What is Literature?

Before M.A.

After M.A.

What is Literature?

If we go according to definitions, literature is the art of written or spoken expression that reflects human thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It includes different forms like stories, poems, plays, and essays, which can entertain, educate, and inspire people. Literature helps us understand different cultures, history, and ideas while also allowing writers to express their creativity and perspectives on life. It connects people across time and places, making it an important part of human civilization.

According to scholars, literature is often defined as a body of written works that have artistic or intellectual value, conveying deep meanings through language. It is not just about storytelling but also about preserving traditions, questioning societal norms, and exploring the human condition. Whether it is a novel that makes us feel emotions, a poem that captures beauty in words, or a play that brings social issues to light, literature serves as a powerful medium of expression. It continues to evolve with time, shaping and reflecting the world around us.

I used to think that literature was just a collection of stories and poems, something meant only for writers and poets a world far removed from everyday people like me. I believed it was a field only for a select few, and not really connected to the common life. But, as I started exploring literature more deeply, I realized that it is much more than that.

For me, literature is like a window into the lives of many people. It doesn't only tell simple stories; it captures the full range of human experience. Every story reflects everyday life it records the way people lived, the time they lived in, and the unique challenges and joys of their lives. When I read literature, I feel like I’m peeking into the history and culture of a particular era, understanding how people thought, felt, and acted during that time.

What truly changed my perspective is that literature is not just about fantasy or far-away tales. It holds history, emotion, and even a bit of philosophy in its pages. It shows me how people expressed their feelings and ideas, and how they used words to make sense of the world around them. It made me understand that literature is a way of capturing history not just the dates and events, but the very emotions, the struggles, and the dreams that define a period.

 I learned that literature is for everyone. It isn’t reserved for an elite group of people; it is a powerful tool that anyone can use to express themselves and understand others. No matter who you are or where you come from, literature can offer a place for you to find your voice or to connect with the voices of those who came before you.

For me, literature also serves as an escape. In the midst of the harsh realities of everyday life, diving into a good book has become a way to find solace and inspiration. It is a corner of my life where I can take a break, reflect, and see the world from different perspectives.

So I can tell that literature is not just a collection of simple stories or poems, it is a rich, living record of human life. It captures history, emotion, and thought, and it is a means of expression and escape that is available to everyone. This personal journey through literature has shown me that it is a vital part of understanding both myself and the wider world around me.