Abstract :
Literature could function to enlighten the public thinking so as to free itself form narrow ideological interests, including the problem of literalism. A humanised enlightenment aims for human freedom against oppression, tyranny, ignorance, religious obscurantism, human alienation and its narcissistic arrogance. In a society where there exist oppression and intolerance against diversity exist, the realm of literature witnesses the human endeavor to resist, in the form of beliefs and determination against the unjust, the corrupt and the wicked. Literature is part of our cultural and intellectual tradition which had, and continues to shape our identity as a community and nation. Three main dimensions must be present in a humanizing literary vision. First is universalism, the affirmation and conviction of the universal humanistic and religious values, which are meaningful only when they are placed within a particular context. Second is contextuality and rootedness to the particular, without a sense of timidity to address the local needs and challenges. Third the moral courage to take side, with and for the poor and marginalized, based on the moral-ethical stand of the litterateur, including literary critics. The choice of being neutral often ends up in affirming the dominant power, blind to its injustices. Herein lies the need to ensure literature as a literary vehicle to raise critical consciousness and nurture empowerment, in short a reiteration of literature’s ability to contribute to society.
Keywords :
literature , cultural tradition , intellectual tradition , literary vehicle , universalism
