What is Literature and How Literature Shaped Me?

 

Hello everyone, 

This blog is a part of thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this I'm going to discuss " What is Literature for me ? , How it shaped me ? , and My metaphor for literature " .

What is literature for me?

For me, literature has been more than an academic pursuit it has shaped my perspectives, intellectual depth, and personal identity. As I progressed from a master's student to a postgraduate scholar, engaging with diverse literary traditions has profoundly influenced my worldview, critical thinking, and understanding of human nature. 

Exploring African and British literature introduced me to themes of colonialism, identity, and resistance. Works by Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie revealed the impact of colonial rule and the power of storytelling, while British literature from Shakespeare’s tragedies to the novels of Woolf, Orwell, and Dickens deepened my appreciation for historical consciousness and philosophical thought. 

Beyond traditional studies, my interest in digital humanities has broadened my perspective on literature’s evolving nature. Existentialist and absurdist thinkers like Sartre and Camus challenged my understanding of human existence, while Emerson’s essays reinforced the importance of intellectual independence. Thoreau’s reflections in Walden further shaped my appreciation for solitude as a space for creativity and self-discovery. 

Studying literary movements from Romanticism to Postmodernism expanded my analytical lens, from the introspective poetry of Wordsworth and Keats to the experimental narratives of Rushdie and Pynchon. Even contemporary works, such as Chetan Bhagat’s novels, have provided insights into modern storytelling and societal transitions. 

Literature has sharpened my critical thinking, deepened my empathy, and enriched my engagement with the world. As I continue my academic journey, I see it as an essential tool for understanding human experiences, cultural shifts, and intellectual discourse, making it central to both my personal and scholarly growth.

How Literature Shaped Me ?

Literature has never been just a subject for me it has been a profound force, shaping my thoughts, identity, and perception of the world. My journey began in the 10th standard when, as a reserved student, I found comfort in books. Fictional characters reflected my emotions, and poetry became an outlet for unspoken feelings. At that time, literature was more of a refuge than a means of connection.  

However, in my 11th and 12th standard, literature evolved into a bridge linking me to others. Novels, plays, and poetry ignited discussions, gradually drawing me out of solitude. Engaging with epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana exposed me to intricate moral and philosophical dilemmas, leading to stimulating debates. Over time, literature transformed me from an observer into someone eager to exchange ideas.  

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts refined my critical thinking. What once seemed like fixed narratives revealed layers of interpretation. Encountering postcolonialism, feminism, and existentialism helped me recognize literature’s role in shaping ideologies. It was no longer just about reading it became an exercise in questioning, analyzing, and engaging with intellectual discourse.  

My Master of Arts deepened this transformation. Concepts like deconstruction, semiotics, and poststructuralism unveiled the complexities of meaning, demonstrating that literature is full of contradictions and hidden power structures. My curiosity extended to film studies, media, and cultural theory, broadening my perspective on storytelling across different platforms. Literature was no longer merely a passion it became an intellectual framework, shaping how I perceive and interpret the world.  

Today, literature is inseparable from my identity. It has turned me from a quiet reader into an active thinker, from someone who sought escape in books to someone who engages, debates, and reflects on deeper ideas. It has shown me that narratives are limitless in meaning, and language is not just a medium of communication but a site of power and ideology. With every book, poem, and theory, I continue to evolve constantly reshaping both my understanding of literature and my own sense of self.

My Metaphor for Literature:

Akshaya(अक्षय): 

A Metaphor for Literature  Literature, like the Sanskrit word "Akshaya" (अक्षय), is eternal, inexhaustible, and indestructible. It is a realm where stories, ideas, and emotions transcend the boundaries of time and space, continuing to inspire generations. Just as "Akshaya" signifies something that never diminishes, literature remains an ever-flowing source of wisdom, insight, and artistic beauty.  

Timelessness and Immortality: 

Literature is a timeless entity, much like Akshaya. The works of Homer, Shakespeare, and Tagore still resonate today, proving that literature never fades into oblivion. A written word, once expressed, has the power to live forever, influencing thoughts, cultures, and societies across centuries.  

Inexhaustible Interpretations: 

One of the most fascinating aspects of literature is its boundless interpretative scope. A single text can be read in countless ways, reflecting different perspectives, emotions, and contexts. This quality makes literature truly Akshaya limitless and ever-evolving.  A 

Perpetual Source of Knowledge: 

Much like an inexhaustible treasure, literature continually enriches the human mind. From ancient epics to contemporary narratives, it provides insights into history, philosophy, human psychology, and the complexities of life itself. The knowledge and wisdom found in literature are never depleted; instead, they grow with every new reader and interpretation.  

Akshaya and My Literary Journey: 

As a student, I see literature as my personal Akshaya a guiding force that never ceases to inspire me. Each book I read adds to an endless journey of learning and exploration. In this sense, literature is not just an academic pursuit but a lifelong companion that remains undiminished, no matter how much one delves into it. Thus, the metaphor of "Akshaya" perfectly encapsulates the essence of literature. It is an undying flame, an infinite ocean, and an eternal echo of human thought and creativity.