Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia

  Vita & Virginia

Hello everyone,

This blog based on the movie review of Vita & Virgnia as a part of thinking activity assigned by Prukruti ma'am. 

Introduction : 

"Vita & Virginia" (2018) is a movie about the real-life relationship between two famous British writers, Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Directed by Chanya Button, the film shows how Vita, played by Gemma Arterton, and Virginia, played by Elizabeth Debicki, became romantically involved in the 1920s.

The story explores their love affair, which was intense but complicated, and how their relationship influenced both of their writing. It's set during a time when women had fewer freedoms, and the film looks at their struggles with love, art, and identity. The movie shows how these two writers inspired and challenged each other, even though their relationship wasn't always easy.

Question : How do the letters function not only as a medium of communication between the two central characters but also as narrative tool within the film?

Answer : 

In Vita & Virginia, the letters between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf serve as both personal communication and a narrative device. They reveal their emotions, thoughts, and evolving relationship, offering insights into their characters. As a narrative tool, the letters help drive the plot, provide exposition, and create an intimate connection with the audience, blurring the lines between love, creativity, and literary expression. 

Question : Discuss some of the views regarding marriage, relationship and the role of society presented by the various characters in the film.

Answer : 

In Vita & Virginia, the film explores themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations through the complex relationship between Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf.  The story

highlights the tension between personal freedom and societal constraints, portraying how love and creativity can flourish even within these boundaries. Through its characters, the film raises questions about the meaning of marriage, the nature of relationships, and the influence of societal expectations on individual choices.

Vita Sackville-West: Sees marriage as a social structure that allows freedom for personal desires. She challenges traditional norms, pursuing both her marriage and her love for Virginia.

Virginia Woolf: Views relationships as deeply emotional and intellectual connections. She struggles with societal expectations and her own mental health, exploring love beyond conventional boundaries.

Harold Nicolson (Vita’s husband): Accepts Vita’s unconventional relationships, reflecting a progressive and pragmatic view of marriage as a partnership that allows individual freedom.

Society’s Role: The film critiques societal constraints, showing how norms of the time confine women’s roles and relationships, but also how characters like Vita and Virginia push against these limits.

 

Question :  In your opinion, is the film able to capture Woolf's depressive state with sincerity & genuity?

 Answer : 

Yes, Vita & Virginia captures Virginia Woolf's depressive state with sincerity and genuity. The film portrays her struggles with mental health through her introspective moments, hallucinations, and emotional vulnerability. It uses visual and auditory elements to depict her inner turmoil, showing the impact of her condition on her relationships and creative process, while treating the subject with sensitivity.

Question : Share your thoughts about the portrayal of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville West. (Here, discuss points like who initiated the relationship, their first meeting, their last meeting, etc)

Answer : 

The portrayal of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West’s relationship in Vita & Virginia captures their dynamic connection. Vita initiates the relationship, drawn to Virginia's intellect and brilliance. Their first meeting is formal yet charged, with Vita showing admiration and Virginia responding with curiosity and reserve. As their bond deepens, the film explores their love, creativity, and differences. Their last meeting reflects the bittersweet nature of their relationship, with lingering affection but an understanding of their distinct paths. The film emphasizes how their connection inspired Virginia’s novel Orlando, immortalizing their bond.

Thank You !

I.A. Richard : Reading Poems

 

I.A. Richard : Reading Poems

In this blog I am going to analyze the poem 

"How to Tame a New Pair of Chappals"

at how it uses language, its organization, metaphors, and imagery. I'll be discussing and questioning these elements to understand the practical aspects according to I.A. Richards' ideas on practical criticism. If you want more information on practical criticism, you can check out Barad sir's blog .

Original Poem : 

"How to Tame a New Pair of Chappals"

"don't leave them together

don't allow them to talk to each other

they may form a trade union

don't at anytime leave them near

a wall clock, law books, a calendar, the national flag,

gandhi's portrait, or a newspaper

they may hear about

independence, satyagraha,

hodidays, working hours, minimum wages, corruption

don't take them to your temple

they may at once know you are weak

your god is false and they may bite you

don't let them near your dining table

they may ask for food

or cast their evil eyes on your dinner

first use them only for short walks

then gradually increase the distance

they should never know the amount of work they have to do

pull their tight straps loose

let them feel happiness

they are growing bigger

smear some old oil on the rough straps

let them feel they are anointed

now they are good subdued labourers

ready to work overtime

for your fat feet"

Personal observation and queries:

1.  How would they know about the false god and why would they bite after knowing that?
2. What is the meaning of "fat feet" in the poem?
3. What does the poet mean when he says the chappals become "good subdued labourers"?

Now Essence the Problems : 

1. Because if middle class or lower class people do not believing in God as per their condition or they have fear of the consequences. 
2. This meaning of Fat Feet, the poet talked about the high class or elite class people, 

These are the words which i search it :

Straps - A long narrow piece of leather.

Anointed - To put oil or water on somebody’s head as part of a religious ceremony.

Subdued -  Quieter and with less energy than usual.

References : 

Bar       Barad, Dilip. Just Poems. blog.dilipbarad.com/2015/09/just-poems.html.

Barad, Dilip. “(PDF) I.A. Richards - Figurative Language - Practical Criticism.” ResearchGate, 5 January 2024, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377146653_IA_Richards_-_Figurative_Language_-_Practical_Criticism. Accessed 14 January 2024.

Thank You !

Frame Study of The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

 The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

Zeitgeist of the Time: Modern Times and The Great Dictator. This blog is prepared as a part of a thinking activity assigned to understand the Zeitgeist of the 20th Century: From Modern Times to the Era of Great Dictators. In this blog I am going to discuss major characteristics of the 20ty century and its emergence in the two most famous films of Charlie Chaplin, 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'. 

Teacher's Blog : Visit this page for background reading.

Introduction of The Modern Times : 

The Modern Times is a 1936 film by Charlie Chaplin, celebrated as a timeless masterpiece that explores the challenges and consequences of industrialization on human life. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.  Through the character of the iconic Little Tramp, Chaplin portrays the struggles of the working class, highlighting themes of alienation, exploitation, and resilience.

Brief Information of 20th Century : 

The 20th century, from 1901 to 2000, was a time of great change and progress in the world. It saw two major wars, World War I and World War II, which changed countries and shaped modern history. Technology advanced rapidly, bringing inventions like cars, airplanes, computers, and the Internet, as well as space exploration. People fought for freedom and equality through movements.

What is Frame Study ?

Frame study is the analysis of how information, visuals, or narratives are structured and presented to influence understanding or perception. It examines what is included, emphasized, or omitted in a frame—whether in media, language, social contexts, or visual storytelling—to uncover hidden messages, biases, or meanings.

 1. A Tramp : 

The Tramp character, famously portrayed by Charlie Chaplin, appears in Modern Times (1936) as a hapless but endearing figure navigating the struggles of industrialized society. The character is emblematic of the working-class plight during the Great Depression, facing challenges such as dehumanizing factory work, unemployment, and poverty. The character's journey highlights themes of labor exploitation, economic hardship, and the quest for dignity.

2. Herd Mentality : 

In this movie we can find the herd mentality, is depicted through the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and societal conformity. Workers on the assembly line are reduced to robotic roles, highlighting how mass production strips away individuality. The Tramp’s accidental involvement in protests illustrates how mobs often act without understanding, driven by collective emotion.

3. Unemployment : 

In Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, unemployment is a central theme that highlights the hardships of the Great Depression. The Tramp, struggling to make ends meet, experiences job insecurity and the harsh realities of an industrialized society. His dismissal from the factory after failing to keep up with the fast-paced assembly line symbolizes the vulnerability of workers during times of economic instability.

In such situations, people are inclined to see confinement, like prison, as a preferable option. The idea arises from the belief that jail provides essential human needs such as food and shelter, especially when the open life offers little in terms of work and sustenance. It becomes a thought-provoking exploration of tough times and the unexpected choices people consider when faced with economic hardships.

4. Mechanization and Dehumanization :

"Modern Times" shows how factories change people's lives. It talks about workers treated like machine parts. Charlie Chaplin's character has many problems on an assembly line, showing how machines make work less human. The film talks about the hard times and mistakes of workers, showing how machines take away their humanity. Chaplin's acting shows how progress hurts people, telling a sad story about how modern life makes us less human. The story uses funny and sad moments to tell about the struggles of people in a world that always moves forward with machines.

5. End : 

In this image, a path winds through the mountains, symbolizing a journey toward hope and a new chapter in life. The mountains represent big dreams, even in tough times, much like in Modern Times. Charlie Chaplin’s character remains positive and kind, finding joy and connection despite hardships. The film highlights the importance of caring for one another in a world dominated by machines. By using the image of a mountain path, Modern Times shows that people continue to strive for higher goals, demonstrating our strength and optimism, even in the face of challenges. It’s a moving story about perseverance, no matter the obstacles.

Thank You. 

 

War Poetry

This blog based on the thinking activity assigned by Prakruti ma'am.

Question : Choose one poem from the English literary cannon which deals with the theme of war and compare it with any one of the five war poems you have studied in this unit. [Discuss aspects like the style of the poems, language employed, treatment of the theme of war, etc.] How are they different? Are there any similarities?

Answer :

For this comparison, I’ll analyze Wilfred Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est", a famous war poem, alongside William Blake’s "The Chimney Sweeper" from Songs of Experience, which also addresses the theme of suffering, albeit in a different context (the industrial revolution and societal oppression, which can be related to the trauma of war). Both poems reflect the harsh realities faced by individuals, but through different lenses.

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen :

• Theme of War: Owen’s poem directly critiques the glorification of war and exposes its brutal reality. It focuses on the horrific, dehumanizing experience of soldiers in World War I.

• Style & Language: Owen uses vivid, graphic language to convey the horrors of war. His style is highly descriptive, with words like “blood-shod” and “guttering, choking, drowning” to evoke the traumatic physical experience of soldiers. The poem’s structure reflects the chaos of battle, with its irregular rhythm and abrupt, unsettling lines.

• Treatment of War: Owen critiques the old Latin maxim “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (“It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country”). He exposes it as a lie, showing that war is anything but noble. The poem’s use of graphic imagery underscores the brutal, dehumanizing effects of war, and the final line, “The old Lie,” underscores the poem's condemnation of the glorification of war.

"The Chimney Sweeper" (from Songs of Experience) by William Blake :

• Theme of War: While Blake’s poem does not explicitly mention war, it deals with a form of suffering and societal oppression that could be compared to the trauma of war. The poem depicts a young chimney sweep who speaks of the hardships of his life and the false hope that religion provides.

• Style & Language: Blake’s language is simple and direct, with a focus on the emotional plight of the child. The tone is bleak and despairing, using the metaphor of a “coffin” to emphasize the premature death of the chimney sweep. The structure is straightforward, with a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme.

• Treatment of Suffering: The poem critiques the societal norms that allow the abuse of children in the industrial age, emphasizing the exploitation of innocence. Like Owen, Blake challenges established ideologies—in his case, the religious justification for child labor. The final lines hint at the idea of false comfort, much like Owen's critique of patriotic fervor.

Comparative Analysis :

Similarities:

• Critique of Ideology: Both poets critique ideologies that perpetuate suffering. Owen criticizes the glorification of war, while Blake critiques the religious and societal systems that exploit children.
• Exposing Harsh Realities: Both poems expose the harshness of life, whether it’s the brutal, inhumane realities of war or the exploitation of children in industry.
• Use of Imagery: Both poets use stark imagery to highlight suffering—Owen uses visceral images of soldiers’ suffering, while Blake uses the image of the child’s early death to emphasize exploitation.

Differences:

• Context and Focus: Owen’s poem focuses specifically on the war experience, while Blake’s poem deals with social injustice in the industrial era. The context of war in Owen’s work is far more explicit, while Blake addresses broader societal suffering.
• Tone: Owen’s tone is intense and emotional, filled with anger and disillusionment, as he condemns the lies told to soldiers and society. Blake’s tone, while bleak, is more resigned, using the imagery of a child’s death to evoke sympathy but not necessarily anger at the system.
• Structure and Style: Owen’s free verse and irregular structure mirror the chaos of battle, while Blake’s regular rhyme and meter suggest a more controlled, almost parable-like reflection on social issues.

Conclusion:

Both poems challenge established systems—whether the glorification of war in Owen’s case or the exploitation of children in Blake’s—and both use strong imagery to highlight suffering. However, their styles and approaches differ in terms of tone, structure, and the directness of their critique. While Owen’s poem is more emotionally charged and specific in its critique of war, Blake’s poem addresses the broader theme of social injustice through the exploitation of the vulnerable.

Question : "War poetry is not necessarily ‘anti-war’. It is, however, about the very large questions of life: identity, innocence, guilt, loyalty, courage, compassion, humanity, duty, desire, death." Discuss this statement in the context of any two of the war poems you have studied.

Answer : 

"The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke

• Themes of Loyalty, Innocence, and Sacrifice: "The Soldier" portrays the idealistic view of war, emphasizing loyalty, sacrifice, and a sense of duty. Brooke’s speaker presents dying for one’s country as a noble act, connected deeply with themes of innocence and patriotism. The poem’s themes revolve around a romanticized notion of loyalty to England, suggesting that a soldier's sacrifice is an extension of his love for his homeland.
• Duty and Desire for Immortality: Here, the speaker imagines death as a way of achieving immortality through a nationalistic ideal. Themes of duty and the desire to remain remembered form the crux of the poem, portraying the act of dying in war as a form of nobility and eternal connection with one’s country. The tone is idealized and filled with a sense of sacrifice for a greater cause, highlighting the honor and dignity associated with military service.

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen

• Themes of Identity, Guilt, and Death: In "Dulce et Decorum Est," the poem presents the harsh reality of war, emphasizing the loss of individual identity as soldiers become mere tools of a brutal system. The speaker grapples with guilt, witnessing the suffering and death of comrades. The vivid imagery of "blood-shod" and the final, graphic depiction of a gas attack reveal the brutal, unfeeling nature of war. Through these vivid scenes, the poem addresses themes of guilt and the painful awareness of one's humanity being suppressed amidst the chaos of battle.
• Courage and Compassion: The poem also highlights themes of courage and compassion, as soldiers must support one another through these extreme conditions. Owen's work presents a realistic look at what it means to face war, moving beyond romantic ideals to reveal the true emotional and physical toll of conflict. Ultimately, the poem serves to question the notion of heroism and patriotic sacrifice, exposing the contrast between the glorified view of war and its grim reality.

Conclusion:

Both poems engage deeply with the themes of war, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. While Brooke’s poem is steeped in romanticism and an idealistic view of sacrifice, Owen’s work presents a stark, realistic depiction of war’s true nature, emphasizing themes of guilt, suffering, and the disillusionment of patriotism. This contrast highlights that war poetry often serves to explore profound questions about human nature and experience rather than merely presenting a critique or an endorsement of war itself.

Question : Compare Ivor Gurney's The Target with Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est. What are some notable similarities and differences between these two war poets and their poetry?

Answer :

 "The Target" by Ivor Gurney 

Themes of War, Death, and Guilt: Gurney’s poem presents the soldier as a target, emphasizing the dehumanizing and impersonal nature of war. The title itself suggests that soldiers are reduced to mere objects to be shot at. The poem’s speaker reflects on the soldier’s experience in the trenches and the guilt of surviving when others perish.

Comparative Analysis: Similarities and Differences

Similarities:

1. Anti-War Sentiment: Both poems share a strong anti-war stance, highlighting the horrific realities of combat. Gurney’s poem underscores the impersonal nature of death in war, where soldiers are seen as mere targets, while Owen’s poem critiques the glorification of war, exposing the brutality and futility of the battlefield.

2. Depiction of Death and Suffering: Both poems focus on the death and suffering experienced by soldiers in war. Gurney presents the soldier as a target, vulnerable to the randomness of death, while Owen graphically portrays the gas attack and the horrifying death of a soldier. Both poets reject the romanticized view of war and emphasize the physical and psychological torment of soldiers.

3. Themes of Guilt and Survival: In "The Target," Gurney's speaker contemplates the guilt of surviving while others perish, reflecting on the randomness of survival in war. Owen, though less focused on personal guilt, also challenges the glorification of survival, emphasizing the unfairness and brutality of war and the psychological scars that remain after surviving such an experience.

Differences:

1. Tone and Emotional Approach:

   • Gurney adopts a more reflective and detached tone. While there is sadness in his contemplation of death and survival, the poem does not provide the same immediate shock as Owen’s. Gurney's emotional distance allows for introspection about the soldier’s place in war, whereas Owen’s direct, vivid imagery creates a sense of horror and urgency. Owen’s sarcasm and bitterness are sharply felt, especially in the final lines, which are a direct attack on the myth of noble death in battle.
   • Owen employs a more immediate, visceral tone, using harsh and graphic imagery to make the horror of war undeniable. His anger at the glorification of war is evident, particularly through the ironic reference to the "old Lie."

2. Focus on the Soldier’s Experience:

   • Gurney’s "The Target" focuses more on the psychological aspect of war and survival. The speaker reflects on the idea of being a target and the internal conflict of survival, making the poem more introspective.
   • Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" is focused more on the physical suffering of soldiers and the contrast between the idealized image of war and the brutal truth. The poem emphasizes the horror of battle and the grotesque reality of soldiers’ deaths, offering a graphic, almost cinematic view of the soldier's last moments.

3. Imagery and Symbolism:

   • Gurney uses a broader, more abstract symbol of the soldier as a "target," symbolizing the anonymity and futility of individual soldiers in the larger war machine. The poem is less detailed in its depiction of violence than Owen’s.
   • Owen, on the other hand, is famous for his graphic and visceral imagery. In "Dulce et Decorum Est," the imagery of "froth-corrupted lungs" and "under a green sea" is detailed and unrelenting, leaving little to the imagination. Owen’s imagery underscores the grotesque and traumatic nature of war, making the horror inescapable.

Conclusion

Both Ivor Gurney’s "The Target" and Wilfred Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" challenge the glorification of war and provide stark portrayals of the death and suffering that soldiers endure. Gurney’s poem, with its more introspective tone, focuses on the soldier’s existential reflections on being a target in war, while Owen’s poem provides a more immediate, graphic depiction of the horrors of battle. Though their approaches differ, both poets use powerful language and imagery to communicate the futility of war and the disillusionment of soldiers, rejecting the idealization of sacrifice for one’s country. 

Sunday Reading: Words of the Year 2024

 Words of the Year-2024: Manifest & Brainrot :

Hello everyone,

This blog is the part of sunday reading task assigned by Dilip Barad sir on the topic "Thinking Activity: Exploring the Words of the Year 2024 | Brain Rot and Manifest " 

For more details, check out our teacher’s blog: Click here

Introduction : 

In 2024, Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press & Assessment unveiled their Words of the Year, capturing the pulse of societal trends shaped by digital culture and self-improvement ideologies. Oxford selected "brain rot," a term reflecting concerns over the intellectual decline caused by endless consumption of trivial online content, particularly on social media—a phenomenon whose mention surged by 230% within a year. In contrast, Cambridge chose "manifest," a word traditionally meaning to show or display, now embraced as a symbol of the popular belief in visualizing goals to achieve them, fueled by social media influencers and celebrity culture. Together, these words encapsulate the challenges and aspirations defining our times, from the pitfalls of digital overindulgence to the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.

1. Oxford's Word of the Year: "Brain Rot"

"Brain rot" has become a catchphrase for the cognitive decline linked to excessive consumption of shallow, repetitive online content, often found on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This term doesn't just point to wasted time but also warns of the detrimental effects on attention spans, creativity, and critical thinking. The dramatic 230% increase in its usage reflects growing public awareness and concern about the "doomscrolling" culture—a phenomenon where individuals consume endless streams of unproductive or distressing content. Oxford’s selection underscores the collective anxiety around balancing the benefits and harms of digital media in an information-overloaded society.

2. Cambridge's Word of the Year: "Manifest"

On the flip side, Cambridge’s Word of the Year, "manifest," offers a more optimistic outlook. Rooted in traditional meanings like "to display" or "to make evident," the term has taken on new significance in the digital age, particularly in the context of self-help and empowerment. Influenced by social media trends and celebrity endorsements, "manifest" now refers to the act of envisioning a desired outcome with the belief that positive thinking can help turn dreams into reality. It has become a buzzword in personal development circles, often linked to concepts like the Law of Attraction and visualization techniques. Its rise reflects a cultural shift towards intentional living and the quest for agency in an uncertain world.

A Tale of Two Realities

Together, "Brain Rot" and "Manifest" illustrate the duality of the modern experience. On one hand, they highlight the pitfalls of our technological immersion, and on the other, they celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. These words remind us of the tension between distraction and focus, between despair and hope, and between passivity and action.

In analyzing their significance, it becomes clear that these terms are not merely reflections of language trends but markers of societal evolution. They encourage us to question how we engage with the digital world and challenge us to strike a balance between consumption and creation, between distraction and determination.

Ultimately, the popularity of "Brain Rot" and "Manifest" underscores the importance of self-awareness in navigating the complexities of the 21st century. Whether we succumb to the trivialities of digital noise or rise above them to manifest our aspirations is a choice that defines our cultural moment.

 Personal reflections 

I’ve experienced "Brain Rot" during late-night social media scrolling, where hours disappear in trivial content, leaving me mentally drained and unproductive but quickly realize it's just a waste of time. On the other hand, "Manifest" resonates with moments of intentional focus. These words remind us to navigate the digital world mindfully avoiding the pull of distractions while harnessing the power of intention to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Conclusion

"Brain Rot" and "Manifest" show two sides of our society—one distracted by digital overload, the other chasing dreams through positive thinking. Both reflect how language evolves with our culture, reminding us that balance is key in today’s world.

Further information

'Brain Rot' is the 2024 Word of the Year, According to Oxford University Press

19 days ago

Oxford's Word of the Year 2024 reflects 'perceived dangers' of social media

19 days ago

Think 'brain rot' summed up 2024? Oxford agrees it was the word of the year

19 days ago

Tennyson & Browning

 Tennyson & Browning

Question : Justify Tennyson as the representative literary figure of the Victorian Era.

Answer :

Introduction : Alfred Lord Tennyson is widely regarded as the representative literary figure of the Victorian era because his poetry deeply reflects the social, cultural, and intellectual currents of the time. His works engage with key Victorian concerns, such as the tension between faith and science, the role of duty and honor, and the complexities of personal and social identity, all while embodying the aesthetic values of the era.

 Engagement with Victorian Themes:

Tennyson’s poetry addresses the moral and intellectual dilemmas of the Victorian period, notably the tension between traditional religious beliefs and the emerging scientific worldview. In his poem In Memoriam, for instance, he grapples with the death of his close friend, Arthur Hallam, while confronting the implications of Darwin's theory of evolution, which was challenging traditional Christian doctrines about creation and the afterlife. The poem is a profound meditation on grief, loss, and the search for spiritual meaning in a changing world, reflecting the Victorian struggle to reconcile faith with modern science.

 Victorian Morality and Duty:

Tennyson’s works often explore themes of duty and personal responsibility, which were central to Victorian moral values. His poem Ulysses portrays the legendary Greek hero in his old age, longing for adventure and action despite his years. Through Ulysses' speech, Tennyson conveys a message of ceaseless striving and the desire for purpose, reflecting the Victorian ideal that one should always pursue a higher calling and fulfill one’s duty, regardless of age or circumstance.

Poetic Style and Popularity:

Tennyson’s distinct poetic style, marked by musicality, elevated diction, and vivid imagery, was widely admired during the Victorian era. His ability to capture complex emotional and philosophical concerns in accessible, melodic verse made him one of the most popular poets of his time. As Poet Laureate of Britain from 1850 until his death, he became the voice of the nation, and his works were revered by both the intellectual elite and the general public.

Famous Poems:

Some of Tennyson’s most famous works include:

• "In Memoriam": This long poem is one of his most celebrated works, dealing with grief, faith, and the search for meaning in a world that was being transformed by scientific discovery.
• "The Charge of the Light Brigade": A stirring account of the ill-fated charge during the Battle of Balaclava, this poem captures the themes of duty and bravery in the face of unquestioning loyalty.
• "Ulysses": A dramatic monologue in which the aging Ulysses reflects on his life and expresses a desire for continued adventure and purpose, embodying Victorian ideals of restless striving and unwavering ambition.
• "The Lady of Shalott": A lyrical ballad that explores themes of isolation, art, and fate through the story of a lady trapped in a tower, who can only view the world through a mirror.

Question : Pick a poem written by Robert Browning and discuss its thematic concerns.

Answer : 

Robert Browning’s poem “My Last Duchess” (1842) is a compelling dramatic monologue that explores themes of power, control, pride, and the objectification of others, particularly women. Here's an analysis of its thematic concerns:

1. Power and Control

The speaker, the Duke of Ferrara, narrates the poem as he shows a portrait of his late wife to an emissary. Through his monologue, it becomes evident that he exercises absolute control over his environment, including his wife’s memory. The Duke’s obsessive need to dominate is most chillingly demonstrated when he implies that he orchestrated the Duchess’s death for her perceived lack of submission:

“I gave commands;
Then all smiles stopped together.”

This statement reveals the Duke’s authoritarian mindset and his view of his wife as a possession rather than a partner.

---

2. Objectification and Ownership

The Duke reduces the Duchess to a piece of art—a painting—over which he has complete control. Unlike the living Duchess, whose smiles and interactions he could not dictate, the painted version of her exists solely for his pleasure, silenced and still:

“There she stands
As if alive.”

This reveals the Duke’s preference for a woman who can neither challenge nor disappoint him, emphasizing the commodification of women and the erasure of their individuality.

---

3. Jealousy and Insecurity

Despite his lofty status, the Duke exhibits deep insecurity. He is unable to tolerate the Duchess’s joy or the idea that her smiles could be directed at others. His jealousy stems from a fear of losing control, as he interprets her affability as a personal affront:

“She had
A heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad,
Too easily impressed.”

This portrays a deeply flawed character, incapable of understanding or appreciating genuine human warmth and spontaneity.

---

4. Art as a Symbol of Power

Throughout the poem, Browning juxtaposes art and life. The Duke’s collection of art, including the portrait of his late wife, symbolizes his wealth and cultural refinement. Yet, his treatment of the Duchess reveals the sinister ways he uses art to assert dominance. The poem critiques the misuse of art and culture to mask cruelty and authoritarianism.

---

5. The Danger of Hubris

The Duke’s pride and arrogance are central to the poem. He narrates his actions without remorse, displaying a chilling detachment. His hubris blinds him to his moral failings, reinforcing the theme of unchecked power leading to corruption.

---

Conclusion

“My Last Duchess” serves as a critique of patriarchal dominance and the dehumanization inherent in viewing people as possessions. Browning masterfully uses the Duke’s monologue to unravel layers of character, revealing how power, pride, and jealousy can distort human relationships. The poem remains a timeless exploration of the dark side of power and control.

Pamela- Virtue Rewarded

Pamela-Virtue Rewarded 

Question : What do you understand by the term Realism? Discuss the realistic elements present in the narrative of Richardson's Pamela-Virtue Rewarded.

Answer : 

Realism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the idealized depictions of life in earlier forms of art, such as Romanticism. Realism seeks to represent subjects in a truthful, objective, and unembellished manner, focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people. In literature. 

Realism in Richardson's Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded (1740):

Though Pamela was written before the height of the Realist movement, it contains several elements that align with the principles of Realism, especially in terms of social dynamics, character psychology, and the portrayal of virtue in everyday life.

1. Social Class and Morality: The novel explores class differences, focusing on Pamela, a servant, and her interactions with the wealthy Mr. B, highlighting social mobility and moral choices.
2. Psychological Realism: Pamela’s inner thoughts and emotions are deeply explored, especially her struggle to maintain virtue while dealing with Mr. B's advances.
3. Depiction of Everyday Life: The novel details the mundane routines and domestic life of a servant, offering a realistic portrayal of daily existence.
4. Social Critique: Through Pamela's moral challenges and Mr. B's transformation, the novel subtly critiques the societal treatment of women and class inequalities.

Question : Comment on the use of letters as a medium of narrating the plot of the novel. Do you like reading an epistolary novel, or do you find yourself wishing you had a third person narrator to have clarity and objectivity in the narration?

 Answer :

The use of letters as a medium in Richardson's Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded is central to the structure of the novel. It’s an epistolary novel, meaning it’s told through a series of letters written by the protagonist, Pamela, to her parents.

As for whether one prefers the epistolary form or a third-person narrator, it depends on personal taste. Some readers enjoy the intimacy and immediacy of an epistolary novel, feeling more connected to the character’s emotions and thoughts. Others may wish for the clarity and objectivity of a third-person narrator, which can provide a fuller, more detached view of events and characters, ensuring more direct understanding and insight into the story.

Personally, the epistolary format can be compelling for its emotional depth and personal connection, but I can understand the appeal of a third-person narrator for those who seek a broader, more objective perspective on the plot and characters. It ultimately depends on whether you enjoy subjective storytelling or prefer the clarity and control that a third-person perspective can provide. 

Question : Discuss the character portrayal of the servants of the B household apart from Pamela. [Include Mrs. Jervis, Mrs. Jewkes, and John]

Answer :

1) Mrs. Jervis

In Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, the portrayal of the servants in Mr. B’s household reveals various facets of social class, morality, and human behavior. Mrs. Jervis, the housekeeper, stands as a moral and protective figure for Pamela. She offers guidance and advice, warning Pamela about the dangers of Mr. B’s advances while serving as a maternal figure within the household. Mrs. Jervis represents the possibility of moral integrity and compassion within the servant class, contrasting sharply with other characters. Her loyalty and respectability make her a role model for Pamela, offering a vision of how servants could maintain their dignity and virtue despite their social status.

2) Mrs. Jewkes

On the other hand, Mrs. Jewkes, the maid in charge of Pamela’s confinement at Mr. B’s country estate, is a more sinister character. Ruthless and manipulative, Mrs. Jewkes actively works to break Pamela’s virtue and fulfill Mr. B’s desires. She is an embodiment of the darker side of servitude, where power, greed, and personal gain corrupt the individual. Unlike Mrs. Jervis, Mrs. Jewkes uses her position for exploitation, acting as an antagonist to Pamela's moral struggle and representing the corrupting influence of power within the servant class.

3) Mr. John Andrews

John, the young footman, plays a less significant role in the novel but provides an important contrast to the other servants. He is a passive, neutral character who does not actively participate in the major moral conflicts of the story. Although he helps Pamela at times, his role is largely one of following orders and staying out of the more complex dynamics within the household. John’s character represents the more passive, less involved members of the servant class who do not challenge the status quo or engage in the power struggles that define the main characters' lives.

Thank You !