How study Literature

   How to study Literature

I have been dealing with Literature as a subject for my academics since last five years. I have seen people underestimating literature as a subject, or by n large it is the problem with almost all the arts’ faculties. It is seen as derogatory in comparison with technical subjects such as science.

It is not their fault. Because we take it so lightly as a subject. Sincerity is what lacks.

·    It is not so...

Studying literature is not that easy. A text contains much more than we just imagine. That is why, throughout our programe, were told to read ORIGINAL TEXTS on our own. It remains bulky sometimes, thus not possible to read it thoroughly in the classroom. Well earlier also I used to read text. But after the discussion is over in class.

·     Even that is not enough.

Real Charm of studying literature lies somewhere else, what we are supposed to do is to read the text BEFORE its discussion starts in the classroom.

Why?

Because what we have to observe is NOT just the summary, but much more than that. A teacher cannot teach it thoroughly.

For example, watching a film

If we have seen the film earlier, than we can discuss the other components of the films such as “direction of the film”, “cinematography of the film”, “Acting of the actor”, “role of so and so characters” etc. And all will get agree with fact that no summary can take the experience of watching film by our own. It pops up our imagination.

Just like that, if we have read the text earlier, than teacher and student both have to focus on other components of text such as “CRITICISM”. Or else the classroom show will just have to deal with summary portion.

It is to see what we have missed out.

What really we need to observe is that what we have missed out. I would like to share my personal experience of reading a text like this method.

·     “WHITE TIGER” by Arvind Adiga

I just read the book without any external reference, introduction regarding the book. I took some notes and kept it in my mind. What I’ve seen in classroom was totally a different picture. I read the episode of lizard crushed out by the teacher of class. It was just besides the painting of Buddha. So, I was not able to grasp at the time that okay, what Adiga is doing is putting a contrast out of it.

And then, it was even more beautiful to observe that how my teacher, Dr. Dilip Barad sir connected it with contemporary situation. He connected the book with current political, economic condition of India.

That is how it becomes important. This was at the 10^th semester of my academic journey. But I would strongly recommend this to try out. I really want to pass a message to all those who is about to start their career. This will surely heighten the experience of studying literature.