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The Old Man and the Sea is a novella by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1952. It tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who endures a long, solitary struggle to catch a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. The novella is rich in themes of resilience, dignity, and man's relationship with nature. SUMMARY Santiago is an old, seasoned fisherman who has not caught a fish in eighty-four days . He is considered "salao," the worst form of unlucky. A boy named Manolin , who once fished with him, has been forced by his parents to leave the old man and work on a more successful boat. However, the boy still cares deeply for Santiago and helps him with supplies and food. “Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.” Santiago lives a humble life, his shack sparsely furnished. His only real possessions are the tools of his trade. Despite his poverty, he has great pride in his profes...

Crisis in Orientalism – Summary Edward Said’s work Crisis in Orientalism is a crucial section of his groundbreaking book Orientalism (1978), where he critiques the Western study of the East, arguing that it is deeply rooted in colonial power structures. In this essay, Said explores the intellectual and moral crisis faced by traditional Orientalists as their field is challenged by emerging critical perspectives. Key Points of the Work: The Crisis of Legitimacy in Orientalism Said argues that Orientalism, the Western study of the East, has been a long-standing intellectual tradition that shaped European and American perceptions of the Orient. However, by the mid-20th century, this field faced a crisis as scholars from the formerly colonized regions began questioning the authority of Western academics to represent Eastern societies. "The major shift in the study of the Orient has been the emergence of the Orient itself as a politically and intellectually independent entity....

Mulk Raj Anand’s novel Untouchable (1935) is a powerful social critique of the caste system in India. It follows a day in the life of Bakha, a young Dalit (untouchable) boy, exposing the dehumanizing discrimination he faces. Through vivid realism and deep psychological insight, Anand brings out the suffering, aspirations, and dilemmas of the oppressed class. Summary Bakha, a strong, handsome 18-year-old boy, belongs to the lowest caste of scavengers. He lives with his father, Lakha, his younger brother, Rakha, and his sister, Sohini. Their job is to clean latrines, a task that brands them as untouchables, forced to live on the fringes of society. The novel begins with Bakha waking up to the harsh voice of his father, Lakha, who asks him to get to work cleaning toilets. Lakha, old and weak, depends on Bakha to carry out their hereditary profession. Bakha, however, dreams of a different life—one inspired by the Englishmen, whom he admires for their cleanliness and lifestyle. As he...

Henry David Thoreau’s essay "Civil Disobedience" (originally titled "Resistance to Civil Government" ) was first published in 1849. It is a seminal work in political philosophy that argues for individual resistance to unjust government policies.  Summary of "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau Thoreau begins his essay with a powerful declaration about the role of government: "That government is best which governs least." He argues that an ideal government would not interfere unnecessarily in the lives of individuals and that the best form of governance is one that allows people to exercise their conscience freely. He criticizes the American government of his time, particularly for its support of slavery and the Mexican-American War, stating: "The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it....

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The American Scholar” is an influential essay based on a speech he delivered on August 31, 1837, at Harvard University. It is often considered a call for intellectual independence and self-reliance among American thinkers. Emerson emphasizes the importance of individuality and the need for American scholars to break free from European influences to create a distinct national literature. Summary 1. The Need for Intellectual Independence Emerson begins by defining the scholar’s role in society, comparing humanity to a giant whose parts (different social classes) serve different functions. He states: “The millions that around us are rushing into life cannot always be fed on the sere remains of foreign harvests.” This implies that Americans should not rely on European traditions but must develop their own intellectual and literary identity. He describes the scholar as “Man Thinking” , someone who seeks truth and does not passively accept inherited knowledg...

Oscar Wilde was a brilliant short story writer from England. His sharp intellect made him a writer of lasting fame. He became famous for his wit and unique storytelling style. Wilde’s stories have a special charm. He used an artistic style and chose unusual topics. He loved elaborate descriptions and often questioned society’s rules. His writing makes readers think deeply. His stories are full of humor, imagination, and clever ideas. The Happy Prince is one of Wilde’s best short stories. In this story, he criticizes people’s selfishness and lack of kindness. He shows that wealth and pleasure bring only temporary happiness. The Happy Prince realizes this after his death. The story teaches that kindness, charity, and compassion bring true peace and happiness. Those who help others are truly blessed. The moral of the story is important. Wilde shows that riches do not bring real happiness. Helping the poor and needy is what truly matters. The title The Happy Prince is perfect. People...