Literature has played a major role in shaping who I am, both personally and intellectually. It hasn’t just been a subject I studied; it has been a tool for self-reflection, empathy, and critical thinking. Through my B.A. and M.A. studies, I discovered how literature can shape identities, challenge views, and help us understand the complexities of human life.
During my undergraduate years, literature introduced me to the richness of life’s experiences. Novels like Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield taught me the importance of resilience in tough times while shedding light on the struggles of Victorian society. T.P. Kailasam’s The Curse of Karna explored loyalty, morality, and ethical dilemmas. Karna’s tragic journey touched me deeply, showing how literature can guide us to face tough questions about right and wrong. Poetry also had a strong impact on me. Wordsworth’s romantic poetry created a connection with nature, while John Donne’s metaphysical poems showed me the intellectual and emotional depth of poetry. These works helped me see that literature is not just a mirror of society but also a path for self-discovery and emotional growth.
In my M.A. studies, literature took on an even deeper and more transformative role. Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children introduced me to magical realism and taught me how literature can blend history with fiction to explore topics like national identity and cultural memory. J.M. Coetzee’s Foe and Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea challenged my understanding of classic texts by bringing forward the voices of marginalized characters. These works showed me that literature is not just a reflection of its time but also a way to challenge power structures and fight for justice.
Theoretical approaches like Derrida’s deconstruction and eco-criticism further broadened my perspective. They helped me see how literature questions hierarchies and explores the connection between humans and nature. Through these studies, I came to understand that literature is a dynamic and evolving form of expression.
Dr. Dilip Barad’s teachings about literature as a transformative experience had a lasting impact on me. He emphasized how literature encourages critical thinking and dialogue, inspiring me to engage deeply with texts and view literature as a tool for personal and social growth.
Overall, literature has made me a more empathetic and thoughtful person. It has helped me see the world through the eyes of others, understand diverse perspectives, and question societal norms. From Karna’s moral struggles to the postcolonial themes in Midnight’s Children, every text I’ve studied has left a lasting impression on me. Literature continues to guide me, helping me grow, learn, and navigate the complexities of life with greater understanding and compassion.
This journey of learning through literature is ongoing, and with each new text, I discover more about the world and my place in it.