Blog task : War Poetry

                     "  War poetry"

Welcome to my blog, where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task.this blog is written as response to the given by vaidehi ma'am.

Introduction:

What is war poetry?

War poetry delves into the human experience of conflict, exposing realities beyond glorification. From battlefield horrors to emotional scars, these poems often challenge war's purpose and its impact on individuals and societies. Spanning ancient epics to modern verses, war poetry serves as a powerful historical record, reminding us of the costs and consequences of conflict while urging empathy and critical thought.

Beyond the raw realities of battlefields and the searing scars of loss, war poetry explores a deeper tapestry of themes. It challenges the glorification of conflict, questioning its cost on individuals, societies, and the very fabric of humanity. From comradeship forged in fire to the enduring trauma etched in minds, it paints a nuanced picture of war's devastating impact. This genre stretches far beyond WWI's trenches, echoing in ancient epics Civil War verses, and even contemporary reflections on modern conflicts. Whether in Homer's battlefield sagas or Owen's poignant trench poems, war poetry serves as a potent historical record, urging empathy, critical thought, and a sobering reminder of the true cost of conflict. So, delve into its depths, discover the voices that resonate, and let war poetry's stark beauty challenge and enlighten you.

There are a five major war poem:

1.Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—

Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams before my helpless sight,

He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace

Behind the wagon that we flung him in,

And watch the white eyes 

writhing in his face,

His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,—

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria

 mori.

2.The Soldier - RUPERT BROOKE

If I should die, think only this of me:

      That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

     In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

      Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam;

A body of England’s, breathing English air,

      Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

      A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

           Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

     And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

            In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Poetry Out Loud Note: This poem has had two titles: “The Soldier” and “Nineteen-Fourteen: The Soldier”. The student may give either title during the recitation.

3.The Fear – Wilfrid Wilson Gibson

I do not fear to die

'Neath the open sky,

To meet death in the fight

Face to face, upright.

But when at last we creep

Into a hole to sleep,

I tremble, cold with dread,

Lest I wake up dead.

4.The Hero - Siegfried Sassoon

"Jack fell as he'd have wished," the Mother said,

And folded up the letter that she'd read.

"The Colonel writes so nicely." Something broke

In the tired voice that quavered to a choke.

She half looked up. "We mothers are so proud

Of our dead soldiers." Then her face was bowed

Quietly the Brother Officer went out.

He'd told the poor old dear some gallant lies

That she would nourish all her days, no doubt.

For while he coughed and mumbled, her weak eyes

Had shone with gentle triumph, brimmed with joy,

Because he'd been so brave, her glorious boy.

He thought how "Jack," cold-footed, useless swine,

Had panicked down the trench that night the mine

Went up at Wicked Corner; how he'd tried

To get sent home; and how, at last, he died,

Blown to small bits. And no one seemed to care

Except that lonely woman with white hair.

5.The Target - Ivor Gurney

I shot him, and it had to be

One of us 'Twas him or me.

'Couldn't be helped' and none can blame

Me, for you would do the same

My mother, she can't sleep for fear

Of what might be a-happening here

To me. Perhaps it might be best

To die, and set her fears at rest

For worst is worst, and worry's done.

Perhaps he was the only son. . .

Yet God keeps still, and does not say

A word of guidance anyway

Well, if they get me, first I'll find

That boy, and tell him all my mind,

And see who felt the bullet worst,

And ask his pardon, if I durst

All's a tangle. Here's my job.

A man might rave, or shout, or sob;

And God He takes no sort of heed.

This is a bloody mess indeed.

Click here more detail this poem:

War poetry indeed serves as a powerful reflection of the impact of conflict on civilians and their conditions. Through vivid imagery and emotional expression, these poems often explore themes of humanity, power, freedom, and the complex array of emotions experienced during wartime. Their words have a profound ability to resonate with people, inspiring reflection on the human experience and the contributions individuals make in times of war.

Q.1.Note down the difference of all the War Poets.

Ans:

War poets, though united by their experience of conflict, expressed its horrors and complexities through diverse voices and perspectives. Here's a glimpse into their differences:

Nationality and Background:

British Poets:Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, and Rupert Brooke hailed from England, reflecting the British perspective on World War I. Sassoon's aristocratic background and Owen's working-class upbringing shaped their contrasting views on class and war.

American Poets: Edna St. Vincent Millay and Joyce Kilmer represented the American experience in World War I and World War II, respectively. Millay's feminist voice challenged traditional gender roles, while Kilmer's patriotic poems resonated with wartime sentiment.

German Poets:August Stramm and Ernst Lissauer offered a German perspective on World War I. Stramm's experimental use of language mirrored the fragmentation of war, while Lissauer's controversial poems advocated for German aggression.

Themes and Approaches:

Disillusionment and Anti-war Sentiment: Poets like Sassoon and Owen vehemently criticized the romanticized notions of war, exposing its brutality and futility. Their poems often depicted the physical and psychological trauma of soldiers, urging an end to the conflict.

Patriotism and Heroism: Other poets, like Kilmer and Brooke, celebrated the heroism of soldiers and the ideals of patriotism. Their poems served as rallying cries and morale boosters, highlighting the sacrifices made for their respective nations.

Individuality and Personal Experiences: Beyond national narratives, many poets explored the war's impact on individual lives. Millay's poems grappled with loss and grief, while Stramm's fragmented verses conveyed the soldier's sense of alienation and dislocation.

Literary Styles and Techniques:

Traditional Forms: Some poets, like Brooke, employed traditional sonnets and metaphors to convey their message. Others, like Sassoon, experimented with free verse and colloquial language to capture the immediacy and rawness of war.

Symbolism and Imagery:Vivid imagery and symbolism became powerful tools for war poets. Owen's use of nature imagery, for instance, juxtaposed the beauty of the world with the ugliness of war.

Experimental Techniques: Stramm's use of onomatopoeia and fragmented syntax mimicked the disorienting experience of combat, while Millay's free verse and passionate declarations challenged conventional poetic forms.

Q.2Compare any two poems concerning the subject, style of writing, and patriotism.

Ans:

1."Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen

"Dulce et Decorum Est" is a poem by the English poet Wilfred Owen. Like most of Owen's work, it was written between August 1917 and September 1918, while he was fighting in World War 1. Owen is known for his wrenching descriptions of suffering in war. In "Dulce et Decorum Est," he illustrates the brutal everyday struggle of a company of soldiers, focuses on the story of one soldier's agonizing death, and discusses the trauma that this event left behind.

The poem is divided into two parts. The first part describes the soldiers' exhausted and miserable existence in the trenches, constantly under threat of death from shelling and gas attacks. The second part focuses on a specific gas attack, in which one of the soldiers is gruesomely killed.

2."The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke:

"The Soldier" is a sonnet written by English poet Rupert Brooke in 1914. It is one of five poems in his series titled "1914," which were inspired by the outbreak of World War I. The poem expresses the speaker's patriotic devotion to England and his willingness to die for his country.

"The Soldier" was the last of five poems of Brooke's War Sonnets about the start of World War I. As Brooke reached the end of his series, he turned to what happened when the soldier died, while abroad, in the middle of the conflict. When "The Soldier" was written, the bodies of servicemen were not regularly brought back to their homeland but buried nearby where they had died. In World War I, this produced vast graveyards of British soldiers in "foreign fields," and allows Brooke to portray these graves as representing a piece of the world that will be forever England.

We can also identify in the both poem's writting style also different objects and different writing style.

Writing style:

While Owen employs vivid and intense language with strong imagery to convey the harsh reality and brutality of war, adopting a critical and anti-war tone, Brooke takes a more traditional and romantic approach. Brooke's use of poetic and elevated language idealizes the notion of sacrificing for one's country, creating a distinct difference between the two poets' perspectives on war.

Patriotism:

Owen's poem questions conventional ideas about patriotic duty, highlighting the misleading nature of glorifying war. It expresses skepticism towards blind patriotism. In contrast, Brooke's poem embraces a strong patriotic sentiment, depicting a profound love for England and presenting a positive, idealized view of sacrificing for the nation.

Q.3.Do you find any such regional poem/movies/web series/songs that can be compared to any one of the poems Also, give a proper explanation of the similarity.

 There are so many movies and web series and poems we can compared to these war poems and it's contains. And it is comes with very interesting concept of war and it's impact on the field of nation. It shows the basic space of tyranny and survive in the war and after the war the actual situation.

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke:

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke is a powerful poem about patriotism and sacrifice, written at the outset of World War I. To find fitting comparisons, we need to consider its key themes and elements.

* War and Patriotism:

1."Gallipoli" (1981): This Australian film follows young men from Down Under who volunteer to fight in the brutal Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Like Brooke's poem, it portrays the initial patriotic fervor and glorification of war, but also depicts the harsh realities and devastating consequences of conflict.

 

2."Letters from Iwo Jima" (2006): Clint Eastwood's film tells the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of Japanese soldiers. While not directly connected to Brooke's poem, it offers a fascinating counterpoint to his patriotic viewpoint, showcasing the human cost of war from the other side. 

Conclusion:

War poetry paints a multifaceted canvas of grief, disillusionment, and amidst the starkness, glimmers of resilience. Its conclusions often sting with the weight of loss, exposing the hollowness of victory and the scars etched on both soldier and civilian. Yet, in this bleak terrain, some poets unearth defiance, reminding us of the indomitable human spirit and the fragile flame of hope that dares to flicker even in the ashes of conflict. Through these powerful testaments, war poetry compels us to confront the cost of war, not only to honor the fallen but also so to strive for a future where the pen replaces the sword, and the final verse sings of peace, not loss.

Thank you.....

Thinking Activity: on yeats poems

" Thinking Activity: on yeats poems"            

Welcome to my blog ,this blog written as a part of a Thinking activity assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. In this task , discuss on W.B.yeats poems.

Furthermore, information click here;

Introduction:

 "The Second Coming" and "On Being Asked for a War Poem"Both poems were written by Irish poet W.B. Yeats and grapple with complex themes of violence, upheaval, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. 

 "The Second Coming" and "On Being Asked for a War Poem" dance to different tunes. The first envisions a world convulsed, birthing a monstrous age from the ashes of the old. Its dark imagery and ominous tone paint a chilling portrait of upheaval. In contrast, the second poem is a quiet refusal, a melancholic ode to the limitations of art against the backdrop of suffering. While the former wrestles with the apocalyptic potential of violence, the latter rejects the glorification of war, leaving us with a sense of disillusionment.

About W.B.Yeats :

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, and writer widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. He was a towering figure in the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that sought to reclaim and celebrate Irish culture and identity.

Literary Contributions:

Poetry: His poems are known for their rich imagery, musicality, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, beauty, and mortality. Some of his most famous poems include "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," "The Second Coming," and "Sailing to Byzantium."

Plays: Yeats co-founded the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and wrote numerous plays, many of which were based on Irish myths and legends. His plays are known for their poetic language, symbolism, and exploration of Irish identity.

Prose: Yeats also wrote essays, memoirs, and other prose works. His prose is insightful and engaging, offering valuable insights into his life, work, and philosophy.

* Poems:

 1."On being asked for a war poem" (1915) by William Butler Yeats:

I think it better that in times like these

A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth

We have no gift to set a statesman right;

He has had enough of meddling who can please

A young girl in the indolence of her youth,

Or an old man upon a winter’s night.

2. "The Second Coming" (1920) by William Butler Yeats :

Turning and turning in the widening gyre   

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere   

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst   

Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.   

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out   

When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert   

A shape with lion body and the head of a man,   

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,   

Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it   

Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.   

The darkness drops again; but now I know   

That twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,   

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,   

Slouches towards Bethlehe

m to be born?

Now analysis of the both poem .

The second coming:

About this poem:

"The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats paints a dark and unsettling vision of the world on the brink of a cataclysmic change. Written in the wake of World War I, the poem evokes apocalyptic imagery to express a sense of societal breakdown and spiritual crisis. Its central metaphor is the return of a messianic figure, but not the benevolent Christ. Instead, a monstrous beast emerges from the desert, embodying the violence and chaos Yeats saw brewing in the world. The poem ends with a chilling question: "What rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?" This ambiguity leaves readers to ponder whether this figure represents a destructive force or a painful rebirth necessary for renewal.

Archetype in this poem :

W.B. Yeats's "The Second Coming" is rich in archetypal imagery, drawing on a variety of universal symbols and figures to convey its message of impending chaos and potential transformation. Here are some of the key archetypes present in the poem:

• The gyre: This image, repeated throughout the poem, represents a cyclical pattern of history. The widening gyre symbolizes a period of increasing disorder and instability, leading to a potential point of crisis and renewal.

• The falcon and falconer: These figures represent the relationship between humanity and its guiding principles or institutions. The falcon, lost and out of control, suggests a loss of faith or direction in the modern world.

• The Second Coming: This Christian archetype refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. In the poem, however, it takes on a more ambiguous and potentially ominous meaning, suggesting the arrival of a powerful but potentially destructive force.

• The Sphinx: The creature described in the poem's final lines, with a lion's body and a human head, evokes the ancient Egyptian Sphinx, a symbol of mystery and unknowable wisdom. Its "pitiless gaze" and slow approach suggest a force of immense power beyond human comprehension.

• The Spiritus Mundi: This term, meaning "World Spirit" in Latin, refers to a collective unconscious or reservoir of universal archetypes and myths. The poem suggests that the Sphinx emerges from this realm, signifying the reemergence of primal forces in the midst of societal disintegration

Critical analysis:

Stanza 1: The world spins out of control like a lost falcon, order crumbles ("Things fall apart; the center cannot hold"), and chaos ("Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world") reigns. Innocence drowns in violence ("The ceremony of innocence is drowned"), while the best lack conviction and the worst burn with fervor.

Stanza 2: The speaker senses an impending "Second Coming," but instead of Jesus, a monstrous vision emerges: a sphinx-like creature with a lion's body and a blank, sun-like gaze. This beast, born not in a manger but in the desert sands, marches towards Bethlehem, perverting the holy site. Twenty centuries of Christian history stir uneasily in the face of this nightmare.

Stanza 3: The imagery intensifies. The world spirals again, the once-solid center disintegrates, and a dark tide of upheaval rises. Ravens, symbols of death, clog the air, casting a pall over the scene.

Stanza 4: The poem's final stanza grapples with the beast's identity. Is it a monstrous rebirth of Christ, a dark reflection of the Second Coming? It lumbers towards Bethlehem, not with grace, but with a chilling inevitability. The poem ends with a chilling question hanging in the air: "What rough beast, its hour come round at last,/Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"

Overall,The Second Coming" depicts a world in decline, marked by chaos, violence, and a loss of faith.The poem utilizes rich imagery and symbolism to evoke a sense of impending doom and uncertainty about the future.The identity of the "rough beast" is left ambiguous, inviting multiple interpretations and leaving the reader with a sense of unease.

2."On being asked for a war poem"

About the poem:"On Being Asked for a War Poem" by W.B. Yeats is a powerful and nuanced poem expressing the poet's reluctance to write a conventional war poem glorifying conflict. He offers alternatives to the heroics and grandeur often associated with war poetry, suggesting that true humanity lies in simpler, intimate moments.

Archetypes in this poem:

The Poet: Yeats presents himself as a reluctant artist, questioning the role of poetry in times of war. This echoes the archetype of the artist as outsider, someone who observes and critiques society but doesn't necessarily conform to its expectations. He contrasts himself with the "statesman" and the "dreamy lads," representing figures of power and youthful naivete respectively.

The Young Girl and the Old Man: These figures represent innocence and resignation. The young girl embodies carefree youth, seeking consolation in art for its own sake, while the old man finds solace in his memories and dreams. These two figures serve as foils to the poet's graver concerns about the realities of war.

The Crowd and the Indolent: Yeats mentions the "rabble of young rhymesters" and the "indolent" who seek entertainment in poetry. These represent a kind of unreflective mass, easily swayed by sentiment and unaware of the complexities of war. The poet distances himself from both, suggesting that true art requires deeper engagement with the world's suffering.

Nature and Memory: The poem evokes natural imagery like "sea," "stars," and "winter's night." These elements symbolize a timeless realm beyond the immediate conflict, hinting at larger questions about human existence and mortality. Memory also plays a role, with the old man's recollections offering a counterpoint to the present moment's violence.

Critical analysis:

W.B. Yeats' "On Being Asked for a War Poem" throws a defiant wrench into the machinery of war poetry. Instead of glorifying conflict, it silences the expected anthem. Yeats rejects the pressure to wield poetry as a political tool, declaring personal stories like "a young girl" or "an old man" more worthy subjects. He doubts poetry's power to fix "statesmen's" mistakes, highlighting the artist's limitations in times of crisis. This ironic self-awareness and focus on private experience make the poem's stance complex. While seen as an anti-war statement, "On Being Asked" might also defend artistic autonomy or take a nuanced view of conflict. Its true power lies in its refusal to conform, leaving readers to navigate the tension between aesthetics and politics, individual and collective, and beauty in the face of brutal realities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion ,"The Second Coming" poem suggests a sense of anticipation for a significant event or transformation. In this poem "On being asked for war poem" the poet grapples with the limitations of language in capturing the complexities and horrors of war, emphasizing the ineffable nature of the experience.

Thank you...

Thinking Activity: Northrop Frye

                  "Thinking Activity "

Welcome to my blog ,this blog written as a part of a Thinking activity assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task.

Introduction:

Northrop Frye, a Canadian literary critic and thinker, was a titan in the realm of literary theory and analysis. Renowned for his groundbreaking "Anatomy of Criticism" (1957), he revolutionized the way we understand literature by proposing a systematic framework for interpreting texts.

Frye's big ideas:

• Mythology and Archetypes:Frye believed that myths and archetypes, like the hero's journey or the quest for the grail, form the backbone of literature. He saw them as recurring patterns that resonate across cultures and time periods, offering insights into human nature and storytelling itself.

• Genres and modes:Frye categorized literature into four major modes – comedy, romance, tragedy, and irony – each with its own distinct set of conventions and characteristics. This framework helped readers navigate the vast landscape of literary works and understand their underlying structures.

• Critical imagination:For Frye, literary criticism was not just about dissection, but also about engaging with the text using imagination and empathy. He encouraged readers to step into the shoes of the characters and authors, appreciating the creative work as a whole.

Frye's impact:

• Frye's work had a profound influence on literary studies, shaping generations of critics and scholars. His "Anatomy of Criticism" became a cornerstone text, used in universities around the world. His ideas also extended beyond literature, influencing fields like anthropology, theology, and even popular culture.

Discuss the question given in task.

Q.what is Archetypal criticism? What does the archetypal critic do?

Ans:

Archetypal criticism:

Archetypal criticism is a way of analyzing literature by focusing on recurring patterns and symbols that tap into our shared human experience. It dives into the universal ideas and emotions that connect us across cultures and time periods, often drawing from mythology and psychology.

Here are some key things to know about Archetypal criticism:

Central concept:

• Archetypes: These are the foundational building blocks, like recurring characters (the hero, the villain, the trickster), symbols (the snake, the garden, the journey), and narratives (the quest, the fall from grace, the struggle for power). They're the echoes of ancient myths and collective unconscious that resonate deep within us.
• Collective Unconscious: This concept, borrowed from psychologist Carl Jung, proposes a shared reservoir of memories, symbols, and experiences that are present in every human mind. It's like a wellspring of universal truths that writers tap into.

How it's works:

• Identifying Archetypes: Archetypal critics look for these patterns and symbols within a literary work. They analyze how characters embody archetypes, how symbols carry rich meaning, and how the overall narrative echoes familiar myths or universal themes.

• Decoding Meaning: By understanding the archetypes at play, the critic can unlock deeper layers of meaning in the text. They can explore how the work grapples with fundamental human experiences like good vs. evil, love and loss, the search for identity, and our connection to nature.

• Connecting Across Cultures: The beauty of archetypal criticism is its ability to bridge cultures and generations. By tapping into these universal patterns, it allows us to find meaning and connection in stories vastly different from our own.

Archetypal Critic do:

An archetypal critic hunts for the hidden treasures buried within a work – the echoes of ancient myths, the whispers of universal symbols, and the footprints of recurring character types. They delve into the depths of the collective unconscious, seeking out these shared patterns that bridge cultures and centuries. By decoding these archetypes, the critic unlocks hidden meanings, illuminates profound connections, and reveals the work's place within the tapestry of human experience. It's like unearthing a secret language encoded in stories, shedding new light on what we thought we already knew.

Q.what is Frye trying to prove by giving an analogy of ' physics to nature' and " criticism to literature?

Ans:

Through his "physics to nature" and "criticism to literature" analogy, Northrop Frye seeks to elevate literary criticism, demonstrating its potential for systematic knowledge production like established disciplines like physics. He argues that criticism isn't just subjective opinion, but a structured field offering tools to unlock deeper meaning in literature. By differentiating raw material (literature) from its study (criticism), Frye emphasizes the active role of critics in analyzing and interpreting. This analogy hints at the possibility of a unified understanding of literature, but it's crucial to remember the subjective and dynamic nature of the field to avoid overly rigid applications of scientific models.

Specific examples: Frye often used the framework of seasons to illustrate this analogy. Spring, with its budding growth and new beginnings, might be akin to comic and romantic genres, while winter's starkness could reflect tragic and satiric elements. This association highlights how criticism helps identify recurring patterns and archetypes within literature, much like physics uncovers universal laws in nature.

Q. Share your views of Criticism as an organized body of knowledge mention the relation of literature with history and philosophy.

Ans:

Whether criticism functions as an organized body of knowledge is debatable. While codified frameworks and a historical trajectory lend it structure, diverse schools and inherent subjectivity raise questions about its coherence. Perhaps criticism exists in a dynamic space, employing methods but adapting to context and interpretation. Similarly, literature, history, and philosophy are interwoven. Literature reflects history, while historical awareness enriches interpretation. Philosophy fuels critical tools, but literature can challenge its very concepts. Their connections foster a deeper understanding of each and enrich our appreciation of meaning-making.

• Literature reflects history: Literary works embody and illuminate historical events, social dynamics, and cultural values, offering firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives on the past.

• History informs criticism: Understanding the historical context of a literary work is crucial for accurate interpretation and appreciating its nuances. Historical research aids in uncovering hidden meanings and appreciating the text's place within its era.

• Philosophy shapes criticism: Philosophical frameworks provide critical tools for analyzing literary content, allowing exploration of themes like ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology within the text.

• Literature challenges philosophy: Literary works can act as thought experiments, posing complex questions and offering alternative perspectives, even deconstructing philosophical concepts.

Q. Briefly explain the inductive method with an illustration of Shakespeare Hamlet grave diggers scene.

Ans:

The inductive method is a process of reasoning that moves from specific observations to general conclusions. In simpler terms, you gather individual pieces of evidence and arrange them to form a broader understanding. Shakespeare's gravediggers scene in Act V, Scene i of Hamlet beautifully demonstrates this method through two key aspects.

1. Examining Specific Instances:

The gravediggers, Clowns 1 and 2, engage in lively banter while preparing Ophelia's grave. They discuss various topics, some seemingly lighthearted like bawdy jokes and skull-based puns, and others more profound, like the consequences of suicide and the leveling nature of death.

These specific observations and interactions, though diverse, all contribute to a larger theme: the universality of death and its impact on all social classes. Through the gravediggers' contrasting perspectives, we see death both as a source of dark humor and a stark reminder of our mortality.

2. Drawing Broader Conclusions:

By observing the gravediggers' specific experiences and reactions, the audience (and eventually Hamlet himself) is led to draw broader conclusions about life and death. These conclusions transcend the particular case of Ophelia and encompass wider truths about human existence:

Death is inevitable and equalizes all: Regardless of social standing or circumstance, everyone faces the same ultimate fate. The gravediggers' casual jokes about skulls, including Yorick, the former court jester, highlight this point.

Our perceptions of death influence our lives: The contrasting views on Ophelia's suicide, with the First Clown questioning if she deserves a Christian burial and the Second Clown defending her, showcase how our beliefs shape our response to death.

Life is fleeting and precious: The scene serves as a reminder to cherish the present, as death can arrive unexpectedly, as exemplified by Ophelia's tragic demise.

Q. Briefly explain the deductive method with reference to an analogy to music, painting, rhythm and pattern, give examples of the outcomes of the deductive method.

Ans:

Imagine yourself as a detective analyzing a crime scene. You observe the scattered clues – footprints, a broken vase, a half-smoked cigarette. Now, the deductive method is like your analytical lens, helping you piece together the story. Here's how it translates to the world of music, painting, rhythm, and pattern:

Major Premise: Think of this as the "key signature" of the investigation. It's a general rule or principle you know to be true. In music, it could be a specific scale or chord progression. In painting, it might be the rules of perspective or color theory.

Minor Premise: This is your "observed evidence," the specific clues you gather from the scene. In music, it could be an unusual melody or a sudden shift in tempo. In painting, it might be an odd shadow or a symbol hidden in the background.

Conclusion: This is the "resolution" of the mystery, the deduction you draw based on the premises. In music, it could be identifying the composer based on their signature style. In painting, it might be pinpointing the artist's message or uncovering a hidden meaning.

Rhythm and Pattern: These are the threads that weave the deduction together. Just like a rhythmic melody or a repeating pattern in a painting, the deductive method relies on identifying connections and inconsistencies within the observed evidence.

Examples of Outcomes:

Scientific discoveries: By observing patterns in nature and applying known principles (like gravity or chemical reactions), scientists deduce new laws and theories.

Forensic investigations:Detectives use evidence and established protocols (fingerprinting, DNA analysis) to deduce the perpetrator and reconstruct the crime's sequence.

Medical diagnoses: Doctors analyze symptoms and test results (fever, cough, blood tests) to deduce the underlying illness and prescribe treatment.

Q.Refer to the Indian seasonal grid (in the blog). If you can, please read a small Gujarati, Hindi, or English poem from the archetypal approach and apply the Indian seasonal grid to the interpretation.

Ans:

Here poem  about nature: spring season  poem:

Title:मौसम बसंत का

लो आ गया फिर से हँसी मौसम बसंत का

शुरुआत है बस ये निष्ठुर जाड़े के अंत का

गर्मी तो अभी दूर है वर्षा ना आएगी

फूलों की महक हर दिशा में फ़ैल जाएगी

पेड़ों में नई पत्तियाँ इठला के फूटेंगी

प्रेम की खातिर सभी सीमाएं टूटेंगी

सरसों के पीले खेत ऐसे लहलहाएंगे

सुख के पल जैसे अब कहीं ना जाएंगे

आकाश में उड़ती हुई पतंग ये कहे

डोरी से मेरा मेल है आदि अनंत का

लो आ गया फिर से हँसी मौसम बसंत का

शुरुआत है बस ये निष्ठुर जाड़े के अंत का

ज्ञान की देवी को भी मौसम है ये पसंद

वातवरण में गूंजते है उनकी स्तुति के छंद

स्वर गूंजता है जब मधुर वीणा की तान का

भाग्य ही खुल जाता है हर इक इंसान का

माता के श्वेत वस्त्र यही तो कामना करें

विश्व में इस ऋतु के जैसी सुख शांति रहे

जिसपे भी हो जाए माँ सरस्वती की कृपा

चेहरे पे ओज आ जाता है जैसे एक संत का

लो आ गया फिर से हँसी मौसम बसंत का

शुरुआत है बस ये निष्ठुर जाड़े के अंत का 

 So in this poem talks about the spring season. What the changes comes of spring also talks about the flowers and tress , kite festival and also many things which comes when spring comes and people feels new life and feeling happy when spring comes. It also talks about that what changes comes at this season.

Conclusion:

Northrop Frye, a prominent literary theorist, believed in the power of archetypal criticism to unveil universal patterns in literature. His conclusion emphasized the significance of archetypes in shaping narratives and connecting works across different cultures and time periods. Frye argued that by recognizing these recurring archetypal themes, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the collective human experience and the timeless nature of storytelling.

Thank you...

Thinking Activity: For Whom the Bell Tolls

For Whom the Bell Tolls by( Ernest Hemingway)

      "  Thinking Activity.  "

Welcome to my blog, where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task.this blog is written as response to the given by Megha ma'am.

Ernest Hemingway:

Ernest Hemingway  American novelist and short-story writer, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954. He was noted both for the intense masculinity of his writing and for his adventurous and widely publicized life. His succinct and lucid prose style exerted a powerful influence on American and British fiction in the 20th century.

Ernest Hemingway 

During the twenties, Hemingway became a member of the group of expatriate Americans in Paris, which he described in his first important work, The Sun Also Rises (1926). Equally successful was A Farewell to Arms (1929), the study of an American ambulance officer’s disillusionment in the war and his role as a deserter. Hemingway used his experiences as a reporter during the civil war in Spain as the background for his most ambitious novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940). Among his later works, the most outstanding is the short novel, The Old Man and the Sea (1952), the story of an old fisherman’s journey, his long and lonely struggle with a fish and the sea, and his victory in defeat.

About the novel:

 Ernest Hemingway's 1940 novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is a powerful and poignant story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The protagonist, Robert Jordan, is an American volunteer who joins a Republican guerrilla band tasked with blowing up a strategically important bridge. As Jordan grapples with the complexities of war, he also falls in love with a local woman named María and wrestles with internal conflicts about the cost of violence and the pursuit of idealism in a brutal world.

Hemingway's spare prose and vivid descriptions bring the Spanish countryside and the dangers of guerrilla warfare to life. The novel explores themes of love, loss, courage, and the interconnectedness of humanity, making it a timeless classic of war literature.

Now a discuss question given in task.

Q. In what ways the flashback technique was used in " for Whom The Bell Tolls"? 

Ans:

On a character level, flashbacks illuminate the past experiences and motivations of the protagonists, revealing hidden depths and complexities. We're privy to Robert Jordan's youthful idealism in Montana, Maria's political awakening in Madrid, and Pablo's tragic loss that colors his hardened pragmatism. These glimpses into their personal histories enhance our understanding of their present actions and choices, fostering empathy and nuanced character portraits.

Thematically, flashbacks weave past and present together, highlighting the enduring impact of trauma and loss. Jordan's recurring memories of Madrid under siege underscore the war's brutalizing effect on both the landscape and the psyche. Maria's flashbacks to her husband's murder fuel her grief and simmering rebellion. These temporal shifts emphasize the cyclical nature of violence and the characters' struggle to navigate a present haunted by the past.

Furthermore, flashbacks serve as a counterpoint to the immediate urgency of the mission. In moments of tense anticipation, Jordan reminisces about quiet Montana mornings or his passionate romance with Maria. These diversions provide a glimpse of the life he fights to preserve, poignantly reminding us of the human cost of war and the beauty threatened by its destructive force.

Hemingway also uses flashbacks to introduce dramatic irony and suspense. Through glimpses of Maria's future journey planned with Anselmo, the reader shares in their doomed hope, adding an unsettling layer to their present farewell. Similarly, Pablo's flashback to Karkov's daring rescue foreshadows the guerrilla leader's potential for unexpected heroism. These temporal shifts heighten the narrative tension, keeping the reader engaged and questioning the characters' ultimate fate.

the flashback technique in "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is far more than a stylistic device. It delves into the characters' inner lives, enriches the thematic threads, and creates a dynamic narrative flow that constantly shifts between the immediacy of war and the haunting echoes of the past. By weaving together different temporalities, Hemingway crafts a complex and unforgettable portrait of human resilience and the enduring impact of war on life and love.

Q. Explain: Robert Jordan as a typical Hemingway hero.

Ans:

Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" paints Robert Jordan as a complex tapestry woven with threads of both the archetypal Hemingway hero and a subtle subversion of it. He embodies the stoicism and grit expected of a man of action, a skilled explosives expert tasked with a perilous mission. Yet, beneath the hardened exterior lies an introspective mind grappling with disillusionment and idealism. While Hemingway's heroes often operate in a solitary sphere, Jordan finds solace in the raw beauty of nature and the fiery passion of his love for Maria. This adds a layer of vulnerability and tenderness to his character, pushing the boundaries of the typical Hemingway mold.

Jordan's internal struggles mirror the larger battle raging across Spain. He questions the righteousness of the cause, haunted by past losses and the specter of his own mortality. But his idealistic yearning for justice compels him to act, despite the looming doubt. It's not just blind adherence to the Hemingway Code that drives him, but a conscious choice to fight for a better future.

Perhaps the most significant deviation lies in the significance of love for Jordan. Hemingway's heroes typically find solace in solitude or male camaraderie, but Jordan's connection with Maria offers him a lifeline in the midst of chaos. It becomes a source of strength and meaning, defying the stoic isolation often associated with the Hemingway archetype.

Typical traits:

☆ Action - oriented:

Jordan is a man of action, skilled in guerrilla warfare and demolition. He embraces his dangerous mission to blow up the bridge, showcasing stoicism and resilience in the face of physical challenges.

☆ Disillusioned and stoic:

He carries the scars of past losses and disillusionment with ideology. Yet, he maintains a facade of stoicism, masking his internal struggles and anxieties.

☆ Embraces and code:

 He adheres to the Hemingway Code, valuing individual courage, grace under pressure, and facing death with dignity. His self-sacrificial act of staying behind to allow his comrades' escape exemplifies this code.

☆ connection to nature:

Jordan finds solace and meaning in nature, mirroring Hemingway's characters' affinity for the natural world. The Spanish landscape resonates with him, offering temporary peace amidst the chaos of war.

☆ Troubled by masculinity :

Like other Hemingway heroes, Jordan grapples with masculinity expectations. He feels pressure to be a tough, emotionless soldier while also experiencing vulnerability and tenderness in his love for Maria.

Deviations:

☆Intellectual and introspective:

Unlike the traditionally hyper-masculine Hemingway hero, Jordan is an intellectual and introspective individual. He reflects on the complexities of the war, politics, and his own motivations, adding depth to his character.

☆Driven by idealism: 

While stoic, Jordan is also driven by a deep-seated idealism for the Republican cause and a desire to fight for justice. This contrasts with the purely existential motivations of some Hemingway heroes.

☆Emphasis on love and connection:

The romantic relationship between Jordan and Maria plays a central role in the novel, challenging the archetypal Hemingway focus on male camaraderie and solitude. Love becomes a source of strength and meaning for Jordan, pushing him beyond the traditional boundaries of the Hemingway hero.

In conclusion, Robert Jordan embodies many of the characteristics of a classic Hemingway hero, showcasing courage, stoicism, and a connection to nature. However, his intellectualism, idealism, and focus on love make him a more nuanced and complex figure, exemplifying an evolution of the Hemingway hero archetype. He represents a bridge between the traditional tough-guy ideal and a more sensitive and introspective masculinity.

Thank you...😊

Thinking Activity : Transcendentalism

 Welcome to my blog, where I will talk about what I think and try to answer the questions given in this task.this blog is written as response to the given by vaidehi ma'am.

Introduction :

The philosophy of Transcendentalism:

The philosophy of transcendentalism originated in Unitarianism, the predominant religious movement in Boston in the early 19th century. Unitarianism was a liberal Christian sect that emphasized rationality, reason, and intellectualism; it was especially popular at Harvard.

The transcendentalists who established the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1836—mostly Unitarian clergy and Boston-area intellectuals—did not reject Unitarianism but yearned for a more spiritual experience to balance out the emphasis on pure reason. The very word transcendentalism refers to a spirituality that transcends the realm of rationality.Transcendentalists believed that humans were fundamentally good but corrupted by society and that they should therefore strive for independence and self-reliance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two of the most famous transcendentalists. In 1845, Thoreau moved to a cabin that he built on Walden Pond in Massachusetts and lived there for two years, two months, and two days. He chronicled the experience in his book Walden, published in 1854, which explored the themes of nature, spirituality, self-reliance, and the simple life. Thoreau acknowledged the debt transcendentalism owed to Indian religious beliefs by paying homage to the Bhagavad Gita, a Sanskrit epic that is one of the foundational texts of Hinduism: “In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagvat Geeta, since whose composition years of the gods have elapsed, and in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.”

Emerson gained fame as an essayist and public lecturer; his 1836 essay “Nature” laid out many of the tenets of the transcendentalist philosophy. He suggested that God could be found in nature and that spending time in nature was the closest man could come to the divine. Another of Emerson’s most famous works was the 1841 essay “Self-Reliance,” a defense of individualism, which emphasized nonconformity and personal responsibility. One of Emerson’s most famous quotes, a denunciation of mindless conformity, comes from this essay: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

Women and transcendentalism:

Other influential transcendentalists were feminist pioneers. Margaret Fuller, a journalist and women’s rights advocate, edited The Dial, which was first published in 1840 and served as the primary journal of the transcendentalists until 1844. She was a frequent contributor to the journal and in 1845 published Woman in the Nineteenth Century, an early feminist manifesto that may have inspired the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention—the first conference in America devoted to the issue of women’s rights.

Transcendentalism and reform:

By the 1850s, many transcendentalists had become subsumed in the struggle to abolish slavery. As the incorporation of new territories into the Union exacerbated sectional tensions, the slavery issue dominated New England intellectual circles. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in keeping with his reverence for individual freedom, became a vocal abolitionist and spoke out against the Fugitive Slave Law—which provided for the return of runaway slaves—and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854—which held that settlers in Kansas and Nebraska would be the ones to decide whether those states would become slave states or free.

Now let's discuss about answer the question given on task.

(Q.1)Transcendentalists talk about the Individual’s relation with Nature. What is Nature for you? Share your views.

Ans:

Nature, to me, represents the interconnected web of life, where every element plays a vital role. It embodies the beauty, complexity, and balance of the natural world, fostering a sense of awe and humility. The individual's relation with Nature, as emphasized by Transcendentalists, reflects a profound connection that goes beyond the material, nurturing spiritual and introspective dimensions.

Nature holds profound significance for me. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary, inspiring awe and fostering introspection. Observing its cyclical patterns teaches me about life's rhythms and impermanence. Recognizing our interconnectedness, I feel a responsibility to act as a steward, promoting sustainability. Nature's beauty influences art and philosophy, sparking creativity. Its therapeutic benefits promote mental and physical well-being, reducing stress. Being in Nature heightens awareness of biodiversity and ecological balance. The interdependence of living beings underscores the importance of mindful living. Nature reflects our inner states, mirroring tranquility or turbulence. Across cultures, it holds symbolic and cultural significance. Immersing myself in Nature rejuvenates and restores, providing a break from modern demands and revitalizing my energy.

(Q.2)Transcendentalism is an American Philosophy that influenced American Literature at length. Can you find any Indian/Regional literature or Philosophy that came up with such similar thoughts?

Ans:

In Indian philosophy, Vedanta shares some similarities with Transcendentalism. Both emphasize the interconnectedness of the self with the universe and highlight spiritual exploration as a means to achieve a deeper understanding of existence. Notable figures like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore contributed to these ideas in the Indian context.

Vedanta, a prominent school of Indian philosophy, aligns with the core tenets of Transcendentalism. Both philosophies converge in their emphasis on the interconnectedness of the individual self with the broader universe. Central to their shared principles is the idea that spiritual exploration serves as a pathway to attaining a profound understanding of existence. In the Indian context, influential figures such as Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore have significantly contributed to the development and dissemination of these transcendental thoughts, enriching the tapestry of Indian philosophical and literary discourse.

(Q.3)Write in short about your understanding of the following essays according to the topics given.

Ans:

In our group  "solitude" from waldon by Henry David Thoreau given essay task.

"Walden" by Henry David Thoreau reflects on the theme of solitude, exploring the tranquility and self-discovery found in nature. Thoreau emphasizes the value of simplicity and the individual's connection to the natural world as a means of achieving a more meaningful existence.

The theme of solitude in "Walden" revolves around Thoreau's belief in the importance of spending time alone in nature for self-reflection and understanding. He argues that modern society often leads to a life of quiet desperation, and solitude in nature can bring clarity and a deeper connection to one's true self.Thoreau's detailed observations of the natural world, seasons, and his daily routines are woven into the narrative. Through his experiences, he encourages readers to question societal norms, consumerism, and the pursuit of material wealth in favor of a more intentional and meaningful life.

In summary, "Walden" is a philosophical and reflective work that explores the theme of solitude as a means to discover inner truths and live a purposeful life in harmony with nature.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement in the 19th century that emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature, promoting self-reliance, individualism, and the belief in the transcendent power of intuition. It left a lasting impact on American literature and thought, influencing writers and thinkers well beyond its initial period.

Thank you 😊.....

 

I.A.Richards : Reading poems

 Welcome to my blog, 

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir, Department of English (MKBU). This blog is about the 'Practical Criticism' by I.A. Richards. 

Introduction:

The poem “A Work of Artifice” by Marge Piercy is about a bonsai tree that grew in its natural state with flaws that typically are not considered beautiful, but then, there was a gardener that came upon the tree that cut it down and change its natural state in order for the tree to become more beautiful, or without any flaws. 

The poem : "Work of artificial " by Marge Percy

The bonsai tree

in the attractive pot

could have grown eighty feet tall

on the side of a mountain

till split by lightning.

But a gardener

carefully pruned it.

It is nine inches high.

Every day as he

whittles back the branches

the gardener croons,

‘It is your nature

to be small and cozy,

domestic and weak;

how lucky, little tree,

to have a pot to grow in’.

With living creatures

one must begin very early

to dwarf their growth:

the bound feet,

the crippled brain,

the hair in curlers,

the hands you

love to touch.

Basic understanding of this poem:

My interpretation of this poem starts with how society’s standard of “beauty” represents the subject of this poem. Throughout the years, beauty has been molded by what society believes what beauty should be. Society has this image of what women should look like such as skinny, beautiful face, long hair, and tall. I could go on and on about society’s standard of beauty, but to say the least, it knocks down all other women who do not conform to society’s idea of beauty.

Like the bonsai tree being split by lightening, a woman at her natural state has her imperfections whether it would be her scars or birthmarks, etc. Then the poem continues to say “But a gardener/carefully pruned it./It is nine inches high.” (6-8),which is when the gardener cut the tree so much to get rid of all of its “imperfections”. I interpret these lines to that of what society does to women. Society constantly tears down women just like the gardener tears down the tree. The gardener represents the society and the bonsai tree represents women. Both the gardener in the poem and society slanders women and “rebirths” them into something that they conceive as beautiful. Society “rebirths” women by telling that they should look a certain way, and how they look is not good enough or does not conform to society’s idea of beauty, just like in the poem when the gardener cuts down the bonsai.

Questions that arise in the first reading:

1. Who are the "living creatures" the poet talks about in the poem?

2. Here in this poem "one" means who

3. What does the poet want to convey through "bound feet" and "crippled brain"?

4. Who likes to touch whose hands?

5. What is the poet expressing with the mention of "hair in curls"?

Now let's try to justify the above problems in literal reading.

Justification of the questions:

Que 1: Here "living creatures" refers to the women to whom from very beginning men have been exploiting them.

Que 2: "One" can be interpreted as men as well as the society.

Que 3: Poet says that men have bound the feet of the women and imprisoned them in the homes and also made them blind followers of men so they can't think by themselves that is called "crippled brain".

Que 4: Men like to touch women's hands because they are very beautiful as women are taught to only take care of their beauty not anything else in satirical tone poet tries to convey this.

Que 5: As in above question mentioned that women are taught only to take care of the beauty not think by their own or do not talk back to men, "hair of curls" refers to the social conditioning of the concept of beauty that is imposed on women.

Aim of the poem:

the main idea projected in this poem through the metaphorical use of the bonsai tree is that stunning the growth of women is a clever trick played by men. The bonsai tree would have grown 'eighty feet high' of it had been left alone but was pruned and dwarfed for a particular role.

Thank you 😊.....