DH: MIT Moral Machine and CLiC Dickens Project : Lab Activity

 

DH: MIT Moral Machine and CLiC Dickens Project

Hello everyone, this blog is written in response to an assignment given by Dr. Dilip Barad. In this post, I will discuss the topics of Digital Humanities, specifically focusing on the MIT Moral Machine and the CLiC Dickens Project. further more Information ( click Here) 

Body Language and Characterisation :-

in stories and plays, how characters move and use their bodies is really important and affects how viewers understand them. Body language includes things like how they stand, their facial expressions, and their gestures. This helps tell the story and show who the characters are. Creating a character involves showing their personality through their actions and traits. For example, the word "chin" shows up 317 times in Dickens's 15 books but only once in Austen's 7 books.

 The use of Chin in Dickens's Novels :-

Charles Dickens skillfully employs physical descriptions, including the chin, to enhance character development in his novels. A prominent, well-defined chin often symbolizes strength, determination, and confidence, while a weak or receding chin may suggest timidity or indecision. Dickens uses these traits to quickly convey a character's nature.

For instance, in "Great Expectations," Mr. Jaggers, the lawyer, is depicted with a firm, square chin that complements his authoritative and intimidating presence. In contrast, Mr. Bumble from "Oliver Twist" has a double chin that highlights his gluttony and self-importance, contributing to his comical portrayal.

in "Bleak House," Dickens describes a character as being wrapped up to the chin in a fur cap, which accentuates the narrator’s perception of the figure as strange or unusual. This detail not only mirrors the narrator's emotional state but also helps set the scene’s atmosphere. Dickens' choice of the word "chin" reflects deeper themes and emotions, enhancing both characterization and the mood of the narrative.

The use of Chin in 19th Century :-

In 19th-century literature, the chin was often used symbolically to reflect character traits. For example, in Charles Dickens’ works, a "firm chin" might represent determination or stubbornness, whereas a "weak chin" could suggest timidity or indecision. In some descriptions, like that of Goisvintha, a "beardless, retreating chin" contributes to an overall unattractive and bestial portrayal of a character. Such descriptions were employed to underscore the character’s lack of refinement or strength.

Heroes or noble characters typically had strong, prominent chins to show their strength and leadership. On the other hand, villains might be described with less defined chins to highlight their unpleasant traits. In Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian’s strong chin emphasizes his youthful charm, while Lord Henry’s chin reflects his power and confidence.

The use of Chin in Jane Austen's Novel :-

In Jane Austen's novels, the chin often symbolizes various aspects of a character's social standing or personality traits. For instance, in "Pride and Prejudice," Mr. Darcy’s "proud" chin highlights his aloof and haughty nature, while Mr. Collins’s "weak" chin underscores his obsequiousness and subservience. Austen uses these physical descriptions to enhance character development and offer social commentary. For example, in Chapter 39 of "Pride and Prejudice," Lydia criticizes a waiter for his "long chin" while revealing her own superficial and immature tendencies. Her focus on the waiter’s appearance rather than his character illustrates her frivolous nature and highlights a broader societal tendency to judge people by physical features rather than their true qualities.

 12: Character and structure in A Christmas Carol: 

 

This activity looks at how certain literary devices and symbols are used in different times and texts. The purpose is to see how these elements help with the story's themes and character development.

"Once upon a time," commonly used to begin fairy tales and children's stories, can also be adapted in various ways in literature. Authors might employ it to establish the atmosphere, start the narrative, or surprise their audience. Regardless of its conventional or inventive application, "Once upon a time" serves as an effective tool for drawing readers in and initiating the story.

 In the 19th century, it was predominantly employed in fairy tales and folk stories to evoke a sense of magic and timelessness. These tales typically conveyed clear morals and reflected contemporary values, especially for children. Today, in the 21st century, the phrase is used more diversely, often with irony or to subvert traditional storytelling. It appears across various genres, including modern and speculative fiction, serving to challenge or examine new concepts in storytelling and current issues.

The Symbolism of the Knocker in Literature: 

In literature, a knocker often represents a shift or transition between different worlds or states. In Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the knocker on Scrooge's door changes into the face of his dead partner, Jacob Marley. This change is significant because it signals the start of Scrooge’s journey into the supernatural. It shows that his normal life is about to be interrupted by ghostly events, which highlights the story's themes of change and redemption.

The Significance of Fire for Scrooge: 

In "A Christmas Carol," fire represents warmth, life, and connection with others, which is the opposite of Scrooge's cold and stingy behavior. Scrooge keeps his office fire small to save money, showing how he is emotionally distant. As the story progresses, fire starts to symbolize Scrooge becoming warmer and reconnecting with people.

Looking at how symbols like fire change over time helps you understand how stories use these elements to show deeper meanings and themes. This also helps you see how literature and culture evolve.

Thank you ...