AD's English Literature

Unveiling the Lyrical Brilliance: William Shakespeare's Poetic Mastery within his Dramas The Lyrical Brilliance of Shakespeare: Exploring the Poetic Genius in His Scattered Lyrics William Shakespeare, widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, as Albert says, not only excelled in dramatic storytelling but also demonstrated his poetic brilliance in his later works. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare's lyrical prowess shines through the numerous scattered lyrics, captivating readers and audiences alike. These lyrical interludes within his plays provide a glimpse into the poetical genius of Shakespeare, showcasing his ability to evoke emotions, convey profound insights, and create timeless verses. Tom Kines in his  Songs from Shakespeare's plays, and popular songs of Shakespeare's time  has evaluated the entire songs from Shakespeare's plays and tries to trace the sources and its Elizabethan settings.  In this essay, we will explore how Shakespeare...

Exploring Uncharted Territory: "Virgin" Topics from Shakespearean Studies and Their Potential for Expansion Introduction  Comparing literary critics to vultures, researchers to ravens, and readers to nightingales can be metaphorically insightful as well as plenty of opportunities en route to understanding this topic. Critics, like vultures, meticulously dissect and analyze literary works, seeking to unearth hidden meanings and flaws. Researchers, akin to ravens, scavenge for knowledge, gathering information and exploring different angles to expand our understanding. Readers, represented by nightingales, sing the praises of literature, finding solace and joy in its beauty. Just as vultures, ravens, and nightingales each have distinct roles in the natural ecosystem, these figures play their parts in the literary world, contributing to the continuous cycle of interpretation, discovery, and appreciation of literature. Certainly! Here are some lesser-explored or "virgin"...

Four movements in J. M. Synge's one act play "Riders To The Sea": what are these and how do they prepare the audience for the play's final resolution? Introduction In J. M. Synge's one-act play "Riders to the Sea," there are four distinct movements that contribute to the overall narrative and prepare the audience for the play's final resolution: (1) The suffering mother -- the anticipating the death of Michael- a weeping  (2) A concern for Bartley- a the desire to prevent his journey  (3) Maurya's conquest of suffering by the selfish thought that she will have to weep no more  (4) The final movement of Maurya's mind where the serenity is bred not by selfishness but by selflessness, by a concern for all humanity i.e. development of charity, sympathy. The Suffering Mother  J. M. Synge The first movement revolves around the central character, Maurya , who is a mother grieving the loss of her sons. Her suffering and anticipation of the death...

John Clare's Captivating Portrayal of Serene Beauty of the Countryside John Clare,  "the Northamptonshire Peasant Poet" (1793-1864), is celebrated for his vivid portrayals of the English countryside and his poignant expressions of its disturbance. Among his notable collections of poetry, such as "First Love," "Snow Storm," and "The Village Minstrel and Other Poems," Clare captures the essence of the English countryside with a fresh air of romanticism.  His "Autumn" transports us to the serene countryside, where he explores the subtle and mellow beauty of the autumnal season, a season characterized by falling leaves, bare branches, and vigorous winds as it serves as a prelude to winter. Through his descriptive language and keen observations, the poet paints a vivid pen picture of autumn's charm.  

Emily Brontë remains the sphinx of literature. Attributed to William Robertson Nicoll (1851 - 1923) Scottish writer. Introduction Emily Brontë   Emily Brontë ( 1818-1848) , a prominent English poet and novelist of the 19th century, was renowned for her introspective and passionate works. In her poem "The Old Stoic," Brontë explores the theme of emotional liberation, expressing her disdain for societal conventions and her longing for personal freedom. We can easily drive into the poem's underlying meaning, highlighting Brontë's desire to break free from the constraints of love, riches, and fame, and emphasize the significance of a "chainless soul" and the courage to endure. "The Old Stoic" made its appearance in a collection of poetry curated by the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—and published in 1846. Adopting masculine pseudonyms derived from their actual initials, they titled their work "Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell....

  Robert Frost , an American poet, played a pivotal role in the poetic journey of Edward Thomas , a British writer known for his literary criticism and appreciation of emerging talents. Frost's encouragement, coupled with Thomas's contemplation over enlisting in World War I (1914-1918), served as catalysts for Thomas's venture into poetry in late 1914. This marked the beginning of Thomas's illustrious poetic career. As Thomas ventured into the realm of poetry, he found solace in expressing the profound impact of war on the natural order. His poems became poignant reflections of the violence inflicted upon the harmony of the natural world by the ravages of war. This theme became central to his poetic voice and resonated strongly with his readers.

 "The Pearl" is an alliterative Middle English poem believed to have been written by an anonymous poet around the 14th century. The author of "The Pearl" is, though unknown and unnamed, a poet second only to Chaucer in Chaucer's generation. (The Pearl,1908, 2004) It is one of the greatest surviving works of medieval English literature and is often studied for its intricate structure and rich symbolism. The Pearl Manuscript contains four of the masterpieces of medieval English literature: "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", "Pearl", "Cleanness", and "Patience."  The writer, believed to be from a Northwestern district of England in the 14th century, remains unknown. He displays aristocratic breeding, religious and secular education, deep emotion, and spirituality. Never the less, these poems show 'classical unity' as stated  by Derek Pearsall in his "English and Middle English Poetry."

“Even death may prove unreal at last and stoics be astounded into heaven. Then keep thy heart, though yet but ill-resigned, Clarel, thy heart, the issues there but mind. That like the crocus budding through the snow, that like a swimmer rising from the deep, that like a burning secret which doth go. Even from the bosom that would hoard and keep, emerge thou mayst from the last whelming sea and prove that death but routs life into victory.” ―  Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land Herman Melville Herman Melville's "Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land": A Silent Publication Herman Melville's "Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land " published in 1876, is a sprawling epic poem that explores profound themes of faith, doubt, and the anxieties surrounding the decline of civilization. It is a four-part poem of 150 cantos, four books-  Jerusalem, The Wilderness, Mar Saba, and Bethlehem  and almost 18,000 lines about a naive American nam...

Introduction "The Parliament of Fowls" is a Middle English dream vision poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. It is often considered one of the earliest examples Valentine Love of English literature . The poem explores various themes, employs a unique style, and has been subject to both praise and criticism. Theme The main theme of "The Parliament of Fowls" is love and courtship, particularly the concept of "the mating season." The poem takes place on Valentine's Day when all the birds gather to choose their mates. Chaucer presents a vision of love where birds become allegorical representations of human desires, emotions, and choices in love. The poem unveils the complexities of romantic relationships, the fickleness of desire, and the influence of nature on love. But most interestingly , it suggests 'a manner in which the Parliament may be read not as subject and content but as process and act.' (M.R. Near)

"In the midway of this our mortal life, I found me in a gloomy wood, astray" Dante Alighieri  (1265 - 1321) Italian poet. The Divine Comedy ,  "Inferno" Cantos 1, line 1,2 Dante Alighieri , an eminent Italian writer, stands as one of the most revered poets in world literature. His remarkable compositions were shaped by a fusion of classical and Christian influences. Among his extensive body of work, Dante's magnum opus is the epic poem titled "La divina commedia" (1321?), commonly known as "The Divine Comedy" (1802). This monumental piece is divided into three distinct sections: the Inferno (Hell), where Dante embarks on a journey guided by the illustrious classical poet Virgil through the depths of hell; the Purgatorio (Purgatory), where Virgil leads Dante on a climb up the mountain of purification; and the Paradiso (Paradise), where Dante explores the realms of heaven.

"The secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably. They don’t deceive you with thrills and trick endings. They don’t surprise you with the unforeseen. They are as familiar as the house you live in. Or the smell of your lover’s skin. You know how they end, yet you listen as though you don’t. In the way that although you know that one day you will die, you live as though you won’t. In the Great Stories, you know who lives, who dies, who finds love, who doesn’t. And yet you want to know again." "The God of Small Things"  Arundhati Roy Arundhati Roy's novel, "The God of Small Things," which received widespread international acclaim upon its publication in 1997, masterfully captures the story of a once-prominent Syrian Christian family's decline through three successive generations. Set in the town of Ayemenem in K...

"‘Do you not hear the peacocks call in the wilds? Are they not blood-chilling, their shrieks of pain? 'Pia, pia, they cry. “Lover, lover. Mio, die, I die.” Go out into the jungles before the monsoons come -at the time when the first clouds cross the horizon, black as the kohl in your grave eyes. How they love the rain - these peacocks. They spread out their splendid tails and begin to dance, but, like Shiva’s, then- dance of joy is the dance of death, and they dance, knowing that they and their lovers are all to die, perhaps even before the monsoons came to an end." "Cry, the Peacock"   (Part Two, Chapter 3) Anita Desai Introduction: Anita Desai's  first  novel "Cry, the Peacock" that  took the literary world by surprise and was praised as a poetry- novel of exceptional distinction,  presents a compelling portrayal of the aspirations and struggles of ordinary individuals within their homeland. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial India, Desai ...

Introduction From the Early Codex, wood or bamboo tablets or  laboriously written out with a quill pen by scribes to the Elizabethan Gutenberg press to the present Audiobooks- books had a long long journey. There had been an enthusiastic battle of books in Elizabethan period, a bulky over production in Victorian time and a modern day world war in eBooks. It was Swift who satirically present this battle 300 years ago.  Jonathan Swift's "The Battle of the Books"   published as part of the prolegomena to his "A Tale of a Tub" in (1704),  stands as a prominent example of his satirical genius and his ability to engage in a literary debate while critiquing the prevailing scholarly climate of his time. The work emerged during a period of fierce controversy between proponents of ancient and modern writers. It is a short satire that depicts a literal battle between books in the King's Library (housed in St James's Palace at the time of the writing), as ideas and ...

Shakespeare's Masterpieces: A Beginner's Journey through Critical Analysis 1. Exploring Shakespeare's Works: A Guide to Understanding and Appreciating his Masterpieces As a student, be it English major or not, we are often exposed to literary works that have stood the test of time. Among these works, the plays of William Shakespeare and a few of his sonnets continue to captivate readers and audiences around the world. However, for those who are new to his works, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. To further enrich the odyssey through the Bard's plays, it is indispensable to intertwine the path with Charles Lamb's "Tales from Shakespeare." This analytical exposition not only imparts profound insights into Shakespeare's magnum opuses but also establishes a harmonious nexus with Lamb's eloquent retellings, thereby endowing readers with accessibility and affinity towards the enchanting realm of the plays. Here, however, we will not ret...

Introduction:  Postcolonial Indian English Literature is a Literary Expression   Postcolonial Indian English literature is a literary expression of the cultural and political complexities that resulted from the British colonial presence in India. The colonial influence is evident in various aspects of Indian English literature both in pre colonial as well as post colonial era, including language, themes, and styles. Moreover,  the impact of colonialism on postcolonial Indian English literature is intricate and diverse. There is no doubt that British colonization had a profound influence on the development of Indian culture and society, which is evident in the literature of that era. Many postcolonial Indian writers navigates through the themes such as cultural identity, displacement, and resistance to colonialism. However, the utilization of English as a literary language also provided Indian writers with a fresh platform to express themselves and connect with a broader ...

  “Untouchable could only have been written by an Indian who observed from the outside. No European, however sympathetic, could have created the character of Bakha, because he would not have known enough about his troubles. And no untouchable could have written the book, because he would have been involved in indignation and self-pity. Mr Anand stands in the ideal position, by caste… a Kshatriya… he has just the right the mixture of insight and detachment.” Preface to  Mulk Raj Anand's novel "Untouchable"  E M Forster Introduction: Untouchability and Its Answer Mulk Raj Anand's  (1905 –2004) novel "Untouchable" published in 1935 stands as a significant work of Indian literature for its realistic portrayal of the marginalized and oppressed sections of society. With a keen eye for details and an empathetic understanding of the human condition, Anand, even being an upper caste Kshatriya, paints a vivid picture of the life of the untouchables , the dalits in pr...

 The term "chronotope" was first introduced by the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, and it refers to the relationship between time and space in a narrative. In simpler terms, it's the way that time and space are woven together to create a story. The concept of "chronotope" in William Shakespeare's plays serves as a powerful dramaturgic machinery, intertwining time and space to create dynamic and meaningful theatrical experiences. Shakespeare even skillfully employs chronotopes to shape the settings, characters, and events in his plays. These chronotopes create distinct atmospheres, enhance the dramatic tension, and allow for the exploration of complex themes and relationships, making them an essential element of Shakespeare's theatrical artistry.

Mark Twain :  Who Laughs to Hide His Despair of Human Condition Mark Twain (Real Name:  Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 –1910)  is a renowned American author, humorist, and lecturer, whose works have left an indelible mark on American literature. He is widely known for his witty humor, satire, and his sharp social commentary. However, beneath the surface of his humor, lies a darker side that often reveals the harsh reality of human existence. Louis Untermeyer, an American poet and anthologist, once commented that Mark Twain was not only a prime jokester but also a traditional clown who laughs to hide his despair of human condition. This essay aims to examine the relevance of Untermeyer's comment in light of Mark Twain's life and works.

The American family is a complex and evolving concept that has been portrayed in various ways in literature. For critics and readers alike, it is essential to critically examine how the American family has been represented in literature, and to analyze the impact of these portrayals, and understand the underlying themes and values associated with them. The portrayal of the American family in literature has evolved over the years. In late 19th century Nathaniel Hawthorne's  "The Scarlet Letter," the value of family is explored through the contrasting experiences of Hester Prynne and her daughter Pearl. Despite societal judgment, their unwavering love and bond reveal the enduring importance of family connections and emotional support .  In the early 20th century, American literature was characterized by a focus on the traditional nuclear family. Works such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" ...

"The Old Familiar Faces" is a poem written by Charles Lamb that expresses feelings of loss, nostalgia, and longing.  It truly suits his writing style.  He exudes a romantic and nostalgic disposition, with every word soaked in pathos.   As someone who has experienced these emotions himself, this poem becomes very poignant and relatable to his personal history.  Lamb, a brilliant conversationalist, was one of a circle of important contemporary writers that included Coleridge , William Hazlitt, Leigh Hunt, Robert Southey, and William Wordsworth . Lamb's words was often perceptive and original. He had a particular gift for analyzing character and his sensitivity and perceptiveness made him a valuable person and friend. Some of his best writings were in letters to his friends, essays but this short elegiac poem is also noteworthy.

Introduction Francis Bacon , often referred to as the father of empiricism and rationalism, was a Renaissance man of many talents and his writings fall into three categories: philosophical, purely literary, and professional. Bacon is considered the first major English essayist and was known for his ability to vary the tempo of his argument in order to emphasize important aspects. In his essay "Of Youth and Age," ( from "The Essays Or Counsels, Civil and Moral" published at various times between 1597 and 1625) we can find a professional outlook and any literary qualities are mare coincidence. In fact, Bacon through "an index of emergence of modern world"() utilizes the technique a technique of inductive reasoning to great effect here, using a mix of slow and fast-paced writing, as well as syntactical parallelism, to contrast the two opposing stages of life. In this essay, Bacon's keen observations and insights about youth and age provide readers with a ...

"There are many who understand Greek and Latin, and yet are ignorant of their Mother Tongue." John Dryden  (1631 - 1700) English poet, playwright, and literary critic. Sylvae (translation of Horace's Odes) “Whoever is so misguided as to think that the place of his birth is the most delightful spot under the sun may also believe that his own language—his mother tongue, that is—is pre-eminent among all others; and, as a result he may believe that his language was also Adam’s.  ” ― Dante Alighieri,  "De Vulgari Eloquentia" Introduction:  Dante Alighieri,  A Celebrated Literary  Figure   Dante Alighieri is a celebrated literary figure renowned for his profound ideas, masterful poetry, and daring imagination. His influence on the development of Italian literature cannot be overstated, and he was instrumental in establishing the use of vernacular Italian in literature. In 1304, Dante wrote "De Vulgari Eloquentia", a treatise in Latin ...

Early Black Voices When we think of American literature , we often think of the greats such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Steinbeck. However, there is a rich history of early Black voices in American literature that often goes overlooked. These writers paved the way for future generations and their contributions are invaluable.

“Man can find no better retreat from the world than art, and man can find no stronger link with the world than art.” ― Goethe Franz Kafka's novel "The Castle": The Beginning  In Franz Kafka's novel "The Castle" (Das Schloss 1926; published posthumously in 1930), the castle represents a symbol of power, control, and authority or Abode of God. Even though unfinished,  "The Castle"  too is a significant work that exemplifies  Kafka's  extraordinary influence on fiction. It offers a haunting portrayal of a disjointed and inscrutable world, haunted by a sense of loss and confusion. The protagonist, K, coming to a village, spends his entire life trying to gain access to the castle,  which represents his pursuit of recognition and acceptance in a society that he feels alienated from. In this essay, we will explore the significance of the castle as a symbol in Kafka's novel, and provide a critical overview of the themes and moral implications of th...

  “‘You think I don’t know what your life is like just because I ain’t living it? I know what every colored woman in this country is doing.’ ‘What’s that?’ ‘Dying., Just like me. But the difference is they dying like a stump. Me, I’m going down like one of those redwoods. I sure did live in this world.’” (Sula at her deathbed) Toni Morrison's "Sula" (1973) Struggles and Challenges Faced by the Black Girl-child Be it "The Bluest Eye" or  "Beloved",  Toni Morrison either deals with issues of identity, beauty, and the struggle for self-acceptance or examines the effects of racism and colorism on African American communities.  Like social critic, she  examine the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American communities. Through  a nonlinear narrative structure and experimental language,  Toni Morrison's novel "Sula" (1973) describes a woman who refuses to conform to community mores which offers a poignant commentary on the treatment o...