I have always loved reading books. The smell and texture of the pages feel so divine to me. Being a voracious reader all my life, I knew English was something that I wanted to indulge in. Before I knew, I was in love with words and the world of literature. It’s not simply a language but a long expedition that will mend the cracks and fissures of your personality, demolish your under confident bits, build your critical and analytical thinking and in the end leave you with the power of eloquence.
So, if you’re thinking of opting for literature as your major, go ahead. You’re knocking on the right door. Below are some misconceptions you might hear from people around you, but just so you know they aren’t true :
We aren’t doomed (career wise)
Yes, you heard me. Students pursuing literature do have a very bright future *takes out aviators*. Almost all career options are available to them. Not all English majors land up as professors. From working in corporate world to being a civil servant, an English major student has all the choices. The list also includes research, marketing, public relations etc
It’s not at all a smooth sailing
Don’t be surprised. I know literature students may seem “vella” sometimes because we aren’t in the drudgery of numbers but we do have a plethora of books to read. Our curriculum includes around fifteen books per semester.  We read the book, analyze the character and understand their sociopolitical backgrounds and so on. We just don’t read a book, we breathe it.
We take home a developed personality, not mere numbers
‚ÄúYou‚Äôre not learning anything productive.” I have encountered this phase a bazillion times since I showcased my desire to specialize in the language. English moulds your personality and widens your mental horizons. It helps you evolve as a mature and understanding individual. It introduces you to multiple perspectives and makes you unprejudiced. What more do you need?
It’s not as simple as it seems
I have encountered a lot of students taking up this subject because it‚Äôs easy and their medical plan didn‚Äôt work out. But mind you, it‚Äôs not an easy traverse. Taking English honors because you scored a 98 in your boards is a huge mistake. You might have a good command over the language but if you don‚Äôt have a flair for reading, you‚Äôll have to struggle. Simply, because class 12th English has absolutely no relation to what we study at the graduate level. That ¬†wasn‚Äôt even the trailer. If you come from CBSE board then it’s even harder. This is because CBSE students aren‚Äôt in the habit of a closed and critical reading. This course is about ¬†perspective.
We aren’t snobs
Again, I come across a lot people who think that literature students think very highly of themselves. THIS IS NOT TRUE. We don’t possess the “high brow” attitude. We don’t look down upon people or mock them because we have studied a particular language. We don’t go around correcting people’s language all the time. No, we’re not grammar Nazis. Any individual can become one, irrespective of the course they have studied.
I think this course has been a blessing in disguise for me. I am simply fascinated by the world of literature.  At the end of this odyssey, lover of books will become specialists of arts. Over the course of three years, you’ll witness a metamorphosis. From being an ignorant or timid person to an intellectual and well read person. English honours is a voyage that transforms a person into a more sentient individual.
