Should I Study English Literature?
Do you like reading books/ novels, but are not sure whether to pursue literature full-time for your UG? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will be discussing some important aspects that would help you make an informed decision.
Even if you are certain about your decision to study literature as your major, this blog will help you check the requirements off your list and further affirm your decision with more clarity.
We will discuss -
The type of students that should study literature full time
Literary texts you can go through as a pre-reading to understand whether the field interests you
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| Why study literature |
What is Literature?
Literature is defined as “the written word”. It is any work of prose fiction or non-fiction that uses language to convey information and ideas. In its broadest sense, literature includes books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, poetry, short stories, essays, speeches, songs, movies, television shows, video games, etc.
Traditionally, the term has been applied to imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by their authors' intentions and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. Language, national origin, historical period, genre, and subject matter are some of the systems used to classify literature. In English literature, you will come across writings such as plays, poems, a composition consisting of verse and prose, essays, etc.
Majorly, this blog will focus on the written form of English literature and some other works of literature translated into English.
Who Should Study English Literature?
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| Who should study literature? |
It is undoubtedly true that people who like to read books- especially novels, are the most appropriate people to study literature. This is because only the people who read can do justice to literary classics and bring forth some new perspectives. Others will only read the summary of texts like novels, poems, etc., and try to get through the examination.
The latter is not a good idea as it won’t be beneficial because the most important benefit a literature degree can bring is a liberating and judgment-free mind. Only knowing the story of a text through a summary is worst than a shallow reading.
Even if you read the critical analysis of the same text it takes away the liberty to agree, disagree, add to it, or bring a new perspective.
So, choose wisely, or at least know what you are signing for while taking literature, and start reading some texts.
The type of students who should study literature as a major-
If you are an enthusiastic reader who reads many articles and novels
If you do not agree with norms but are not sure how to contradict them
If your ignorance has been damaged, i.e. you notice the stereotypical remarks around you which seem normal to most people but you can’t help but point out how problematic they are.
If you like to write about stuff, maintain a journal, blog, writing page, etc.
If you have any of the above qualities studying literature can do wonders for you.
Why Study Literature?
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| Importance of Literaure |
There are several reasons to consider studying literature. It is beneficial to us in numerous ways. Let us discuss some of the major benefits briefly-
A better understanding of culture- Reading a literary text requires an understanding of the period in which it was written, along with the ideology and culture of people at that time. Knowing these, help us understand people and their cultural activities thoroughly.
Trace history by knowing more about the culture of the people who resided on earth before us- Studying literature can also be understood as studying history in a fun way. In other words, when you read old texts, you are also required to learn about the era which enhances your historical knowledge but in a fun way. It is fun because in literature, more than facts and dates, perspectives matter.
Sparks imagination- If you read, you must already have an imaginative mind and a knack for writing. Studying literature can help you enhance your imaginative acumen and jot down your thoughts in a more proper manner. So, if you want to become a writer, this is the right field for you.
Creates a judgment-free mind where you welcome all kinds of viewpoints- As we already know that perspectives are of the greatest value when it comes to literary studies. Studying various texts in class and listening to the viewpoints shared by your peers will broaden your thoughts and perception.
Which literary texts will be helpful to start your literature journey?
Here are some literary texts you can go through as a pre-reading to understand whether the field interests you-
Pride and Prejudice (Novel By Jane Austen)
Jane Eyre (Novel By Charlotte Bronte)
Things Fall Apart (Novel By Chinua Achebe)
Halfway House (Play Mohan Rakesh)
Ghasiram Kotwal (Play by Vijay Tendulkar)
These are some basic and some of the most popular and interesting literary works. Studying these will give you an idea of what literature is, and what it expects from you professionally.
To understand literature we also need to keep in mind that there is no right answer to any question - people are welcome to share their viewpoints and justify them with hypotheses or facts. We can counter the question and point out discrepancies to learn and grow together but there is no place for judgment in this field. You cannot judge the perspective of your contemporaries doing that will only restrict your own growth.
However, this is not something you should be worried about as this habit will automatically grow on you with critical readings and cohort learnings.
Other Readings
In addition to these texts, you can also study some proses, essays, and other texts to enhance your understanding of ideologies and their development.
Here are some prose readings to get you started-
A Room of One’s Own (By Virginia Woolf)
The Subjection of Women (By John Stuart Mill)
The Origin Of Species (By Charles Darwin)
Nationalism (By Rabindranath Tagore)
Being a Writer in India (U. R. Ananthamurthy)
Read about some writers
Moreover, you should also read about the lives of some writers, preferably the lives of writers whose texts are familiar to you.
Reading about the life of the writer will help you understand the text and its history as it is influenced by the same.
Below mentioned are some of the writers whose lives fascinate and inspire me the most-
Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941)
Mary Shelley (1797 – 1851)
Christopher Marlowe (1564 – 1593)
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759 – 1797)
Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744)
William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616
Aphra Behn (1640 - 1689)
George Eliot (1819 - 1880)
So to conclude, literature has many benefits and plays a major role in shaping our personality. If you love reading, and writing and want to enhance or strengthen your creative acumen then literature can help you a great deal. Reading literature can help you improve your imagination and jot down your ideas.
There are numerous reasons why you should study literature. Reading a literary text necessitates an understanding of the time period in which it was written, as well as the ideology and culture of the time. Reading about the writer whose work you are studying will help you understand the text and its history as it is influenced by the same. Finally, there is no correct answer to any question; people are free to express their opinions and back them up with facts. There is no place for discretion in this subject.
Hope there was something in this blog that you found helpful. Please share your remarks in the comments, and let me know what else you would like to know about.
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