Hardii Vhora - What is Literature?

# 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.

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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 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.