What is Literature?

What is Literature? (After M.A.)

     "Literature is not exhaustible, for the sufficient and simple reason that a single book is not."
— Jorge Luis Borges

"A single gentle rain makes the grass many shades greener. So our prospects brighten on the influx of better thoughts."
— Henry David Thoreau

  These two are different perspectives from different thinkers on the same idea, and both are equally valid. Literature is boundless—every book holds infinite meanings, and every reading brings a new interpretation. At the same time, literature nurtures the mind, inspiring growth and transformation, just as rain revives the earth. This is the beauty of literature: it allows for multiple perspectives, welcomes criticism, and continues to evolve with time.

What is Literature? (A Personal Reflection)

Literature is more than words on a page—it is an experience, a journey, and a dialogue between the writer and the reader. It is not limited to novels, poetry, or plays but extends to oral traditions, folklore, films, and even digital narratives. Literature is everywhere, shaping the way we perceive the world.

At its core, literature is storytelling. Whether through myths that explain the cosmos, epics that define civilizations, or contemporary fiction that captures the human condition, literature has always served as a bridge between imagination and reality. It records history, challenges ideologies, and offers new ways of thinking.

One might argue that literature is a reflection of society, capturing its virtues and flaws. The works of Dickens exposed Victorian poverty, while postcolonial literature highlighted the struggles of the oppressed. However, literature is not merely a mirror—it also shapes society. Revolutionary writings, from Rousseau’s The Social Contract to feminist manifestos, have fueled movements and transformed history.

But literature is not always political; it can be deeply personal. A poem, a letter, or even a simple short story can evoke emotions that logic cannot explain. It connects strangers across time and space, allowing a reader in the 21st century to feel the heartache of a poet from centuries ago.

The beauty of literature lies in its endless interpretations. No two readers experience a book the same way because literature is shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and contexts. As Roland Barthes stated, "The birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author." Once a text is written, it belongs to the world, open to infinite meanings.

With technology, literature is evolving. Digital poetry, interactive storytelling, and AI-generated fiction are reshaping what we consider "literary." Whether written in ink or coded in pixels, literature remains a powerful force that questions, inspires, and endures.

In the end, literature is not just a subject to study—it is a way of understanding life. It is the voice of the past, the conscience of the present, and the dream of the future.

Before coming to the Department of English at MKBU, my understanding of literature was more straightforward. I saw it as stories and poetry, as a creative form of expression. But now, after my M.A., my perspective has expanded. I see literature as a conversation across time and space, a tool for questioning and reimagining the world. It is not just about reading but about engaging, interpreting, and challenging ideas. This freedom to think critically and explore new perspectives is one of the most enriching aspects of literature.    

From my perspective, literature is essential in life, though its impact varies for each individual. It can educate, inspire, and even reshape our way of thinking.

Engaging with literature does not require special qualifications—anyone can participate, interpret, and find meaning in it. In today’s digital world, literature exists in both traditional written forms and AI-generated content. While technology offers new possibilities, it also raises questions about originality and creativity. Yet, literature remains as vital as ever, like rain to the earth or salt in the sea—an inseparable part of human existence.