How Literature Shaped Me?

Studying literature has opened my eyes to so many different aspects of the world. One of the most important lessons literature has taught me is how deeply it reflects society and the problems we face. For example, reading Animal Farm by George Orwell gave me a new perspective on politics and power. Before reading this book, I didn’t fully understand how easily power could corrupt those in charge and how systems could be manipulated for selfish gain. Orwell’s critique of political systems made me think critically about how politics works in real life and how important it is to hold leaders accountable. It helped me realize that the problems in society—like inequality, oppression, and corruption—are often much more complex than we might think.

Literature has also made me more aware of social issues like the rights of LGBTQ individuals. I remember reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf, a novel that challenges ideas about gender and identity. Orlando’s journey through time, changing gender and identity, made me think more about the way society labels people and how these labels can limit freedom and understanding. It opened my eyes to the struggles that people in the LGBTQ community face and made me more empathetic to their experiences.

But literature hasn’t just influenced my understanding of these broad societal issues; it’s also shaped my views on more personal, complex matters—such as the absurdity and tragedy surrounding suicide. It was not just the novels, but also TV shows and even the way suicide is portrayed in popular culture that made me reflect on the real-life consequences of societal indifference. These portrayals often present suicide as a final, solitary act without examining the emotional turmoil or social isolation that leads to such decisions. Literature made me question why society tends to stigmatize mental health struggles instead of addressing the deeper societal issues at play—issues like alienation, lack of empathy, and the pressures of perfectionism.

Reading these texts helped me see the absurdity of how we often expect individuals to overcome such complex, emotional challenges on their own. It’s made me more sensitive to the struggles of others, pushing me to be more aware of how we, as a society, talk about—and avoid—these difficult conversations.

Reading these texts helped me see the absurdity of how we often expect individuals to overcome such complex, emotional challenges on their own. It’s made me more sensitive to the struggles of others, pushing me to be more aware of how we, as a society, talk about—and avoid—these difficult conversations. The absurdity of how society treats mental health and suicide is something literature taught me to confront, not ignore, and it has shaped how I approach these topics in both my personal life and my work.

Through these books and countless others, I’ve come to see literature as a way of understanding the world’s problems more clearly. It’s not just about the characters or the story—it’s about how these stories make us reflect on society’s issues and how we, as individuals, can make a difference. Literature has also taught me to be more aware of my own privilege and to question my assumptions. It’s made me more active in thinking about the world’s injustices and how I can contribute to positive change.

Finally, literature has shaped me in terms of my personal growth. It’s made me more empathetic, more creative, and more thoughtful. I’ve learned to express my emotions and ideas better, and I’ve come to appreciate the power of words in creating change. Through literature, I’ve become more aware of the power of storytelling and how it can influence not just the individual but society as a whole.