AD's English Literature

"The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global village." Marshall McLuhan (1911 - 1980) Canadian sociologist. The Gutenberg Galaxy I ntroduction English literature has been a crucial part of human civilization for centuries. It has been a medium of expression for people to convey their ideas, emotions, and experiences through words. The evolution of technology and the digital age has transformed the way we read, write, and consume literature. So, English literature has undergone significant changes since its inception. From the epic poems of Beowulf and Shakespearean plays to the modernist works of Virginia Woolf and Salman Rushdie , literature has reflected the cultural, social, and technological changes of its time. In the digital age, literature has evolved even further. With the advent of digital technology, the way literature is written, published, and consumed has changed drastically. This article will measure the evolution of English...

“The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.” ― Leo Tolstoy, "War and Peace" The war referred to in Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is the Napoleonic Wars, specifically the French invasion of Russia in 1812. The novel portrays the impact of the war on Russian society, including the lives of aristocrats, soldiers, and peasants, and explores themes such as love, family, power, and the nature of historical events. Different critics have approached Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" in historical criticism. Peter Turchin 's "War and Peace and War: The Rise and Fall of Empires" takes a historical and sociological approach to "War and Peace," using the novel as a lens through which to explore the dynamics of empires and the cyclical patterns of history. Turchin argues that "War and Peace" is not only a masterpiece of literature but also a valuable source of insight into the workings of societies and emp...

“I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow. I see how peoples are set against one another, and in silence, unknowingly, foolishly, obediently, innocently slay one another.” ― Erich Maria Remarque(1898-1970), "All Quiet on the Western Front" In the early 20th century, the world witnessed one of the deadliest wars in human history - World War I. The war was fought between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers, and its aftermath had a profound impact on the entire world. The literary world also witnessed the emergence of some great works of literature during this period. One such work is the novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque. The novel is a gripping account of the experiences of a young German soldier named Paul Bäumer during the war. The novel portrays the brutal reality of war and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. In t...

Mahakavi Kalidas 's "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" or "Abhinjnanasakuntalam" (The Fatal Ring or The Recognition of Sakuntala) , written between 1 B.C. to 400 A.D., is one of the most famous and widely-read Sanskrit works of Indian literature . It is a play that tells the story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, who fall in love and then are separated due to a curse. The origin of the story is Adiparva of "Mahabharata" (chapters 67-74). Notably, the Sanskrit dramatist wrote on the mythological or historical themes because the audiences liked this type of plays at that time. The keystone work in Sanskrit literature is Bharata Muni’s "Natyashastra" . Following the same tradition, this seven act play is known for its beautiful language, complex characters, and rich cultural themes. For English literature students who may be unfamiliar with Indian literature , teaching "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" can be a challenging but rewarding experience. In this ...

Table of Contents Introduction Brief overview of Richard Mansfield and G.B. Shaw Importance of their contributions to modern theatre Background   Richard Mansfield's life and career  G.B. Shaw's life and career Their influence on modern theatre Style and Themes Mansfield's dramatic style and themes Shaw's dramatic style and themes Comparison of their styles and themes Characterization Mansfield's approach to characterization Shaw's approach to characterization Comparison of their approaches to characterization Plot and Structure Mansfield's approach to plot and structure Shaw's approach to plot and structure Comparison of their approaches to plot and structure Reception and Legacy Mansfield's reception and legacy Shaw's reception and legacy Comparison of their reception and legacy Influence on Modern Theatre Mansfield's influence on modern theatre Shaw's influence on modern theatre Comparison of their influence on modern theatre Conclusio...

Castles are a fascinating part of the British history and English literature . They were built over hundreds of years, from the 11th century onwards, and played a vital role in shaping the country's political and social landscape. Life during the time of the castles was harsh and uncertain, with war and conflict a constant threat. Despite this, castles were also centers of power, culture, and learning, and they continue to captivate our imaginations today. Castles were built during a time when the threat of invasion was high. They were designed as strongholds to protect the ruling class and their people from marauding armies. However, life for the common people outside the castle walls was much harder. They lived in small, overcrowded villages and towns, constantly at risk of attack from enemy forces. Castles were symbols of power and wealth, and the ruling classes lived in relative luxury, while the common folk struggled to survive. The idea that castles are often used as pla...