How Literature Shaped Me ?

Literature has influenced my perspective and intellectual capacity, serving as a transformative platform that reshapes fundamental human principles. As a devoted student of Literature, a deep understanding of diverse cultures, particularly in India and other regions under colonial rule, becomes paramount. In societies entrenched in religious dogma, the Literature student emerges as a counterforce against the prevailing casteism. Amidst the weight of tradition in India, there is resistance to Western ideologies, and the English Literature student, navigating the legacies of colonialism and postcolonialism, bears the responsibility of dispelling these prejudices.

The influence of literature is contingent on our perception. It functions as a window through which the world can be observed, but when that window is shut, our vision is restricted. The shaping of literature is akin to a window operated by the individual.

My journey into the world of literature began during my undergraduate studies, evolving further during postgraduate studies under the guidance of Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The trajectory spanned from Western literature to culminate in Africa, providing a comprehensive understanding and shaping of literary perspectives. The exploration commenced with Shakespeare's four Tragedies, particularly the profound impact of works like Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear. Feminism emerges as a pivotal focal point in the shaping of Literature. Esteemed feminist writers such as Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, and Virginia Woolf have produced remarkable works, challenging societal norms in a predominantly male-dominated environment. As Literature students, the imperative lies in addressing and rectifying these gender biases, ultimately allowing literature to mold us organically.

My Metaphore for Literature (Forest)

In the vast expanse of literature, one can envision a dense forest, each page akin to a towering tree with branches laden with stories, ideas, and emotions. As one delves into the narrative landscape, it is akin to navigating through the woods, discovering hidden pathways and intriguing clearings. The collective words and sentences form a lush canopy, providing shade and refuge for readers, inviting them to explore the diverse flora of characters, themes, and perspectives. The rustling leaves of prose and the vibrant blooms of poetic expressions add layers to this literary ecosystem, making it a sanctuary where the imagination can flourish. Like a forest teeming with life, literature harbors a rich biodiversity of human experiences, allowing readers to lose themselves in the captivating wilderness of words.