A question for the ages: What is Comparative Literature? It is something students on the course will ask again and again over the course of their degree, and honestly, there is no real answer. Quite a niche subject, we asked our editors to discuss what Comparative Literature is to them to launch the magazine.
Self-proclaimed “Comparative Literature experts” will spend hours debating their own perspectives on it. It can seem too broad–literature from across the world, across time periods, across cultures–and is still not enough. It is difficult to define, and yet once we think more about Comparative Literature, we learn that it doesn’t need to have just one definition. It is a continuously evolving field that keeps broadening its own scope and becoming more inclusive. It means different things to different people, building a community of diverse-minded and goal oriented individuals. For us, “Comp. Lit.” is limitless, not bound to one nation, language, or medium. This means considering forms of media beyond just literature such as films, art, music, and plays.
Understanding what Comparative Literature can mean for you doesn’t require studying the subject in university; simply have an open mind to all the literature and media you encounter. Then we can look at how various other fields interact with global ideologies and their effects. We challenge you to look for differences and similarities in the various types of media you consume. Find any running themes? Any noticeable difference in languages or regions or purposes? Keep an eye out! You never know how the ideas behind Comparative Literature can be seen in your own life.
Hopefully this helps you get an idea of what Comparative Literature is, whether you’ve never heard of the subject or are a student in your final year in the course. We encourage you to keep these ideas in mind the next time you watch a show or visit an art gallery. Did it spark a conversation? Let us know!