English Literature

Literature is about passion and how one perceives the world!

I think that the main problem with students’ approach to Literature is that they see it just as another subject to grill and grind for and then take an examination at the end of the year and be done with it. Many attempt to memorise quotes and themes endlessly, resulting in much misery and frustration.

That is not what Literature is all about! It is about passion, zeal, emotion.

Literature is a way to view the world. Through character study, understanding and appreciating historical and cultural contexts, underlying tensions, social hierarchies and more, one can see the nuances that the world is made up of. Literature and Language Arts is a way to help students appreciate the depths of conflict, of love, of joy, of fear.

To do so, one needs tools — tools of analysis, critical thinking, judgement and opinion.

These tools are then used to help one comprehend and analyse an author’s perspective, which is usually portrayed in characters dialogues, thoughts, and feelings.

Finally writing is the medium to express your opinion on it in a coherent and precise way.

At the end of your time studying this subject, Literature is an experience, not merely a grade or a number on your result slip.