Literature And Literature As A Reflection Of Society

When man and woman try to handle the extremely complicated emotions and feelings without any proper knowledge whatsoever, the consequent results are often disastrous. So it is necessary to acquire knowledge which makes our life lead in harmony. Knowledge comes through education and this education has a purpose. In one of the quotes of Tagore’s on the goal of education, is as such: ‘The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence’.

This knowledge comes from literature which is called the mirror of life. It is also called a mode of expression of feelings and emotions. As long as human beings have emotions and feelings, literature will be created and literature will be read.

Literature, to the extent deals with the individual in the society, contains elements of political, social, communal and religious movements. They also talk about man’s life and his estrangement. According to Walter Allen in his book, Reading a novel (1940) states that the Contemporary novels:

… are the mirror of the age, but a very special kind Of mirror that reflects not merely the external features Of the age but also its inner face, its nervous system, Coursing of its blood and the unconscious promptings and conflicts which swang it. (Walter Allen 16)

One cannot deny the fact that the novel is now considered a distinguished literary form, and is the only literary medium through which a writer can discuss a host of problems, which are brewing in the contemporary society. Novel emerges as a powerful medium to present the age in a descriptive and analytical manner. It represents the social, political, cultural and historical growth of society at a great length. The impact of the novel on the society is significant. Hippolyte Taine is not beside the point when he says, ‘literature is the consequence of the race, moment and the milieu’ (qtd in Wilbur Scott Five Approaches

These new voices were from places as geographically diverse as Canada, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa and India. Despite its diversity, Modern novels typically focus on themes like the individual in society and the temporality of human existence.

With the expansion of empire and hence civil administration during the 19th century, English language flourished as the official administrative language. Indian writing in English was but only one of the manifestations of the new creative urge in India what is often referred to as the Literary Renaissance in India.

Indian English writing means the body of literature which is written by Indians in English. It could be in the form of poetry, prose, fiction or drama. It is an endeavour of showcasing the rare gems of Indian writing in English. Visionary educationalists like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Lord Bentinck and Lord Macaulay gave impetus to English education in India. English language became the main medium of instruction. It was through this language that Indians could have access to western thoughts and innovative ideas, and hence could broaden their horizon of