metaphor for literature

 my metaphor for literature are:

Whirlpool: 

The ocean hides many secrets, and everyone loves it. I do too, but my love encompasses all its aspects, both positive and negative. If I love the crashing waves, I must also love the destructive power of a tsunami. If I adore the sun-drenched shores, I am equally captivated by the mysterious depths. The ocean's sparkling surface under the sun is as captivating as its brooding vastness under the moon. While I'm enthralled by the sight of the Titanic and SS Valencia floating upon the waves, the wreckage that lies beneath also holds a strange fascination for me. I love the playful splash of the waves just as much as I respect the awesome power of a whirlpool.

Perhaps this metaphor of the whirlpool is my own contribution to literature. After all, literature is vast like the ocean, but for me, it possesses the mesmerizing intensity of a whirlpool.

Just as science describes whirlpools, literature functions similarly. Whirlpools form when fast-flowing currents in oceans and rivers change direction, interacting in an unusual way. Similarly, literature creates whirlpools when elements like currents (genres), forces (themes), and opposing directions (conflicting viewpoints) collide. These elements combine to create an irresistible pull, forcing readers to surrender to the experience.

The deeper a reader dives into literature, the more entangled they become. Just like venturing into a beautiful ocean exposes you to whirlpools, literature can present frustrating and even disturbing ideas, like those found in nihilistic, existential, or dystopian works. However, a true lover of literature embraces these challenges. They willingly surrender to the whirlpool, unafraid of the potential harm.

Furthermore, literature, like a whirlpool, thrives on counter-arguments. Just as two opposing currents create a swirling vortex, conflicting arguments and interpretations keep readers engaged, encouraging them to delve deeper rather than simply accept a single perspective. This whirlpool effect is what makes literature so captivating.

Drug:

Another metaphor I considered for literature before starting my Masters is that of a drug. Drugs can be viewed in two ways: medicine and addiction. As Twyla Tharp said, "Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." In this way, literature can be a healing balm for the soul. It grants access to experiences beyond our reach. Romantic poetry, like that of Wordsworth, can mend our mental wounds, while Albert Camus' work can offer solace from the existential anxieties explored by other philosophers. This is how literature functions as a medicine.

However, literature can also be like a drug in a different sense. We've all experienced the addictive pull of a captivating book. Even after finishing it, we might feel a "hangover," a lingering emotional response. This is part of the journey from reader to avid reader. We devour one good book after another, becoming progressively more invested in the world of literature. I can still recall my first book, "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, and the many romantic novels that followed. However, upon entering my Masters program, I encountered a wider range of genres: dystopian fiction, existential literature, the absurd, the nihilistic, and most importantly, war literature. Deep immersion in these genres can be addictive, and as you delve deeper and encounter critical theories like feminism, cultural studies, Marxism, and Derrida, you are exposed to the realities of injustice, crime, and helplessness. This darker side of literature, with its potential to induce both relief and anxiety, is why I find the drug metaphor so fitting.

Revolution 2020

 

            "Stupid people go to college, but smart people own them"

                                        R{ƎVO⅃}UTION TWENTY20

Chetan Bhagat:

                            Chetan Bhagat, born on April 22, 1974, is an eminent Indian author, columnist, and YouTuber. He gained notable recognition by being featured in Time magazine's prestigious list of the World's 100 Most Influential People in 2010. Notably, five of his novels have been successfully adapted into films.

Setting himself apart from other writers, Bhagat possesses a distinctive writing style that resonates with the average Indian reader. He prioritizes simplicity in his prose, eschewing complex language that might alienate his audience. Instead, he crafts narratives that are accessible and relatable, drawing inspiration from everyday events that his readers encounter.

Central to Bhagat's approach is his dedication to creating characters that strike a chord with his target demographic. By infusing his stories with an unmistakably Indian flavor, he captures the essence of his audience's experiences, making his works all the more compelling. Furthermore, his narratives are infused with humor and vivid imagery, fostering a reading culture among young Indians and inspiring aspiring writers along the way.

Works of C.Bhagat

⁕Five of his novel adapted into films.

1) Hello - One night at call center

2) 3 Idiots - Five point someone

3) Kai po che! - 3 Mistakes of my life

4) 2 States - 2 States

5) Half-Girlfriend - Half Girlfriend 

As this novel is in our syllabus of Contemporary Literature in English. We are asked to do in a detailed study of R{ƎVO⅃}UTION TWENTY20 by Chetan Bhagat.

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, in small-town India, there lived two intelligent boys.

One wanted to use his intelligence to make money.

One wanted to use his intelligence to create a revolution.

The problem was, they both loved the same girl.

Welcome to Revolution 2020. A story about childhood friends Gopal, Raghav and Aarti who struggle to find success and love in Varanasi. However, it isn’t easy to achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win?

From the bestselling author of Five Point Someone, one night @ the call center, The Three Mistakes of My Life and 2 States, comes another gripping tale from the heartland of India. Are you ready for the revolution?

Here are some question answer from author :

What is ‘Revolution 2020’ about?

Revolution 2020 is about Gopal, Raghav and Aarti, who struggle to find love and success in Varanasi.

The tagline says ‘Love. Corruption. Ambition.’ What is going on?

The tagline refers to the key themes of the book. Revolution 2020 is foremost a love story, in fact a love triangle, as both Gopal and Raghav love the same girl. Corruption, particularly in the education sector, is the backdrop of the story. All three characters have strong ambitions, and how they go about achieving them also forms a big part of the story.

What made you write this book, after your last book “2 States: The Story of my marriage”?

2 States was a fun story inspired from my own life. I wanted to take a lighter look at intercultural marriages. I had fun doing it, and people had fun reading it, as it became my highest selling book.

Revolution 2020 comes from my travels across India in the past two years. As a motivational speaker, I have visited more than 50 cities in the heartland of India. The youth in these smaller cities, their dreams and aspirations inspired me to do a story on them.

I also saw disturbing levels of corruption in the education sector, which can have profound effects on the quality of education we are giving to our new generation, and wanted to bring that to people’s attention.

Why Varanasi?

I wanted to pick a city from the Indian heartland, especially a place with a lot of character.

Something about Varanasi connected with me, every time I went there. I felt compelled to write about it. After all, Varanasi is a place where people go to cleanse their sins. Has anyone ever thought about the people who live there, and deal with all the sins people have left behind?

What is the message?

There are several messages in Revolution 2020, and I want the reader to get them upon reading the book, rather than me spelling it out. However, I want to emphasize that when even the education system becomes corrupt, it can have far reaching negative consequences on society. I hope Revolution 2020 provokes some thought in that direction.

Social Realism:

In his fifth novel, "Revolution 2020," Chetan Bhagat plunges into the murky waters of contemporary Indian society, unearthing its darkest secrets and exposing the pervasive grip of corruption. With a keen eye for detail and an unflinching commitment to social commentary, Bhagat crafts a narrative that serves as a mirror reflecting the despicable realities of the Indian landscape.

One of the central themes of the novel is corruption, a malaise deeply ingrained in every facet of Indian society. Bhagat's depiction of corruption as an omnipresent force, from bureaucratic procedures to educational institutions, rings alarmingly true. He succinctly captures the essence of this societal scourge when he states, "Corruption has existed since time immemorial and has pervaded every facet of Indian society."

Moreover, Bhagat delves into the genesis of corruption, tracing it back to opportunistic leaders driven by ambition. He astutely observes, "The basic inception of corruption in modern times can be traced to opportunistic leaders, who are consumed by ambition and use corruption as a means to fuel their ambitions." Through his narrative, Bhagat shines a spotlight on the bleakness that pervades Indian society, attributing it to political bankruptcy, social sins, and various malpractices.

The protagonist of "Revolution 2020" emerges as a symbol of the struggles faced by many Indian youth. His humble background and the pressures imposed upon him by familial expectations paint a poignant picture of societal norms. Bhagat poignantly remarks, "Students in India are not encouraged to opt for careers or studies based on their passion or choice. Rather, it is the will of the parent that is forced down upon their throats." This portrayal highlights the pervasive influence of parental expectations and the toll it takes on the mental well-being of individuals.

Furthermore, Bhagat sheds light on the erosion of moral and ethical standards, particularly within the educational system. He exposes the commodification of education and the transformation of institutions into corporate hubs driven by greed. Bhagat's commentary on the privatization of education through the character of Gopal underscores the detrimental effects of placing monetary value above knowledge and integrity.

Bhagat's depiction of Kota, Rajasthan, as a coaching school hub further reinforces the intense pressures faced by students striving for academic success. He poignantly reflects on the tragedies that unfold within these hostile environments, stating, "Coaching institutes are hostile places, but students’ suicides must also draw attention to our failures as parents, teachers, and friends."

Through the lens of social realism, "Revolution 2020" serves as a powerful commentary on the state of contemporary Indian society. Bhagat's incisive observations and unapologetic portrayal of societal ills force readers to confront uncomfortable truths and inspire a call to action for meaningful change.

In conclusion, "Revolution 2020" stands as a testament to Chetan Bhagat's ability to wield literature as a tool for social and political commentary. By unmasking the despicable realities of Indian society, Bhagat ignites a conversation that is both timely and necessary. As we navigate the complexities of our world, "Revolution 2020" serves as a stark reminder of the power of literature to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and incite change.