What is Literature and How it shaped me ?

 

What is Literature and How it Shaped Me?

Hello everyone! In this blog, I will reflect on the concept of literature by addressing the following questions: "What is literature?" and "How has literature shaped me?" Along the way, I will also share my personal metaphor for literature. This blog is a part of an insightful thinking and writing activity assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad.

What is Literature?

Literature, at its core, is an expansive and intricate field that touches upon numerous areas of human thought and expression. It is not confined to a single discipline but extends to a variety of domains, including art, history, scientific discoveries, environmental issues, social studies, and even marginalized movements such as queer studies. Literature serves as a fusion of all these different aspects, blending creativity, knowledge, reflection, and human emotion into a singular force. It enables us to explore complex ideas and situations through the lens of words, offering interpretations, critiques, and visions of the world around us.

For me, literature is far more than a collection of written words; it is a dynamic, powerful tool that enables us to challenge injustice, highlight societal struggles, and give voice to those who have long been silenced. In the face of adversity, literature offers a means to stand up for what is right and advocate for fairness and equity. Through the written word, we can raise our voices not just for ourselves but for the oppressed and marginalized who cannot speak for themselves. I am reminded of the quote, "Where the sun's rays don't reach, a poet does," which conveys the idea that literature illuminates the darkest corners of society—places and issues that often go unnoticed. Literature’s power lies in its ability to bring attention to these hidden struggles, to offer a platform for the unheard, and to inspire change, awareness, and action. By connecting with these written works, we gain a deeper understanding of humanity, our societies, and the world we live in. Literature gives us the opportunity to reflect, question, and envision new possibilities for ourselves and others.

Literature as a Metaphor for me 

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To me, literature can be likened to the "Thoughts of Choices." We are not born with the power to make conscious choices from the outset; rather, we are born into circumstances that shape our decisions, often outside our control. Everything we do is not always by personal wish or deliberate intention but is influenced by the people, culture, and society around us. In many ways, the choices we make are shaped by forces far greater than our personal desires. This idea connects deeply with Pramod K. Nayar’s "An Introduction to Cultural Studies," in which he discusses how identity is formed through societal expectations and the roles imposed on individuals. For example, he explores how a girl is expected to play with dolls, reinforcing the idea that girls are soft, while boys are expected to play with machines, signifying strength and mechanical aptitude. These gender-based expectations limit the choices available to individuals and shape the way they see themselves and their potential in the world.

Similarly, Salman Rushdie’s "Midnight’s Children" offers a vivid exploration of life choices. In the story, the characters Shiva and Saleem are born into a world that is beyond their control. Their births and the events that unfold in their lives happen due to sheer chance and circumstance, leaving them unaware of the forces that are shaping their fates. Much like us, they don’t have a clear understanding of the societal structures that govern their lives. These characters’ experiences reflect how many individuals live under conditions dictated by forces they cannot control or understand. They are caught in a web of identity, fate, and history, searching for meaning in a world where their choices are often defined by external factors. Through their journeys, Rushdie demonstrates the intertwining of choice, chance, and societal influence, a constant exploration of who we are, what we can become, and how we navigate life without fully grasping the true impact of our decisions.

Reflection on "Midnight’s Children" and Cultural Studies

The reflections on "Midnight’s Children" by Salman Rushdie and "An Introduction to Cultural Studies" by Pramod K. Nayar offer a profound understanding of the tension between individual agency and societal influence. The quote by Rushdie, "To understand just one life, you have to swallow the world," speaks to the interconnectedness of individual lives with the broader forces of history and society. This connection emphasizes that no life is lived in isolation—our choices and experiences are always shaped by the larger historical and cultural context in which we find ourselves.

Pramod K. Nayar’s insight that "Culture is not just the ways of thinking and behaving, but also the very institutions that shape identity" resonates deeply in understanding how the world around us shapes our identities. Society’s expectations and cultural norms dictate much of what is deemed acceptable for individuals, particularly in terms of gender roles and identity. This brings us to the idea of how literature can challenge these social constructs by shedding light on the way these influences mold our sense of self and agency.

Michel Foucault’s philosophy on the influence of culture offers another important reflection: "We are born in a culture that shapes us, but we are also capable of reshaping that culture." While culture undoubtedly shapes us in powerful ways, Foucault reminds us of our potential to challenge, resist, and transform these influences. We are not merely passive recipients of societal norms but active participants in reshaping them.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist perspective, "Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you," adds another layer of understanding. Sartre suggests that while we may not have control over the circumstances of our birth or the societal pressures we face, we still have the power to make choices in response to those forces. This ability to choose, to create meaning from the circumstances we find ourselves in, is at the heart of literature. Literature offers us the chance to understand and explore the ways in which we are shaped by external factors, but it also empowers us to reclaim agency and challenge those forces.

How Literature Shaped Me ?

When I was in my BA, I didn’t consider myself a very curious learner. Coming from a science background, my approach to learning was more focused on facts, theories,  rather than exploring the deeper aspects of culture and society. I was more focused on book knowledge and didn’t really delve into understanding different perspectives or worldviews.

However, when I transitioned into my MA, something shifted in me. I started to realize that learning wasn’t just about gathering information but about understanding the world from different angles. It was more about being open to new ideas and exploring the cultural, social, and historical factors that shape the way we live and think. I began to see that life itself is a journey of learning how to understand others, their cultures, and their unique ways of seeing the world.

Through my studies in the MA program, I came to understand how important it is to look beyond just the surface. I realized that the more we understand different cultures, the more we can connect with people and navigate life in a way that helps us grow and move forward. It's not just about learning in the traditional sense but about developing a deeper awareness of the world around us.

This shift in my mindset made me more curious and open to learning in ways I hadn't been before. I now see learning as a way of life, a continuous process of understanding and adapting. By learning about different cultures and perspectives, we can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and improve ourselves. This realization has opened up new pathways for me, and I’m excited to continue growing and exploring new ideas in my life.

In simple terms, literature has helped me understand how society shapes our choices and identities, often in ways we may not even realize. Works like "Midnight’s Children" by Salman Rushdie and theories by Pramod K. Nayar show us that while we are born into circumstances beyond our control, we still search for meaning and identity in a world full of uncertainties. Literature teaches us that while culture and history have a profound impact on our lives, thinkers like Foucault and Sartre offer hope, reminding us that we can resist these forces and transform them. In this sense, literature shapes the way we see ourselves and our relationship to the world around us.

Literature has influenced me greatly in making decisions throughout my life. It has encouraged me to question societal norms, to look beyond surface appearances, and to challenge conventional wisdom. Through literature, I’ve learned that no matter where we start, we always have the power to decide how we respond to the world and the circumstances we are born into. It has helped me realize that my personal choices are never isolated from the larger narratives of culture, history, and humanity. Literature has shown me that we are all part of a vast, interconnected story that continues to evolve and change with each individual decision.

Conclusion 

Literature is not just a passive reflection of life, it is a powerful catalyst for change. It opens our minds to the struggles and choices that individuals face and empowers readers to see beyond their immediate circumstances. By engaging with literature, we begin to understand that our choices are always influenced by larger cultural, historical, and social forces. Yet, at the same time, literature reminds us of the power we have to question, resist, and reshape those forces. The voices of authors, poets, and thinkers from all over the world offer a space for the marginalized and the oppressed to be heard. Their stories transcend time, offering insights into the human condition and the potential for transformation.

Through literature, we not only gain a mirror for self-reflection but also a map to guide us in our quest for self-awareness and social change. By continuing to engage with literature, we develop a deeper understanding of who we are, what we can become, and the potential we have to change the world around us. In the end, literature is both a mirror and a compass, showing us not only who we are but also where we might go next.

Thank You!!!