Srushti chaudhari

Alfred, Lord Tennyson: The Representative Literary Figure of the Victorian Era :                 Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) was a renowned English poet and a leading figure of the Victorian era. Born in Somersby, Lincolnshire, he showed a love for poetry early in life and published his first collection, ‘Poems by Two Brothers’, with his siblings. His major works, including ‘The Lady of Shalott’, ‘In Memoriam A.H.H.’, and ‘Ulysses’, explore themes of love, death, and heroism. Appointed Poet Laureate in 1850, Tennyson became a voice of his age, capturing both personal emotions and societal concerns. His legacy endures as a symbol of Victorian literary excellence. Tennyson’s Connection to Victorian Themes:                The Victorian period was marked by rapid industrialization, scientific advancement, religious questioning, and social reform. Tennyson's poetry captured these changes with profound insig...

Bhavspandan: Youth Festival 2024 – A Grand Celebration of Talent:              The “Bhavspandan Youth Festival 2024” was a vibrant and electrifying event that showcased the immense potential of young minds across various cultural and creative domains. This festival, held with great enthusiasm and spirit, united students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.   A Spectrum of Events: This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of activities:   Performing Arts: Students dazzled in classical, folk, and modern dance performances, while music events highlighted talent in both vocal and instrumental categories.   Literary Events: Competitions like poetry recitation, extempore speech, and essay writing inspired participants to articulate their thoughts creatively.   Fine Arts: Painting, rangoli, and sculpture competitions provided a platform for budding artists to showcase their innovativ...

“Metaphysical" in Andrew Marvell's ‘To His Coy Mistress’:                   The term "metaphysical" has its roots in philosophy, but in literature, particularly poetry, it describes a style marked by intellectual depth, complex imagery, and an exploration of themes like love, time, and mortality. Metaphysical poetry often combines wit with philosophical inquiry, presenting profound ideas in clever and surprising ways. Andrew Marvell's poem ‘To His Coy Mistress’  is a quintessential example of metaphysical poetry, weaving together vivid imagery, logical arguments, and deep existential themes. What Does "Metaphysical" Mean?:                 In the literary sense, "metaphysical" refers to poetry that delves into abstract ideas such as existence, time, love, and the divine. This genre is characterised by: Intellectualism: The use of arguments, logic, and scholarly references. Conceits: Extended metapho...

Exploring Feminism and Social Commentary in Aphra Behn’s ‘The Rover’:                    Aphra Behn's ‘The Rover’ is a groundbreaking play that offers a complex commentary on gender, power, and societal norms. As the first professional female playwright in English literature, Behn's work reflects her defiance of societal constraints and her nuanced understanding of the dynamics between men and women. Angellica’s View on Marriage and Prostitution:                    In ‘The Rover’,   Angellica Bianca, a courtesan, boldly equates the financial negotiations of marriage with prostitution. She argues that women, whether in the marketplace of marriage or as courtesans, are commodified and subjected to transactional relationships. Angellica highlights the hypocrisy of a society that glorifies marriage while condemning women like her, despite the similar economic underpinnings of both i...

Reflecting on Simon Armitage's ‘Lockdown’:                The poem ‘Lockdown’ by Simon Armitage, written during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the shared human experience of isolation and the resilience that emerges in times of crisis. Armitage, the Poet Laureate of the UK, weaves together personal, historical, and cultural strands to present a deeply resonant narrative on the impact of lockdowns on society.  Central Themes and Imagery:                At the heart of ‘Lockdown’ lies the theme of shared struggle and endurance. Armitage employs vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the weight of isolation and the small moments of connection that sustain us. His references to the plague village of Eyam in Derbyshire, a historical example of quarantine during a deadly outbreak, serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to protect others. This historical parallel gives the poe...

Navigating the Post-Truth Era in the Digital Age:              The term ‘post-truth’ has become a defining characteristic of the 21st century, influencing how individuals consume information and form opinions. Coined as Oxford Dictionaries' ‘Word of the Year’ in 2016, post-truth highlights a troubling trend where emotions and personal beliefs overshadow objective facts in shaping public discourse. This blog explores the concept of post-truth as articulated in Dilip Barad sir’s insightful post, "Post-Truth: Word of the Year 2016," and examines its far-reaching impact on public opinion and digital media literacy. Understanding Post-Truth: A Brief Overview:              In his blog, Dilip Barad sir defines post-truth as a phenomenon where emotional appeals and subjective interpretations take precedence over verifiable facts in public discussions. The term gained prominence during major political events like Brexit and th...

  A Cinematic Journey into Shakespeare's ‘Macbeth’:                   Screening a cinematic adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ is an immersive way to experience one of William Shakespeare's most profound tragedies. Watching ‘Macbeth’ on screen not only brings the play's intense themes of ambition, guilt, and fate to life but also allows modern audiences to connect visually and emotionally with the story. This blog reflects on the experience of screening ‘Macbeth’, focusing on its visual storytelling, character portrayal, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work. Adapting Shakespeare for the Screen:                 ‘Macbeth’ has been adapted into numerous films, each offering a unique interpretation of the play. From Orson Welles' dark and moody 1948 adaptation to the highly acclaimed 2015 film by Justin Kurzel, directors have used cinema to explore the psychological depth of the play. These adaptation...

Lessons from Socrates – A Timeless Thinker:                 Socrates, one of the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, continues to inspire modern thought with his ideas, method of inquiry, and the way he approached life and death. He was not only a thinker but also a symbol of intellectual humility and moral courage. The following discussion draws on insights from multiple perspectives, including videos such as "सुकरात का दर्शन: मरते हुए एक मुर्गे की बात क्यों कर रहे थे?" by The Lallantop, which provides a fresh take on his philosophy, and Erick Wilberding's critical exploration of how Socratic thought enhances critical thinking. The Philosophy of Socrates:            Socrates never wrote down his teachings; instead, his ideas live on through the dialogues of his student Plato. At the heart of his philosophy was the pursuit of truth and virtue. Socrates believed that wisdom begins with acknowledging one's ignoranc...

  Character Portrayal of the Servants in Samuel Richardson’s ‘Pamela’:               Samuel Richardson’s ‘ Pamela: or, Virtue Rewarded’ explores various aspects of 18th-century society, including the roles and attitudes of household servants. Apart from Pamela, three key servants—Mrs. Jervis, Mrs. Jewkes, and John—play significant roles in the story. Each of these characters represents different facets of servitude, morality, and their relationships with their employer, Mr. B. Let’s examine their portrayals in the novel. 1. Mrs. Jervis: The Compassionate Housekeeper:             Mrs. Jervis is the senior servant in Mr. B’s household and serves as Pamela’s ally and confidante. Her character is portrayed as kind, maternal, and morally upright.   Loyal to Pamela :              Mrs. Jervis supports Pamela and often warns her of Mr. B’s advances. She genuinely cares for Pamela’s well...

  Robert Burns: The National Poet of Scotland               Robert Burns, born on January 25, 1759, is celebrated as the National Poet of Scotland. Known as the "Ploughman Poet," Burns wrote poems and songs that captured the heart and soul of Scottish culture, language, and traditions. His works reflect the struggles, joys, and values of the common people, making him a beloved figure not just in Scotland but worldwide.   Champion of Scottish Identity:             One of the reasons Robert Burns is considered Scotland’s national poet is his deep connection to the country’s culture and language. He wrote in the Scots dialect, a form of the Scottish language, and celebrated the unique heritage of Scotland. By doing so, he preserved the linguistic and cultural identity of his nation during a time when it was under threat from the dominance of English culture.               For examp...

  Illustration of Society in Jane Austen's Time:               Jane Austen, one of the most celebrated authors in English literature, lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her novels provide a vivid picture of the society of her time, focusing on the lives, relationships, and challenges of the English middle and upper classes. Through her sharp wit and keen observation, Austen captured the values, customs, and restrictions of Regency-era England, offering readers a timeless reflection on human nature and society. 1. The Class System:              Regency society was strictly hierarchical, with a clear division between social classes. Wealth, family background, and landownership determined a person’s status. At the top were the aristocracy and landed gentry, followed by the professional middle class (lawyers, clergy, and businessmen), and then the working class.   Marriage and Social Mobility:...

  Movie Review: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) Director: Kenneth Branagh   Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Robert De Niro, Helena Bonham Carter   Genre: Science Fiction Horror   Released: 1994               Mary Shelley's ‘Frankenstein’ (1994) is a bold adaptation of the classic Gothic novel by Mary Shelley, directed by Kenneth Branagh. Unlike many earlier versions of ‘Frankenstein’, this film closely follows the novel, focusing on the moral questions, emotional depth, and tragic nature of the story. With a mix of horror and drama, it explores the boundaries of science, the consequences of ambition, and the human need for love and acceptance.   The Plot:             The movie stays largely faithful to Mary Shelley’s original story. Victor Frankenstein (played by Kenneth Branagh) is a brilliant but obsessed scientist who, in his quest to conquer death, creates life in the form of a Creature (Rober...

The Significance of the Epigraph "Letter Killeth" in ‘Jude the Obscure’:               The epigraph of ‘Jude the Obscure’, “The Letter Killeth,” is a thought-provoking phrase taken from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 3:6: “The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Thomas Hardy uses this epigraph to set the tone for his novel, highlighting one of its central themes: the conflict between rigid societal rules (the “letter”) and human emotions, desires, and individuality (the “spirit”). 1. The "Letter" as Rigid Rules:               In the context of ‘Jude the Obscure’, the “letter” symbolises the strict social, religious, and academic structures that dominate and oppress the characters’ lives. Jude, the protagonist, dreams of academic success and personal freedom but finds himself constantly crushed by these unyielding systems.   Education and Academia:             Jude's a...