What is Literature?

Our perceptions and thoughts are transient in nature. They grow and change over time. Yes, time, an element which we always wish to be in our favor, itself is transitory. So as the perception about literature, people, and life. Here are my thoughts about "What is Literature?"

My thoughts about literature, back then, in June 2019.

What is Literature.pdf

My recent understanding about the question, What is Literature?

Literature is a lighthouse. Yes, a lighthouse gives guidance to the ships and boats in the ocean; similarly, literature guides us and shows the right path for life. If the lighthouse is made for oceans then literature is made for the society. Time and again society and people need some light for new perspectives and areas which are hidden in the dark. When literature students dive into the deep realms of the ocean of literature, they find invaluable gems of new perspectives, critical insights, and human predicaments.


A lighthouse is a steady tower, and the source of light is situated at the height. This signifies that in order to gain more knowledge one has to keep on climbing higher steps!


Diamond

Another metaphor that can be given to literature is 'Diamond'.

Imagine you are holding a well-shaped diamond in your hand. It looks equally shiny from all sides when you swirl it around.

Similarly, not only literature but the entire life should be seen as a diamond that has multiple facets and shapes. Each side of literature shines differently and yet it holds the singularity of the entity; diamond.

Here is the best illustration that explains what the modern way of thinking should be. It says that humans are having multiple stereotypes and biases in their thinking. They are unnoticeable due to societal and cultural preconditioning of the mind. But while interacting in routine life, we unconsciously spread such biases.

Now, how does the diamond come into focus? Well, not every aspect of life have just black or white part. There are grey areas also which are equally thought and accepted nowadays. So rather than looking at the problems or ideas as a two-sided coin, we must look a step beyond and see it as a diamond full of different perspectives!