How Literature Shaped me? 

“Things can change in a day.” — Arundhati Roy

When I entered my B.A., I did not even know the correct spelling of the word literature. It was the very first time I properly heard and understood this word from my professor. At that time, literature was completely new to me, and I had only a very basic idea that it might be related to stories or poems.

However, as I moved forward in my academic journey from B.A. to M.A., my understanding of literature has completely transformed. Today, I realize that literature is not limited to one particular area. It is a vast and interdisciplinary field that connects with every aspect of life such as history, culture, politics, psychology, philosophy, and even science.

Through the works of Arundhati Roy, George Orwell, and Joseph Conrad, I began to understand what is actually going on around us such as power, control, inequality, and human struggle. These writings made me aware that literature is not just imagination but it reflects reality and also questions it.

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” — George Orwell

This idea helped me clearly understand how inequality and hidden power structures exist in society.

Similarly, reading contemporary writers like Salman Rushdie helped me understand present-day issues such as identity, nation, and cultural conflicts.

Literature has shaped me into a critical thinker. Earlier, I used to accept things as they were, but now I question, analyze, and try to understand deeper meanings. It has made me more aware and answerable as a person. I now reflect on my role in society and think about issues like justice, inequality, and responsibility.

It has also developed a sense of resistance in me. Literature teaches me not to remain silent in front of injustice or bias. It gives me the courage to question power and to think independently. At the same time, literature teaches me acceptance. It introduces me to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, helping me understand and respect diversity.

Another important change is that literature has inspired me to explore every field of knowledge, not just one. It has made me curious to learn beyond boundaries and to see how everything is interconnected. Now I understand that literature is not just about books, it exists in films, digital media, and everyday life.

Looking back, from not even knowing the spelling of literature to now deeply engaging with it, my journey has been truly transformative. Literature has not only educated me but also shaped my thinking, my values, and my identity.

“Stories matter. Many stories matter.” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Thus, literature is not just a subject for me anymore. It is a way of understanding life. It develops critical thinking, awareness, resistance, and acceptance, and inspires me to explore knowledge in all its forms. It helps me understand the world around me and also understand myself.