Cease to judge ideas that challenge pre-existing beliefs
As literature students, we are tasked with analysing, interpreting, and understanding texts from a variety of perspectives. This responsibility often involves confronting ideas that may seem unfamiliar or even challenge deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms. The true essence of literary study lies in the exploration of diverse narratives and viewpoints, not the rejection of those that do not conform to our pre-existing beliefs. As Sigmund Freud once remarked, “Where Id was, there shall ego be,” which reflects how the unconscious, much like literary study, requires transformation through insight and understanding.
One of my teachers used to say, “Not every literate person is truly educated.” This observation holds true in many cases, as some students, despite obtaining degrees, may still find it challenging to expand their thinking beyond cultural and religious influences. While it’s not about judging students, it’s evident that many tend to approach literature with preconceived notions, shaped by their familiar beliefs. This makes it harder for them to engage with ideas that challenge their worldview. In my experience, I’ve noticed that some students hesitate to fully embrace the diverse perspectives that literature offers, which limits their ability to appreciate the depth and richness of the literary texts.
For instance, during a discussion on how women are excluded from owning banks and other economic firms, one of my lady professors argued that patriarchal structures often prevent women from participating in the financial matters. However, many students, myself included at the time, connected this idea to our religious beliefs and cultural values, which led us to dismiss her point. We failed to engage with her perspective fully because of our biases. Similarly, when reading translations of Ghalib and Iqbal, many of us initially found the content challenging due to our religious beliefs. We interpreted certain verses as blasphemous, and our professor had to repeatedly remind us to approach the text as students of literature, setting aside religious judgments and focusing on the literary essence. This was a lesson in thinking beyond personal biases and allowing the text to speak on its own terms.
Literature has always been a space where writers explore the human experience, often questioning the status quo. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones and see the world from new perspectives. For centuries, literary works have acted as a mirror, reflecting society’s values, ideologies, and conflicts. At times, they present alternative realities that disrupt our conventional ways of thinking. The danger of approaching such texts with rigid cultural or religious prejudices is that it limits our ability to fully engage with the author’s message, missing out on the complexities that the text has to offer. When discussing topics related to religion or cultural practices, literature students should practice restraint and avoid letting their emotions interfere with the learning process. It’s crucial to understand the perspective being presented, rather than quickly dismissing the discussion because it may challenge personal beliefs.
Literature students must foster a deep, insatiable intellectual curiosity, exploring all kinds of works, without restricting themselves to invisible boundaries of culture or religion. We should allow literature to immerse us in the experiences of different cultures and religions, feeling as though we are living in the era described. By doing so, we can develop free interpretations of the text, untainted by our personal religious or cultural biases. Literature has the unique ability to make us step into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world through their lens and not just our own.
A key example of literature’s influence can be found in its contribution to movements advocating for women’s rights. While writers like Virginia Woolf used literature to question the position of women in society, other figures such as Habba Khatoon, also broke from the societal expectations of women in her time. Though not a feminist by today’s standards, her poetry captured themes of love, loss, and the emotional struggles of women, subtly challenging the traditional role of women in her society. Both women’s works remind us that literature can be a platform for questioning and resisting societal norms, allowing voices that might otherwise be silenced to emerge. At the same time, literature has helped to raise awareness about mental health. By portraying the struggles of individuals suffering from mental illness, literary works have provided a platform for understanding, empathy, and de- stigmatization. Yet, many people, due to their cultural or religious biases, neglect these critical aspects of literature.
One of the critical skills that literature students must develop is the ability to adopt different ways of thinking. Instead of limiting our interpretations to our perspectives, we should learn to view texts through multiple lenses. This practice enhances creativity and adaptability, especially in an increasingly interconnected world of diverse cultures and religions. By broadening our perspective, we, as literature students, gain a deeper understanding of the text and an openness to the world's knowledge.
Literature is deeply connected to disciplines like psychology and philosophy. For example, Oedipus Rex, a great Greek tragedy by Sophocles, explores themes like fate, human limitations, and the consequences of human actions. Sigmund Freud later developed his theory of Oedipal Complex, a cornerstone of psychoanalysis, inspired by the complex relationship Oedipus has with his parents in the play. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre used literature to explore existentialism, using novels like Nausea to question the meaning of existence and individual freedom.This interdisciplinary nature of literature allows it to influence and shape various fields of thought, demonstrating how literary works can transcend their immediate context to speak to broader human experiences.
A literature student’s task is not just to enjoy the stories or words on the page, but to push beyond them, questioning, reflecting, and uncovering the layers of meaning. Critical thinking is vital to this process. Engaging with works that challenge our cultural or religious norms allows us to contribute meaningfully to the field of literature and to broader societal conversations. In a world that is becoming more globalised and interconnected, the ability to understand and engage with diverse ideas has never been more important. Literature students have a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of human experiences, cultures, and beliefs. To reject ideas simply because they challenge our cultural or religious norms is to undermine the very purpose of literary study. We must embrace these challenges, allowing them to refine and expand our understanding of the world and the texts we engage with.
Ultimately, literature has the power to shape minds, and students should allow it to shape theirs by thinking beyond their immediate cultural and religious frameworks. Simon Critchley once remarked, “Humanities is an archive of human possibility, a reservoir of the ways in which human beings have found meaning and expressed meaning.” This reflects the true purpose of literature: to present us with a vast array of human experiences and ideas. As literature students, we must embrace this diversity, allowing it to challenge, transform, and expand our understanding of the world.
By: Syed Aiman Bukhari
