FRANKENSTEIN - THINKING TASK

Hello everyone, 

                 

This thinking activity is based on Mary Shelley's gothic science fiction novel "Frankenstein", assigned by Megha ma'am. 

Q. What are some major difference between the movie and novel Frankenstein? 

Ans

We cannot clearly assert that Frankenstein - movie is totally faithful to novel. There are some scenes from the movie which differs from the actual novel. 

In the novel Victor had been convicted of his friend Henerys' murder, and his father Alphonse Frankenstein helps Victor from get out of prison, but in the movie this incident is altogether ommited. 

Secondly, in novel we can observe that the creature learns to read and speak through three literary books, which is Milton's Paradise Lost, Plutarch' lives and the third one is The Sorrows of Werter by Gothe. Among these books, Paradise Lost has significant influence upon the monster. But in the movie there is no mention of any of these books, rather monster learns these thingsonly by reading Victors' journal. 

Moreover, in movie we find that Victor creates the female companion for the monster with the help of Elizabeth's dead body, whereas in the novel Victor initially agreed with the monster that he would create female companion for him, but Victor abandon the creation. 

Q - What do you think is real Monster? 

Ans

In my opinion real monster is Dr. Victor Frankenstein rather than the creature he created. Because monster is not monster from the beginning. The society and the people made him monster, and Victor too. Victor should have fulfilled his responsibility as creator to teach monster the human way of living life, instead he fled from the laboratory as soon as he discover that his creation is nothing look like what he intended to be. It is hedious looking monster. 

It is significant that, while living at the cottage with the De Lacey family, monster learns about reading and communication with the help of three book. The first ever word that monster utters is a Friend, which also showcase monsters' harmless disposition.  

Q - Do you think search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive. 

Ans

No, it is not necessary that craving for more knowledge is always dangerous and destructive. Victor did not got expected results that does not mean that it will happen with everyone. Writers of the old age writing these kind of anti-scientific works, because they do not want people to lean towards science and industrial revolution, rather they want people to be profound religious. For instance, Dr. Faustus by Marlowe. 

On the contrary to the old times, today's time is all about science and technology. Those who are in field of science, look upon with respect and honor. In contemporary times we have made science as part of our living and can't imagine our lives without it. There is nothing more supreme than knowledge in todays time. But one has to keep in mind that, they should not become ignorant and self-obsessed like Victor, in the quest for knowledge. 

Q - Do you think Victor Frankenstein's monster was inherently evil, or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into monster? 

Ans

Those who are just born are the purest soul, this line is applicable to any new born child. Same line we can apply to the creature as well because after all the creature is just like a new born baby. He doesn't know how to behave and how to live. Monster didn't got any instructions from his father (Victor) . He is alone in the world and society. People judge him by his appearance and hedious look. They threw pebbles at him and exploited him. 

Monster didn't received the love that he wanted, instead he received suffering and agony. Thus, monster wanted to seek revenge upon his creator. 

Q - Should there be limits on scientific exploration? If  what should those limits be? 

Ans

Certainly, there should be some kind of limits on scientific exploration because everyone has not the same idea about helping humankind with their science experiments. Some people want to do scientific exploration for exploit human race as well that we have seen in many literary works and movies. 

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH - BRIDGE COURSE

Hello readers,

          

This task is assigned by Barad sir for the bridge course : Wordsworth's preface to the lyrical ballad. Here, all answers are generated with the help of ChatGPT. 

Q - How French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's  romanticism? 

Ans

The French Revolution had a profound influence on the Romanticism of William Wordsworth and other writers of the era. Here's an explanation of how the French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's Romanticism:

 Idealism and Political Enthusiasm:

In its early stages, the French Revolution was seen as a symbol of hope and change. Wordsworth, like many of his contemporaries, initially embraced the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity espoused by the revolutionaries. This spirit of political enthusiasm and idealism resonated with Wordsworth's belief in the innate goodness of humanity and the potential for societal transformation.

Emphasis on Individualism and Freedom:

 The French Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and freedom aligns with the Romantic emphasis on individual expression and personal experience. Wordsworth's poetry often reflects his belief in the importance of the individual's emotions, experiences, and connection to nature.

Natural Rights and Equality:

The principles of natural rights and the pursuit of equality advocated during the French Revolution had a direct impact on Wordsworth's view of the common people and their place in his poetry. He celebrated the lives and experiences of ordinary individuals, portraying them as heroes of their own stories.

Critique of Social Injustice:

As the French Revolution unfolded and its more radical and violent aspects became apparent, Wordsworth and other Romantic poets became critical of the social injustices and abuses of power that were revealed. Wordsworth's poetry began to reflect a growing disillusionment with the revolutionary ideals and a focus on the importance of moral and social reform.

Return to Nature and Simplicit:

 In response to the chaos and violence of the French Revolution, Wordsworth, along with other Romantic poets, advocated a return to nature and simplicity as a source of solace and moral guidance. This emphasis on the restorative power of nature is a hallmark of Wordsworth's Romanticism.

Dissent and Disillusionment:

Over time, Wordsworth's view of the French Revolution became increasingly critical as the revolution took a more violent turn. His disillusionment with the revolution's outcomes and his concern for the loss of individual liberties found expression in his poetry, marking a shift from his earlier enthusiasm.

In summary, the French Revolution initially inspired Wordsworth's Romantic ideals of individualism, freedom, and the innate goodness of humanity. However, as the revolution evolved and became more tumultuous, Wordsworth's views on society and politics also evolved, resulting in a more nuanced and critical perspective. Ultimately, the French Revolution left an indelible mark on Wordsworth's Romanticism, shaping his poetry's themes, moral concerns, and portrayal of the individual in the natural world.(ChatGPT) 

Q - Write a brief note on self-contradictory observation in preface. 

Ans

In the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," a critical essay written by William Wordsworth in 1800, he makes a notable and somewhat self-contradictory observation regarding the language of poetry and the role of the poet.

Wordsworth famously asserts that poetry should employ "the real language of men," which he views as a departure from the artificial and ornate language often used in 18th-century poetry. He advocates for a more straightforward and natural style of writing that reflects the speech of ordinary people. This idea aligns with his Romantic emphasis on the simplicity and authenticity of human expression.

However, the self-contradictory aspect arises when Wordsworth simultaneously elevates the role of the poet to that of a "man speaking to men." In this statement, he suggests that the poet has a unique and elevated position as a communicator between the common people and the profound truths of human experience.

The contradiction lies in the tension between using everyday language and portraying the poet as a special communicator of universal truths. On one hand, Wordsworth advocates for a democratic and accessible form of poetry that connects with the masses. On the other hand, he acknowledges the poet's role as a visionary and interpreter of deeper human emotions and experiences.

This apparent contradiction reflects the complex nature of Wordsworth's Romantic philosophy. While he champions the ordinary and the simple, he also recognizes the poet's ability to transcend the ordinary and convey profound truths through the medium of poetry. This tension between accessibility and elevation is a hallmark of Romantic literature, where poets often sought to bridge the gap between the everyday and the sublime.

Self-contradictory elements in his "Micheal - a Pastoral Poem".

In the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," William Wordsworth makes a self-contradictory observation regarding the language of poetry and the role of the poet. He emphasizes the use of everyday language and a straightforward style while simultaneously elevating the poet to a special communicator of universal truths.

This self-contradiction is evident in Wordsworth's poem "Michael," which is a prime example of his Lyrical Ballads. "Michael" tells the story of a shepherd's life and the tragic loss of his son. In this poem, Wordsworth uses simple and rustic language, adhering to his idea of employing "the real language of men."

However, within this simplicity, Wordsworth elevates the ordinary shepherd, Michael, to a symbol of profound human experiences and virtues. Michael embodies the themes of rural life, the bond between humans and nature, and the enduring spirit of a humble man. Despite his modest station in life, Michael is presented as a figure who can teach readers important moral lessons and connect them to universal truths.

In this way, "Michael" exemplifies the self-contradictory observation in Wordsworth's preface. The poem's language is plain and accessible, as he advocated, yet the character of Michael and the themes it explores elevate the narrative to a deeper, more symbolic level. Wordsworth simultaneously adheres to the principle of using common language and demonstrates the poet's power to convey profound insights through the lives of ordinary individuals. This duality is a key aspect of Wordsworth's Romantic philosophy, where simplicity and profundity coexist in his poetry.

Poem "London 1802"

self-contradiction is evident in Wordsworth's poem "London, 1802." In this poem, he mourns the state of England and calls for the spirit of the great poet John Milton to return and inspire the nation. Wordsworth uses simple, direct language and addresses the poem to Milton himself, making it accessible and in line with his advocacy for everyday language.

However, the contradiction arises when Wordsworth elevates Milton as a beacon of moral and intellectual guidance for the nation. He refers to Milton as "thou shouldst be living at this hour" and describes him as a "soul... pure as the naked heavens." Wordsworth implies that Milton's return is needed to restore the moral and intellectual integrity of England.

In "London, 1802," the self-contradictory observation from Wordsworth's preface is manifested through his use of simple language to convey a profound message. While the language is accessible and direct, the poem elevates the role of the poet, in this case, Milton, to that of a moral and intellectual guide for the nation. It reflects Wordsworth's belief in the poet's power to inspire and uplift society through their verses, even as he emphasizes the use of ordinary language and themes from everyday life. This duality is a characteristic of Wordsworth's Romantic philosophy and his approach to poetry.(ChatGPT) 

Q - Write a brief analysis of any one short poem by Wordsworth with reference to his poetic creed. 

Ans

What is poetic Creed

A "poetic creed" refers to the set of beliefs, principles, and values that guide a poet's approach to their craft and the themes they explore in their poetry. It is essentially a poet's personal philosophy or worldview, which shapes their creative process and the content of their poems. A poetic creed can encompass a wide range of elements, including the poet's views on:

Nature:

Many poets have a deep connection with nature and believe in its spiritual or inspirational qualities. Their poetic creed might emphasize the importance of nature as a source of beauty, solace, and wonder.

Language:

Poets often have distinct views on language and its role in poetry. Some may prioritize simplicity and accessibility, while others may embrace complexity and linguistic experimentation.

Emotion:

Poets may have specific beliefs about the role of emotion in poetry. Some emphasize the expression of deep personal emotions, while others seek to evoke emotional responses in readers.

Imagination:

The power of imagination and its ability to transform everyday experiences into poetic material is a common theme in many poetic creeds.

Social or Political Issues:

 Some poets are driven by a desire to engage with social or political issues in their work, using poetry as a means of commentary, protest, or advocacy.

Spirituality and Philosophy:

 Poets may draw on their personal beliefs and philosophies, whether they are religious, existential, or philosophical, to inform the themes and messages in their poetry.

Human Experience:

The human experience, including themes of love, loss, identity, and mortality, often plays a central role in a poet's creed.

Aesthetics:

A poet's creed may also touch on aesthetic principles, such as their preferences for form (e.g., free verse, sonnets) or stylistic choices (e.g., metaphors, symbolism).

It's important to note that each poet's creed is highly individual and reflects their unique perspective and life experiences. Poets may draw inspiration from various literary movements, cultural influences, and personal encounters to shape their poetic creed. Over time, a poet's creed can evolve as they grow and develop in their artistry. Ultimately, a poetic creed serves as a foundational framework that guides a poet in crafting their work and communicating their ideas and emotions through poetry.

Poetic Creed with reference to "Daffodils"

William Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," often referred to as "Daffodils," is a quintessential example of his poetic creed and Romantic ideals. It reflects several key aspects of Wordsworth's literary philosophy:

Connection to Nature:

Wordsworth's belief in the healing and spiritually uplifting power of nature is evident throughout the poem. The speaker describes a solitary wander through the countryside when he stumbles upon a field of daffodils. The sight of these flowers, "fluttering and dancing in the breeze," fills him with a sense of joy and harmony. This connection with nature is a central theme in Wordsworth's poetry, as he believed that nature had the ability to soothe the human soul and inspire creativity.

Emotion Recollected in Tranquility:

 Wordsworth's concept of "emotion recollected in tranquility" is reflected in the poem's structure. The speaker recalls the scene of the daffodils in a state of tranquility, looking back on the experience with a sense of wonder and gratitude. This notion of revisiting a past emotional experience in a calm and reflective state is fundamental to Wordsworth's Romanticism.

Ordinary Language and Everyday Life:

 Wordsworth's use of simple and accessible language aligns with his belief in using "the real language of men" in poetry. He doesn't employ ornate or complex diction but instead describes the scene in plain, relatable terms. This choice underscores his commitment to portraying everyday life and experiences in poetry.

The Sublime in the Ordinary:

 The sight of the daffodils, though a simple and common occurrence, takes on a sublime quality in the poem. Wordsworth elevates this ordinary scene to a higher, almost transcendent level. This is a characteristic of Romanticism, where the poets often found the extraordinary in the commonplace.

The Power of Imagination:

 The poem also illustrates Wordsworth's belief in the power of the human imagination. The image of the daffodils continues to bring the speaker joy and solace even when he is physically distant from them. This reflects Wordsworth's idea that the imagination can preserve and rekindle the emotions associated with past experiences.

In "Daffodils," Wordsworth encapsulates his poetic creed, emphasizing his reverence for nature, the importance of emotional reflection, the use of everyday language, the elevation of the ordinary, and the transformative power of the imagination. The poem exemplifies the Romantic ideals of finding beauty and meaning in the natural world and the emotional resonance of ordinary moments.(ChatGPT) 

          

ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL - TASK

Hello to all, 

              This blog task is a part of our thinking activity of John Dryden's political satire poem "Absalom and Achitophel". In this blog we will prompt ChatGPT to generate critique answer. 

Q - Comment upon the beginning of the poem. Prompt ChatGPT or Bard by giving lines from the beginning of the poem and ask to make a 'critique' of the same. 

Ans

My Interpretation 

Here, are first few lines from the poem Absalom and Achitophel. 

             In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin,

             Before polygamy was made a sin;

             When man, on many, multipli'd his kind,

             Ere one to one was cursedly confin'd:

             When Nature prompted, and no Law deni'd

             Promiscuous use of concubine and bride;

This opening lines are very interesting as it first comments upon the times when polygamy was not considered as a sin. Dryden here says "in pious time" mean in sacred times when priest craft and all ecclesiastical things were just begin, polygamy was very common in kingship. Kings were allowed to have more than one wife and mistress. We can see the irony here that, it is a sacred time yet polygamy is not a sin which is now consider as illegal offence. If we look at this lines through the womans lens then it is not at all sacred time for them. Polygamy may be considered good for men but certainly not good for women. 

       Then, Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart,

           His vigorous warmth did variously impart

      To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command,

        Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.

          Michal, of royal blood, the crown did wear;

               A soil ungrateful to the tiller's care:

In these lines Dryden finally addresses Israel's monarch king Davin (Charles -2) and praises him by saying heaven's own heart, that he is kind and merciful king. Dryden also talked about polygamy of king David that his "vigorous warmth did variously impart -- wide as his command", but Dryden defends the king's licentiousness by blaming his wife Mikhal, that she is infertile -- " A soil ungrateful " . Upon which a tiller means farmer (King David) cannot harvest grains. 

Critique Prompted by ChatGPT

           In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin,

             Before polygamy was made a sin;

             When man, on many, multipli'd his kind,

             Ere one to one was cursedly confin'd:

             When Nature prompted, and no Law deni'd

             Promiscuous use of concubine and bride;

In these lines, the speaker reflects on a time in the past when societal norms and moral standards were different. Here's a critique of these lines:

Contextual Understanding:

These lines should be understood in the context of the poem, which is a satirical work that mocks the triviality of aristocratic society in the 18th century. The speaker is not making a serious argument but rather using humor to critique the norms and values of the time.

Ironic Tone:

The use of phrases like "pious times" and "before priest-craft did begin" sets an ironic tone. The speaker is highlighting the absurdity of the past when polygamy was acceptable, and promiscuity was not condemned by society.

Critique of Morality:

The lines critique the hypocrisy of society's changing moral standards. The speaker suggests that in the past, people freely engaged in polygamous relationships and concubinage, which were later condemned as sins. This criticism points to the arbitrariness of societal judgments on morality.

Satirical Commentry:

These lines are part of Pope's larger satirical commentary on the frivolous concerns of the aristocracy. He uses the idea of a stolen lock of hair as a symbol of the absurdity of their values and the triviality of their conflicts.

Rhyming Couplets:

Pope employs rhyming couplets, a common feature in his poetry, to create a rhythmic and satirical effect. The rhyme scheme (AA, BB, CC, etc.) contributes to the poem's light and playful tone.

Social Critique:

Overall, these lines serve as a vehicle for Pope to critique the society of his time, highlighting how values and moral judgments can change over time and be influenced by social norms and expectations.

In summary, these lines from "The Rape of the Lock" are part of a satirical commentary on the shifting moral standards of 18th-century aristocratic society. They use humor and irony to critique the arbitrary nature of societal judgments on morality and relationships.

      Then, Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart,

           His vigorous warmth did variously impart

      To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command,

        Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.

          Michal, of royal blood, the crown did wear;

               A soil ungrateful to the tiller's care:

the speaker is satirically describing the behavior of Israel's monarch, King David. Here's a critique of these lines:

Contextual Understanding:

In these lines, the speaker is referencing the biblical figure King David, who was known for his multiple wives and concubines. The speaker is making a satirical comment on King David's prolific romantic life.

Satirical Tone:

As with much of "The Rape of the Lock," these lines employ a satirical tone. The speaker is using humor and exaggeration to poke fun at the behavior of historical figures like King David.

Exaggeration:

The lines emphasize the prolific nature of King David's romantic relationships by stating that he "scatter'd his Maker's image through the land." This is an exaggeration meant to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

Social Commentary:

Pope uses these lines to comment on the extravagance and moral laxity of the aristocracy of his own time. By comparing King David's behavior to the social norms of Pope's era, he critiques the frivolous values of 18th-century society.

Historical and Biblical Allusion:

The reference to Michal wearing the crown is a biblical allusion. Michal was King David's wife and the daughter of King Saul. Her role in the biblical narrative adds depth to the satirical commentary.

Commentry on Power and Privilege:

The lines indirectly comment on how those in positions of power and privilege often have the freedom to behave in ways that would be unacceptable for others. King David's behavior is framed as a consequence of his royal status.

In summary, these lines from "The Rape of the Lock" use satire and exaggeration to comment on the behavior of historical figures like King David and draw parallels with the values and behavior of the 18th-century aristocracy. They serve as a vehicle for Pope's social critique and satirical commentary on the society of his time.(ChatGPT) 

JOHN KEATS - NEGATIVE CAPABILITY

Q - What is "Negative Capability"? Explain with one of the example of Keats' poem! 

Ans

John Keats 

Keats was one of the most promising figure of 19th century and one of the most pure hearted and most remarkable poet in the history of romantic literature. 

He was not only the last but also the most perfect of the Romanticist. While other romantic writers were engaged in telling stories, reform poetry, defining moral law and political affairs, Keats lived apart from men and from all political measures, worshiping beauty and wrote what was in his heart. He had the novel idea that poetry exists for its own sake and suffers loss by being devoted to philosophy or politics, or indeed, to any cause, however great or small. As he says in "Lamia".

                     "... Do not charm fly

                   At the mere touch of cold philosophy? "

In the works of Keats we find immense influence of Greek classics and mythology because of his high ideals of poetry, Keats' last little volume of poetry is unrivalled by the work of any of his contemporaries. 

Life - Career

Keats lived through 1795 to 1821 and died at very young age of 25 years, during his short life time he was only devoted to beauty and poetry. All of his works published in three short year from 1817 to 1820. He was a son of hostler and stable keeper and was born in the stable of the Swan and Hoop Inn, London. Before Keats was 15 his both parents died and he was placed with his brothers and sisters in charge of guardians. They have taken Keats from the school and bind him as an apprentice to a surgeon at Edmonton. For five years he has worked there and for two years he was surgeon's helper in hospital. He disliked his work and his thoughts were in other things. 

               "A thing of Beauty is Joy forever"

He abandon his work in 1817, and later that year published his first volume of poetry. The great poem Endymion was in the second volume, for this poem he received great criticism. But Keats was man of strong character, instead of replying back he went on to create more poetry. During these years Keats' illness begins with severe cold. He fell in love with Fannie Brawne, to whom he was engaged, but couldn't marry her on account of his poverty and growing illness. His last small volume, Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of St. Agnes, and the other poems (1820), especially "Hyperion" is most significant. 

With the growing illness he settled in Rome with his friend Severn, the artist, but died soon after his arrival in February, 1821. His grave, in the Protestant cemetery at Rome, is still object of pilgrimage to thousands of tourists. On his epitaph written most famous line, 

        "Here lies one whose name was writ in water"

What is Negative Capability

John Keats, the renowned English Romantic poet, coined the term "negative capability" in a letter he wrote to George and Tom Keats in December 1817. Negative capability refers to an artist's or a person's capacity to accept uncertainty, doubt, and ambiguity without pursuing logical answers or resolutions.

In essence, Keats believed that true artistic greatness and a deep understanding of human experiences could be achieved when one can dwell in the realms of uncertainty and appreciate the beauty of not knowing everything. Instead of seeking rational explanations or trying to impose their own preconceived notions, artists and individuals with negative capability can explore and embrace the complexities of life and emotions.

Negative capability encourages a willingness to live with ambiguity, allowing creativity and empathy to flourish. It's a concept that has had a lasting impact on literature and the arts, emphasizing the value of embracing the mysteries of existence and the human condition

 He describes it as “When a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, and doubts without any 

irritable reaching after fact and reason.” He stated that “great poets should have the willingness to remain in doubt or not to resolve conflicts or ambiguities. Some uncertainties were best left open to imagination and that the element of doubt and ambiguity added Romanticism. Keats believed that Shakespeare possessed the quality of negative capability. Negative capability is a concept in which the author/poet has to leave his origin and enter in his work as behaving as a character of it. He has not to think what he is. He has to empathize his characters.

Understand the Concept with "Ode to Autumn"

This poem records Keats' love for beauty and his love for nature. He written this poem when he felt the beauty of autumn. The concept of Negative Capability is perfectly relevant in this poem. In autumn all leaves are become reddish and yellow, fall from trees and covers the whole ground. Even though leaves are falling Keats sees beauty in them as new leaves will eventually come. It is a season of "Mellow-Fruitfulness". 

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

         For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells. 

In this opening stanza, Keats captures the sensory richness and abundance of autumn. He describes the season's close relationship with the sun, the ripening of fruits, the scent of the air, and the industrious activity of bees. The language is lush and evocative, immersing the reader in the sensory experience of autumn.

However, Keats doesn't impose a singular meaning or moral lesson onto these descriptions. Instead, he allows readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the season, inviting them to find their own emotional and philosophical responses. This openness to interpretation, where the poem doesn't dictate a fixed message or conclusion, is a manifestation of "Negative Capability." It encourages readers to engage with the poem on a personal and emotional level, appreciating the ambiguity and mystery of the autumn season.

   "Where are the songs of spring? Ay, Where are they?"

Keats uses ambiguity and does not seek to provide a definitive explanation of autumn rather leave reader to interpret its meaning and significance in their own way. While it celebrates autumn's bounty it also hints at the melancholy and transient nature of life. Keats does not simplify these emotions but presents them in a nuanced and evocative manner. (ChatGPT) 

Work Cited

- Long,  William j. English Literature. Maple Press Limited, 2012.

You can refer to this video for better understanding. 

THINKING TASK - THE RAPE OF THE LOCK

Greetings, 

              We have recently completed Alexander Pope's mock heroic poem "The Rape of the Lock", and this blog task is based on our interpretation of the poem. 

Here, are some questions on which we have to think upon. 

1) According to you, who is the protagonist of the poem Clarissa or Belinda? Why? Give your answer with logical reasons.

Ans

The actual main character of the poem is Belinda, upon whom the whole story of the poem constructed. She is portrayed as a typically beautiful upper-class woman of the Pope's time, with all its charms and leisure. Belinda has nothing to do the whole day except get ready and do make-up for parties, and the most important thing is that she does not have the thinking ability or intellect to take care of herself, considering this Arial-named supernatural character is there to protect her virtue and think on her behalf. Which shows upper-class women's inability to think for themselves. In the poem, we find that Belinda's pride is her beauty and her lock of hair, and she was upset after Baron cut her lock of hair.

           "Restore the lock!" she cries; and all around

           "Restore the lock!" the vaulted roofs rebound.

Whole poem is molded upon this trivial and silly incident. Through Belinda's character here pope satirize the social upper class of his time, women in particular. 

I would consider Clarissa a protagonist since she tried to convince Belinda in her speech that cutting a lock of hair is a trivial matter not to be concerned with. She conveyed her thought that women should have not only beauty but virtues as well.

          "Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;

           Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul."

2) What is beauty? Write your views about it.

Ans

Beauty is something that is real not fake. Beauty comes from innerself but nowadays people have wrong idea about beauty, everyone sees outer beauty which is something that will not remain entire life. 

But in todays' time How do you Look is the only definition of beauty!! 

3) Find out a research paper on "The Rape of the Lock". Give the details of the paper and write down in brief what it says about the Poem by Alexander Pope.

Ans

" The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope Review Research Paper

                 This paper would discuss and evaluate the traces and proofs regarding Pope’s demonstration of disapproval about British Mannerism and exaggerated decency in his world renowned mock epic “The Rape of the Lock”.

In this poem Pope clearly shows his disapproval of aristocratic and civilized mannerism of British high class society with the help of satire. Pope explore out the hollowness and exaggerated politeness of the society. Through this Pope ridicules the society and its shallow politeness. At, the beginning of the poem Pope makes a question that what should be the subject matter of the poem, as a epic poem it should have a heroic subject but here the subject matter of poem is as trivial as cutting the lock of hair. 

                Pope is satirizing his society which is self contained and enjoys exaggerated decency and redundant mannerism by implying that they have no great subject or plight about which to write a traditional epic. Instead of, focusing on the other pressing matters his society indulge it self in most trivial thing, a quarrel between belle and a lord. Here, Pope uses a word "Assult" Many times in poem in context of violent act that The Baron had did by cutting the hair of Belinda. With this word he mocks the trivial subject of poem. 

               Further,  Pope satirizes the trivialities of fashionable life, as a commentary on the distorted moral values of polite society and as a criticism of human pride. This attention to the material and tendency to give in to worldly temptations indicates a frivolous aristocracy, who lack virtue and morality. The Rape of the Lock is an elegantly witty and balanced parody which shows Pope’s literary virtuosity which invokes an ironic contrast between the epics structure and its content.

Work Cited

""The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope Review." IvyPanda, 30 Apr. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-rape-of-the-lock-by-alexander-pope-review/.

4) Write your views about the significance of hair. Is it symbolic?     

Ans

Throughout the poem, Belinda's lock of hair holds immense attention, and the subject matter of the poem is cutting Belinda's lock of hair. This way, Belinda's hair is the most significant thing in this poem. It is a symbol of the absurd importance afforded to female beauty in society. After Baron cuts the lock of hair in Canto 3, Belinda becomes so sad, and she feels like she has lost her reputation in society. Belinda's hair is the main key for Pope to ridicule the British upper-class society of his time.

READING TASK - POST-TRUTH

Hello everyone, 

    

                 As we all know and are very aware of the misinformation that has been spread in various fields such as politics, religion, social media, journalism, etc., These misinformation and half-truths have a more personal and emotional influence on people's minds, and people develop a propensity to neglect the facts and evidence. This is called "post-truth", and this term was declared the 2016 word of the year.

Definitions of Post-Truth

- 'relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief' (Oxford Dictionary) 

-  'A condition or state in which emotional or personal beliefs have a greater influence on shaping public opinion, decision-making, and discourse than objective facts or empirical evidence. In a post-truth environment, subjective feelings and narratives often take precedence over verifiable truths and rational discourse, leading to the spread of misinformation and a diminished reliance on factual accuracy and expertise in public discourse.' (ChatGPT) 

Examples of Post-Truth

It is widely known that the 21st century is a century of technology. There are a variety of platforms from which people can disseminate information, whether true or false. And people who come across this information are more likely to believe it without going deep into the authentic details.

 

Here are some areas in which the spreading of fake news and misinformation is abundantly common.

  

Politics

Post-truth politics is very prevalent in India as well as other developed countries. Politicians often make fake claims and overstatements. They support their claims with misinformation and half-truths. Competitive exams are the best example of the recent post-truth era. There are many candidates waiting for these exams to be conducted, but these exams come once every four or five years, and the government also declares these exams prior to elections just to gain votes.

Social Media

                       In contemporary times, most people have accounts on different social media platforms. There are many people who spread misinformation on these platforms, and most people believe the information without seeking its authenticity. Students are becoming victims of this misinformation, along with literate adults, because they prefer to seek evidence that better suits their beliefs and also ignore opposing views. One of the prime examples of this is WhatsApp, which is in a way the center of spreading trumped-up stories, which people tend to believe in their first reading without any kind of question. It is the responsibility of the school to make students aware of such things.

Recently, there was a rumor on the internet about the death of famous Zimbabwean cricketer Heath Streak, who in reality was alive, and he had to hold a press conference to prove that he was alive. And this fake news was shared by none other than his cricket friend. But soon after this rumor went viral, he really died. Such cases are nowadays common; therefore, everyone should insist on authentic information, and media literacy has become important.

History

There can be a group of people who can alter history according to their beliefs and ideologies. And it could be a deliberate plan as well to give bogus information about a particular historical event or historical personality. For instance, who is a better freedom fighter, Gandhi or Patel?Or there are numerous fake information available on internet about Jawaharlal Nehru such as, he was a Muslim not a Hindu. 

We can connect this with George Orwell's 1984, in which protagonist Winston Smith works in the "Ministry of Truth", This name is also ironic as their function is not to reveal truth but rather to manipulate the truth and provide misinformation in favor of party politics.

BRIDGE COURSE - DRYDEN'S ESSAY ON DRAMATIC POESY

Hello everyone, 

   

                

                     This blog is written in response to a classroom task given by Barad sir. In this blog, we have to see the characteristics of tragedy and how they differ from each other from two distant points of view: the first is ancient,  and the second is modern. Plato and Aristotle represent ancient views, whereas Dryden represents a somewhat modern view.

Q) Do you find any difference between Aristotle's definition of tragedy and Dryden's definition of play? 

Ans

Yes, There are some changes in definition given by these two literary writers. 

First we have to take a look at the definition which is given by these two writers. 

Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy:

"Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude... Through pity and fear effecting the proper catharsis of the emotion".

Dryden's Definition of Tragedy:

"A just and lively image of human nature representing its passion and humours, and changes of fortune to which it is subject, for the delight and instruct of mankind".

Here are two definitions of tragedies given by the writers of two different time periods. Aristotle's definition is the ancient one, while Dryden's definition is the modern one. Ancient tragedy writers are somewhat rigid in their writing. They strictly follow the rule of three dramatic unities, which is utterly violated by modern English tragedy writers. Dryden, in his critical work Dramatic Poesy, described four different view points with the help of a conversation between four gentlemen. In which Neander, who is Dryden himself, He considers modern plays superior to ancient plays but has respect for ancient plays because it is not an easy task to create such a work of art by strictly following three dramatic unities.

 

According to Dryden's definition, tragedy should be closer to human nature, as he used a just and lively image of human nature. Because of their conventions and rigid rules, ancient drama cannot depict human nature as depicted in modern plays. Moreover, in a later part of the definition, Dryden uses 'for the delight and instruction of mankind'. Here, delight suggests the peace of mind that one gets at the end of tragedy, and there is some instruction for mankind as well.

 

Ben Johnson is the best example of a classical tragedy writer because he follows all the classical conventions in his works. Shakespeare is a famous example of a modern tragedy writer whose work is markedly different from that of classical writers.

Q) if you are supposed to give your personal predilection, would you be on side of the ancient or the modern? Please give reasons. 

Ans

I would be on the side of modern plays rather than ancient plays because of ancient plays' rigidity, strict rules, and conventions. These things prevent the growth of drama in many ways. First, it is very hard to maintain the concept of three dramatic unities in a play, yet many classical writers did maintain three dramatic unities in their plays. Modern writers clearly have not followed this rule in their works, which allows drama to evolve from ancient to modern.

 

Secondly, classical writers were against the mingling of tragic and comic elements and supported the separation of tragedy and comedy, which is not there in English drama. They believed that it would affect the seriousness of the drama and diminish its effects on the characters. But modern writers take the liberty to use tragic and comic elements simultaneously, thus creating a new type of drama called tragicomedy.

Works of Shakespeare are the prime example of Tragicomedy dramas. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF WORDSWORTH'S POETRY

Hello everyone, 

            

               This blog is written in response to the classroom activity given by Megha ma'am. In this blog we will discuss about the salient features of Wordsworth's poetry and it's characteristics.

About Wordsworth

   

       Wordsworth was born in 1770 at Cockermouth, Cumberland. He is one of the most famous romantic poet and better known for his collaborative work with Samuel Tylor Coleridge "The Lyrical Ballads" In 1798. In this partnership, Coleridge was to take up the "supernatural or at least romantic" while Wordsworth was "to give the charm of novelty to things of everyday.. by awakening the mind's attention from the lethargy of custom and directing it to the loveliness and the wonders of the world before us". His spiritual autobiographical work The Prelude give more insight to his early life and his experience. 

                  Moreover, his long and uneventful life divides itself naturally into four periods, 

1) his childhood and youth, in the Cumberland Hills, from 1770 to 1787.

2) a period of uncertainty, of storm and stress, including his university life at Cambridge, his travels abroad, and his revolutionary experience from 1787 to 1799.

3) a short but significant period of finding himself and his work from 1797 to 1799.

4) a long period of retirement in northern region where he was born and raised, about a half century he lived so close to nature which reflect in his later poetic works. 

Difficulties in reading Wordsworth

Whosoever reads Wordsworth for the first time finds a sense of disappointment in his works. There are mainly two difficulties which prevent us from appreciating the poet's worth. First one is that readers often perplexed by the simplicity of Wordsworth. There is blend of creative imagination and simplicity of diction in Wordsworth's poetry, such as his poem Lucy, 

              "A violet by a mossy stone, 

                          Half hidden from the eye;

               Fair as a star, when the only one

                           Is shining in the sky."

Poetry of Wordsworth is more or less free from use of "conceits". He made use the language of simple truth and portrayed the man and nature as they are. Oftentimes we fail to appreciate his poetic beauty, passion and intensity which are hidden under his simple lines. Secondly, poetry of Wordsworth sometimes become monotonous as he was not often melodious and lacking in humor. He made use of bulky and prosy verses that sometimes we wonder that how poet could have written it. 

     

        Because of these two difficulties at first we should avoid reading his longer works rather we should read his exquisite shorter poems.

Characteristics of Wordsworth's Poetry

- Wordsworth is sensitive as a barometer to every subtle change in the world about him. He is an epitome of the gladness and beauty of the world. In The Prelude, he compares himself to an aeolian harp, which answer with harmony to every touch of the wind and the figure is strikingly accurate, as well as interesting. 

- We can compare Wordsworth's nature poetry with other such poets like Gray and Burns but no one excel as Wordsworth does in representation of truthfulness. That depiction we can see in his poetry Tintern Abbey. Which is his most famous nature poetry, published in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads in 1798. He did not used heavy and obsolete words in his poetry rather he used simple language such as tree, river, mountain, bird, flowers, wind. He observed every minute details about them and let them speak their own message. 

- no other poet found such abundant beauty in the common world as Wordsworth does. He had not only sight but a deep insight that is, he is not sees clearly and describe accurately but penetrates to the heart of things and always find some exquisite hidden meaning of natural objects. other poets such as Burns, Keats, Cowper, Tennyson also gives the description of natural objects but Wordsworth depicts very life of nature. There is a natural awakening in the mind and hearts of readers of Wordsworth's poetry. He seems to awaken rather than create an impression. by reading his poetry one can live once more in the vague, beautiful wonderland of childhood. 

- Wordsworth is considered as a poet of nature. He was pantheist, that we can see in his poetry.

              "My trust is in the God of Heaven

               And in the eye of him who passes me"

 Nature in his poetry is recognized everywhere. In his childhood, Wordsworth regarded natural objects, the stream, the hills, the flowers, winds, as his companions which is reflect in his poetry. 

- Wordsworth believed that man is not apart from nature but is the very "life of her life". such is the philosophy of Wordsworth's nature poetry. He asserts that natural instincts and pleasures of childhood are the true standards of a man's happiness in this life. All artificial and fictitious pleasures grow tiresome. This nature is reflected in his poetry as well, such as, Tintern Abbey, The Rainbow, Ode to duty and Intimation to Immortality. We can hardly find a page in his poetry without an appeal to nature. 

- The poet does not like the idea of industrial revolution, for which he believed that it will do harm to nature and it's wholesome atmosphere upon which his most of the poetry structured. According to him, society and the crowded unnatural life of cities tend to weaken and pervert humanity and return to nature and simple living is the only remedy for human Wretchedness,Wordsworth consider the truth of humanity that is, the common life which labors and loves and shares the general heritage of smiles and tears. Transitional and Pre-romantic poets such as Burns, Gray and many other poets started this tradition of depicting romantic interest of common life in their poetry that, Wordsworth continued in his Michael, The Solitary Reaper, To a Highland Girl, Stepping Westward, The Excursion and other lesser poems. He described joy and sorrow of widest commonality rather than of princes or heroes. 

 

              "I heard among the solitary hills

               Low breathings coming after me, and sounds

               Of Undistinguishable motion. "

- Where the 18th century poets put emphasis much on the "wit", the romantic poets put emphasis on the "Imagination". Wordsworth made use of imagination by which he reflected common things in his poetry in very strange and subtle way. 

     

                " There was a time when meadow, groves

                  And stream, 

                 The earth and every common sight, 

                  To me did seem

                  Apparelled in celestial light"

- Romantic poetry is more subjective rather than of objective poets expresses their own personal thoughts and feelings. Wordsworth expresses his personal thoughts in Ode : Intimation of Immortality. 

                      

             "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

              The soul that rises with us, our life's star, 

               Hath had elsewhere its setting, 

              And cometh from afar:

              Not in entire forgetfulness

              And not in utter nakedness, 

              But trailing clouds of glory do we come 

              From god, who is our home"

   

In this exquisite ode, Intimation of Immortality, Wordsworth talks about his philosophy of childhood. 

  

- for Wordsworth the power of human mind is extremely important. In several of his poems Wordsworth begins in a bit of negative or depressed mood then slowly becomes more positive. The most important use of memory is to maintain connection with past memories. For instance in poem "Tintern Abbey".

Work Cited

- Long,  William j. English Literature. Maple Press Limited, 2012.

- For further understanding you can refer to this video, 

EXPLORING MACBETH WITH THE HELP OF CHATGPT

Hello readers, 

  

                  In this blog we will discuss short question - answer related to the Shakespearian tragedy "Macbeth".

One thing should be noted that all the answers here are generated with the help of ChatGPT. 

1) Soliloquy Analysis:

 - Explain the soliloquy from Shakespeare's Macbeth: 'tomorrow... tomorrow. . . tale told by an idiot , full of sound and fury, signifying nothing'. provide insight to its context, significance and its impact upon the characters of Macbeth. 

Ans

• Context

- Macbeth's soliloquy occurs in Act 5, Scene 5, when he's facing defeat as his castle is under siege by opposing forces.

- He reflects on the relentless passage of time and the emptiness of life as he sees it.

• Significance

- The soliloquy emphasizes the futility of life and time, highlighting Macbeth's despair and nihilistic outlook.

- It encapsulates the consequences of Macbeth's unchecked ambition and actions, leading to his isolation and disillusionment.

• Impact on Macbeth's Character

- The soliloquy reveals Macbeth's profound despair and his realization that his ambitions have led to emptiness and meaninglessness.

- It marks the culmination of his character arc, showcasing his moral and emotional deterioration.

In summary, Macbeth's soliloquy reflects his despair, the emptiness of his pursuits, and the impact of his ambition on his character. (ChatGPT) 

2) The Great Chain of Being:

- Define the concept of 'Great Chain of Being' as it reflects to Shakespeare's Macbeth. How does this concept influence the characters and themes in the play? 

Ans

The "Great Chain of Being" is a hierarchical worldview, with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, and inanimate objects. In "Macbeth," characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth disrupt this order through ambition and murder, leading to chaos and tragedy. This concept influences themes by emphasizing the consequences of challenging the natural order and divine justice.(ChatGPT) 

3) Film Adaptation Analysis:

- Choose a film adaptation of Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Explain why you believe ita the best adaptationadaptation. Discuss its fidelity to source material, dictorial choices and any unique interpretation that make ut stand out. 

Ans

"Maqbool" is considered one of the best adaptations of Macbeth for several reasons:

• Fidelity to Source Material

- The film maintains the core plot and characters of Macbeth, staying true to Shakespeare's original story while setting it in a modern Indian context.

• Directorial Choices

- Vishal Bhardwaj's choice to place the story in the Mumbai underworld adds a unique and gritty backdrop to the narrative.

- The incorporation of Indian mysticism and superstition aligns with the supernatural themes of Shakespeare's original work.

• Unique Interpretations

- The characters in "Maqbool" are portrayed with complex moral dilemmas, showcasing the internal struggles of ambition and guilt.

- The use of Urdu dialogues adds depth and authenticity to the characters, while maintaining the poetic language reminiscent of Shakespeare.

In summary, "Maqbool" stands out as a compelling adaptation due to its fidelity to the source material, innovative directorial choices, and its ability to blend Shakespearean themes with Indian culture in a fresh and meaningful way.(ChatGPT) 

4) Feminst Reading

- Define what 'Feminist Reading' of a literary text involves. Can you apply this approach to analyzing the character of lady Macbeth in "Macbeth"? Explain how her character can be viewed from the feminist perspective. 

Ans

A "feminist reading" of a literary text involves analyzing it through the lens of feminism to examine how gender roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics are portrayed and how they relate to the experiences and agency of female characters.

Applying this approach to Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth":

- A feminist reading of Lady Macbeth explores her as a character who challenges traditional gender roles through her assertiveness and ambition.

- It highlights her agency in encouraging Macbeth to pursue power, which goes against societal expectations of submissive wives.

- It also examines the toll her ambition takes on her, raising questions about the societal pressures on women and the consequences of women seeking power in a patriarchal society.(ChatGPT)