World literature is a fascinating subject that encompasses all texts that have been accepted as part of the literary canon It includes books, poems, plays, short stories, essays, and other forms of writing from all cultures around the world. It is an incredibly diverse field of study, including works from antiquity to the present.
When discussing world literature, there are endless possibilities for interesting essay topic ideas. To help you get your writing juices flowing, here are five great essay topics related to world literature:
1. The Role of Religion in World Literature: Religion has been an integral part of world literature for centuries. This topic could explore how religion has been used to explore themes, provide commentary on society, and shape characters within the works of authors such as Salman Rushdie, Chinua Achebe, Margaret Atwood, and Jhumpa Lahiri, among others.
2. The Rise of Postcolonial Literature: Postcolonial literature, which is literature written by authors from formerly colonized countries, has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years. This topic could examine why this is and explore how authors such as NoViolet Bulawayo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Mohsin Hamid have explored postcolonial themes.
3. The Impact of War on World Literature: War is a common theme in world literature. This topic could explore how authors such as Haruki Murakami, Erich Maria Remarque, W.G. Sebald, and Primo Levi have used war to explore themes of trauma, loss, and resilience.
4. Transnationalism in World Literature: As the world has become more interconnected, literature has become increasingly transnational. This topic could analyze how authors such as Kiran Desai, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used stories of migration, globalization, and displacement to explore themes of identity and belonging.
5. Rewriting History in World Literature: Literature can be used to challenge and rewrite conventional views of history. This topic could discuss how authors such as Peter Carey, Toni Morrison, and Jean Rhys have used their works to challenge dominant narratives and create new perspectives.
These five topics provide just a few of the endless possibilities for exploring world literature. With such a wide range of topics, there is something for everyone to explore in this fascinating subject.