they made me reflect on the human condition, shaping my ability to understand others' struggles and motivations.

Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and John Keats deepened my appreciation for nature and beauty. Wordsworth’s famous line, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” helped me realize that literature is not just about words on a page it is about emotion, creativity, and self-expression. Reading Ode to a Nightingale by Keats taught me how literature can transport us beyond reality, providing a sense of escape and wonder 

Studying Victorian literature exposed me to themes of social justice and inequality. Charles Dickens’ Hard Times made me more aware of industrialization’s impact on the working class, while Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre reinforced the importance of self-respect and resilience. These works shaped my perspective on fairness, gender roles, and the struggles of the underprivileged.

Modern and postcolonial literature challenged me to think beyond the surface. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart made me rethink historical narratives, while Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness opened my eyes to marginalized voices in contemporary society. As Chinua Achebe said, 

“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”

 This realization made me approach literature with a critical mind, questioning dominant narratives and uncovering hidden perspectives.

Most importantly, literature has given me a voice. It has encouraged me to express my thoughts, engage with complex ideas, and see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. As T.S. Eliot said, 

                            “Every moment is a fresh beginning.”

 With every book I read, I continue to evolve, learning more about myself and the world around me.