HOW LITERATURE SHAPED ME ?

How Literature Shaped Me ?

1. Literature Expanded My Perspective

Reading literature has broadened my understanding of diverse cultures, histories, and ideologies. Works like Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe introduced me to postcolonial narratives, while Hamlet made me reflect on existential dilemmas. Through literature, I have stepped into the shoes of characters from different backgrounds, eras, and belief systems, helping me develop empathy and cultural awareness.

2. Literature Challenged My Thinking

Some books act like calm streams, offering comfort and wisdom, while others are like turbulent waters, forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths. Engaging with feminist readings of Jane Eyre or deconstructing colonial themes in Heart of Darkness pushed me to question my assumptions about literature, history, and power structures. Theories like Marxism, Postmodernism, and Deconstruction reshaped my understanding of texts, making me see that meaning is never fixed—it is always evolving.

3. Literature as a Form of Self-Discovery

During my B.A. years, literature helped me find my intellectual identity. Each book added a new layer to my thoughts, whether it was the philosophical depth of Kafka, the poetic beauty of Wordsworth, or the psychological intensity of Dostoevsky. It was during this time that I realized literature is not just about understanding others it is also a tool for self-reflection.

As I progressed into my M.A. studies, literature became more than just an exploration of ideas it became a way to engage critically with the world. Writing research papers, debating interpretations in seminars, and analyzing texts through different theoretical frameworks made me realize that literature is an active conversation, not a passive experience. It taught me to read between the lines, question dominant narratives, and seek deeper meanings in everything.

4. Literature and the Power of Words

Literature has made me appreciate the power of language how words can inspire revolutions, shape ideologies, and leave lasting impacts. Writers like Orwell, Morrison, and Coetzee showed me that literature is not neutral; it has the ability to resist oppression, challenge stereotypes, and give voice to the marginalized. This realization made me more conscious of how narratives shape reality and how literature can be a force for change.

5. Literature as a Lifelong Journey

Even after my formal studies, literature remains a guiding force in my life. The river of literature continues to flow, offering me new perspectives, new challenges, and new ways of seeing the world. It has shaped me into a more critical thinker, a more empathetic individual, and a more engaged scholar. Literature is not just a subject I studied it is a lifelong companion that continues to shape the way I think, question, and interpret the world around me.