Literature as an expression of personality :

Introduction :

We all know that when we are reading any literary work we must find the author’s introduction. According to the definition of literature, “Literature is the reflection of life.” This definition explores that literature reflects the social, political, psychological parts of our life. When we read any novel or short story we must observe that its plot or themes cover societal norms, culture, lifestyle, social issues, political views etc. All things come from society and the author or poet is from society. So when we read literature we first understand the life of the author, because without information of  the author we do not understand what he or she wants to say in his or her work. In literature the author reflects his own personality,how he observes the society and interprets it in his mindset. 

Literature as an Expression of Personality:

In the book ‘Some ways of studying literature’ Hudson explained that literature is an expression of an author's personality. He started with some definition of literature given by some famous critics.According to Matthew Arnold "Literature is the criticism of life.” It means the writer interprets the surroundings in his mind and describes it in his own words and experience. 

According to a French epigram,  “Art is life seen through a temperament.” It means that literature is a mirror that works on reflecting an author’s temperament and personality. In his work we can figure out the writer's personality. 

Hudson says that, “ A great book is born of the brain and heart of its author, he has put himself in his pages; they partake of his life, and are instinct with his individuality.” He explained that when a great book is born behind the full concept developed in the writer's mind and heart. They are not only imagining the idea but also taking some parts of their own life in their work. They always  freely portray their personality in their own work. 

Some examples of the authors and poets whom’s personalities reflect in their work. 

• Emilie Dickenson :

Emilie Dickenson’s life reflects in her poetry such themes like solitude, personal experience are included in her poetry.

• Sylvia Plath :

In her novel ‘The Bell Jar’ she describes how she struggles with mental health and identity.

Hudson explained that if a great book you want to understand you firstly know the author. He said that literature is the life blood of an author. If you know how the author saw the world, which things impact him, his insights towards life, struggles, family background it will help us to recognise his literary work.

Carlyle says that when we are judging the great book we must differentiate between ‘genuine voices’ and ‘mere echoes’. He says that in great books authors implement their perspective it calls genuine voice.But in ordinary work the author describes people's mindset it calls mere echoes. 

Hudson emphasis on sincerity, originality and genuineness of expressing life in great literature.Without these three things literature would be lifeless. He believes that without sincerity not great literary work is possible. Originality makes a work more interesting and attractive. Genuineness of experience makes literature more authentic and qualitative. 

Conclusion :

Literature was produced by writers, so how much we penetrate in a writer's life, we can understand how society impresses him, how his mindset towards any situation. When we study literature it means we are understanding literature’s author. If we understand the author of the work we can easily know his accent, ability, weakness, language and his personality.

Studying literature means studying the writer. Literature is an expression of personality while a writer's work mirrors his personality. 

Thank you for reading.