Tuesday, 28 February 2023
Thinking activity - Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - A Biography
Friday, 17 February 2023
Thinking Activity-Northrop Frye
This Blog is a response to the thinking activity on Archetypal Criticism, given by professor Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. In this Blog we have to give these prompts to ChatGPT and write the answers of the questions and also give our
(1).What is Archetypal Criticism?
Archetypal criticism is a literary theory that analyzes literature by examining the recurring symbols, images, characters, and themes that are common across cultures and time periods. This approach is based on the idea that certain universal, fundamental human experiences and patterns of behavior are expressed through archetypes, which are symbolic representations of these experiences and patterns.
Archetypes are often associated with mythological figures, such as the hero, the trickster, the wise old man or woman, the mother, and the father, among others. These archetypes are believed to represent fundamental human experiences and to have a powerful emotional resonance that transcends specific cultural contexts.
Archetypal criticism looks for these recurring patterns and symbols in literature and seeks to identify their underlying psychological and cultural significance. By analyzing literature in this way, archetypal critics aim to uncover the deeper, often unconscious, meanings and associations that lie beneath the surface of the text.
Some famous proponents of archetypal criticism include Carl Jung, Northrop Frye, and Joseph Campbell.
(2).What is Contribution of Northrop Frye in Archetypal Criticism ?
Northrop Frye was a literary critic and theorist who made significant contributions to the field of archetypal criticism. His work is known for its depth and scope, and has been influential in shaping the way we think about the relationship between literature, myth, and human experience.
One of Frye's key contributions to archetypal criticism was his idea of the "archetypal cycle," which he described in his book "Anatomy of Criticism." According to Frye, there are four primary phases in this cycle: the cycle of comedy, the cycle of romance, the cycle of tragedy, and the cycle of irony. Each of these cycles is associated with a particular set of archetypes and symbolic structures, which recur in different forms throughout literature and myth.
Another important contribution of Frye's was his concept of the "anagogic phase," which refers to the highest level of spiritual or mystical meaning in a work of literature. Frye believed that this phase was associated with the archetypal realm, and that it could be accessed through careful attention to the symbols and patterns that recur throughout the text.
Overall, Frye's work in archetypal criticism helped to establish the importance of studying the symbolic and archetypal elements of literature, and his ideas continue to influence literary scholarship to this day.
(3).What do Archetypal Criticism do? Explain with example
Archetypal criticism aims to analyze and interpret literature by examining the universal symbols, characters, themes, and patterns that recur across different cultures and time periods. The goal is to uncover the deeper, often unconscious, meanings and associations that underlie the text and to identify the archetypes that resonate with human experience.
To give an example, one common archetype in literature is the hero, which is often associated with courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice. The hero archetype can be found in many different literary works, from ancient myths and legends to modern novels and films. In archetypal criticism, the hero is not just a character in a story, but a symbol that represents something deeper about the human experience.
For instance, in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," the hero archetype is embodied by Frodo Baggins, who must undertake a perilous journey to destroy the evil ring of power. Through his struggles and sacrifices, Frodo becomes a symbol of the hero's journey and the human capacity for courage and selflessness. Archetypal criticism would analyze the symbolic significance of Frodo as the hero archetype and how his journey resonates with universal themes of good versus evil, temptation, and redemption.
Archetypal criticism also examines other archetypes, such as the mother, the father, the trickster, the wise old man or woman, and many others. By analyzing the archetypes in a literary work, archetypal criticism can reveal the underlying psychological and cultural significance of the text and deepen our understanding of human experience and mythology.
(4)."Every Organized body of knowledge can be learned progressively; and experience shows that there is also something progressive about the learning of literature. Our opening sentence has of already got us into a semantic difficulty" Explain the semantic difficulty
The semantic difficulty in the opening sentence of this statement is related to the phrase "organized body of knowledge" and how it applies to literature. The phrase "organized body of knowledge" suggests that literature can be learned in a systematic and progressive way, similar to other academic disciplines such as science, mathematics, or history.
However, the study of literature is not always as straightforward or predictable as the study of these other subjects. Literature is a highly subjective and often deeply personal art form that can elicit a wide range of emotional and intellectual responses from readers. While there are certain literary techniques and elements that can be analyzed and studied systematically, the interpretation of a work of literature is ultimately dependent on the individual reader's perspective and experience.
In other words, the difficulty lies in the fact that while literature can be analyzed and studied systematically, it cannot be fully understood or appreciated in the same way as other academic disciplines. The interpretation and meaning of a work of literature can vary widely depending on the reader's own background, experiences, and cultural context.
Therefore, while there may be something progressive about the learning of literature, the semantic difficulty in the opening sentence of this statement lies in the fact that literature cannot be fully contained within the framework of an "organized body of knowledge" in the same way as other academic disciplines.
(5).As above "The relation of Criticism to religion when they deal with the same documents is more complicated. In criticism as in history,the divine is always treated as a human artefact. God for the critic, whether he finds him in paradise lost or the Bible, is a character in human story."
The statement "The relation of Criticism to religion when they deal with the same documents is more complicated. In criticism as in history, the divine is always treated as a human artefact. God for the critic, whether he finds him in Paradise Lost or the Bible, is a character in human story" highlights the complexity of the relationship between literary criticism and religion, particularly when they both draw upon the same texts.
In literary criticism, the goal is to analyze and interpret a text on a literary level, considering its structure, themes, and symbols. When analyzing religious texts, such as the Bible, literary critics must approach the text from a secular perspective, treating the divine as a human construct. This means that the critic does not take the text at face value as a literal representation of the divine, but rather as a human interpretation and representation of the divine.
The idea that the divine is a human artefact is not unique to literary criticism, but is also present in historical analysis. Historians recognize that religious beliefs and practices are shaped by human culture, politics, and social norms, and are subject to change over time. Thus, the historian approaches religious texts with a similar critical lens as the literary critic, recognizing that the divine is represented in the text as a product of human culture and belief.
Therefore, when critics approach religious texts, they must balance their own personal beliefs with the need to approach the text from a secular, literary perspective. The critic must recognize the text's literary and historical context, while also acknowledging the cultural and religious significance of the text for believers. The goal of literary criticism is not to challenge or undermine religious belief, but rather to deepen our understanding of the text and its impact on human culture and society.
Wednesday, 8 February 2023
I.A. Richards: Practical Criticism - Figurative Language
This Blog is a response to the thinking activity on 'The Waste Land' given by professor Dr.Dilip Barad Sir. This activity is all about interpretation of poems in context to I.A. Richards "The Figurative Language". In this Blog I will try to Interpret 'Three Oddest Words' by Wislawa Szymborska.
The Three Oddest Words
When I pronounce the word Future,
the first syllable already belongs to the past.
When I pronounce the word Silence,
I destroy it.
When I pronounce the word Nothing,
I make something no non-being can hold.
By Wislawa SzymborskaTranslated by S. Baranczak & C. Cavanagh
This poem is a short poem of six lines and three stanzas. As per my understanding The poet has tried to say a lot in this short six line poem. The structure of the poem is good and poet use simple words for Deep meaning. The theme of the poem is expression of the complexity of language.
In the poem three main words are "Future," "Silence," and "Nothing".These three words are used to explore the limits of language.
One of the key literary devices used in the poem is metaphor. The poet compares the words "future," "silence," and "nothing" to abstract concepts that are difficult to define and understand, and argues that when we try to speak of them, we are limited by language and our perception of the world.
The emotional tone of the poem is not necessarily one of sadness or joy, but rather of thoughtful reflection and consideration. Main thing of the poem focuses on the limitations of language and the way that words shape our understanding of the world.
The poem invites the reader to reflect on the limitations of language and the way that words shape our understanding of the world, and this creates a connection between the readers and the poem.
The use of literary devices and techniques contributes to the overall artistic merit of the poem and reinforces its exploration of the limitations of language and the way that words shape our understanding of the world.
Problematize the poem:-
When I pronounce the word Future,
the first syllable already belongs to the past.
In the first stanza,The poet says that when we try to speak of certain abstract concepts like "future," "silence," and "nothing," we are inherently limited by language . When we speak or pronounce any kind of word/ words many times it happens that words of meaning change.
When I pronounce the word Silence,
I destroy it.
In the second stanza, the poet says that when we pronounce the word "silence," we destroy it,silence is an elusive concept that cannot be captured by language.
When I pronounce the word Nothing,
I make something no non-being can hold.
In the third Stanza, the poet says that when we pronounce the word "nothing," we make something that cannot be held by non-being, suggesting that the concept of nothing is paradoxical and cannot be fully understood.
Sunday, 5 February 2023
Thinking Activity: Waiting For Godot
Thinking Activity: Waiting For Godot
This Blog is a response to Thinking Activity on Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, given by Professor Dr.Dilip Barad Sir.
About Author:-
Samuel Beckett was a Nobel Prize-winning Irish playwright, novelist, and poet, born on April 13, 1906, in Foxrock, Dublin, Ireland. He was best known for his avant-garde plays, including Waiting for Godot, which is considered a landmark in the history of modern drama. Beckett's work is characterized by its bleak and absurdist humor, which reflects his existentialist philosophy. He was also an accomplished writer of fiction, publishing several novels and short stories, including the novel Molloy and the short story collection More Pricks Than Kicks. Beckett passed away on December 22, 1989, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of innovative and thought-provoking works that continue to inspire audiences and artists around the world.
Waiting for Godot:-
"Waiting for Godot" is a play written by Samuel Beckett, first performed in 1953. It is a two-act play in which two characters, Estragon and Vladimir, wait by a tree for the arrival of the mysterious character named Godot. Despite their wait, Godot never arrives, and the play ends with the characters still waiting.
The play is considered a landmark of absurdist and existentialist literature, as it explores themes of meaning, purpose, and human existence through the characters' seemingly endless wait for Godot. It has been widely performed and interpreted, and remains one of the most significant works of 20th-century theater.
Q.1 Why does Backet grow a few leaves in Act II on the barren tree-The tree has four or five leaves?
The appearance of leaves on the tree in Act II of "Waiting for Godot" is often seen as a symbol of hope or renewal, and it is often interpreted as a sign of change or progression in the characters' situation. However, the exact meaning of the leaves is left open to interpretation, as is typical of much of Beckett's work. Some interpret the leaves as representing the fleeting nature of hope and happiness, while others see them as a sign of the characters' continued waiting and the cyclical nature of their existence. Overall, the leaves on the tree in "Waiting for Godot" serve as a visual representation of the themes of the play and are open to various interpretations.
Q.2 Can we do any political reading of the play if we see European nations represented by the 'names' of the characters (Vladimir -Russia; Estragon -France; Pozzo - Italy and Lucky - England ) ? What interpretation can be inferred from the play written just after world war II? Which country stands for 'Godot' ?
Yes, it is possible to make political readings of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" by connecting the characters to different European nations as you mentioned. However, it's important to note that Beckett himself did not provide a specific interpretation of the play and discouraged specific political readings.
In regards to the play being written just after World War II, it has been interpreted as a commentary on the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence in a post-war world. The idea of waiting for Godot, who never arrives, can be seen as a metaphor for the futility of hope and the lack of certainty in a world affected by war.
It is not specified in the play which country represents Godot. The character of Godot is meant to be symbolic and open to interpretation, representing different things to different people.
Q.3 In Act I , in reply to Boy's question:
"Boy: what am I to tell Mr. Godot, sir?
Vladimir: Tell him... (he hesitates)... tell him you saw us. (Pause). You did see us, didn't you? "
How does this conversation go in Act II? What is the significance?
In Act II of "Waiting for Godot," the same conversation between Vladimir and the Boy occurs, with a slight variation. The dialogue goes as follows:
Boy: Did you see Mr. Godot, sir?
Vladimir: Did I see him? (Pause). Yes, I did. (Pause) To tell you the truth, I forget. (Pause) But that's how it is with God. Thousands of years waiting for him to hold out his hand, and then nothing!
The repetition of this conversation in Act II highlights the cyclical nature of time and the characters' ongoing wait for Godot. Despite the passage of time, nothing has changed for Vladimir and Estragon, and their wait remains unresolved. The fact that Vladimir forgets whether he actually saw Godot serves to emphasize the futility of their wait and the lack of certainty in their situation.
The significance of this repetition lies in its commentary on the human condition, particularly the idea that hope can be a persistent but ultimately fruitless endeavor. Through the repetition of this conversation, Beckett highlights the cyclical and repetitive nature of waiting and the disappointment that often follows.
Q.4 In both Acts, evening falls into night moon rises. How would you like to interpret this 'coming of night and moon' when actually they are waiting for Godot?
Beckett has used one single tree in both the acts and makes slight changes by showing two three leaves in the second act. Even the day falls into night and moon rises, but their waiting for Godot never stops.
The repetition of evening falling into night and the rise of the moon in both acts of "Waiting for Godot" can be interpreted as a symbol of the passage of time. As the characters wait for Godot, time continues to pass and their wait remains unresolved. The rise of the moon can also symbolize the cyclical nature of time and the repetition of the characters' waiting.
In the play, the arrival of Godot is expected to bring change and resolution to the characters' situation, but the coming of night and the rise of the moon instead serves as a reminder that time is passing and their wait continues. This can be seen as a commentary on the futility of hope and the persistent sense of waiting that characterizes the human condition.
Q.5 What is the meaning of the terms Apathia, Aphasia and Athambia' in Lucky's speech?
"... Divine apathia divine Athambia divine aphasia loves us dearly with some expectations for reasons unknown…"
Lucky’s monologue is the most confusing and, of course, the deepest part of the play. Towards the middle of part one in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”, the character called Lucky gives a “speech” to the audience. Of course, the first time viewing this, nobody understood the message given.
Q.6 'A better solution to the tramp's predicament than to wait-is, suicide ". Is it really so? Why they fail to commit suicide?
In the play the characters Vladimir and Estragon, often referred to as "the tramps," discuss suicide as a potential solution to their predicament of waiting endlessly for the mysterious character Godot. However, their consideration of suicide is meant to be a darkly humorous commentary on the meaninglessness of their existence and the futility of their situation.
Throughout the play, Vladimir and Estragon make several attempts to carry out suicide but ultimately fail. This failure is part of the play's comedic aspect, but it also suggests that the characters are unable to escape the cycle of waiting and are trapped in their situation.
In the context of the play, the tramps' inability to commit suicide is meant to symbolize the lack of control they have over their lives and the absurdity of their existence. It is not meant to be taken as a suggestion that suicide is a solution to anyone's problems in real life.
Q.7 Explain: "Godot become as image of what Satre calls "bad faith".
In Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy, "bad faith" refers to a state of self-deception in which an individual denies or hides their true desires and motivations. In this sense, Godot in "Waiting for Godot" can be seen as an image of bad faith because the tramps' waiting for Godot represents a denial of the reality of their situation and a refusal to take responsibility for their lives.
By constantly waiting for Godot, the tramps avoid confronting the fact that their existence is meaningless and that they have no control over their lives. Their waiting becomes a way of avoiding responsibility and denying the truth about their situation. In this sense, Godot can be seen as a symbol of the ways in which individuals can use false hopes and expectations to avoid confronting the realities of their lives.
The play can be interpreted as a critique of bad faith and a commentary on the human tendency to avoid facing the truth about one's existence.
Q.8Explain: “One hardly feels the absurdity of some things, on the one hand, and the necessity of those other things, on the other (for it is rare that feeling of absurdity is not followed by necessity), when one feels the absurdity of those things of which one had just felt the necessity(for it is rare that the feeling of necessity is not followed by the feeling of absurdity).”
This quote is a commentary on the human experience of the cyclical and seemingly contradictory nature of existence. It suggests that our understanding of what is absurd and what is necessary is constantly changing and often inconsistent.
The quote suggests that one moment, we may feel that something is absurd and unnecessary, only to feel the opposite in the next moment. This can be a frustrating and confusing experience, as our beliefs about the world and our place in it are constantly shifting.
The quote also highlights the circular nature of these feelings and how they often seem to follow one another in a never-ending cycle. This cycle reflects the characters' experience in "Waiting for Godot," where they are trapped in a meaningless existence and are constantly questioning the purpose of their lives.
The quote highlights the theme of existentialism in the play, which is concerned with the meaning and purpose of life in a world that often seems senseless and absurd.
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