Literature and Its Untold Universe

Ever read a book, poem, or any piece of literature that made you sigh in relief? I have. It has always been a pleasure to lay back down and daydream about the adventure of a lifetime (an hour) but, as I kept on reading other books, the more I realized that these books are just playgrounds that we could alter to shape its reality.

Depending on how you interpret it, literature could take a whole new meaning, storyline and even change the characters’ personalities! For example, a compelling piece by Shakespeare entitled: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Usually, it is read from the first page to the last, complete with a stream of events that make sense but don’t at the same time. Because there are people who want to make more sense of it, others have concluded that reading it backward (from the end to the beginning) would create a storyline that makes sense!

Though others were baffled to see such conclusions, at the very least, the idea makes reading it more exciting. Shakespeare intended the play to be comedic, and maybe he really did want the audience and readers to follow the chain of events backward.

Personally, I’m trying to see it as a cluster of events, torn apart and waiting to be pieced together. The beginning could probably be found at the middle, end, or in some random spot, I never knew existed.

The point is, literature is not a one-trick pony. It is meant to be understood the way you, the reader, want it to be.

Have you read Heidi by Johanna Spyri? It is about a young girl, orphaned at a young age, who lives with her grumpy old grandfather in the mountains. There she finds her happiness, living through the fresh air, only for her to be taken away by some rich folk in the city. After finding new friends and desperately fighting the battle of homesickness, Heidi makes her way back to the mountains, where she finally stays for good.

For those who have read it, it is a touching story. But for those who have not, why don’t you get yourself a copy, read it, and come back here.

Are you back? Have you read it? Great!

What did you see? What did you understand from it?

Generally, people talk about perseverance, hope when there is none. But the way I see it, it is a cry for help, for escape. The beautiful, simple mountain life is the reality that is often wanted but, people can’t stay and play in this paradise forever. The “real world” is a much scarier and depressing place for some, and that alternate reality is their escape. As much as Heidi likes staying in Frankfurt, the place where her new adopted family lives, her heart yearns to get out of there and be free to roam and explore. There will always be people out for support, but they would only truly understand once they step into that reality.

What do you think? Are there any other thoughts lurking around? The comment section is always open to your ideas.

Well, it’s about time to get back to reading. Catch you guys later! And remember, read however you want.