MA Comparative Literature and Critical Theories student Zhaofei writes about what they’ve learnt from the wide range of literature from different cultures on their course.
I’m an international student from China pursuing my Masters degree in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories at the University of Birmingham. Studying here has been an enriching experience, providing me with the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, and broaden my perspective through academic discussions.
Discovering Cultural Perspectives
In my coursework, I have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of cultures and their histories, from India to Portugal. I still remember a professor once saying, “We always have a position to speak, and behind this lies the social and cultural context.”
This idea has shaped my approach to reading literature, encouraging me to not only engage with the text but also to consider the author’s background and the historical and cultural forces that shape their work.
For instance, while reading Exit West by the Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid, I sought to understand not just the story itself, but also the historical context of Pakistan and the personal experiences that may have influenced Hamid’s writing. I researched the socio-political landscape of Pakistan, exploring themes such as migration, displacement, and the impact of war, which are central to the novel, to understand this work from different perspectives.
This approach has reinforced the importance of understanding the social and cultural context behind literary works. It has taught me that to truly appreciate literature, one must recognise the voices, histories, and struggles that shape it.
How Culture Shapes Literary Interpretation
One of the most insightful lessons I’ve learned is how cultural backgrounds influence the interpretation of literature. In the Comparative Literature and Translation module, we explored how the same literary work can be understood differently across various cultures.
For example, we discussed how Chinese readers often interpret Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment as a critique of social corruption, whereas Dostoevsky originally intended it as an exploration of sin, redemption, and Orthodox Christianity. This difference in interpretation arises because Chinese readers, influenced by cultural beliefs in human agency, often view poverty as the result of exploitation rather than divine will.
This experience has made me a more thoughtful and open-minded reader, reminding me that literature is not only about the text itself but also about the people and cultures that engage with it.
Critical Reading
From studying, I’ve learned the importance of reading critically. Our professors encourage us to go beyond passive reading – questioning underlying themes and engaging with literature as active participants. We’re taught to think like literary critics, offering interpretations and considering the broader social, historical, and cultural influences on a text. Through exchanging opinions in seminars, I’ve gained new insights into different ways of interpreting and understanding literature.
Conclusions
Throughout my studies, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and a more critical approach to literature. By exploring different perspectives, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and analysing literature with a keen awareness of its broader contexts, I’ve grown as a more critical reader and thinker. These experiences have not only enriched my academic journey, but also transformed the way I view the world.