History vs Literature
We don't study literature merely because it is
beautiful and
entertaining, though these are delightful by-products of reading it. We study literature because it offers a more honest portrayal of history than history itself. As Churchill famously said, "It is only the victors who write history." While historians are often constrained by the need to please those in power and are, as a general rule, hesitant to challenge authority, literature has always rebelled against social norms and power structures, whether they be those of rulers or the herd mentality of the masses.
Examples of Literary Rebellion:
- Fielding's Tom Jones challenged Georgian Era norms and moral standards, offering a fresh perspective on morality.
- Milton's Paradise Lost portrayed an angel standing against his Creator, inspiring readers to question tyrannical authority.
- Maxim Gorky's Mother and Tolstoy's God's Kingdom is Within You provided profound social commentaries.
Historians have traditionally focused on kings, heroes, and warriors, often glorifying the powerful. In stark contrast, Chaucer in the Middle Ages presented the
Wife of Bath, a sexually autonomous woman, as a rational and positive character who debates a priest and advocates for women's sovereignty and autonomy. Could we expect the same from historians?
While historians often echo the celebrity culture of their times, literature focuses on the common human experience. It speaks of relatable fears, hopes, and joys, teaching us through the mistakes and triumphs of its characters. Literature celebrates the common individual, and in return, we should celebrate it.
Literature as the Experience of Life
As the saying goes, "We learn from our mistakes," but life is too short to make and learn from every mistake ourselves. This is where literature becomes invaluable. Through literature, we engage with the emotional conflicts, rational debates, and psychological states of characters and situations. By living the experiences of countless characters, a student of literature gains the wisdom of hundreds of lives and centuries of human experience.
Literature as Lenses
We all inherit lenses shaped by our parents, teachers, culture, and personal beliefs. These lenses influence how we perceive the world. Literature allows us to step into the lives of characters from diverse backgrounds—Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and others—helping us see the world through their perspectives. This emotional engagement broadens our understanding, fosters empathy, and dismantles the barriers of prejudice and hatred.
Through literature, we see that despite differences in ethnicity, language, and nationality, all humans share common fears, hopes, and aspirations. These insights make us more humane, breaking down the labels of "aliens," "strangers," and "enemies" imposed by society.
Literature as a Source of Change
Literature helps us understand social issues and envision solutions. A student of literature becomes a social scientist, diagnosing societal problems and dreaming of change. Literature nurtures visionaries, enabling them to see beyond the ordinary and inspiring them to improve society.
Literature as Fulfillment
Carpe diem—seize the day—is one of the most profound lessons literature imparts. Having lived countless lives through its characters, a student of literature becomes acutely aware of life's transient nature and the shallowness of material success. Literature teaches us to value relationships, self-awareness, and their synthesis.
As Christopher McCandless wrote, "Happiness is real only when shared." Tolstoy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the present moment, the person we are with, and the task at hand. Literature reveals that the fulfillment of one desire often leads to the birth of another, urging us to find purpose and meaning in contributing to society and family.
Conclusion
These are just a few reasons why studying literature is invaluable. Its lessons shape us into more empathetic, wise, and fulfilled individuals.
