Turning pages of UGC NET English notes can be helpful to clear the UGC-NET/JRF English Literature exam but developing aptitude for literary reading can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Shortcuts, and shortcuts again, do not seem to make you a literary genius. Take long strides, read literature from various parts of the world thoroughly, and diligently cover all aspects of the UGC NET 2024 syllabus paper 1 and UGC NET English literature handwritten notes. This will make you a winner in the long run. So, why not try it? Anyway! That was just a motivation capsule before we start our main topic today. So, what are we discussing now? Yes! The top 10 controversial books that you must definitely read being a UGC-NET/JRF aspirant. Are you excited? We feel the energy! Hmm…let us start then.
Writing about books often reminds us of the famous quote by Francis Bacon: “Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.”
The books on the upcoming list have created a different benchmark altogether. So, don’t forget to read them at any cost.
- The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
Why it’s Controversial:
The book combines magical realism with themes from Islam, and was deemed “blasphemous”. The reaction was so severe that Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against Rushdie, leading to global protests.
Relevance in Literature: A quintessential example of postcolonial and diasporic literature, perfect for exploring the boundaries of free speech and religion.
- Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
Why it’s Controversial:
This autobiographical manifesto outlines Hitler’s extreme ideology of racial superiority and antisemitism. It remains banned in many countries due to its association with hate speech and Nazi propaganda.
Relevance in Literature: A critical text for understanding political literature and its consequences.
- 1984 by George Orwell
Why it’s Controversial:
Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece critiques totalitarian regimes, making it a target for censorship in authoritarian states.
Relevance in Literature: Ideal for discussions on political ideologies, dystopian fiction, and the role of surveillance in society.
- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Why it’s Controversial:
The novel’s exploration of hebephilia and obsession led to bans and moral outrage.
Relevance in Literature: A challenging text for examining unreliable narrators and moral ambiguity in fiction.
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Why it’s Controversial:
Criticized for its profanity and rebellious themes, this book is also linked to several criminal cases.
Relevance in Literature: A critical text for understanding post-World War II disillusionment in youth.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Why it’s Controversial:
While hailed as an anti-racist classic, it’s also criticized for its use of racial slurs and portrayal of African American experiences through a white saviour lens.
Relevance in Literature: This work is central to discussions on racial inequality and moral courage.
- The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln
Why it’s Controversial:
This speculative work, which suggests Jesus Christ had descendants, has been condemned by religious groups as blasphemous.
Relevance in Literature: Offers insights into how speculative theories challenge orthodox narratives.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
Why it’s Controversial:
Banned in communist countries, this allegorical novella critiques Soviet totalitarianism.
Relevance in Literature: An exemplary text for political allegory and satire.
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Why it’s Controversial:
This thriller was condemned for its controversial depiction of Christianity’s history and the role of Mary Magdalene.
Relevance in Literature: A popular choice for exploring modern reinterpretations of historical narratives.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Why it’s Controversial:
Banned for its explicit sexual content and its portrayal of racial and gender dynamics, the novel remains a staple for feminist and postcolonial studies.
Relevance in Literature: Essential for understanding intersectional oppression and resilience.
Why Understanding Controversial Books is Crucial for Exam Preparation?
For literature enthusiasts and students preparing for UGC-NET, SET, and similar exams, understanding these controversial works is vital. These texts not only challenge conventional norms but also provide deep insights into historical, cultural, and political contexts—areas often covered in competitive exams. The controversy around these books itself is asked in the questions. Truly understanding the context of such literary works will help you to score well and stay grounded. However, preparing for UGC-NET/JRF exam requires more than just efforts. You need to be strategic.
For strategic UGC-NET English exam preparation, you may also consider joining the best UGC NET coaching institute, Sahitya Classes. At Sahitya Classes, you will not just explore works of famous writers but you will also learn some fascinating and controversial facts about authors and their works from the two-times JRF holder, Prof. Vineet Pandey. Prof. Pandey is known for his fun-filled pedagogy wherein he uses day-to-day experiences of life to make you understand certain literary concepts or literary theories so that you can remember them easily while giving the exam. He will often focus on covering every aspect of the UGC-NET English Literature syllabus. While helping you understand the literary texts, he will cover the historical, political, and other contexts relevant to the texts. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the literary texts.
You will also receive UGC NET notes for English literature along with exclusive UGC-NET online classes. Our new batch will start on January 15, 2025 onwards. If you want to prepare for the UGC-NET English, you can also take our best UGC-NET crash course. In this crash course, you will get PYQs, test series, rapid-fire quiz sessions, mock-tests, live classes, and UGC NET English notes pdf.
Don’t forget to watch our videos on the 15-day exam strategy by Prof. Vineet Pandey. It will boost your exam preparations. Additionally, test-series for Paper 1 and Paper 2 are also available on our app. You can solve them and prepare effectively. So, what are you waiting for? Join now and get personalized guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey!
Best wishes for your exams!
If you are interested in accessing the latest hardcopy and softcopy notes, course syllabus, previous years’ question papers, answer keys, crash courses, Google Drive Course, and wish to receive personal guidance from Prof. Vineet Pandey, please fill out the form!
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December 26th, 2024 by Sahitya Classes
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