• Dr Nishant A.Irudayadason
  Professor of Philosophy and Ethics,
  Jnana-Deepa Institute of
  Philosophy & Theology, Pune.

This column is a tribute to one of the great men of literature, Fr Paul Thelekat. As a Philosopher, I would like to look at the importance of literature in our understanding of ourselves and the reality we experience. Literature, with its wonderful way of weaving together narratives and characters, serves as a mirror to society, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. It is not merely a form of entertainment but a critical medium for representation and self-expression. Through the written word, authors craft worlds that transcend the boundaries of reality, offering readers a glimpse into the lives, emotions, and struggles of others.
At the heart of literature lies the art of staging – the deliberate construction of the authorial figure and the characters that populate the pages. This staging is a dance of representation, where authors navigate the field of discourse, ideology, and embodiment. As Pierre Bourdieu suggests, the ethos of an author is intricately linked to their social positioning and the roles they play within the literary field. The voice of an author is paramount; their unique expression brings their work to life and endures. The materiality of the text, from illuminated manuscripts to contemporary media reception, adds a tangible dimension to this voice. The advent of sound media, such as radio, has further amplified the author’s presence in the public sphere, making their voice a material entity that can resonate with audiences.
Literature is also an art of rhythm and performance. The text acts as a conduit for the author’s psychic energy, staging an impulse that flows through the continuity of prose. As Jean-Paul Goux posits, this energy becomes the author’s presence in the world, a performance that engages readers and animates the narrative. The concept of the author has evolved from Barthes’ “death of the author” to Foucault’s “author function.” The author’s intervention in the text, whether through metalepsis or peritextual elements, invites readers to consider the self-reflexive power of literature. Novelists from the late Middle Ages to Milan Kundera have used their narratives to assert their place within the art of the novel, creating a space for thought and reflection.
Characters in literature often embody a tension between their self-perception and societal expectations. For instance, the historical and realist novel of the nineteenth century explores this tension through protagonists who critique social performance while being compelled to partake in it. This gap between self-representation and the gaze of others prompts characters to stage their identities, questioning their place in the world. The carnivalesque reversal analysed by Mikhail Bakhtin highlights the spectacle of representation in which characters engage, inviting readers to partake in a literary celebration. Literature, in its myriad forms, celebrates the human spirit. At this stage, life’s drama unfolds, and the voices of authors and characters resonate with the timeless quest for understanding and connection.
Literature is like a treasure chest filled with stories, poems, and plays. These writings capture the essence of different cultures, traditions, and histories. When we read literature, we connect with our past and understand where we come from. Imagine literature as a mirror. When we read about characters facing challenges, falling in love, or discovering their purpose, we see bits of ourselves reflected in their experiences. Literature helps us explore our feelings, beliefs, and identity. Authors create characters who live exciting, heartbreaking, or ordinary lives. Through these characters, literature shows us diverse perspectives – from different genders, backgrounds, and walks of life. It’s a way to step into someone else’s shoes and understand their world. Literature isn’t just words on paper; it’s a powerful force. Stories can change our thoughts, inspire us to dream big or challenge our assumptions. Think of a book that left a lasting impact on you – that’s the magic of literature. It can transform societies, spark movements, raise awareness, and ignite change. Whether it’s a poem about love or a novel about injustice, literature shapes our collective consciousness. Literature is more than just reading – it is a bridge to our past, a reflection of who we are, and a catalyst for growth. It is a pillar that holds up the rich legacy of human civilisation.