Study Program of English Literature, Faculty of Cultural Studies Brawijaya University held a bi-weekly discussion with the theme “Literature in Times of Crisis” on Wednesday (9/9/2020). The discussion was delivered by Nanang Endrayanto, M.Sc., a lecturer of SPEL FCS UB.
The bi-weekly discussion’s participants were largely lecturers from the study program. In times of crisis, the bi-weekly discussion provided a forum for lecturers to voice their ideas and discuss literature.
The presentation began at 1 p.m. with Juliati, M.Hum. as a moderator. Nanang brought up “Why Does Literature (Still) Matter in Times of Crisis” as the topic of his presentation. He emphasized how, in the event of a pandemic, literature, as well as literature research, is just as vital as scientific research that focuses on statistical data connected to the epidemic.
“Literature can become a tool for investigation,” he said.
Literature can also help to enhance people’s psychology, for example, so that they are less fearful when confronted with a pandemic. He believes that the purposeful use of metaphors can help to manage danger and uncertainty.
Nanang then moved on to analyzing literary works about pandemics, such as Albert Camus’ novel “The Plague,” which is about a plague that struck in the Algerian city of Oran. The novel described the city’s position in the face of the disease. His novel depicted how local governments were slow to respond because they were terrified of the economic ramifications and the town’s reputational damage.
This shows how people and authorities might today learn from historical crises depicted in literature. Nanang also talked on how metaphors were utilized during the COVID-19 epidemic, and how phrases like “crisis,” “emergency,” and the phrase “to win the wars (against COVID-19)” are now commonly used.
The discussion session was begun once the guest speaker finished his presentation. The audience was given the opportunity to express their opinions and ask questions regarding anything that was unclear during the presentation or that required further explanation from the guest speaker.
(FCS)
