Many of this year’s selection were written by authors who “belong” to two cultures. How do these selections, and perhaps literature in general, bridge (or reinforce) separations between people?
Answers
Moreover, literature is often helps people learn how to empathise and sympathetic with other. That is the readers are able to understand the characters in the story to an extent that they are able to relate to their situation and realise how one character was feeling at a specific time.
Being involved in literature is an experience in its own way where the reader is able to grab knowledge about various countries, different people, distinct cultures etc. Thus literature does help in building bridges between people as the readers get to know a lot about other places sitting far away.
Undoubtedly, literature brings people together. Reading is not a solo act all. When we read a book, we mentally become part and parcel of life and events depicted in the book. For example, while reading Charles Dickens's books, we are transported into the time, space, events of the plot of the story unfolding in books. While reading David Copperfield, we mentally accompany him wherever he goes. We see his sufferings, struggle and stand by him through the ups and downs in his life. We suffer with him in his tribulations; we revel in his success. we also become known with the culture and historical aspects depicted in the poem. So, sitting here we become associated with English culture, places, and people.
Similarly, any piece of work created by any author in any part of the world deals with an issue that is shared by the entire mankind. So, literature bridges the gaps separating people culturally and lingually.