What treasures and gems lie hidden within the pages of the world’s countless literary works? What discoverables are contained within the detritus of forgotten stories and unknown tales? In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of literary discoveries, seeking out stories from anywhere and everywhere with potential for greatness. Join us now as we embark upon the journey for the forgotten works of genius, and the diamonds in the rough that are just waiting to be discovered!
1. Surprising Uncoverings from the Literary World
From ancient manuscripts to contemporary bestsellers, there are countless secrets to be found in literature. Here are some of the most eye-opening and compelling theories that have recently come to light.
A Harder Interpretation of Don Quixote
Cervantes’ Don Quixote has always been seen as a classic satire of the follies of chivalry. But new research suggests there is a far darker interpretation to the story. According to one professor, the entire novel is in fact an analogy for the oppressive rule of the Church in 16th century Spain.
The Connection between Beowulf and Christianity
The Old English epic poem Beowulf, written around 1000 AD, is widely thought of as a prehistoric tale. But research has indicated that the poem was in fact composed elsewhere and brought to England at a later date, along with its underlying Christian themes.
The Real Message of The Little Prince
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale of The Little Prince is often associated with themes of innocence and childhood innocence. But one theory argues that the book is actually a commentary on the rise of Nazism during World War II.
- Another interpretation suggests that the book is an allegory for Antoine’s disillusionment with the modern world and his longing for a more romantic era.
Donne’s Religious Poetry
John Donne’s Religious Poetry has long been hailed for its spiritual intensity. But recent scholarship has propelled forward the possibility that the poetry is actually a subtle critique of the Church during the English Reformation.
New Light on Shakespeare
Scholars aren’t done poring over the works of William Shakespeare yet. Literary study has recently shed new light on some of the Bard’s plays, highlighting certain passages as radical critiques of the Church of England or Elizabethan society.
2. Historical Journeys Embedded in Books
The sheer joy of taking a journey or traveling to distant places is beneficial to all of us. Even if we cannot physically take a trip, we can still explore via the written word. Books have the power to take us to historical places and times by providing us with immersive experiences that extend from beyond the pages.
Immersing ourselves in the culture, customs, and geography of its setting leads to deeper understanding. Through reading, we engage our brains in analytical thinking and other higher order cognitive processes. Certain novels transport us to the past in a time machine of words, providing us with an insider’s view.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
- Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
These popular works offer us glimpses of life and culture in 19th century America. They provide ample opportunity for writers and readers alike to explore this era of history.
Additional novels such as The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough and The Celebration by LaVyrle Spencer bring us to a semi-feudal society of 19th century Australia. These works are a window into a former era, allowing us to explore the Australian immigrant experience with greater insight.
Authors of historical fiction vividly recreate the past, transporting readers to another place and time. Through the power of literature, we experience emotions and lessons not otherwise felt or heard.
3. Illuminating New Perspectives Through Literature
- Delving into literature can help us gain a much wider perspective on the world around us. Through literature, we can take a glimpse into other cultures, explore new ideas, and even discover new ways of looking at things close to home.
- Literature can help us make sense of the past and why things are the way they are. By reading stories from diverse authors, we get to examine the social, political, and cultural forces of the times in which the stories were written.
- By contrasting and comparing the different styles and concepts exposed in diverse works of literature, we are able to expand our viewpoint and look at things in innovative ways. For example, the binary concepts of nature versus nurture, right versus wrong, and good versus bad can all be illuminated in new ways.
- Humour can also be found in literature, often in sharp contrast to more serious issues and events. It can act as a kind of social commentary, helping us see things from a new angle and understand the fragmentation of our society.
- Moreover, literature has helped to shape the way we view the human experience, both in its written and spoken forms. Through these works, we gain a greater appreciation for cultural differences and can gain insights into the perspectives of those around us.
- We can use literature to reflect upon our lives, realising that our experiences are in many ways similar to those of others around us. From this, we can develop a deeper understanding of our lives and how our choices affect us and those around us.
4. Opening Our Eyes to the Wonders of the Written Word
We can always find solace in the written word – its comforting embrace, channel into our imaginations and fantasies, and free us up from our everyday lives. It is an essential part of literature and conveys emotion, just as its cousin, spoken language, often fails to do. Although it may seem like a tasking chore, can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
- Exploration of Ideas: Through the written word, we can explore the depths and heights of ideas and concepts in an expansive language. Ideas can be reinterpreted, reshaped, or reworked to form something entirely new. This makes the written word an invaluable tool in discussions or debates.
- Discovery of New Worlds: Written works can take us, our minds anyway, to places we never knew possible– both real and unreal. We can discover new realities, through which we explore human thought, character and emotion.
Stories, be it fiction or non-fiction, provide us with information and techniques to confront the everyday world. Whether it’s the royal court of King Arthur, the glamorous lifestyles of the gilded age or the mythical-filled fantasy realms, we can understand our own world better by juxtaposing it with others. Whether as readers for pleasure, students of the written word, or professionals of text – books of all genres can help us to understand the world in new and wonderful ways.
Of course, for those more ambitious minds out there, writing can be used to express our own thoughts and ideas. It is through writing that we can clarify thoughts, fix unfinished ideas and then share them with the world. Writing is the perfect remedy for those who wish to nurture their own talents and seek to become the next generation of great minds.
Ultimately, opening our eyes up to the wonders of the written word will provide us with many powerful tools – most importantly, the power to think and create.
The study of literature is a long-standing endeavor that has been referred to as a “lifelong journey of exploration and discovery”. With the ever-growing world of literature available, literary discoveries are becoming more intricate and far-reaching than ever before. What delights or surprises await your own literary journey is up to you to find—now is the time to discover all that the literary world has to offer.
