Mathew_Arnold_Culture&Anarchy

Welcome readers

INTRODUCTION

With reference to "Mathew Arnold's essay on 'Culture & Anarchy'" which was published in 'periodical essays' between 1867-68, collected in book in 1869 and finally a preface was added in 1875. I am writing some of the points suggested in it; such as 'sweetness&light', 'doing as one likes', 'barbarians, philistines and populace', a central idea of combining 'hebraism as well as hellenism', 'Porto unum necessarium' and 'liberal practitioners'.

SWEETNESS & LIGHT

 "Sweetness: Moral righteousness + Light: Intellectual power&truth = Ministry of Culture":

Victorian Era : Mammon Worshipping

Based on History and Society

'Moral righteousness doesn't mean 'rigidity' andmammon worshiping' as it was prevailing in "Victorian Era". But something which is related to inner depth, moral sense(spirituality) which indicates our mind towards spirituality. It is like seeing as "Plato was seeing the world(with truth in it, rather concerning realism)".

If due to undecidability "moral sense" is stucked in between, it will damage human psycology(as happened with Hamlet in Hamlet play). Say morality as seen in (Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens: Though a boy an exceptional among many common people retain his self, till the end, without distorting his moral senses).

To achieve the idea of "what was bestly thought by the people in the past". We need to balance both "sweetness and light". Sweetness as we had discussed in prior section, lightness has regardance with "active intelligence". Which is an emancipatory approach, not abided but loosely pouring its light for the welfare of people, which is deeply rooted in scepticism, scepticism in terms of every aspect of life, where evil is scepticised and solution is made for the betterment of the people.

We may have an example of "Restoration era" where due to puritan strictness, the era was flinged into dark and so people of that particular era had to suffer and in this era the idea of deliriousness was given importance, for the welfare of the people. 

By balancing both the scientific passion for pure knowledge with temperament of social and moral can be gained for people's welfare.

Doing as one likes

It is mere a Joker, whose job is to entertain the people with his funny bodily movements and facial expressions. While on the other side it seems to be a 'criminal or masquerade' who in exact terms is something else but pretending to be the one valuable.

Refering to the first idea of entertainment, if like joker everyone is free to behave as one likes and noone is their to control(authority power) then what would be the ultimate status of any place/region/country/city/continent.  It would transform into anarchy, for those who are practising pleasurable activities for them it will retain as usual thing but an outsider(intellectual resistant) would have the unbiased look and he would feel that these fun makers need some resistance.

Doing as one likes also meant to be "an anarchy":  Which refers to a society without a public enforced government or violently enforced politically authority.

If we refer the other chunk of "masquerade of Joker" humanbeings have also become similar to this. Somewhere openly spreading chaos, (those will be untamed/insensible or sometimes a rebellious people)somewhere hiddenly releasing negative viruses(those who are indulged in insensitive political power)while somewhere by being masked doing many problematic things to transform the society into anarchy or some favourable things for the welfare of people and society( sometime for public welfare, sometime intentionally to deteriorate the society and its people).

HEBRAISM

Who by nature are fashionable, more civilized, free-thinker, liberantian and rich.

But as they were over obsessed with their privileges, by being superior in society and as given responsibility for the welfare of the people, they were unable to get on with and unfairly treated people of their times.

Thus were the people, who represented the clan of "Jewish Culture".

PHILISTINE:

Who were pure industrialist and commercial.As believe 'money as a prime concern for life' those by being in "coffee hubs" exchange the ideas and utilize those for the progression of their particular business.
For example : Eighteenth Century(Coffee hub)

A coffee hub in London, where people were used to gather and exchange their ideas, and likewise dissemination of information was made to happen.

To relate with these some  characteristics of some characteristics from "Far from the madding crowd" novel, we have "Boldwood":

In this novel by Thomas Hardy, Gabriel Oak, Troy, Boldwood and Bathsheba are represented, presenting their given roles. If we see Boldwood, he is literally business man, while Bathsheba can't be considered as domesticated in house.

Thus the philistinians were utilizing those ideas for Development of their business, and seems to be interested in leveling their higher strata in society.

POPULACE:

As they were already indulged in gaining their 'basic necessities' due to extreme poverty, they can't think out of their reach, can't cultivate skills or such abilities to push themselves ahead in their lives and as their weakness is known to those people, who were dictators, they were easily succumbed to subjectivity and were used in gaining their own(dictators) personal benefits.

Hence the idea is one should follow 'balanced way of life' which can be done by two approaches; one is Hebraim(conscience of strictness, therefore obedient) and another is Hellenism(spontaneity of consciousness), merging of both can lead to equilibriumity, staunchly following one, hebraism(Jewish idea) won't provide "intellectuality or light", while travelling on only "hellenism" perhaps lead to free way of living life but not balanced one, which is also necessary for living healthy and prosper life.

Hebraism has connection with rigidity, bias, superiority and anarchy, and which is also static. While Hellenism refers to spontaneity, which travels between both "Hebraism as well as Hellenism" rather than sticking to any one, has balance tendency.
Hebraism goes with Bible, narrow-mindedness, thinking only for God follower. While Hellenism will go with spirit of Greek, open-minded knowledge, thinking for practical follower of the platonic idea.
Thus balance of both is suggestive for every human being.

Our Liberal Practitioners

Unpretending writers are such, who will see each and everything, coming in front of them with logical and reasoning and if any idea or any sect doesn't possess this naturality, then they will do away with that prevailing idea.
According to them if a religion, without critical tendency accepts the rules of any religion blindly, and blocks their intellectual space as not able to access through the thinking arena of what is being right and wrong even don't have scepticism towards anything, if suppose it is there, people will have solution but without it the thinking won't get free flow of thought and so without identifying what is right and wrong just indulging themselves into what is coming forward. They also say that they don't have any bias or problem with any idea or any type of religion if they provide space for free thinking.
For Example - Gandhiji:
(Refering this idea with religion's context)
As father of our nation: Mahatma Gandhiji, who was heavily influenced by 'Jainism' in his youth, but in some respects he was libertarian. He had accepted all hebraising ideas and was amiable with all religious people. Whether those were Christians, Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs.
Thus a libertarian will be of a flexible tendency, who doesn't have any bias, prejudices or any kind of antipathy towards anyone, but will try to adjust in any situation, with any person, by cultivating within elasticity.

PORRO UNUM EST NECESSARIUM

Porro Unum Est Necessarium, is a satire on Wellington's pressure over king's "Catholic emancipation". Lettered  in the title caption "his ambition will lead him to attempt that one thing", Vide Napolean Bonaparte's prophecy.

http://m.vam.ac.uk/collections/item/O1068434/porro-unum-est-necessarium-hand-coloured-etching-heath-william/

As per "Bonaparte's prophecy", as wellington king has a specific ambition towards the king, not to allow him to be his self with "Catholicism" and as the prediction of prophecy, it had effectual consequences also in the past, where "protestantism, a christian sect was established, while somewhere the same sect was followed, but they weren't allowed to follow this particular sect openly.

Likewise, it is explained for "Doing as one likes" that when "freedom" reaches at its extreme stage, then everything transforms into anarchy. But if it is balanced with "conscience of strictness" and "spontaneity of consciousness", respectively representing the ideas of 'Hebraism' and 'Hellenism', then a person can flourish and prosper with reconcialation

Otherwise it isn't possible if one is staunchly stucked only to one idea, the stimulated faculty of mind will prosper, while the other will remain in 'dormant state'

Thus we had seen subsequently Sweetness and light, doing as one likes, three stratas of culture; hebraism, philistines and populace, along with the balancing idea of "hebraism and hellenism", liberal practitioners and at last Porro unum est necessarium.

Thankyou

Samiya Kagdi

A learner at PG center

Department Of English

MKBU

APPLIED SOURCES: 

http://m.vam.ac.uk/collections/item/O1068434/porro-unum-est-necessarium-hand-coloured-etching-heath-william/

https://dilipbarad.blogspot.com/2020/01/culture-and-anarchy.html

Talkon_Highway_Tamasha_movie

#Talkon_Highway_Tamasha_movie,

#Movie studies(modern cinema),

#Held in department of English,

#With supportive hands of Dilip Barad Sir,

MKBU,

Invitee:Vishal Pandya (Sir),

Organised by Dilip Barad (Sir),

18th January, 2019.

"FILM STUDIES" IS MUCH USEFUL AS HERE WE ARE MADE FAMILIAR WITH THE "NARRATIVE MANNER", "THE WAY OF COMMUNIACTION BETWEEN THE TWO"(how by only changing the manner it changes its naturality and transforms this into some another fixed shape), HOW AT ONCE A THING RESEMBLANCES AS PER THE CONVENIENCE OF THE MOVIE, THE COLOUR OF CHARACTERS CLOTHES WERE CHANGED,  HOW ONE REACTS FROM ONE'S ACTIONS, HOW WE'RE TO EVALUATE SUCH PERCEPTIONS, WHILE OUR PRIME CONCERN SHOULD BE "OUR OWN PERCEPTION" DURING WATCHING ANY OF THE MOVIES.

"Ved" is presented in this movie "as a mouthpiece of Imtiazali(the producer of the movie". The character is flawed by nature(egoistic), mechanical(bookish like) and conventional, conservative in terms of living life.

While in its contradiction, we see "Tara" who represents "modern way of living life". Who is carefree, practical, rational and bit emotional one(as last occurs in her personality).

The story unfolds in such a way, that both of them first decide to hide their identities and just stay with one another, gradually they fall in love with each other and they are separated. 

"A single journey of life is ended".

As It is said "Ignorance is bliss"! Same has happened with both of them, they remain in bliss, but as soon as they become familiar to each other, the exact charm is lost. As "marriage institution" represents "conventionality" by being conventional, "Ved" proposes "Tara" to be his "life-partner for life" but he was refused and that makes "Tara" realizes that, perhaps "Ved" has some complexities/flaws in his character, as he is unable to tolerate "Tara's words" and left her, without any possible reaction. Though "Tara" as came to realise her own "peripetia" for "Ved", goes to convey her apology but he is lost in his own identity as he is extremely hurt by "Tara's refusal words" but didn't ever try to see the same thing with "Tara's insight" as he was used to, when both were living in absence of their identities and shows inability to cope up/compromise and understand the situational trauma, generated between the duo.

At last when "hero" arrives to ask the fakeer for what will be his left part of the story of his forthcoming life? He is addressed as "incompetent" by him, as he has to ask others for his own "life's story".

Through his(Imtiaz Ali)movies like; Tamasha, Highway, Socha na tha, Rockstar, Jab Harry met Sejal, Cocktail, Love aajkal, he has shown all the heroines progressive, not in degression as in 90s movies "heroines were shown as unable to survive without hero" but here "under reflection of modern cinema" those survive and have the will power to win over on any situation(s)/condition(s).

Then he also introduced a glimpse of (highway movie) where the heroine reflects "Tara's characteristics"  and is abducted, gradually the bond gets developed between the duo; heroine as well as hero and they fell in love. A favourable remarks were given to this movie by sir, as it has 'positive connotation' in it.

To know the story further click here

Hence after watching "both the movies" we come to realise that it is all about "the human role in daily life" and perhaps the sense one will get from "within" not "without" while both are reflecting opposite sides of each coins, it is a performance, which one has to perform now and then, without denial, by building a sense of responsibility and maturity. On the other side it emphasises on its contradictory tendency of aforementioned tendency.

Thankyou 

Samiya Kagdi

A learner at PG center

Department of English

MKBU

Source:

Today's session(Talk on "Imtiaz Ali's movies").

Victorean_Romanticism_comparison_And_Victoreanwriters

Welcome Readers!

Introduction:

With reference to "W.J. Long's History of English Literature text" , Romantic era starts from 1800 and ends in 1850. While Victorean era from 1850-1900. Then there is 'historical summary' written on both era, Romantic as well as Victorean along with their literary characteristics. As we move further we are to see some of the writers of 'Victorian age' like; Robert Browning(1812-1889), Alfred Tennyson(1809-1892), Charles Dickens(1812-1870) and George Eliot(1819-1880) along with a brief analyzation of their works.

Keywords:Historical_Summary_Romantic_and_Victorean_era_Literary_Characteristics: Victorian and Romantic age: The age of prose, The moral purpose, Idealism, Romantic Enthusiasm, The age of poetry, Woman as novelists and The modern magazines. _Robert Browning_Tennyson_Charles_Dickens_George_Eliot_and_Works.

A brief combined historical summary of Romantic and Victorean era:

Romantic history starts with "French Revolution, starting from 1789 to 1799 and coming to the full end about 18th century.

King George

Where the "three watch words of French Revolution" are given, those are; equality, fraternity and liberty. When looking this first aspect in 'Victorean historical 

Queen Victorea

summary', we are to see 'Democarcy' as the first point, which helped in the establishment of 'the house of commons' and striped off the divine ruling government party, and a series of new reform bills extend the suffrage, until the whole body don't select for themselves their respective country's and their's representator.

As a result it has 'economic disaster' rather than political one. Where wealth was unequally distributed and spent to serve for military aid and official alliances rather than satiating requirements of the poor people. Instead they were imposed a heavy tax, and so unable to resist due to famine prices on corn and wheat. As a result we had a riotal group of men&women, seeking food for their survival. In Victorean era we had "social unrest". Where the "slave trade" was abolished in 1833, but due to the England people's recognization of not only "negro people" are involved in slavery but also their women, men and little children are equally involved in this trivial work, working in mines and factories,  and as a result in the furthering topic we see that those were striving to establish peace by looking in themselves and the evils hidden somewhere. While in 'Romantic era's last portion of its history, we see that reformation was done in various areas of then prevailing disaster.

Combined study of Literary characteristics of the two ages(Victorean Vs Romanticism):

The_Age_Of_Poetry_Vs_The_Age_Of_Prose:

Pleasure(Romanticism) Vs Peril(Victorean)

Both "Romantic age" and "Victorian age" are emphatic in genre, one is subsequently an age of 'poetry' another is of 'prose'. In former we can see glory of the age in poetry of Scott, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, Keats, Moore and Southey. Exceptionality can be seen in latter one, as he has written far more better proses than poetries. On contradictory if we peep into "Victorean era" the era's tendency led genre to 'prose writing'. With the spread of education it was 'the age of newspaper, the magazine and the modern novel'. The first two being the story of the world's daily life, and the last our pleasantest form of literary entertainment, as well as our most successful method of presenting 'modern problems' and 'ideals'. Exceptionally the number of novels increased in this age, can't be found in any of the era. The prominent writers of the latter genre were Charles Dickens,  William Thackeray, George Eliot etc.

Romantic_Enthusiasm_Vs_Idealism:

Romantic age was the age of 'spontaneity', while Victorean age was known for science(in the name of evolution). As the former age was naturalized in nature and regarded with spontaneity, it was unaffected in nature as well as in man, and was free to follow it's own fancy in it's own way:

Free to follow one's fancy: Best example from one of the poet laureates of this age.

If we see in Victorian age with the same aspect, the age was known for idealism, but the idealism was connected with the evolutionary theory of science, from one may knew from where one has been evolved, but as characterised also as 'pessimism' perhaps its aftermath consequences were beyond repair. As in W.J. Long's text(History of English Literature) an example of cologne cathedral is given:

Which seems to be studied in very large context but when went closer to its walls and buttresses it seems  mere 'a shapeless pile of stone'.

If elaborating this to an extent, it can be assumed that from far away 'idealism' was seen, but was in disillusioned state, giving hope that it can be searched and perhaps will get succeed. When finally approach through it was with full of despairity and so it leads to the dullness of idealism, only detected but didn't reach to any conclusion.

Moral_Purpose_Vs_Women_As_Novelists_/\_The_Modern_magazines:


The 'Victorian age' is known for 'moral purpose'. As Oscar Wilde's idea of "Art for art's sake" was supplanted to "moral purpose". If in another age we see, we find 'women' as writers. As it is mentioned in the text(women's very tendency is to be responsive with magnificiency and has tendency to grab any fair opportunity). Those were emotional, while the Victorian writers were influenced with 'moral sense' and were engaged in searching for deeply implied truth. Not the reality and naturality of "Ibsen" and "Zola", which categorised as disillusiveness.

In modern magazines at first criticism was very destructive, but added wisdom criticism assumed it's TRUE function of construction. Where many writers have contributed.

Thus by concluding three subpoints of the literary characteristics of both the ages, we came to know here how the spontaneity of poetry and prose differs from one another, though in nature both are empathic. It has same regardance with "Romantic enthusiasm" where spontaneity is unaffected in both man and nature and idealism as disillusive and lastly women as novelists, moral purpose and the modern magazine, can be seen subsequently as again a glimpse of romanticism, concerning here women, who through education are going to excel in their lives, at other side Ruskin, Tennyson, Browning all remain to be the truth seeker rather than believing in 'superficial realism' of Ibsen and Zola, while lastly we have 'modern magazine's as a literary characteristic, where though writers such as Scott, Keats, Byron etc were criticised but such things were for their welfare and they excelled accordingly and created "a constructive type criticism".

Life's reflection on works: Browning & Tennyson:

Tennyson:

He had great impulse towards poetry, he hadn't shown any wild oats, hadn't reverses or successes and experiences, no business care and public offices.
It was written after his friend's "Hallam's death" in 1833. A first elegy on his friend:

Break, Break, Break:
"And I would that my tongue could utter

         The thoughts that arise in me,

O, well for the fisherman's boy;
That he shouts with his sister at play"!

Seems to be raw description as only he has felt in his prior days, and the surroundings of children(suggests here his childhood days, which perhaps he had spent with his friend)which he has observed, not giving any mature message but a sorrowful tendency of nostalgia.

As he had experienced his school life, but unable to cope up with, as some frightening and hidden activities were going one there, facing his friend's Hallam's death, ceasing himself for ten years from writing, he writes "In Memoriam and Idylls of the king.

We will see his later writing tendency from the former poem:

In Memoriam:
"We have but faith: we can't know,
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: Let it grow".

As it was written after ten years of his friends death; he describes faith: as unable to know, while 'knowledge' is being differentiated from the action verb 'know's and he says: knowledge is something we can see and thus we perceive that all material things are provided by you, but you can't be seen, you things are visible, if factually it is provided by you, then you both should be either visible or invisible but should be in a single category rather than keeping on travelling from one side to another. Impact of science can be seen in this poem as the absurd era of 'Twentieth century' was about to approach. As the idea of God can't be made rationale then let a beam to be in darkness to grow.

Thus we learnt here how "Tennyson" has great impulse towards poetry and how by passing through a variety of circumstances, one of which was poverty, he gained recognition in literary world.


Browning:

As we aren't concerning here "Browning's background of his record of parents". Though influence can be seen in his furthering life. We are only concerning here, how he was:

His schooling was short and desultory, and education was being attended by 'private tutors and his father'. Later on he was left to follow his own inclination. But he was influenced by "Elizabeth Barrett" concerning his career and life.

He had a typical "Briton like personality". But as it is mentioned in (W.J. Long's text): that our views changes when he is seen from different angles in lifeless portrayal. Sometimes he seems to be a business-man, a German Scientist and also it gives a curious suggestion of "uncle Remus". Which was actually a reflection of his mixed and unremembered ancestors.

As we have seen that his thoughts were obscure at first, we can assume that perhaps he was influenced with some hidden powers, which were overcoming on him and so perhaps his writings are just moving from one thought to another and had ejaculations on and often and as a result we have his some early poems, which remains very subtle in language and sometimes blurr.

Rabbi_Ben_Ezra:

"Thoughts hardly to be packed
Into a narrow act,
Fancies that broke through language and escaped".

First two lines shows 'subtlity'
In his later life, maturity can be felt in his works, as conveying optimism and giving life's moral message:

Paracelsus:

"I see my way as birds their trackless way,
I shall arrive,_what time what circuit first,
I ask not; but unless God send his hail
Or blinding fire-balls, sleet or stifling stone"

The poem indicates 'optimism' as poet doesn't want to arrive at any destination, but unbounded wants to fly, without any limitations but has instinction to God.

It seems that though at first he was ridiculed and criticized vehemently, by some writers, inspired by "Tennyson's critique on Sordello", he didn't loose his hope and courage to get excellation in his life and career and ultimately he was succeeded and transformed his life into maturity phase of life, which was actually confused earlier between hallucinatinative thoughts.

CHARLES_DICKENS: 1812-1870
Charles Dickens was known for his works, comprising in it some views of his life:

He presented his views on 'poor children's wandering lonely in the streets(reflecting his early life also).
His life as a clerk in law office and courts, where he learnt about enemies and victims, who have been equally targeted of the then prevailing harsh laws.

He worked as news reporter then became a manager, and by being there learnt racy writing and got familiar with public taste.

He was a great actor, he seized every opportunity coming in front of him, if it is any situation, public gesture or voice or any person.

These four characteristics reflected in his works, where his two sensible elements can also be seen, altogether with life experiences and struggle, which he confronted throughout his life.

For Example : Oliver Twist - 1837

In this novel we have seen, nine year old parish boy, who has run away from the workhouse to London. Where he meets 'Artful Dogger' who is the leader of the boy gang of pickpocketers, after much struggle he came out of it and accidently is met with 'Fagin' who is running a criminal gang, and teaches them unlawful things to satiate his own thirst of surviving through collecting money from stealing things.

"Such is the influence which the condition of our own thoughts, exercises, even over the appearance of external objects. Men who look on nature, and their fellow-men, and cry that all is dark and gloomy, are in the right; but the sombre colours are reflections from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts. The real hues are delicate, and need a clearer vision".

In aforementioned stanza it is being said that: such are the unknown things, which are  influencing our thoughts, exercises and affecting appearance of external objects. Men who is an outsider observant of humanbeing as well as of nature, will understand that all right if one is crying over any gloomy and dark situation and a person who is influenced by its surroundings, but fails to realise that these 'sombre colours' are actually the result of their own 'jaundiced(pale) hearts and eyes(bad activities) rather than anything else.

The last line describes "Oliver Twist" a protagonist of this novel, who was delicate and had a clear vision. Perhaps here a novelist is indicating towards himself also.


"People like us don't go out at night cause people like them see us for what we are".

Some are not born criminals, situation is made such that those are becoming killers and murderers. Exactly the very stanza says: here "them" is directed to those people, who are outside wanderers and who are always in search of one, who can make their unlawful activities easy going and so they always concern their outcome benefits, for that one person and utilize him for his own personal benefits.(we can see in this context the character of Oliver Twist, and contrast Fagin and Artful Dogger)

"The sun,--the bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man--burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. Through costly-coloured glass and paper-mended window, through cathedral dome and rotten crevice, it shed its equal ray".

This last stanza describes 'optimism'. Where "the bright sun" is personified in persona and perhaps on "Oliver Twist" who literally remains through out the novel a ray of hope in himself and also for others.

All in all we got to know here since first described stanza, we see the authors sensibility towards the people of his times and also a realization of their situation, from another we learnt how innocents are being detected by the culprits for their own benefits and lastly the stanza describes optimistic state of the protagonist/author/novel.


GEORGE_ELIOT(1819-1880):
Mary Ann Evans, with her real name proceeded into her life since her birth, her life was fluctuated from time to time. An incident of her life can be described here that: when she was of 21, her family moved to "Foleshill Road, near Coventry" where she became acquainted with the family of "Charles Bray": a prosperous ribbon manufacturer, whose house was a gathering place for the freethinkers. The effect of this atmosphere on liberal thinkers upon Miss. Evans was in a narrowing state and she lost sympathy towards them.

• In her works, she represented: "the inner struggle of the soul":

Only those who know the supremacy of the intellectual life—the life which has a seed of ennobling thought and purpose within it—can understand the grief of one who falls from that serene activity into the absorbing soul-wasting struggle with worldly annoyances:

In this stanza, as written in simple language, one can read that it is being told by a person who is now nowhere in his life and feeling as 'a soul wasting his time with worldly annoyances' but he says:that one who knows 'the supremacy of intellectual life, will perhaps be empathetic with him.

• Revelation of motives, impulses and hereditary influences, which govern human action:

When "Dorothea" come to know about "Casaubon's will, she was frustrated. Casaubon wanted to inherit on her, his property influence so that she would be restricted from marrying 'Will -Ladislaw'. As a governing action we can see here "Dorothea's determination to marry Will-Ladislaw" and as revelation of motives, we can see here "the will of Casaubon for Dorothea".

• Minutely explaining the motives of her characters:

Equally as we saw in aforementioned explicit description of "Casaubon's motives" we can take the similar example here as it is minutely explained here by mentioning 'Will - Ladislaw's name in property's will.

"Genius consisting neither in self-conceit nor in humilty, but in a power to making or do, not anything in general, but something in particular":

This stanza conveys the determined ideal will of Dorothea, where she as an idealistic woman believes in doing something in particular/unique rather than hurling herself into generalizations.

• Moral lesson(learning):

That by desiring what is perfectly good, even when we don't quite know what it is and cannot do what we would, we are part of the divine power against evil -- widening the skirts of light and making the struggle with darkness narrower".

The very stanza depicts a moral personality. If a person is influenced by pious morality, she/he would be enlightened by God's divine power and that particular personality may have such light that he/she will widen his/her skirts of enlightenment and will make everyone's struggle with darkness narrower.

• Her interest in development of a soul, the slow growth of moral power/declination:

Souls have complexions too: what will suit one will not suit another.

Many a times it happens that a person is stucked in between his/her choices, and due to undecidability one is unable to reach at any  willing conclusion and so as a result mental faculty becomes distortive sometime.

Thus we learnt here how "George Eliot" has mirrored all her life's experiences in all her works.

Thankyou
Samiya Kagdi
A learner at PG center
Department of English
MKBU




Applied Sources:
https://en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Oliver_Twist
W.J. Long's text: History of English Literature.

CHAPPAK-MOVIE

Chappak Movie

Storyline of the movie:

The story is based on "Laxmi Agarwal's life". Who was 16years old, when met with acid attack, attacked by three assailants, one of which was  32years old, and he did so because once "Laxmi" had refused him, when he was trying to have romantic advances with her. Channeling anger into action, she turned adversity into advocacy and become a high profile campaigner for banning the sale of acid, and was entitled as "an international women of courage" in 2005 by "Michelle Obama".

ANALYSIS ON CHAPPAK MOVIE

THE MOVIE IS BASED ON "ACID ATTACK SURVIVOR".

• HOW SHE IS ATTACKED.

• HOW SHE HEAL HERSELF.

• THINKS FOR OTHERS'S FITTEST SURVIVAL.

• ULTIMATELY, HOW THE CULPRITS ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.

Concerning all the four points in mind, always in any movie there is a medium through whom the incident is getting public attraction / attention. Here an old man is depicted, who is trying to gain public's attention on a passport size photo. Which is actually of his own 'acid victim' daughter.

Many gives attention, many ignores. Reacts as a mad man is just passing by, don't know what has happened to him, just going on shouting and complaining for something.

While some understands, but can't either contribute in consolation or support as they know that "this is a particular tradition, which is constantly being hurled on a girl child and as no one is raising voice, how they can"....!!! And if perhaps they will, what would be the consequences, won't they be punished by the culprits, who are assumed to be much powerful than these poor people.

Actually isn't the case... The incident is somethingelse..let's see..

Malti (the acid attack survivor) already knows that now it has happened with her. So instead of crying on a particular thing, why not to uplift herself and answer those, who're responsible for her terrific situation. Which isn't suggesting her either way, but has made her traumatic as she can't even properly digest or just vomit the things. Rather has to seek for solution..

She determines that she should heal herself, and as her life is now beyond repair and it isn't reparable, then why to worry..? She can empower other women / girl child to be powerful and must fight against any intentional violent attack and in this way, she may have catharsis of the violence, underwent by her.

Eventually she joins an NGO COMPANY, runned by (Vikrant Massey),  a step towards upliftment is already being taken and about to transform adversity into advocacy. Ultimately brings those three assailants to justice and in this manner, the story gets end.

Hence we learnt here how a girl, who is very innocent, just come to know what is beauty, and her beauty is suddenly tainted.

Was she knowing that in coming time, something horrific is going to happen?

Her happiness will transform into darkness (gloom / bleakness)?

Her excitement will convert into silence?

Was she knowing everything....? No. But abruptly it happens, and changes her life, her motto of the life and her journey of the life..

Noone can predict for such gloomy journey..So how she can..!

How due to someone's jealousy, ignorance and false attitude, an innocent being has to endlessly suffer..! Without complaining or expecting anything, just has to fight for herself and seek solutions from the situations, which she is going to face.

She is getting her happiness in the form of life-partner but lastly and which is also indefinite, if it will last or not.

As we always say: "Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder"..

But literally is it so?

In this manner the story comes to an end. It is screened after the "Nirbhaya Rape Case" which is being given judiciary justification and the culprits are hanged to death.

THANKYOU

S. Y. KAGDI

A LEARNER AT PG CENTER

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

MKBU

Structuralism approach with contemporary movie : super30

Welcome readers!
Let's see how "Structural approach" is applicable in "super30 movie"..

Thinking Activity : Structuralism

Warmly welcoming all!

Let's  have a look into the process of the "structuralism approach" through which we are going to analyze, and critique the literary text called "Mobydick"-Herman Melville, 1851 and a contemporary movie called "SUPER30"..

The Application of "Structuralism approach".

Applicable theory:

(Concernment with prose narratives)

We will see all the elements consequently:

Taking "Mobydick" to apply "Structuralism approach":

1. Larger containing structure of the text, comprises:                   Conventions of a particular literary genre/Network of "intertextual connections":

When we see the conventions of "Mobydick" in particular,  we are to see that it has a variety of characters, representing different religions, behavioural patterns,  also the story of Jonah told by "Father Mapple " which is based on conventionality(myth of Jonah in Hebrew[Rabbanic literature], you can refer some of the characters such as; Bildad, Queeqeg, Tashtego, Stubb, who are representing different traditions, as per their culture.

To refer in detail, click on the below mentioned two links:

• https://www.thoughtco.com/characters-in-moby-dick-4154874
• https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mobydick/characters/

As said in aforementioned matter, it is descended from "Hebrew Bible". According to which as "Father Mapple" dictates the "sermon" that "As Jonah has disobeyed God and "the white whale" has, due to his disobedience to God ,swallowed him. By being in Whale's body, he realises that what he had been rewarded by God, is due to his disobedience to him, so it is fair enough that he is given this kind of punishment and so he is surrendering to God, but as he felt the reflecting peripetia, he was exonerated by God. As usual "Ahab" is contemplating in this statement, though many a times he has been given indirectly warning that "one shouldn't break the law of nature" by Mobydick as "he had crushed his leg" to make him aware of, but he fails to realise and subsequently, inviting his own downfall. This is the "allegorical concept" that hovers Ahab throughout the novel.

• A projected model of an "underlying universal narrative structure"/ A notion of narrative "as a complex of recurrent patterns or motifs":

As we have seen in the novel, that the novel is opening up with the narrative character called "Ishmael" and the readers are suppose to peep into it through his eyes. At first we are having under the chapter called "loomings" how the surroundings of "Bedford" is reflecting "Ishmael", we have many suggestive symbols for "fireshadowy literary device" which we are going to discuss under (second section) of "structuralism approach".

Then as the novel unfolds further, we see "Captain Ahab" who is the main captain of the ship, called "Pequod"(we also has its description) then Ahab's himself's description, and the incident of whale(who has crushed his leg, and so now he has another readymade leg) and how he is passionate to take his "revenge".

An egocentric personality: Ahab himself.

Then the story moves further and he has at his disposal to help him, in his motto, many sailors, who represent different identities and ideas, which seem to be very facilitative for him and how in aftermath indulge everyone with him "in fanatic revenge".

At last when it is about to resolve, and the story is at its peak, we saw that due to his stubbornness, rigidity and determinative personality he himself is swallowed to death, and likewise the story end fatally.

In this manner the entire story is having its end, with the described three elements of "universal narrative style" as the novel is in "Chapter sequence" it can't be classified into any act.

To refer to the entire story, click on the below given link:

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby-Dick
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure

We are to see in this novel an ample of "archetyple images along with some specific sermonial myth". As the novel unfolds we see "crossed harpooners" his "biblical name" symbolizes orphan, socially outcasted, abandoned, exiled, also we have "biblical sermon" of Father Mapple, whose story as mentioned above(under conventionality[myth]), the sperm white whale, himself suggest "the supernatural power" (he himself is representing a recurrence of some power, which is in itself is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient)as he is exceptional from other whales in sea. His "spouting manner" his often coming style, as when in novel just Ahab is in dilemma of where he is and he changes his direction of attacking, suggesting some hidden like foreshadowing to spread its roots in the novel. Many characters and their thoughts also suggest some complexity, which is hidden but can't be seen, seen when it is coming to confront. While we also see "Ahab's personality" as a tall and determinative character, though he had lost his leg in scuffle with "white whale", he also symbolises a superior power to "God creatures" but fails to and lastly, he is swallowed to death by "Mobydick".

You may have an idea from this image, how a hidden and mysterious message is navigated through his eyes.

Refer to the below link to know more about the "recurring motifs" in Mobydick, regarding seal's depth, surface and albinos whiteness.

• https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mobydick/motifs/

2. Interpret literature in terms of a range of "underlying parallels with the structures of language, as described by "Modern linguistics", Science and Philosophy:

For instance: The notion of the "mytheme" posited by "Levi Strauss" denoting the minimal units of narrative sense, is formed on the analogy of the morpheme is the 'ed's added to a verb to denote the past tense.

In "Mobydick" we see many scientific aspects, regarding the ship, it's all tools, and the harpooning process to catch tge fish, how it has to be rounded around the drum,  a thick rope with some dense quality, from which one would be able to catch the fish.

The myth regarded with "Jonah" a Hebrew character also has "cultural, religious and mythical aspects". One example can be taken from the novel itself(of myth). 

For example: some modern scholars of folklore have noted similarities between "Jonah and other legendary figures" such as "Gilgamesh" and the Greek hero "Jason"(cultural tendency). Furthermore there are many characters who are representing their own identities, through their cultures.

To know more about "Gilgamesh" and "Jason", tap the below links:

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason

Also it has philosophic tone as propagated by the supernaturality of "the white sperm whale" and the story of biblical character called "Jonah". Along with this the novel has "allegorical tone" which fluctuates between past and present and somewhere in future(when especially denoting the confronting archetypal significance of any thing/obeject) while it is written in very simple language, with the implication of different field's words. related with "Islam", Christianity,  and many other religions, related to the different characters, contemplated in the novel.

For example:

Ramdan(Islam)

Christianity.

( Along with Ishamel)

Thus we saw the underlying parallels of language structure along with the "modern linguists approach, introduced with Philosophy and Science.

3. They apply "the concept of systematic patterning and structuring to the whole field of western culture" and across cultures treating as "systems of signs" anything from "ancient greek myths" to brands of "soap powder":

Add Scenes from Greek mythology depicted in ancient art. Left-to-right, top-to-bottom: the birth of Aphrodite, a revel with Dionysus and Silenus, Adonis playing the kithara for Aphrodite, Heracles slaying the Lernaean Hydra, the Colchian dragon regurgitating Jason in the presence of Athena, Hermes with his mother Maia, the Trojan Horse, and Odysseus's ship sailing past the island of the sirens

As we have seen in this novel that "Ahab" himself thinks that he is powerful than other creatures (especially here Mobydick) who represents supernatural power. While Ahab is unable to digest this contemplation and considering himself as a human(as something like God, and logocentric, a man) so he can control and dominate the world, then how a mere insignificant creature can hurt him! Who himself is dependent on human beings, as we know as we human beings are powerful, in respect of our understanding, knowledge and intellectualism, while they are only creature and they have to do, what God have assigned them to do. Then how he can attack a human, who is all powerful? It is where he failed to understand "the nature of law" and encounters his own downfall. Also the character called "Ahab" is possessing the quality of "horse strength" but in  intellectualism it differs, it can be compared with other legendary characters, who were existing on ancient Greek times. While we see the same thing then it will differ among tribal people "as they privileges nature over man". Also differs from religion to religion, culture to culture, to facilitate "Ahab's character and his attitudes, we also have a supportive argument from "Ferdinand de Sausurre" in deconstruction, that as they(westerners) weren't giving importance to the "being" of "beings" he wants to dismantle or subvert the entire western thought, to which "Derrida's reconstitution" idea was redesigned.

Thus we learnt here how with the help of the three tools of structuralism along with its sub tools, how we have applied this into this literary text.

Refer to the below mentioned link, to review "super30 movie" in structural aspects:

https://samiyakagdi313.blogspot.com/2020/01/structuralism-approach-with.html

Referring this with 'Post-Structuralism approach':

Foundation of which was laid by: Ferdinand De Saussure, Claude Levi Strauss and Jacques Derrida:

No 'realities' and 'truth'.

Understandable in 'historical construction'.

Can be understood as a 'criticism of structuralism'.

Emphasise on 'the system of knowledge'  rather than on 'subject'.

POST-STRUCTURALISM APPROACH-MOBYDICK:

As in 'Neolithic age' historicity was as such that some tribals were used to worship nature and having 'animals' in their food as well as for performing rituals, since then perhaps this thought process of "Man capable to destroy the creation of God" is prevailing. As Adam is given privilege of 'first man' on Earth by God, accordingly we find in 'Genesis': a God centric society. In a way if we see, actually "Ahab" is reflecting here the same tendency as written in Bible/Quran/in any of the religious scriptures or we can also say for "Ahab" similarizing 'tribal, natural way of living life' keeping in mind this, he would have attacked but as retreated, founding something unusual led to revenge.

For example: Bible: Milton's - Paradise lost(presents human persepective), Quran: Betty Mehmoody - Not without my daughter(a story of a Christian woman, marries to an Islamist[an Iran-American doctor] but on her journey to Iran for two weeks, she is trapped there and the other part of the story is recounted on her struggle to come out from there, and to go through to "America"). Then also on another hand we also have "a political satire" on human life, reflecting that time of "Russian policy". Where also if we see with animal's lens we found that as we treat them handle them, weren't they thinking to do with us the same? and so if in this direction we see, we find them appropriate to their approach, the sole difference is that they can't speak, exceptionally as human beings have speech, because that wasn't developed and remained at "embryo level".

If we talk about the system of knowledge: it was highly influenced by 'Philosophical, religious and moral tendencies'.

For example: "The ceremonial preaching of Father Mapple" , archetypal significance of this message, connected with morality(with reference to Jonah's story, swallowed by White fish), Ishmael can also seen in same boat of morality and one of the sailors who tried to persuade 'Ahab' to give up his idea on taking fanatical revenge with "Mobydick" as it will ruin his life, and ultimately it had that predictable end, that person as having "moral sense". Many of the sailors, who weren't able to express themselves and blindly following 'Ahab's idealism' etc. Ultimately we must say that it was all based on "mythical influence" and the beliefs connected with human society.

Doing criticism of 'Structuarlism' as done concerning 'three points'. For example if we take "Mobydick" and if we see this in historical context, can it be made possible that "a mere creature" is able to swallow up a human being, who himself is representing "God-like personality". If the writer has tried to, won't he be able to show an another side of the story of this novel that: Ahab as a man, as we had seen as intellectually, emotionally, scientifically very strong and with full understanding of the society, surrounding him. If he had, won't "Mobydick" be killed by him than himself by Mobydick? but perhaps writer wants to show here "the privilege of all creatures of God, than centralizing only the human beings", he believes in 'anthropocentricism approach' rather than in 'androcentricism'. So he has tried to show likewise and we can conclude that "the system of knowledge" was based on religio-philosophical belief. If we evaluate the life of "Ahab" and the sailors surrounding him, we come to know that it can be seen in Ahab's determination to kill Mobydick, some becomes mad of his fanatical thought, some becomes persuasive and tries to persuade him. All in all if we see "there is only one event/one idea" but impact on public is vivid and perhaps likewise is happening with the audience/readers.

Hence in this way "post - structuralism" may be working, which I had tried to highlight in brief and can be reflected in this manner in any work.

Thankyou

Samiya Kagdi

A learner at PG center

Department of English 

MKBU

Applied sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Mapple

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mobydick/characters/

https://samiyakagdi313.blogspot.com/2020/01/structuralism-approach-with.html

https://dilipbarad.blogspot.com/2015/03/structuralism-and-literary-criticism.html

Category: Literary Criticism: Hermenuetics/analysis/critique in terms of structural and Post-structural approaches.

Applied texts: Mobydick - Herman Melville, Not without my daughter - Betty Mehmoody, super30 - Vikas Bahl, Paradise Lost - John Milton and Animal Farm - George Orwell.