T.S. Eliot’s assertion that ‘literature turns blood into ink’ resonates deeply. Blood, coursing through living beings, signifies an array of emotions—love, hatred, envy, cowardice, enthusiasm, anger, and more. Understanding literature isn’t straightforward; its definition evolves with the changing society, making classification increasingly complex. So, what does literature mean, in its essence? In literal terms, it encompasses written works and sometimes oral traditions, exemplifying any era, any part of the world.
Moreover, literature allows us to traverse time, offering glimpses into bygone ages and providing insights into the customs, cultures, and traditions of people. It encapsulates the human mind, mingling with the creative world of the author striving to articulate emotions, akin to Sidney’s glorification: ‘her world is brazen, the poets only deliver golden.’ Literature is the craft of expressing the unsaid and the unspoken.
Studying literature undeniably offers a gateway to understanding psychology (the study of the human mind), history (depicting the past), sociology (the societal norms), economics (the financial framework), and the geography of an era. Therefore, it acts as an encompassing umbrella term, spanning every facet of human experience.
HOW IS IT RELEVANT and its relation to language?
In Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost,’ Adam’s incompleteness without Eve mirrored a limited emotional spectrum. In a similar vein, literature resembles a multi-storied building, with language serving as its foundational roots, facilitating its establishment. Language operates as a communication tool, a vehicle for thoughts. A perpetual symbiosis exists between language and literature; language provides voice to literature, enabling the propagation of embedded emotions. Literature, in essence, is inconceivable without the framework of language.
Beyond this fundamental relationship, literature plays a multifaceted and integral role in our lives. Firstly, it fosters empathy and illuminates humanity’s innate nature. Through literature, we delve into the intellect, unraveling the emotions of others, ultimately showcasing our compassionate hearts. Additionally, literature nurtures imagination, a quintessential human trait, presenting society from the perspective of creative authors. This augmentation of writing skills and an expanded vocabulary is nurtured by exploring the pages of relevant books.
Furthermore, literature fosters critical thinking, an indispensable skill for navigating life’s complexities. Hence, literature emerges as a confluence of essentials vital for survival.
HOW LITERATURE INSPIRES ME?
The title of ‘Dr.’ carries a certain magical allure, doesn’t it? It bestows a sense of authority, rank, and societal standing. Progressing step by step, one ascends to a position where people value your words, laden with scholarly weight cultivated through dedicated skills and rigorous training. Beyond obtaining a Ph.D., my primary aspiration is to illuminate the world that surrounds me. It might sound cliché, but trust me, this has been the guiding principle guiding me since I became aware of my surroundings.
Literature is the air I breathe. My passion for it burgeoned during my formative years. My father, my true inspiration, meticulously nurtured my grasp of the English language and later introduced me to novels and poetry. Initially unfamiliar, those words gradually became my own, transporting me to the worlds created by the writers. Despite my background in science, my affinity for English literature emerged as an undeniable calling, one I have fervently pursued to this day.
This subject has always captivated me, akin to Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils.’ Engaging in research within such a domain is a profound privilege. Therefore, my intention is to embark on a master’s degree journey to delve deeper into this divine realm. It will undoubtedly offer invaluable insights and context, providing the necessary depth to shine in this ever-evolving universe.
HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE
Let’s journey back to where it all began. England, previously known as Angleland, has witnessed multiple invasions and occupations. According to historical accounts, the initial inhabitants were the Britons, a Celtic people who spoke their own language. The Romans invaded England in 43 AD, leading to the emergence of a hybrid Roman-British culture that endured for about 500 years. Subsequently, the Germanic tribes—Angles, Saxons, and Jutes—commenced their invasion around 450 AD. In 1066, the Normans arrived, bringing with them a form of French rule.
In the midst of these transformations, King Alfred the Great played a pivotal role in shaping literature within the emerging language. Earlier, literature wasn’t recorded in written form; instead, stories and songs were transmitted orally—a tradition known as ‘orature.’ Notable figures like Venerable Bede, often regarded as the father of English learning, contributed exceptional works such as ‘The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.’
Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as the ‘father of English literature,’ significantly enriched not only English literature but also contributed in French and Italian. His scholarly influence set the stage for a lineage that encompassed luminaries like Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, R.B. Tagore, and W.B. Yeats. This amalgamation culminated in the creation of the English canon, leading English to become a globally recognized language with diverse variations used across the world.
LITERATURE AND TECHNOLOGY
In this modern era, the pervasive influence of science and technology extends into every facet, merging with the aesthetic realm of literature. Scholars from diverse fields are gravitating toward the literary arena, channeling their inspiration into this domain. Technology has seamlessly integrated itself into literature, making it nearly impossible to separate these two facets in equal measure.
Previously, the era of manuscripts, books, diaries, magazines, and newspapers constituted tangible components that allowed readers to experience the writer’s joys and sorrows. However, these physical entities have now been replaced by e-books, Kindles, and other digital mediums, catering to individuals coping with the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced, digitalized world. Today, almost everything is accessible with just a click, conveniently fitting into the palms of our hands. This accessibility has particularly benefited those in the corporate sector, enabling them to engage with literary genres during business trips, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
However, personally, I relish the tactile experience of manually turning book pages, comprehending each facet crystal clear.
When it comes to writing, technology has transformed this realm as well. Anne Frank, while documenting ‘The Diary of a Young Girl,’ once referred to paper as her best friend. However, the authenticity of the writing process has evolved. People now prefer keyboards over pens to express their thoughts. Interestingly, autocorrect functions on laptops or desktops eliminate the need for manual corrections, requiring minimal effort to articulate one’s thoughts coherently. Undoubtedly, this has immensely supported writers, enabling swift and seamless processing of thoughts, maintaining a constant flow of creative juices in the writer’s mind.
CONCLUSION
Literature stands as the actual blueprint of society, manifesting in various genres—epic, drama, poetry, novel, haiku, and more. Despite their diversity, their core aim remains consistent: to convey the writer’s insights, representing the air they breathe and the world they inhabit.
While ‘Plato’ viewed ‘hymns to God’ and ‘panegyrics to heroic individuals’ as the ideal forms of poetry, considering others as a departure from reality, contemporary literature has evolved significantly. The origins of various forms of literature now extend beyond conventional boundaries, impacting society profoundly, often shaping the future of nations through individual groups.
In my view, literature holds immense relevance in everyone’s life, whether one is engaged in academic pursuits or not. It serves as a tranquil conduit to connect with others. As literature mirrors society, it allows us to explore unprecedented eras, gaining profound insights into human nature and civilization. This journey is facilitated by language, forming an interconnectedness that enables global communication.
Imagine a world devoid of language; people would be ignorant of one another—a concept emphasized by Claude-Lévi Strauss, stressing the social kinship language provides.
In essence, literature seamlessly intertwines with our lives, knowingly or unknowingly. Salman Rushdie aptly articulates this sentiment by stating, ‘Literature is where I got to explore the highest and the lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not the absolute truth but the truth of the imagination and of the heart.
