Information Literacy in Literary Fiction
It is our aim to signal a few important works of literature which might help to provide a new perspective on the vexed issues we raise with information literacy (e.g., judgement, knowledge, wisdom).
It may seem odd to think of fictional works – novels and even poetry – as relevant to a discussion of information literacy. After all isn’t information found in the non-fiction part of the library? Fiction is usually considered the antithesis of fact. And information is about facts.
The Heart and the Head
The importance of ‘heart’ and ‘head’ was well understood by the English Metaphysical poets of the 17th century. This highly intellectualised form of poetry reflects the spirit of the age in bringing together ideas from the new sciences, from the world explorers and ideas about the basics of human existence; love and religion amongst them. For these writers, feelings and thoughts were not isolated elements of human experience but were connected. T. S. Eliot remarked that following the peak achievements of the 17th century, there set in what he called the “dissociation of sensibility” as if intellect and emotion were somehow at odds with one another.
We can see this in many trends in the Enlightenment, the Romantic Period, the Aesthetic Movement, and of course in the elevation of Utilitarianism and the “hard facts men”, parodied by Dickens in his novel “Hard Times”.
A short introduction to the metaphysical poets can be found on Metaphysical Poems (Hörbuch-Download) or on Spotify (with a subscription).
A more extensive definition is available on Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Pride and Prejudice (by Jane Austen)
When knowledge is applied it requires judgement. We learn judgement both through the varieties of human experience and the observation of others. We learn what is beyond our own selves through literature and the arts; not only scientific literature but also creative writing, including poetry and drama.
Judgement can only be reached when one is freed of inappropriate pride and prejudice, where prejudice often comes with pride and prior to judgement – before the full facts are known.
Jane Austen’s great novel is not only a study of those two human characteristics. It is also a novel which contrasts fake education – such as that of Rev Mr Collins, who merely “kept the terms” at University, with Elizabeth Bennet who learns judgement in a real way from Mr Darcy, and Mr Darcy who learns proper pride from Elizabeth Bennet.
We offer an audio version which may be accessed through Spotify.
Learn more about it in our Review.
Hard Times (by Charles Dickens)
We have selected Dickens’ novel “Hard Times”, which Dickens sub-titled “For these Times”, because it explores facts, knowledge, wisdom and understanding. It is not only a critique of the “hard facts men” but it also challenges the ‘Invisible Hand’ of self-interest. Further, it asks us to think about education. It is very entertaining, and at times tragic – at times comic.
More on Wikipedia
Northanger Abbey (by Jane Austen)
Catherine Morland’s view of the world has been shaped by Gothic novels and romantic fiction available from the 18th century libraries. Her foolishness shows just how easy it is to fall victim of conspiracy theories.
Published in 1817 it has a peculiarly contemporary feel. 21st century social media shape many people’s views of the modern world with a similar outcome: belief in conspiracy theories, anti-vaxxer movement, climate-change denial, flat-earthers, you name it.
More on Wikipedia