~ What I Learned from Reading 10 Banned Books
For the past four months, I have been exploring various banned books as a new project for this year. I discovered these titles in a book I purchased during my last trip to Key West. Although I was aware that some books carry mature ratings, I was surprised to learn that certain books are banned in the United States. Given how much I read, my husband found it odd that I didn’t know about this.
Since my 20s, I have been curious about the types of books North Americans read, so I explored many titles from bestseller lists. Until now, it has not even clicked once that some books have faced bans, so I have never specifically looked into them. My curiosity was piqued when I wondered what could lead to a book being banned in the United States. This reading project began primarily as a way to satisfy that curiosity.
The books are usually banned due to the following reasons: Sexually explicit, violent, unsuited to age groups, LGBTQIA content, profanity, political viewpoint, and so on. For example, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood was banned due to profanity and “vulgarity and sexual overtures.” (The American Library Association, 2022),
To clarify, “banned books” in the United States doesn’t mean they’re entirely inaccessible. They are still available in physical and online bookstores; you can own and read them. However, you might not find them in specific public spaces like schools or libraries.
So far, I’ve analyzed and blogged about ten banned books, and each one has been a fascinating learning experience. In this blog, I want to reflect on what I’ve gained from reading and analyzing these controversial works.
Navigating the World of Literary Analysis
One of the biggest challenges I encountered during this project was realizing that, despite the number of books I’ve read, I lacked experience in literary criticism. While I’ve written about books and occasionally analyzed them for blog posts, I have no formal training in literary critique. I naively believed my passion for reading would suffice, but I quickly discovered that was not enough. I realized This when I read “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. I could sense the quality of the writing but struggled to articulate why I thought the book was excellent.
Books like Homer’s Iliad or Shakespeare’s Hamlet have been celebrated for centuries, but what about modern works like The Handmaid’s Tale? Having a good rating doesn’t automatically make a book legendary. It’s a well-written book, but how do I evaluate its merit beyond its popularity? A legendary book can be published at any time, but understanding its value requires a logical approach to analysis.
To address this gap, I began studying literary analysis, taking extensive notes on each book I read. I even bought a textbook on literary critique. My analysis is still evolving, but my notes have significantly improved since the start of this project. I often feel the urge to revisit my earlier reviews and refine my thoughts.
Even with my basic understanding of literary techniques, reading a book transforms the experience. It’s like visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and discovering the hidden layers beneath his paintings. I never thought of acquiring this knowledge before. Still, it has enriched my reading experience immensely because I am in constant dialogue with the author, which I thoroughly enjoy even though my reading speed has slowed.
Expanding Awareness of Social Issues
All the books I’ve read in this project have been provocative in some way, challenging me to confront uncomfortable truths. Each one addresses significant social issues, prompting me to conduct contextual research using statistics, newspapers, journals, and websites related to the themes explored in the books.
Coming from a relatively privileged background, I wasn’t fully aware of many of these issues. I knew they existed but never engaged with them deeply. Reading and analyzing these books has forced me to process and reflect on these realities. It’s like Plato’s allegory of the cave—I feel as though I’ve emerged from the darkness to see the light.
Some of these books affected me so profoundly that I struggled with their impact. My husband noticed my distress and worried about how deeply I was affected. To maintain my mental balance, I read lighter books in between. I feel a sense of guilt, knowing that people living these realities can’t escape them as I can with a different book.
The Fluidity of Morality
Before diving deeper into this topic, I want to start with a few questions: What defines an action or thought as moral? Who decides these standards, and how do they evolve over time? I grew up in a culture where social norms and expectations differed vastly from North America’s. When I moved here in my teens, I was struck by the distinct moral landscape. This cultural shift forced me to confront the idea that morality is not universal but somewhat shaped by context and background. I became aware of the danger of hastily labeling actions as moral or immoral based solely on my upbringing and values.
However, I hadn’t fully considered until recently how much time also influences our understanding of morality. It’s easy to overlook this aspect, but language and societal values constantly evolve. Once acceptable words are considered offensive, behaviors once deemed appropriate are now frowned upon. As I delved into historical novels like The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, I saw how much societal expectations have shifted over the decades. These books highlighted the norms of their time, and I grappled with the moral dilemmas presented in them.
This realization of the fluidity of morality led me to reflect on Michel Foucault’s ideas about how morality intertwines each era’s power structures and social constructs. He argued that our sense of right and wrong is not fixed but changes according to the needs and priorities of the ruling powers at the time. This concept is explored in his works, such as Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison and The History of Sexuality. Foucault’s theories have helped me understand why something considered acceptable in one era might be deemed immoral in another.
Through this project of reading banned books, I’ve realized that my previous understanding of morality was limited. I used to think of morals as a static set of guidelines, but now I see them as dynamic and fluid, influenced by time, place, and power. This revelation has been both unsettling and enlightening. It has prompted me to question my own beliefs and to approach each book, not with the intent to judge but with an open mind, seeking to understand the context and complexity behind the moral choices of its characters.
Reflecting on the Journey So Far
Although I’m still in the early stages of this project, the experience has already been transformative. I initially set out to explore banned books out of curiosity, not fully aware of the profound impact they would have on me. Now, just 10% into the project, I realize that this journey is about reading controversial literature and challenging my beliefs and assumptions.
One of the most significant changes has been how I approach literary criticism. I used to believe a genuine passion for reading was enough to evaluate books. Still, I now see the value of a more structured, analytical approach. Understanding the historical and cultural contexts, identifying themes, and examining the use of literary devices have all enriched my reading experience. These tools have enabled me to delve deeper into each book, uncovering layers of meaning I would have otherwise missed.
In addition to gaining a better appreciation for literary analysis, I’ve become more aware of the social issues embedded in these banned books. Each one, in its own way, reflects the struggles and injustices of its time, many of which are still relevant today, forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths and consider perspectives I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. It’s a humbling experience, reminding me of the power of literature to spark meaningful conversations.
Finally, my understanding of morality has evolved. I’ve seen it as a complex, shifting construct influenced by time, culture, and power dynamics. This realization has made me more empathetic and open-minded, both as a reader and as a person.
As I continue this project, I’m excited to see how much more I will learn and grow. I’m approaching each new book with a sense of curiosity and an eagerness to be challenged. This journey is far from over, but I know it’s one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve ever undertaken.
I’m only beginning this journey, but it has already transformed me. My views on the importance of literary criticism, social awareness, and moral ambiguity have expanded and deepened. As I continue reading, I look forward to discovering more about myself and the world through the lens of these controversial books.