A Change in My Perspective on Literature & the Impacts of Literature on me

          A Change in My Perspective on Literature & the Impacts of Literature on me

         
According to Oxford Advanced Learner' Dictionary, Literature is defined as `` pieces of writings that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems (in contrast to technical books and newspapers and magazines, etc.). Many people tend to assume that reading books of knowledge is more fruitful than appreciating aesthetic values embedded in literary works. I used to be one of those people before my journey of majoring in English at University of Yangon.

          
When I was young, reading literature was not my cup of tea. I used to be skeptical about the importance and values of literature. I even thought that those who are enjoying pieces of literature are wasting their precious time. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I used to pick up books that I consider to enrich my knowledge, and assist my intellectual development. I rarely appreciated literary works, and underestimated the benefits of reading literature. As a negative consequence of not reading literature, I didn't know much about the world or human beings. So, I used to lack social skills, having no idea how to communicate with different types of people effectively. 

            
However, when I attend university specializing in English, I have to study not only English Language but also English Literature. It is compulsory for me to read English poems, proses, stories, novels and plays as part of English literature. Each and every day, I have to deal with a wide range of literary works created by different poets, novelists, authors and playwrights. I have to analyze those literary works in terms of characterization, themes, messages, moral lessons and so on. Here, in those different pieces of literature, I get to witness various characters with different personality traits and diverse backgrounds, their reactions towards each other, how they struggle and overcome hardships in life. Reading literature gives me insights into ups and downs of life as well as trials and tribulations that can be encountered in our lifetime. Furthermore, I come to understand the nature of human beings through the actions and behaviors of the characters I come across in stories, novels and plays. Such an understanding helps me deal with assorted people in my social circle, and build up amicable relationships with them. In this way, I am no longer nervous to meet new people like I used to be in high school. I am now confident to make friends with anyone. Reflecting on improvements in my social skills, I find out that I happen to unconsciously acquire interpersonal skills while reading various pieces of literature. 

         
The more I devote my time to studying English Literature, the more I come to see the importance and values of literature. It arouses my interest to read Myanmar Literature as well. Now, I can’t help but appreciate literary works in both Myanmar and English languages. I even feel like I am missing out on something on the days when I cannot make time to enjoy Literature. In short, Literature has become what I cannot live without in my life. 

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Kyal Sin Phu
Sunday Special
The Global New Light of Myanmar

28 April 2019