How Literature shaped me ? 

How Literature Shaped Me: A Journey from Introversion to Insight

Literature has been more than just a subject of study for me—it has been a transformative force, shaping my personality, my thoughts, and my understanding of the world. My journey with literature began in my 10th standard, when I was an introverted student, seeking comfort in books rather than social interactions. At that time, literature was an escape, a world where I could lose myself without the fear of judgment or expectations. I found solace in fictional characters, their struggles mirroring my own, and their words becoming my silent companions. Poetry, especially, resonated with me, allowing me to express emotions I could not voice aloud. Reading made me feel understood, yet I remained withdrawn, content to live in the stories rather than engage with the world outside.

However, in 11th and 12th standard, literature began to push me out of my shell. It was no longer just an escape; it became a bridge to connect with others. As I explored novels, dramas, and poetry, I started discussing them with classmates, and slowly, literature became my way of engaging with people. The ideas in books were too fascinating to keep to myself, and in sharing them, I found my voice. Studying myths and epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana made me question grand narratives, power structures, and moral complexities, which led to deeper discussions and debates. My transformation from an introvert to an extrovert was gradual, but literature was always at the center of it—it gave me something meaningful to talk about, something that connected me with others beyond surface-level interactions.

During my Bachelor of Arts (BA), literature completely changed the way I thought. It was no longer just about reading stories; it was about thinking critically, questioning realities, and deconstructing what I once took for granted. The myths I once saw as absolute truths became symbolic structures open to multiple interpretations. I began seeing literature not as a collection of fixed meanings but as a dynamic, living discourse where no interpretation was final. I engaged with postcolonialism, feminism, and existentialism, which reshaped my worldview. Literature was no longer just entertainment—it was power, a force that could shape ideologies and influence society. This realization fueled my intellectual curiosity, and I started writing, questioning, and engaging in discussions that challenged conventional beliefs.

However, it was during my Master of Arts (MA) that I changed the most. By then, literature was not just a passion but a way of thinking and living. I delved deeper into deconstruction, semiotics, and poststructuralism, learning that meaning is never stable and that texts are filled with contradictions and hidden power structures. My understanding of literature became profoundly nuanced, layered, and intricate. I was no longer just reading books; I was dissecting them, analyzing how language shapes reality, and understanding literature as a tool that reflects and reshapes culture. This was also the period when I explored film studies, media, and cultural theory, realizing that storytelling extended beyond books into cinema, digital media, and popular culture. Every aspect of literature and media became interconnected in my mind, forming a complex web of meanings that I was eager to explore further.

Now, literature is not just something I study—it is part of my identity. It has given me depth, insight, and a critical lens through which I see the world. It has transformed me from an introvert to someone who loves discussing and debating ideas. It has taken me from passive reading to active questioning, from mere enjoyment to deep intellectual engagement. Looking back, I see that literature has been the most profound influence in my life—shaping my thoughts, my personality, and my aspirations. It has taught me that nothing is absolute, that stories hold infinite meanings, and that language is not just a tool for communication but a battleground of power, ideology, and resistance. And with each book, each poem, and each critical theory I explore, I continue to grow, questioning and redefining not just literature but also myself.