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Parody is a literary technique that imitates the style, tone, or themes of a serious work in a humorous or exaggerated way. It is often used to mock or criticize the original work, a specific genre, or cultural and political ideas. While some parodies are lighthearted and playful, others serve as sharp social or literary critiques. Features of Parody Imitation of Style – A parody mimics the structure, language, or themes of the original work. Exaggeration – It often exaggerates specific elements to create humor or absurdity. Satirical Tone – Many parodies use satire to comment on society, literature, or politics. Humorous Effect – The main goal is to entertain, though some parodies also make serious points. Recognizable References – A parody is most effective when readers are familiar with the original work. Famous Examples of Parody "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes – A parody of medieval chivalric romances, mocking the unrealistic ideals of knights and...

Prosody refers to the study of the rhythm, meter, and sound patterns in poetry and spoken language. It focuses on how words are arranged in a structured form, including elements like stress, intonation, and pauses. Prosody plays a crucial role in enhancing the musicality, emotion, and meaning of a poem or literary work. Elements of Prosody Meter – The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry (e.g., iambic pentameter in Shakespeare’s works). Rhythm – The overall flow and beat of the poem, created through word choice and syllabic arrangement. Rhyme Scheme – The pattern of end sounds in lines of poetry, such as ABAB or AABB . Intonation and Stress – The rise and fall of pitch in speech or verse, affecting how words are emphasized. Caesura – A pause within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation or natural speech patterns. Alliteration and Assonance – Repetition of consonant sounds (alliteration) or vowel sounds (assonance) to create a musical...

Introduction: William Shakespeare is a great playwright. Twelfth Night is one of his best romantic comedies, similar to The Merchant of Venice , Much Ado About Nothing , and As You Like It . It is a lighthearted play with both romance and comedy, ending happily. Happiness through Marriage: Like other romantic comedies by Shakespeare, Twelfth Night is about love leading to marriage. Most of the characters are in love. In the final act, everyone finds happiness—Duke Orsino marries Viola, Olivia marries Sebastian, and Sir Toby marries Maria. The play ends with joyful wedding celebrations. Strong Female Characters: Women play an important role in Shakespeare's comedies. In Twelfth Night , the story revolves around two women, Viola and Olivia. The male characters gain significance because of them, just like in As You Like It , where Rosalind and Celia take the lead. Fun and Laughter: The play is full of humor and joy. Duke Orsino loves Olivia, but Olivia falls for Viola, who ...

Metaphysical Poetry Metaphysical poetry is about deep spiritual and philosophical ideas. While the term could apply to any poetry of this kind, it specifically refers to a group of 17th-century poets. This type of poetry was different from the popular styles of the time. The most famous metaphysical poet is John Donne , along with others like Cleveland, Cowley, Crashaw, Herbert, and Vaughan . The term "metaphysical" was first used by Dryden , who said that Donne "affects the metaphysics." Later, Dr. Samuel Johnson borrowed this idea and used it to describe a group of poets. He said these poets were highly educated and focused on showing their intelligence. However, he also noted that their ideas were sometimes unnatural and forced together. Main Features of Metaphysical Poetry New and Unique Ideas – These poets aimed to say something fresh and original, often playing with ideas instead of words. Use of Conceits – Conceits are unusual comparisons between ...

Introduction Eugene O’Neill is one of America’s greatest playwrights. He gained fame for his significant contributions to American drama. He wrote many plays and experimented with different styles. One of his famous plays, The Hairy Ape , uses expressionistic techniques to show inner emotions. This play is a powerful social satire and explores themes like identity and the flaws of modern civilization. Major Themes The Hairy Ape focuses on a man's struggle to find his place in society. It tells the tragic story of a man who feels out of place. Rich people and capitalists treat workers like animals, but the play suggests that they are the real beasts. The main themes are belongingness and feeling lost in the world. Belongingness One key theme in The Hairy Ape is the search for belonging. At first, the main character, Yank, is proud of his strength and believes he fits in with the stokers on a ship. However, his confidence is shattered when a rich woman, Mildred Douglas, look...

  Nissim Ezekiel is a famous Indo-Anglian poet known for his versatility. He has experimented a lot with poetry and made important contributions to its style and form. Technique and Style Ezekiel believes that writing poetry requires hard work. He focuses on both the subject and the craftsmanship of a poem. He once said, "We must labour to be beautiful." He carefully structures his poems, choosing words and phrases thoughtfully to create a complete and meaningful composition. Ezekiel's Language Ezekiel uses simple, clear, and direct language. His poetry has a natural, conversational style, making it easy to understand and memorable. He avoids complicated words and prefers a straightforward approach. His poem The Egoist’s Prayers is a great example of his poetic style. Use of Words Ezekiel carefully selects words to fit the meaning and rhythm of his poems. He avoids old or difficult words, instead using common, everyday language. His poetry blends sound and meanin...

Introduction William Hazlitt is a well-known figure in English literature. He gained fame as an essayist and made a significant contribution to English essays. Hazlitt's Writing Style Hazlitt was a talented prose writer with a unique style. He wrote with deep conviction and aimed to connect with his readers. Without trying to follow a specific pattern, he developed his own style, known as the familiar style . Familiar Style Hazlitt’s style was natural and personal. He described it as free from artificiality and unnecessary complexity. He chose simple, commonly used words rather than fashionable ones. His writing had a conversational quality, making it both effective and engaging. His style was clear, precise, and pure in expression. Choice of Words Hazlitt’s writing was marked by clarity and strength. He carefully selected words, avoiding old-fashioned or unnecessary ones. He disliked overly grand or pompous language and always used the right words in the right places. Use ...

Introduction John Donne was the founder and leader of the Metaphysical school of poetry. His poetry was different from the popular style of his time. The term "Metaphysical" was first used for Donne's poetry by Dryden, who said, "Donne affects the metaphysics." Later, Dr. Johnson called Donne and his followers "the Metaphysical poets," and since then, the term has been used to describe their work. What is Metaphysical Poetry? The word "metaphysical" means something beyond the physical world, dealing with deep and abstract ideas. Metaphysical poetry focuses on themes like life, death, the soul, the universe, and man's relationship with God. Main Characteristics Metaphysical poetry has some key features: New ideas and expressions – Fresh thoughts and unique ways of presenting them. Conceits – Unusual and surprising comparisons. Wit – Cleverness and intellectual playfulness. Obscurity – Complex and sometimes difficult meanings...

Introduction Francis Bacon, known as the father of the English essay, was the first great English essayist. He introduced a new form of writing into English literature and is admired for his intelligence and wisdom. Three Editions of Bacon’s Essays Bacon first published 10 essays in 1597. This number increased to 38 in 1612 and finally reached 58 in 1625. His essays are based on his keen observations of life and human nature. Dispersed Meditations Bacon was influenced by the Roman philosopher Seneca and called his essays "dispersed meditations." His writing is practical and influenced by the political thinker Machiavelli. His essays offer advice on how to live successfully, which is why they are called “counsels civil and moral.” Bacon and Montaigne Bacon borrowed the essay form from the French writer Montaigne, but their styles are different. Montaigne is personal and emotional, while Bacon is formal and logical. Montaigne appeals to the heart, whereas Bacon appeals to ...