Friday 21 June 2024
International Yoga Day 2024
Saturday 25 May 2024
Literary Theory and Criticism | Arnold and Eliot
Function of criticism by Arnold
![](https://www.nobelprize.org/images/eliot-13058-content-portrait-mobile-tiny.jpg)
Different View of T. S Eliot and Matthew Arnold On Criticism
Eliot finds judgment based on ideas distasteful due to his commitment to Church of England dogma and his less successful attempts at synthesis, compared to Arnold. They hold opposing views on the critic's role: Arnold advocates for a disinterested critic, while Eliot leans towards social advocacy.
Matthew Arnold and T. S. Eliot are notable for their significant influence on literary taste and their strong self-awareness about their roles, evident in both their poetry and criticism. Arnold, excited about influencing the English public, contrasts with Eliot, who highlights the importance of critics reassessing literature periodically. Eliot places himself alongside Dryden, Johnson, and Arnold as key critics. Both poet-critics capture the literary consciousness of their eras, making their comparison a study of the differing sensibilities of their times and their individual perspectives.
Different view on poetry
T.S. Eliot frequently critiques Matthew Arnold's concept of poetry, often with irony and sarcasm. In his essay “Matthew Arnold,” Eliot acknowledges Arnold's balanced knowledge but criticizes his lack of deep scholarship. To understand this critique, one must compare their literary theories.
Arnold's theory is rooted in various European artists and historical contexts, emphasizing universal, timeless human feelings. He admired ancient Greek literature and saw it as a model for modern society, believing it could guide intellectual and cultural progress. Arnold’s "high seriousness" and "grand style" reflect this admiration, with qualities exemplified by poets like Homer and Goethe.
In contrast, Eliot's theory, outlined in "Tradition and the Individual Talent," focuses on the impersonal nature of poetry. He argues that poetry should not reflect the poet's personal feelings but should result from an artistic process that integrates tradition and past literature. Eliot criticizes Arnold for emphasizing the poet's feelings and for isolating historical periods instead of viewing literary tradition as a continuous whole.
Despite some similarities, Eliot often portrays a rivalry with Arnold, mixing sarcastic remarks with reluctant praise. He downplays Arnold's poetic achievements, yet acknowledges that some of his own theories build on Arnold's concepts. For instance, Eliot's "objective correlative" idea, which requires a balance between external circumstances and emotions, echoes Arnold’s emphasis on disinterestedness and separation of ideas from practice.
Arnold's "touchstone-method" uses selected passages from great poets to judge literary quality. Eliot critiques this method but also recognizes its influence. Despite their differences, both poets shaped literary criticism significantly, reflecting their respective eras' sensibilities.
Conclusion
T. S. Eliot and Matthew Arnold are both prominent figures in the history of literary criticism and were well-regarded in their time. Although their ideas on criticism differ, both contributed significantly to the field. They worked to create new perspectives in criticism, often influenced by their religious and political views. Arnold emphasized universal human feelings and admired ancient Greek literature, while Eliot focused on the impersonal nature of poetry and the importance of tradition. Despite their differences, both shaped the critical landscape and left a lasting impact on literary theory.
Thank you.
English Grammar | Adjectives
WHAT IS AN ADJECTIVE
Types of Adjectives
Remember that adjectives can modify as well as describe other words, and you’ll find it much easier to identify different types of adjectives when you see them.
Articles
There are only three articles, and all of them are adjectives: a, an, and the. Because they are used to discuss non-specific things and people, a and an are called indefinite articles. For example
- I’d like a
- Let’s go on an
Neither one of these sentences names a specific banana or a certain adventure. Without more clarification, any banana or adventure will do.
The word the is called the definite article. It’s the only definite article, and it is used to indicate very specific people or things
- Please give me a banana. I’d like the one with the green stem.
- Let’s go on an adventure. The Grand Canyon mule ride sounds perfect.
ATTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES
Attributive adjectives talk about specific traits, qualities, or features – in other words, they are used to discuss attributes. There are different kinds of attributive adjectives:
- Observation adjectives such as real, perfect, best, interesting, beautiful or cheapest can indicate value or talk about subjective measures.
- Size and shape adjectives talk about measurable, objective qualities including specific physical properties. Some examples include small, large, square, round, poor, wealthy, slow and
- Age adjectives denote specific ages in numbers, as well as general ages. Examples are old, young, new, five-year-old, and
- Color adjectives are exactly what they sound like – they’re adjectives that indicate color. Examples include pink, yellow, blue, and
- Origin adjectives indicate the source of the noun, whether it’s a person, place, animal or thing. Examples include American, Canadian, Mexican, French.
- Material adjectives denote what something is made of. Some examples include cotton, gold, wool, and
- Qualifier adjectives are often regarded as part of a noun. They make nouns more specific; examples include log cabin, luxury car, and pillow cover.
Thank you.
The Trunk of Ganesha by Jayanta Mahapatra
Introduction
Jayanta Mahapatra is one of the most renowned Indian English poets, celebrated as the first Indian to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for English Poetry. His works "Indian Summer" and "Hunger" are considered classics in modern Indian English literature, showcasing his mastery in capturing the essence of Indian life and struggles. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009, though he returned the award in 2015 as a form of protest.
Mahapatra has authored 27 books of poetry, with seven written in Oriya and 20 in English, demonstrating his versatility and prolific nature as a poet. His literary journey began with the publication of "Svayamvara and Other Poems" in 1971, followed by "Close the Sky Ten by Ten." His poem "Relationship" earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981, further cementing his status as a significant figure in Indian literature.
The Trunk of Ganesha
"The Trunk of Ganesha" is a short story about Govinda, a skilled idol maker who lives with his wife Sulochana and their three sons. Only his youngest son, Ranju, is interested in learning the art of idol making from him. Govinda is proud of his craft, but he faces a mysterious problem when making an idol of Ganesha. Every night, the trunk of the Ganesha idol breaks, despite his careful work during the day.
Govinda worries that he might be angering the gods by charging too much for the idols or by making the goddesses too slim. Determined to solve the mystery, Govinda and Ranju hide in the workshop one night to see what happens. While Ranju falls asleep, Govinda sees a shadow at the window. He discovers that a cat has been jumping on the trunk of the idol, causing it to break.
The story concludes with the simple and surprising revelation that a cat was responsible for the damage, highlighting how superstitions can often lead people to overlook simple, logical explanations.
Thank you.
Lord the of Flies by William Golding
Introduction to Author
Sir William Gerald Golding was an esteemed English novelist, playwright, and poet, renowned primarily for his masterpiece, "Lord of the Flies." Born in Cornwall, England, Golding spent his formative years in Wiltshire, where his father served as a science master. His early education took place in the same school where his father taught, fostering a deep connection to academia from a young age. After marrying Anne Brookfield in 1939, Golding began his career as a schoolmaster, teaching Philosophy and English before focusing solely on English from 1945 to 1962. During World War II, he joined the Royal Navy in 1940, an experience that would later influence his writing.
Golding's literary achievements earned him widespread recognition and accolades. In 1983, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his impactful contributions to the literary world. Notably, his novel "The Rites of Passage," part of the "To the Ends of Earth" trilogy alongside "Close Quarters" and "Fire Down Below," received the prestigious Booker Prize in 1980. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 and esteemed as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Golding's legacy endures through his compelling storytelling and profound exploration of humanity's darkest facets. His works, including "Lord of the Flies" and "Darkness Visible," draw inspiration from timeless literary classics, demonstrating his mastery of language and depth of insight into the human condition.
Introduction to Novel
"Lord of the Flies," a 1954 dystopian novel by William Golding, follows a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island who attempt to govern themselves, resulting in disastrous consequences. The title of the novel alludes to Beelzebub, another name for the devil, symbolizing the boys' descent into chaos and savagery. Initially rejected by 56 publishers, the book was eventually accepted by Faber and Faber, marking the beginning of its worldwide success. Golding's novel serves as a response to R.M. Ballantyne's youth novel "The Coral Island," which presents a contrasting, idyllic portrayal of island life. Characters like Ralph, Jack, and Simon embody different aspects of human nature, with Ralph representing rationality, Piggy pragmatism, Jack savagery, and Simon innocence, adding depth to the novel's exploration of the darker side of humanity.
Character Map
The novel opens with a British plane crashing near an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean. The only survivors are a group of boys in their middle childhood, including the protagonists Ralph, aged 12 and Piggy, and the antagonist Jack.
Ralph finds a conch shell and uses it to summon all the survivors. He is elected as their chief, with the primary goals of having fun, surviving, and maintaining a smoke signal to alert passing ships. Jack is made responsible for obtaining food, while Simon is tasked with constructing shelters.
The boys believe there is a beast on the island, but Ralph dismisses their fears. One night, a dead pilot parachutes onto the island during an aerial battle. Sam and Eric mistake the pilot for the beast, leading to a misunderstanding.
Simon envisions the decapitated pig's head swarming with flies as the "Lord of the Flies," which seemingly speaks to him. Later, the boys mistake Simon for the beast and violently kill him in a tragic case of mistaken identity.
Jack and Ralph form separate groups, with Ralph accompanied by Piggy, Sam, and Eric. Jack's group becomes increasingly savage, attacking Ralph's camp to steal Piggy's glasses (which they need to make fire) and planning to hunt Ralph.
Piggy, who represents scientific rationality, asserts that "Life is Scientific" and invents a sundial for the boys to tell time. When Jack attacks, Piggy pleads for rules and rescue over hunting and destruction, but Roger, Jack's cruel lieutenant, kills Piggy by rolling a boulder onto him.
Thank you.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Introduction
Themes
Friday 24 May 2024
On Dartmoor by Neil Grant
Introduction
"On Dartmoor" is a one-act play by Neil Grant that initially seems like a crime story but is actually a satire on a certain type of idealism, with some comic moments. The play also highlights the political conflicts between Europe and Russia.
The setting of the play takes place in a room of a bungalow on Dartmoor, owned by two young friends, Muriel and Leonora. The room is modern and artistically furnished, indicating the girls are from wealthy families. There are two doors and windows on either side of the center door, with a telephone on a table to the right of the center door.
Characters
- Bill Syme
- Albert Read / Sergeant Read
- Fred Lee
- Two Servants
- Muriel Armstrong
- Leonora Ashley
A Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov
A Marriage Proposal
Anton Chekhov
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, renowned as a Russian physician, playwright, and celebrated author, is hailed as one of the greatest short story writers in history. He famously likened his dual passions, stating, "Medicine is my lawful wife and Literature is my mistress." Among his notable works are four renowned plays: "The Seagull" (1896), "Uncle Vanya" (1897), "Three Sisters" (1900), and "The Cherry Orchard" (1904). Chekhov employed pseudonyms such as 'Antosha Chekhonte' and 'Man without a Spleen' in his writing endeavors. Upon his return from Ukraine, he embarked on crafting the novella-length short story
Pygmalion: G. B. Shaw
Characters
Act I
On a rainy night in Covent Garden, Clara and her family are struggling to find a cab. Freddy accidentally bumps into Liza, a flower girl, causing her flowers to fall into the mud. Clara's mother gives Liza some money for the ruined flowers. Then Colonel Pickering appears, and Liza tries to sell him a flower. She gets upset when she thinks he's a police informant, but he's actually a man named Higgins who studies accents. Higgins impresses the crowd by guessing where people are from based on their speech. He helps Clara and her mother get a taxi, and they leave. Higgins explains to Pickering how he makes money by teaching people to speak better English. They plan to have dinner together. Liza tries to sell more flowers to Pickering, but Higgins catches her in a lie. Despite this, he gives her money and leaves with Pickering. Later, Freddy arrives in a cab, looking for his family. Liza decides to take the cab home, despite the cabman's doubts about her appearance, and shows him she has money before getting in.
Act II
The next day at 11:00 a.m., Higgins and Pickering are at Higgins's house on Wimpole Street. They discuss Higgins's Universal Alphabet before Mrs. Pearce brings in Liza. Liza, cleaned up a bit, wants to take language lessons from Higgins to work in a flower shop. Higgins is intrigued when Pickering bets him he can't pass her off as a lady at a ball in six months. Pickering offers to pay for Liza to stay and learn full-time. Mrs. Pearce worries it's improper, but Liza says her parents kicked her out. Despite protests, Liza agrees to stay and learn.
Liza's father, Alfred Doolittle, arrives, impressed when Higgins guesses his Welsh roots. Alfred demands Liza back, claiming Higgins is taking advantage. Higgins accuses Alfred of trying to blackmail him. Alfred admits he's there for money and mentions Liza's cab ride to Higgins's house. He hints at wanting payment for Liza's stay, even suggesting she could be a prostitute. Higgins finds Alfred amusing and offers him money. Alfred takes five pounds, saying it's enough for him and his wife to enjoy. Liza returns in a new kimono, surprising everyone with her transformation. Alfred leaves quickly, and Higgins tells Liza he said Alfred should return later to speak with Higgins's clergyman brother, a lie to keep him away. Mrs. Pearce announces new clothes for Liza, and she excitedly rushes out as Pickering and Higgins discuss the challenge ahead.
Act III
The next day at 11:00 a.m., Higgins and Pickering are at Higgins's house on Wimpole Street. They discuss Higgins's Universal Alphabet before Mrs. Pearce brings in Liza. Liza, cleaned up a bit, wants to take language lessons from Higgins to work in a flower shop. Higgins is intrigued when Pickering bets him he can't pass her off as a lady at a ball in six months. Pickering offers to pay for Liza to stay and learn full-time. Mrs. Pearce worries it's improper, but Liza says her parents kicked her out. Despite protests, Liza agrees to stay and learn.
Liza's father, Alfred Doolittle, arrives, impressed when Higgins guesses his Welsh roots. Alfred demands Liza back, claiming Higgins is taking advantage. Higgins accuses Alfred of trying to blackmail him. Alfred admits he's there for money and mentions Liza's cab ride to Higgins's house. He hints at wanting payment for Liza's stay, even suggesting she could be a prostitute. Higgins finds Alfred amusing and offers him money. Alfred takes five pounds, saying it's enough for him and his wife to enjoy. Liza returns in a new kimono, surprising everyone with her transformation. Alfred leaves quickly, and Higgins tells Liza he said Alfred should return later to speak with Higgins's clergyman brother, a lie to keep him away. Mrs. Pearce announces new clothes for Liza, and she excitedly rushes out as Pickering and Higgins discuss the challenge ahead.
Act IV
At midnight on Wimpole Street, Eliza enters looking worn out. Pickering and Higgins ignore her, discussing trivial matters. They've been to social events where Eliza successfully passed as a high-class lady, impressing everyone. Higgins is glad the experiment is over, but Eliza feels lost now that it's done. Higgins suggests she'll feel better after some sleep and hints she could marry. Eliza rejects the idea, asserting her independence. She questions if her clothes belong to her, and Higgins assures her they do. Eliza takes advantage, asking Higgins to keep the borrowed jewels safe. Higgins explodes, and Eliza returns a ring he gave her, satisfied to get "a little of her own back." Higgins storms out, and Eliza mimics his accent before searching for the ring in the ashes.
Act V
In her drawing room, Mrs. Higgins learns that Pickering and Higgins are downstairs, seemingly calling the police for Eliza. Higgins frets about Eliza leaving, feeling lost without her reminders. Mr. Doolittle enters, blaming Higgins for his misfortune. He explains that a letter from Higgins led to him inheriting money, but he's miserable as a gentleman and struggles with newfound wealth. Mrs. Higgins reveals Eliza is upstairs, upset. Eliza descends, confident and refined in speech, angering Higgins. She thanks Pickering for treating her as more than an experiment and criticizes Higgins for his treatment. Doolittle announces he's marrying Eliza's mother and invites Pickering to the wedding. Mrs. Higgins decides to attend, leaving Higgins and Eliza alone. Eliza rejects Higgins's authority and asserts her independence, expressing interest in marrying Freddy or becoming a teacher. Higgins admires her spirit and suggests they live together with Pickering. Mrs. Higgins returns for Eliza, and Higgins asks her to run errands, bidding her goodbye confidently.
In an epilogue, Eliza marries Freddy, causing a stir. With a gift from Pickering, she opens a flower shop, while Clara pursues her own interests. Freddy and Eliza struggle at first but eventually succeed in their business, leading a comfortable life.
Here is the movie for further understanding,
Thank you.
International Yoga Day 2024
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