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Showing posts from November 15, 2024

Preface to Shakespeare by Dr Johnson

Samuel Johnson wrote the Preface to Shakespeare as an introduction to his edition of Shakespeare’s works. In this preface, he talks about Shakespeare’s strengths and weaknesses. He praises Shakespeare’s ability to create real and relatable characters but also points out some mistakes in his plays. Shakespeare’s Universal Appeal Johnson says that Shakespeare’s plays are timeless. His stories and characters feel real and natural, no matter when or where they are read. The emotions in his plays—love, jealousy, ambition, and betrayal—are common to all people. This makes Shakespeare’s plays enjoyable for every generation. Realistic Characters Johnson admires how Shakespeare creates characters who behave like real people. They are not completely good or bad but have both strengths and flaws. This makes them more believable and interesting to the audience. Shakespeare’s Language Johnson praises Shakespeare’s use of language. He believes Shakespeare had a special way of using words to ...

Dr Samuel Johnson: a great writer and critic

Dr. Samuel Johnson was one of the most important writers and critics in English literature. He wrote poetry, essays, and biographies. He also created the first major dictionary of the English language. His works showed deep knowledge, wit, and strong opinions. He played a major role in shaping English literature and literary criticism. Samuel Johnson was born in 1709 in England. He studied at Oxford University but had to leave because of financial difficulties. He worked as a teacher and writer. He faced many struggles in life but continued to write and learn. He became famous for his dictionary and literary works. He passed away in 1784, but his influence on English literature remains strong. Dr. Johnson wrote in a clear and powerful style. His works focused on morality, education, and the human experience. He believed that literature should teach and guide people. His writing had wisdom, humor, and deep insights into life. Famous Works by Dr. Samuel Johnson 1. A Dictionary of th...

Wordsworth as a romantic critic

William Wordsworth was an important figure in the Romantic movement. He also contributed as a critic of literature, art, and society. His ideas focused on nature, imagination, emotion, and personal experience. Wordsworth’s views were different from the Classical ideas of order, reason, and strict rules that were popular in the 18th century. 1. Poetry as the Expression of Emotion and Imagination: Wordsworth believed that poetry should come from strong emotions. He wrote in the Preface to Lyrical Ballads that poetry is the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." He thought that poets should express their own emotions. Imagination was important because it helped poets go beyond ordinary life. He believed that poetry was not just about events but about emotions, memories, and feelings. His ideas gave more importance to emotions than to reason and structure. 2. The Role of Nature in Poetry: Nature was very important to Wordsworth. He believed that nature gave poets inspiratio...

Hamlet as a Revenge Tragedy

Hamlet is one of the most famous revenge tragedies written by William Shakespeare . It tells the story of Prince Hamlet , who wants to take revenge for his father’s murder. It includes important features of a revenge tragedy, such as a ghost, madness, delay, and violent deaths. It also explores deep questions about justice, fate, and the effects of revenge. The play begins when Prince Hamlet meets the ghost of his father, King Hamlet . The ghost tells him that Claudius , Hamlet’s uncle, has murdered him and taken the throne. The ghost asks Prince Hamlet to take revenge. This supernatural element is common in revenge tragedies and sets the story in motion. Instead of taking revenge immediately, Prince Hamlet hesitates. He struggles with his emotions and wonders if killing Claudius is the right thing to do. He pretends to be mad to hide his true intentions. This delay in action is another important feature of a revenge tragedy. It builds suspense and allows the character to think...

Hamlet's Madness: Real or Feigned?

Madness in Hamlet has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some readers and scholars argue that Hamlet is truly mad, while others believe that he is only pretending to be mad. The question of whether his madness is real or feigned is central to understanding his character and the play as a whole. Hamlet begins to show signs of madness after the ghost of his father appears to him. The ghost reveals that King Hamlet was murdered by Claudius. This revelation shocks Hamlet and fills him with grief and anger. He decides to take revenge, but he also realizes that he must be careful in his actions. To deceive those around him, he pretends to be mad. He tells his friends that he will put on an "antic disposition." From this point onward, his behavior becomes erratic. He speaks in riddles and behaves strangely in front of others. This makes many characters in the play believe that he has lost his sanity. However, there are moments in the play that suggest Hamlet is not truly ma...

Chaucer's humour

Geoffrey Chaucer uses humour as a major literary device in his works. His humour appears in different forms. It includes satire, irony, and wit. His humour serves many purposes. It entertains readers and exposes human weaknesses. It also criticizes social and moral issues. Chaucer’s humour is based on keen observation. He understands human nature and society. He presents realistic characters. He highlights their follies and hypocrisies. He does not use harsh or bitter satire. His humour is gentle and tolerant. He mocks his characters but also shows sympathy for them. Irony plays an important role in Chaucer’s humour. He says one thing but means another. His irony creates amusement and sharp criticism. He uses irony in The Canterbury Tales . He describes the Prioress as a noble lady. He praises her refined manners. He also reveals her artificial nature. She tries to appear elegant, but she is not truly devoted to religion. The contrast between appearance and reality creates humour. ...

The Age of Chaucer: Chief Characteristics

The Age of Chaucer refers to the fourteenth century, which was an important period in the history of English literature. This era was named after Geoffrey Chaucer , who was the most significant poet of the time. He is often called the "Father of English Poetry" because of his great influence on English literature. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales , is a masterpiece that reflects the society, culture, and language of his time. The fourteenth century was a period of great political and social change in England. The country experienced the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, which lasted for many years. This war affected the economy and the daily lives of people. The Black Death , which was a deadly plague, spread across Europe and killed a large part of the population. This disease caused great suffering and changed the structure of society. The Peasants’ Revolt also took place during this period, as common people demanded better rights and fair treatme...

William Collins as a poet

William Collins was one of the most important poets of the eighteenth century. He was known for his lyrical poetry and deep emotional expressions. He used rich imagery and musical language to create powerful poetic effects. His works reflected themes of nature, emotions, and the power of imagination. He was one of the pioneers of English Romantic poetry. William Collins was born in 1721 in England. He received his education at Winchester College and later at Oxford University. He had a deep love for literature and classical poetry. He struggled with financial difficulties and mental health issues throughout his life. His poetic career was short, but his works had a lasting impact on English literature. He experimented with poetic forms and themes that later influenced the Romantic poets. William Collins’s writing style was expressive and imaginative. He used strong visual descriptions and musical rhythm to create emotional depth. His poetry focused on the beauty of nature, the power...

Diaspora

Diaspora refers to the movement, migration, or scattering of people away from their original homeland to different parts of the world. People who belong to a diaspora maintain a connection to their ancestral land while adapting to new cultural and social environments. This phenomenon has occurred throughout history due to various reasons such as war, colonization, trade, economic hardship, and political instability. People who become part of a diaspora often face challenges in preserving their cultural identity while integrating into a new society. They maintain their traditions, language, and customs while adopting new practices from the place where they settle. Many diasporic communities establish organizations, cultural centers, and religious institutions to keep their heritage alive. Diaspora plays a significant role in shaping global cultures and economies. Members of a diaspora contribute to the development of both their host country and their homeland. They send financial rem...

The Indian Diaspora: A Brief Study

The Indian diaspora consists of people of Indian origin who live in different parts of the world. These people have moved to foreign countries for various reasons, including better job opportunities, higher education, and improved living conditions. They have settled in many countries and have contributed to the progress of the societies where they live. The migration of Indians to other countries has a long history. During the colonial period, the British took Indian laborers to different parts of the world for work on plantations and railways. These workers settled in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, and the Caribbean islands. After India gained independence, many skilled professionals and students moved to countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for better career prospects and education. The Indian diaspora has played an important role in the development of the countries where they reside. Indian professionals have contributed to various fields ...

Ellen Glasgow as a novelist

Ellen Glasgow was one of the most important American novelists of the early twentieth century. She wrote about the changing social and cultural landscape of the American South. She challenged traditional ideas and explored the struggles of individuals in a society dominated by outdated customs. She was known for her realistic portrayal of Southern life and her strong female characters. She won the Pulitzer Prize for her contributions to literature. Ellen Glasgow was born in 1873 in Richmond, Virginia. She grew up in a wealthy Southern family. She received little formal education but was an avid reader. She studied philosophy, history, and literature on her own. Her deep understanding of Southern history and culture influenced her writing. She rejected romanticized views of the South and focused on the harsh realities of life. She portrayed the struggles of women, class divisions, and the decline of aristocratic traditions. Ellen Glasgow’s writing style was detailed and realistic. Sh...