The Motivations Behind Pursuing a PhD in English Literature

Deciding to pursue a PhD in English literature is a significant decision that requires deep thinking and reflection. My journey is no different. During my time at a British university and Princeton, the profound impact of engaging with profound literature and the life of the mind emphasized my academic path. This passion led me back to my hometown to embark on a doctoral program in English literature.

The Motivations

There are several powerful motivations behind my decision to undertake a PhD in English literature.

My Calling as a Teacher

Teaching is one of my deep-rooted passions. I consider myself a lifelong learner and a dedicated educator. My pursuit of a PhD was not just an academic pursuit but also a professional duty. I wanted to stay current with the latest research and insights in my field, and the PhD program provided the necessary framework and resources for this.

Generating Meaning through Literature

Before pursuing a PhD, I was deeply engrossed in poetry and translation. I wrote and translated the poet whose work I had extensively studied for my thesis. However, I soon realized that mere enjoyment and entertainment were not enough. I yearned to contribute something more meaningful. I wanted to engage in concrete intellectual activities that would generate thought and discussion around the poetry I loved.

Research and Freedom

Another major motivating factor was my desire to conduct research. For me, doing a PhD meant the opportunity to embark on research projects, which was not possible in my previous roles. The scarcity of resources and the lack of scholarly work available on the specific poet I chose to study was liberating. It allowed me to approach the poetry from my own unique perspective and apply various literary theories in a way that had not been done before. This freedom was exhilarating and filled me with a sense of purpose.

The Desire for Unique Contributions

a PhD thesis afforded me the space to write something entirely new and unique. Traditionally, poetry analysis has been a subjective field, but a thesis allowed me to structure my thoughts in a critical and analytical manner. I aimed to solve specific problems related to the poetry in a fresh and insightful way. This desire for innovation and originality was a key driver for me in choosing to pursue a PhD.

Conclusion

The decision to pursue a PhD in English literature was a culmination of my love for teaching, the need to contribute meaningfully to the field of literature, and my desire for freedom and innovation in research. These motivations combined to shape my academic journey, leading to a vivid and enriching experience that continues to shape my professional and personal life.