What is Literature ?(After M.A)
Books have always been a big deal for me, starting from when I was a kid. From the simple stories and morals of fairy tales to the deep stuff I read now, books have had a huge impact on how I see the world and what I believe in.
During my schooling years, I didn't quite grasp the nuances of novels, short stories, or dramas. It wasn't until I reached higher education that I began to truly understand and appreciate these literary forms. It was thanks to my Gujarati textbooks, which introduced me to short dramas, plays, and poems, that my journey as a literature student began.
Outside of my academic studies, my first reading was the Panchtantra stories while reading this book I found enjoyment without fully understanding its purpose.
Upon completing my schooling, I decided to pursue my bachelor's in English literature, thus embarking on my journey as a literature student here I found a proper understanding of literature. Throughout my bachelor's studies, I became familiar with authors from various nations, including American, African, and Indian English writers. The American author is like Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, Henry James, Arthur Miller etc. Indian authors are like R.K. Narayana, Jhumpa Lahiri, Rabindranath Tagore etc.
My first book in my bachelor is "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by R.L. Stevenson felt really weird to me. It talks about a guy with a split personality, showing how people can be good and bad at the same time. It made me think that we shouldn't let our bad side take over. Dr. Jekyll wrote everything down, which helped him understand himself. Dr. Jekyll wrote down everything, which helped him understand himself. This is also true for Paul in "The Only Story" by Julian Barnes. Both books make us think about life. So, I learned that writing about our daily experiences helps us think deeply and understand life better. In "The Only Story," also discovered the significance of exploring memories.
One of the other books that made me think was William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." It's all about life, death, and what's right and wrong. I especially remember Hamlet himself. Hamlet's struggle with his own identity, his doubts about his father's death, and his moral dilemma have helped me understand the complexities of the human psyche and the importance of self-reflection. In this drama this is a famous line 'To be, or not to be: that is the question' .. . This line helps us a lot in our life.
In the play "All My Sons," Arthur Miller says, "If I have to work hard for money all day, I want my evenings to be beautiful. I want a family, kids, and something meaningful to dedicate myself to." This shows that balancing work and family is important in our lives.
Another book that really made me think is Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." It's a classic story that talks about love, marriage, and society's rules in England a long time ago. I like how Austen shows the characters, especially the women, as smart and able to think for themselves. It made me realize how important it is for everyone to have a voice and be heard, especially women. Overall, delving into Austen's masterpiece promises to enrich my understanding of society and relationships. classical line of this novel is
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a
single man in possession of a
good fortune must be in want of a wife."
A key lesson from "The Great Gatsby" is that love affects everyone, and heartbreak is part of life. The book shows how people struggle when they fall for someone from a different social background. Gatsby, for example, thinks Daisy is too good for him because of her wealth and status. This leads him to believe he's not good enough for her, which is a dangerous idea. The story suggests that Gatsby's view of love might be unrealistic because he idolizes Daisy too much. In
Reading literature has shown me how crucial it is to think critically and analyze what I read. It's taught me to challenge assumptions and dig deep into texts to understand their deeper meanings and messages. I've also learned to see how literature reflects the world around it, including the society and culture it comes from.
Richardson's novel "Pamela", especially the second volume, is didactic; the book attempts to teach its readers. Pamela is offered to readers as an example of virtue because she is chaste and obedient to her family and God.
"The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" by Arundhati Roy is a book about people who feel lost and left out in society. It made me see the world through their eyes. One character, Jahanara Begum, worries about her child's identity and wonders if it's possible to live without being understood by others. Sometimes, it's hard to find the right words to express our feelings. But language is important for communication This line say Jahanara Begum when she see her child “The moment I saw her, a part of me walked out of my body and wrapped itself around her. And there it still remains.” . Jacques Derrida said he only speaks one language, even though it's not his native one. But what if someone doesn't have a language to express themselves? That's a big question raised by this book about those who feel unheard.
Studying African literature at the master's level has been an enriching experience, shaping my understanding of the continent's diverse cultures, histories, and societal dynamics. Through the works of authors like Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, Buchi Emecheta, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, and Gabriel Okara, I have delved deep into the complexities of African societies, gaining invaluable insights into themes such as colonization, nationalism, gender dynamics, and the pursuit of identity.
I can study Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, with his groundbreaking work like "Petals of Blood," explores the socio-political landscape of Kenya, delving into issues of colonization, nationalism, and the impact of Western influence on African cultures. His advocacy for writing in indigenous languages has heightened my awareness of the importance of linguistic decolonization and cultural resurgence.
Buchi Emecheta's portrayal of African women's experiences in novel such as "The Joys of Motherhood" has deepened my understanding of gender dynamics and the resilience of women within patriarchal societies. Her narratives have prompted critical reflections on the intersections of gender, culture, and agency.
Wole Soyinka's exploration of power dynamics and societal tensions in plays like "A Dance of the Forests" has challenged me to confront the complexities of post-colonial Nigeria. His works have prompted me to ponder questions of justice, tradition, and the quest for freedom. Overall, my journey into African literature has been transformative, broadening my perspectives and deepening my appreciation for the rich tapestry of voices that shape the continent's literary heritage. As I continue to learn and grow, I look forward to applying these insights to my academic pursuits and beyond.
Studying literature from around the world from the comfort of one place has allowed me to delve into the cultures, lifestyles, and varied experiences of nations across the globe, all from the convenience of one place. It's remarkable to think that while it's not possible to physically travel everywhere and witness all these aspects firsthand, literature and books serve as powerful vessels that vividly transport us to distant lands and offer rich insights into diverse societies and human experiences.
In short, English literature has been a big part of my life, teaching me important things like understanding people better, thinking critically, and analyzing situations. It's helped me see the world in a deeper way and become a more caring person. I'm thankful for all the writers and thinkers who have influenced me and shown me the power of literature to change lives.