70^th BPSC Mains

Introduction

• Begin with the following anecdotes/examples:
  • Premchand's Godan (1936): In this iconic Hindi novel, Premchand portrays the harsh realities faced by the Indian farmer during British colonial rule. Godan reflects the socio-economic struggles of rural India, focusing on issues like poverty, exploitation, and the plight of the peasantry. The novel is a mirror of the societal issues of that era, where literature became a medium to voice the marginalized.
  • Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960): Set in the racially segregated American South, this novel addresses deep-rooted issues of racial injustice, prejudice, and moral integrity. The character of Atticus Finch embodies the fight for justice and equality, reflecting the social dynamics and racial struggles of the time.
  • George Orwell’s 1984 (1949): Orwell’s dystopian novel is a powerful critique of totalitarian regimes. Written after World War II, it reflects the anxieties of the era, warning of the dangers of authoritarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. Its relevance to contemporary issues of privacy and state control shows how literature often anticipates future societal challenges.
• With the help of these anecdotes/examples set the stage for discussing how literature, whether through the lens of historical context, social issues, or political commentary, acts as a mirror reflecting the realities and struggles of society

Body

Dimensions of Literature as a Mirror of Society

• Literature as a Historical Chronicle
  • Literature preserves historical events, struggles, and societal evolution.
    • Ancient epics like Mahabharata & Ramayana reflect Dharma (moral order) and socio-political structures
    • Renaissance literature (Shakespeare, Dante) captured themes of humanism and rebellion against feudal norms
    • Mahatma Gandhi’s My Experiments with Truth provides insight into India’s freedom struggle.
• Literature Reflecting Social Issues
  • Literature critiques social injustices and reforms society.
    • Dalit Literature (B.R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste): Exposed caste-based discrimination in India.
    • Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin: Influenced the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
    • Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist: Showcased child labor and poverty in Industrial England.
• Political and Ideological Reflections
  • Literature shapes and reflects political ideologies.
    • George Orwell’s Animal Farm: A critique of totalitarian regimes.
    • Munsi Premchand’s Kafan: Reflected the plight of the poor in colonial India.
    • Sahir Ludhianvi’s Poetry: Criticized war, inequality, and political hypocrisy.
• Literature Capturing Cultural and Religious Diversity
  • Literature showcases traditions, festivals, and cultural syncretism.
    • Bhakti and Sufi literature promoting harmony
    • Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: Highlighted gender norms in Victorian society.
    • Kamala Das’s Poetry: Gave voice to women's emotions and freedom.
• Literature and Globalization
  • Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake: Explores diaspora and identity crises.
  • Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things: Exposes caste, gender, and social inequalities in India.
  • Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Works: Address post-colonial African identity.

Challenges in Literature’s Role as a Mirror

• Censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
• Some argue literature is subjective and influenced by the author’s bias.
• The rise of digital media has reduced the impact of traditional literature.
• Literature sometimes glorifies violence, stereotypes, or propaganda

Conclusion

• Summarize key points emphasizing literature’s role in shaping and documenting society.
• End with a futuristic perspective: How literature can continue to shape modern thought in the digital age.
• Concluding Quotes for Reference:
  • "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.
  • "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." – Joan Didion
  • "Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it." – C.S. Lewis