Transformation Periods in Bengali Literature

Three major literary trends dominate Bengali literature, alongside a relatively weaker spiritualist movement

Shakil Kalam | Bangladesh

Since the emergence of the Bengali language, literature has predominantly been expressed through poetry. Scholars note that until the 18th century, Bengali prose was largely confined to letters and official documents. However, the early 19th century marked a significant shift with the rise of prose literature, particularly after the establishment of Fort William College in Kolkata. Poetry remains the foundational form of Bengali literature, having undergone numerous transformations over time. Today, three major literary trends dominate Bengali literature, alongside a relatively weaker spiritualist movement. Based on these evolving phases, poets are often categorized into different schools—some identify as modern or postmodern, while others align with surrealism or spiritualism.

Modern Poetry

Modern poets highlight various aspects of daily life through distinctive wordplay and unconventional structures. Their works often reflect contemporary events, societal demands, and the spirit of the times, resonating deeply with human consciousness. Rejecting traditional poetic forms, modernist poets favor free verse, experimenting with style, abstraction, and vivid imagery. They explore themes such as reality versus fiction, social decay, detachment from life, and the degradation of values. Additionally, modern poetry frequently incorporates allusions to mythology, history, and cultural works, enriching its depth and meaning.

Postmodern Poetry

Postmodern poetry emerged in the mid-twentieth century as a radical departure from conventional forms. Characterized by playfulness, fragmentation, and a rejection of unified narratives, it challenges the notion of a single, coherent reality. This style often mirrors the social chaos following wars, revolutions, and political movements, capturing the revolutionary fervor of those seeking societal change. The youth, in particular, play a crucial role in dismantling old structures and advocating for new ones. Postmodern poetry embraces contemporary consciousness, raw emotion, vivid imagery, personal perspectives, and experimental forms—including graffiti, visual art, and unconventional metaphors—to reflect the fragmented nature of modern existence.

Surrealism

Surrealism is a form of artistic expression that diverges from reality, bearing no resemblance to authentic, rational experience. It is rooted in irrational thought, bizarre narratives, and subconscious impulses—elements that exist beyond conventional logic and reality. Surrealist poets draw inspiration from the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud, particularly his exploration of the subconscious mind.

Freud’s assertion that “Thoughts originate more from the subconscious than the conscious mind” heavily influences surrealist ideology. These poets believe that human desires, fears, and unresolved thoughts often manifest in the subconscious, shaping creativity when the conscious mind is relaxed. Surrealism seeks to bridge the gap between conscious and subconscious thought, using symbolic imagery to dissolve the boundaries between reality and the inner psyche. Its ultimate goal is to transcend the limitations of rational thought, merging the physical and mental realms into a unified artistic expression.

Spirituality

Spirituality represents the depth and evolution of religious consciousness or faith emerging from the soul. It encompasses belief in a divine entity, religious principles, or metaphysical existence, often without tangible evidence. These convictions are frequently reinforced through personal experience, metaphor, or tradition, guiding followers toward spiritual fulfillment. In Bengali literature as well as in global literary and cultural traditions spiritual themes have historically permeated poetry, folklore, and prose. However, in contemporary works, this influence has significantly diminished, with fewer modern rhymes, stories, and articles reflecting deep spiritual or religious undertones.

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Conclusion

Countless poets, writers, and the essayists worldwide claim their work has reached the postmodern stage. Many argue that we must abandon old ideas and move forward—especially in an era defined by scientific progress and the rapid evolution of social media. Stagnation is not an option; we must advance. But the crucial question remains: In which direction? There is no clear answer. We are but a few individuals, perhaps naive, who feel compelled to challenge these issues. Yet, driven by conscience, we dare to ask: Do those who proudly call themselves postmodern creators truly consider how deeply their works engage with urgent global concerns? Issues like peace, humanity, human rights, gender inequality, unjust wars, oppression, exploitation, wealth disparity, the proliferation of deadly weapons, combating  corruption, financial inequality between elites and marginalized groups, rape, the rule of law, good governance, democratic deficits, the lack of democratic culture, rational distribution of national wealth, fundamentalism, state control under religious pretexts, the marginalization of minorities, climate change, destruction of biodiversity, environmental degradation—are these meaningfully reflected in their writings?  Are these issues irrelevant, or are they being ignored? Isn’t it time for poets and writers worldwide to confront these questions through their work? The answer is clear: Yes. The time has come for writers to engage with these pressing issues.

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Shakil Kalam, born in Feni district in Chittagong Division of Bangladesh, received a Master’s Degree in Governance Studies from the University of Dhaka. Having also a diploma course on IAS and IFRS from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), he is known as a Central Banker, Corporate Governance and Internal Audit Specialist, Researcher, Poet, Translator as well as Child-Litterateur. He was engaged as an Additional Director in the Central Bank of Bangladesh. His book “A Handbook of Corporate Governance in Bangladesh” is enlisted as a reference books and taught in several universities including the University of Dhaka.