Literature is fascinating, in every way. In every form. Poetry because of its raw emotion and romantic story telling. Novels because of their unpredictable twists, turns and settings. Diary entries because of their ability to have you laugh or cry or sympathise with the writer, whether the tale told is fictional or not. Literature can take you anywhere and everywhere. It can introduce you to people you never thought you’d meet. You can live a hundred lives just by reading a couple of stories or experiences. That is what makes it so fascinating. All the places you can go and all the places you can see, all encased between a spine and two covers.
The literary world tells of thousands of characters created by the most wonderful of writers; from forest nymph’s to star-crossed lovers to mad scientists. You name it. But, there are a select few of them who are particularly inspirational and have a specific array of qualities that set them apart from their fictional peers – qualities anyone would aspire to possess. Things like courage, self-respect, love towards others, honesty, devotion, prosperity, valour. So, with that in mind, here is my list of literary inspirations and why they are so beneficial to personal self-growth.
-Atticus
This British-Canadian anonymous poet seems like the perfect place to start this list. Atticus advocates for mental health and works with the non-profit ‘To Write Love On Her Arms’ in support of mental health awareness for the youth of today’s society. His poems reflect and incorporate familiar, everyday themes of things like love, adventure and relationships, making his poems wholly relatable to. By choosing to keep his identity concealed, he emphasises the idea that beauty and self-worth is about what is within, rather than modifying your exterior to conform to societal expectations, which is a really important message that needs to be heard, loud and clear, by today’s young people. If you are someone who tends to struggle with self-confidence as a result of the restless criticism of general society, please know that beauty is found within. You should not conform to imaginary standards for the sake of others. You do you. ‘She was powerful, not because she was scared, but because she went on so strongly despite the fear’ – Atticus.
-Jane Eyre written by Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre was characterised by Charlotte Bronte in 1847. Jane was a plain and simple young girl who was battling through life’s struggles. She faced many cruel obstacles through her life: her abusive Aunt Reed, her unrequited love and the death of her only friend, Helen Burns. However, despite her troubles and emotional damage, her determination and courage allowed for her to overcome the battles she had been faced with. The novel ends with Jane being happily married to the love that was once forbidden with children. She is symbolic of the idea that no matter how tough times get, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel – it will all be okay. Not only does she represent that tough times will eventually come to an end, she also represents feminine power and courage and how strong feminism can be – strong enough to get you through anything. ‘I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you.’
-Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was a man of art, seeing beauty in the smallest of things. Some may call him a Romantic. His constantly present wit and unflagging efforts to make people laugh is something to look up to in itself. Wilde was a distinguished Classical scholar (my personal aspiration) and an impressive poet, winning the Newdigate Prize in 1878, determined to follow Pater’s urging ‘to burn always with a hard, gemlike flame.’ Wilde’s personality was particularly uplifting and it was reflected in the characters he wrote about; most famously in Dorian Gray (who was also was a representation of Wilde’s homosexuality.) The reason Wilde is inspirational is purely because of his outlook on life – living for art and the beauty in everything. Something we can all work on. On his deathbed, Wilde said ‘my wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go,’ just proving the comedic nature of his personality.
-Jane Austen
Jane Austen was many things. Many wonderful things. An incredible novelist, a pragmatic and curious individual, an anti-slavery activist, a feminist and a world of other things. She embodied the curious and loving side of humanity, standing up against those who recklessly endangered the fragile glow of equality and love. For me, Jane Austen is my biggest role model – I aspire to be as courageous and warm-hearted as she was. For a woman who wrote only six major novels, she has had countless films and series’ made to recreate the stories told in her books. ‘I declare that after all there is no employment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.’ (Also, subtle flex, Jane and I have the same personality type! INTJ) Personality Test- https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
-William Shakespeare
Shakespeare is a timeless soul. With all his plays still relevant today, he continues to teach us about humanity and ourselves and how important sharing love really is. He also created around 1700 words and phrases that we still use in everyday English over 400 years later, including the infamous ‘knock-knock’ joke. Shakespeare’s influence will always remain pertinent with his beliefs and themes hidden in his plays, which still continue to be read today. His teachings about sharing love and using his name to spread positivity is one of the many reasons he is an inspirational character – not to mention his humour. One of the best quotes, I feel, from Shakespeare that encapsulates his personality is ‘there is no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune,’ and the humour incorporated into this ‘Henry IV’ line makes me laugh every time I see it. His comedic side is also shown prominently, when he uses ‘Banbury cheese’ as an insult in the ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ – there are so many examples. Shakespeare is arguably the most humorous writer in history – that is inspirational in itself.
-Romeo Montague
A character created by William Shakespeare, Romeo Montague is a perfect example of an exceptional lover. His unwavering efforts to marry Juliet, and treating her with the utmost personal respect, Romeo contradicts the dominating position men were supposed to have in the 14th century, rejecting all societal ‘norms’ to be with his true love. In disapproving of society’s male standards, Romeo sets the perfect example of how to treat your love – with mutual respect, devotion, affection and with equality – which still remains relevant to this day. He secretly married Juliet so they could be together, even if it was unrequited under strict rule of Juliet’s father – his never-ending care for Juliet and efforts to treat her with admiration at any chance he had is inspirational.
-Plato
The man who inspired thought for a living, Plato. One of the greatest philosophers of all time. Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, born during the Classical period. He later founded the Academy – a school for teaching philosophical doctrines, later known as Platonism. Throughout his teachings, Plato came up with a number of theories –‘the good life is a life of virtue,’ ‘the highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our ego’s and live in another’s world,’ ‘the first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile,’ and many other things. He taught the true meaning of life – to help others, to put exploration and adventure before wealth and materialism, to be kind through good attitude and expression. My ultimate philosophical inspiration comes from Plato because everyone could live life more fully and live more in the moment. His virtue-based eudemonistic ideals are creditable, and something I, one day, hope to live up to.
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
The most influential poet of the Victorian Era. Alfred Lord Tennyson was a particularly egotistical poet, yet still rather sensitive and timid. Tennyson was haunted by his family’s long history of mental illness and paranoid unrest: his father greatly suffered from depression and paranoia which often led to violence, and his brother was institutionalised all throughout his adult life. Tennyson ‘broke the mould’ by adopting a series of mindsets that led him to what he was able to accomplish – his progressive feminism, contradicting the misogyny of the Victorian Era, his restless determination, his desire for adventure and his beginnings in Romanticism. He utilised his past troubles and poured that emotion into his poetry, making his work all the more touching. Tennyson is a superlative example as to how we can turn our pain into art, and how we can help others along the way. He was also living proof that you are your own person – just because his parents suffered from mental illness, it didn’t mean he had to as well. He became his own person which I find rather inspirational.
-Persephone
Persephone is a bit of a wild card on this list. She is from Greek mythology and ruled the underworld with her husband, Hades, but it isn’t her actions that I find inspirational – it’s her mindset. She was an incredible feminine power who nurtured flowers and adored nature, and was highly intelligent. She was receptive and attentive to others but at the same time, she did not ignore her own mind or deprive herself of what she desired. Her individualism meant she could be original through her artistic and creative flare which is a mindset to look up to. It is particularly inspirational that she listened to herself. She was flawed, like all of us humans, but her character and attention to nature and others is why she is on this list.
-Robin Hood written by Howard Pyle
I just love the story of Robin Hood – it could quite possibly be my favourite. His merry character and the spreading of joy and equality is something I think all of us should do as part of our daily routines. Robin infamously stole from the rich to give to the poor. Stealing obviously isn’t something I recommend, for obvious reasons, but the idea behind it is what I admire most. If you take the idea and just tweak it a little bit, so that it isn’t illegal, it is a fantastic idea. Support the poor in your community and donate, or volunteer at shelters, or spend time with lonely people – it’s the idea of giving to those who are less fortunate than you. Robin made this his life. He did it every day out of pure, good intention. He is an inspiration to me and has been since I met him as a fox through the old 1973 Disney movie back when I was very young, and I think of him at least once a day!
These people are just a few of the notable inspirations of the literary world. There are hundreds of them, but these are the ones I decided to take note of. Of course, with very book you read, I’m sure you will find more and more of them. Look for them and use their work, actions and theories in everything that you do to be the best version of yourself you can be – after all, a mindset born of good literature and love for others is one to be adored, right?
Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts!
XOXO,
Lola
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