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Showing posts from April, 2023

How to Make Effective Class Notes for English Literature Class?

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In today's digital age , it's easy to assume that taking class notes is no longer necessary. After all, we have access to all kinds of information at our fingertips, right? Well, not exactly. Taking class notes is still an essential part of the learning process. It helps us retain information better, improves our ability to focus, and allows us to refer back to important concepts later on. Plus, taking notes by hand has been shown to be more effective than typing them out. So, even though it might be tempting to rely solely on digital resources , make sure you're still taking notes during class. Why Class notes are an essential tool? They help you to remember important information and clarify the concepts discussed in class. Taking notes allows you to actively engage in the class and retain information more effectively. When you take notes, you are processing information, analyzing it, and then writing it down in your own words. This helps you to remember the informat

William Shakespeare's Plays and Trauma Studies

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  William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated playwrights in history. His plays have been adapted countless times, inspiring generations of actors, writers, and artists. However, it is not often acknowledged that Shakespeare's works delve deeply into the theme of trauma. But firstly , what is trauma studies? The study of trauma is a relatively new field of inquiry that seeks to understand how people respond to traumatic experiences. Trauma studies examines the physical and emotional responses to trauma, the impact of trauma on the brain, and the ways in which trauma affects memory and cognition. Again, trauma studies suggests that such experiences can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Shakespeare's plays illustrate these symptoms vividly, demonstrating the impact of trauma on the human psyche. Now here we will try to explore the intersection between Shakespeare's plays and trauma

How does Brecht present the conflict of Science and Religion in "Life of Galileo" ?

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Bertolt Brecht's masterpiece, "Life of Galileo" cares more about our intellectual growth and curiosity than theatricality. Thus, Brecht's  classic, written in 1938, deals with the conflict of science and religion in a way that remains relevant and thought-provoking to this day. Brecht, a Marxist playwright and director , was known for his "epic theater," a style that aimed to alienate the audience from the play's events and characters, so they would view them critically rather than emotionally. In "Life of Galileo," Brecht employs several techniques to achieve this, including the use of songs, projections, and breaking the fourth wall. Brecht's approach to storytelling, which he referred to as epic theater, aimed to challenge the illusion of traditional theater where spectators merely observe a slice of life. Instead, Brecht urged audiences to watch the events unfolding on stage objectively and form their own conclusions. To achieve thi

What Features of Greek tragedy can you Identify in Euripides' "Medea"?

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Introduction Gre ek tragedy is commonly characterized by the use of tragic themes, such as love, revenge, and the struggle for power. These plays are performed in open-air theaters, and they are usually based on myths and legends. Euripides' "Medea" is a classic Greek tragedy that embodies many of the key features of the genre. These features include the use of a chorus, the portrayal of a tragic hero, the exploration of universal human themes such as love, revenge, and betrayal, and the presence of a cathartic effect on the audience. Additionally, "Medea" includes elements of fate, divine intervention, and the consequences of excessive pride, which are common themes in Greek tragedy . Overall, "Medea" exemplifies the quintessential elements of Greek tragedy and remains a timeless work of literature. Key Features of Greek Tragedy Euripides As we reflect on our studies of ancient Greek tragedy , we are struck by the overwhelming sense of a divine p

How Can We Access William Shakespeare's Portrayal of Kings and Fools in His Plays?

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William Shakespeare 's plays have often dealt with the conflicts between those in power and those who are not, with the Kings and Fools playing an essential role in the plot. Through these characters, he has explored the complexities of human nature and the way power can corrupt individuals. To access the positions of kings and fools in Shakespearean dramas, it is better to make a comprehensive list of them first. List of kings and fools in Shakespearean dramas Kings : King Agamemnon (Troilus and Cressida) King Cymbeline (Cymbeline) King Henry VI (Henry VI, Parts 1-3) King Leontes (The Winter's Tale) King Phillip II (King John) King Duncan (Macbeth) King Lear (King Lear) King Henry IV (Henry IV, Part 1) King Henry V (Henry V) King Richard II (Richard II) King Richard III (Richard III) King Claudius (Hamlet) King John (King John) King Edward IV (Henry VI, Part 3 and Richard III) King Edward VI (Henry VI, Part 3) King Ferdinand (Love's Labour's Lost) Fools: The Fool

What is the Symbolism Found in William Blake's Work? Mention Some of the Recent Interpretations

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I. Introduction William Blake was a poet, painter, and printmaker who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is known for his unique and complex symbolism, which has fascinated readers and scholars for centuries. In this article, we will examine the symbolism found in Blake's work and some of the recent interpretations that have been made of it. II. Blake's Symbolism A. Blake's Life and Influences To understand Blake's symbolism , it is important to first consider his life and influences. Blake was born in London in 1757 and grew up in a working-class family. His mother taught him to read and write, and he was encouraged to pursue his interest in art. As a young man, he was apprenticed to an engraver and developed his skills as a printmaker. B. Themes in Blake's Work Blake's work is characterized by a number of recurring themes, including the struggle between innocence and experience, the relationship between the individual and society, and

How Does Drama Evolved from the Greeks, Romans to English? A Comprehensive Discussion

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  Drama is a form of art that has been in existence for centuries, and it has evolved over time to become what it is today.  Dramas have been some of the most celebrated and influential works of literature throughout history .   It's important to note that people often differentiate between drama , which is the written text or script, and theater, which is the performance of that script.  From the Greeks to the Romans and eventually to England, drama has undergone various transformations in terms of structure, content, and performance.  They date back to classical Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, and continue to this day with plays by William Shakespeare in England , Molière in France, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Germany, Henrik Ibsen in Norway, and August Strindberg in Sweden. While this reverence for drama is particularly strong in the Western tradition, it's worth noting that it's an art form with a rich history and continued import

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