Literature is the mirror of life. It’s your story, my story ,everybody’s story . The emotions that run among various characters in a piece of literature are the common man’s emotions. Reading a piece of literature transfers one’s imagination into that particular era and makes one ponder on the simple yet complex choices that life offers . Reading a piece of literature has many benefits . It is entertaining ; it gives one an insight into human psychology ; it gives one a glimpse of socio- economic and political conditions prevalent at that time ;it is a good exercise to one’s brain ;it makes one’s imagination take a flight ;it increases one’s virtues manifold and takes one to the path of goodness .
Literature of different eras have different characteristics which are largely governed by the social ,political and economic conditions prevalent at that time . But irrespective of the era to which it belongs ,it serves a common purpose of catharsis of emotions . Different emotions like joy ,sorrow, fear ,anger ,apprehension, insecurity etc. .are given a vent ,a proper outlet which is essential for one’s well being . Reading the work of a particular writer and his contemporaries gives one an idea on how the theme ,the subject matter , the treatment of the subject varies in the hands of different writers.
Journey of literature from Chaucer to modern period has been amazing. Nevertheless to say , the literary work of all the eras are widely read across the world , which is a testimony to the fact that its charm will never fade and it will always enjoy immortality. The writers ,the poets become immortal by their literary work . Shakespearean sonnet celebrating seven ages , is a universal truth and read all across the world. All the readers will identify with the seven stages :
“All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players,
They have their exits and their entrances “
All the readers will understand the futility of the marble and gilded monuments contrasted with the immortality of the literary work as in the sonnet :-
“Not marble nor the gilded monuments
Of princes should outlive this rhyme.”
Shakespearean tragedies as they bare out the tragic flaws ;the hamartia which lead to the downfall of the heroic characters in the plays like Othello ,Julius Caesar, Macbeth etc. leave the readers astonished and dismayed .
Poetry of Wordsworth ,Coleridge ,Keats ,Byron and Shelley celebrate the love of beauty , nature, ,supernaturalism,mysticism,humanism etc. Their rich imagination ,beautiful imagery, rhythm and musical quality lead the readers to ecstasy and tranquility.
Dramatic monologue of Robert Browning gives us an insight into complex functioning of the brain . How a wordy picture of the protagonist and the entire plot is made as we proceed and reach the end of the monologue is truly commendable .
Innumerable poets and writers can be quoted here.Their literary works have given them name ,fame and immortality . And the readers are blessed enough to get an opportunity to know about their perspectives which are not only entertaining but also add a new dimension to their thought process and make them worldly wise.
Literature is like a deep ocean ;dive deep into this ocean . It is beautiful, it is amazing ,it is inspiring, it is powerful. And the only way to reap its benefits is to cultivate the habit of reading . No doubt all of us are very busy and we may say that where is the time . But such is the charisma of reading that it will make you steal time, it will make you understand the value of empty spaces( the time between two activities) and will make you learn how to utilize it optimally. Information and technology has given us a wonderful gift in the form of internet. Million of books can be downloaded on the phones ,tabs and computers at a click of button and can be read anytime. So be avid readers and enjoy the company of lifelong friends- the books -printed as well as e-books. Their company will surely serve as a solid foundation for the development of speaking and writing skills. They will make the journey called life a fun filled one ; an enlightened one and will take you to the pinnacle of success and glory.
“ Read to enjoy ,read to grow, Read to reap the benefits of ages Read to develop insight Read to develop virtues Read to succeed Read to serve humanity.”
Pavneet Kaur
Literature Learners 