Do We Need Literature in Our Lives?
- Literature as a Catalyst for Change: Literature drives social change by challenging oppressive norms, as seen in works like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "I Am Malala."
- Cultural Identity and Preservation: Literature preserves a nation's history and values, reflecting its spirit through the works of authors like Bulleh Shah and Mark Twain.
- Shared Humanity and Connection: Literature fosters empathy and understanding, humanizing diverse experiences and reminding us of our shared humanity in a fragmented world.
Assume a world without the stories. Imagine there were no tales to shape your childhood, no tales to shape your soul, or narratives to make you question the complications of human existence. Think about waking up to the truth of the world empty from Shakespeare’s tragedies, Allama Iqbal’s philosophical pieces, or Toni Morrison’s haunting truths. The world would be a monochrome existence where the human experiences remain unexplored from deep insides; it would be a world stripped of compassion, creativity, and reflection. Literature is not just a mere collection of narratives; it is the heartbeat of humankind. From individuals to societies, and even at the collective state level, literature intertwines the perceptions of our collective consciousness.
Literature serves as a beacon of light in the darkest moments, providing escape and solace for readers. As at the time of COVID-19, a study shows reading standards increased from 70% to 74% between 2019 and 2022. Another study shows that US consumer spending on recreational reading rose 22.9% in 2020 and another 1.8% in 2021. Surely millions of people turned to readings during the COVID-19 pandemic times. Novels like The Plague by Albert Camas and The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio became a light of hope with their universal and timeless themes. For the students, literary masterpieces like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho served as a guiding guide to pursue their dreams against all odds. Literature isn’t just entertainment; it is the nourishment of the soul and mind.
However, evolving societies are rooted in the power of rich narratives. Literature has always been a catalyst of change, resulting in revolutions and challenges against oppressive norms. The novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe catalyzed fueling the abolitionist movement in the United States of America. Closer to home, the stark portrayal of partition’s horror in stories like Toba Tek Singh by Saadat Hassan Manto forced society to antagonize the brutality of colonial violence. As in modern times, literature continues to shed light on the challenges and societal issues. I Am Malala has become a global testament to the fight for women’s education, depicting the world’s transformative power of knowledge. Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson is also one of the influential literature pieces shedding light on disability, not inability. Other prominent examples are Becoming by Michelle Obama and Educated by Tara Westover. These are some of the instances from billions of literature narratives that are changing people’s lives every second in the whole world. It challenges typical perceptions and attitudes, humanizes marginalized communities, and serves a vision for a better future for everyone.
Moreover, every nation is built upon culture, and literature is the face and foundation of any culture. Literature serves as an entity for preserving a nation’s identity, history, values, and beliefs. Consider the works of Bulleh Shah and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, keeping the spirits of confrontation and liberty alive in Pakistan. In the United States of America, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn serves as the guiding light for the people to confront the harsh reality of racism and classicism in the 19th century, serving as both a historical document and a critique of social prejudices and discrimination.
Literature is a powerful weapon used in times of war and conflict. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi and I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti are among the masterpieces for understanding the Palestinian struggle and suffering in the face of oppression for many years. This literature serves as a platform for Palestinians to address the issues of their existence in a colonial backdrop; these narrations also capture their identity, values, and traditions. At the time of apartheid in South Africa, writers like Nadine Gordimer and Alan Paton used their powerful voices to expose the inhuman system prevailing in South Africa. Similarly, Intizar Hussain’s partition novels and Ahmed Faraz’s revolutionary poetry in rich Urdu literature inspire resilience and hope for millions of people.
Literature is a feeling that speaks to the souls of humans. It is a mirror that reflects our struggles, victories, qualms, and dreams. Literature alters state narratives by fostering international understanding. Looking into the soft power of literature, we can see Khalid Hussaini’s depiction of Afghanistan or Chinua Achebe’s exploration of Nigeria in Things Fall Apart. These narratives together humanize nations and challenge stereotypes. These literary masterpieces serve as a bridge for a fragmented world, reminding us that somehow our stories are interconnected with each other.
The real-life example of the need for literature in our lives is evident in Bisan Owda, a Palestinian journalist in Gaza; in her recent Instagram reel, she showed how she found some books to read in those difficult times and said, “I have books finally.” This depicts her willingness to find solace in books and literature in those drenching dark times. Inside refugee camps, find hope in donated books and literary narratives. The literature serves as a small heaven for them to escape the harsh reality and rekindle their dreams. Books like My Feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani spark a strong debate on patriarchy and women’s rights, encouraging critical overlook and rebuilding perceptions. In the US, The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas resulted in heated discussions about racial injustice, especially among young activists.
In this digital era, literature remains a reminder of our shared humanity. While tweets and threads bombard us with shocking facts, literature offers depth and peace of mind. It teaches us patience, critical thinking, and the art of storytelling. As AI and technology are rapidly reshaping the world, literature portrays the feeling of being uniquely human, depicting the capacity to imagine, feel, and connect through words.
Do we need literature in our lives? Absolutely. Literature has the power to shape individuals, transform societies, and safeguard the nation. Literature possesses the power to shape individuals, transform societies, and safeguard the identity of nations. Whether it’s a novel that challenges our perspectives, a poem that provides solace, or a historical account that connects us to our past, literature is an essential element of the human experience. It serves as a reminder that we are more than the constraints of our circumstances, more than our anxieties. We are defined by the narratives we create and share. As long as we continue to engage with literature through reading and writing, the human spirit will remain vibrant and enduring.Top of FormBottom of Form
The author is a passionate writer who shapes global narratives. As an enthusiast of English linguistics and literature, she uses her writing to explore diverse perspectives and create compelling stories.
