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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Prose Writer

The British impact on India has given rise to an impressive mass of writing in English could be conveniently described as ‘Indo-English literature’. In this sphere, Indian prose writing in English however, came rather earlier than writing in verse, and the prose writers though not necessary known to fame, they far more numerous than the poets. 
 However the three masters of prose were famous in the modern period. First was the Radhakrishnan, the philosopher with an international reputation. Second was Nirad Chaudhary who became a master in prose style after his ‘The autobiography of Unknown Indian’. Third was N. Raghanathan as great essayist. But our attention would be on to Dr. Radhakrishanan and Nirad Chaudhary. Let’s discuss about them in detailed.
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Novelists: Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Manohar Malgonkar and Kamala Markandeya



Indian Renaissance  Novelists: Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Manohar Malgonkar and Kamala Markandeya

There are many novelists in Indian English writing, but a few of them have taken very seriously the art of writing in terms of their talent we can think of Mulk Raj Anand and R.K. Narayan. They remained stuck to the course of creative writing. It was not a by product for them. before independence and after it, there came other novelists who took the form on their should and carried to a higher level. There we shave have to remember Manohar Malgonkar and Kamala Markandeya.
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Indian Renaissance The novel: Themes, Background, Types



Indian Renaissance The novel: Themes, Background, Types
            The ‘novel’ is novel to India. We had other form very rich but there was no novel. No doubt ‘Kadambari’ by Bana and ‘Vasavaduatt’ Subandhu are often referred but there are not fit. It is in 19th century and especially the western influence brought this form. In the beginning translation came. Classics were adapted and abridged but that gave way to original Indian novels. India being a large subcontinent, many languages are there and so many regional novels came.
(A) Pioneers: Bengali Novelist: Bankim-Taogre-Sarat:-
Indian Renaissance in Bengali Renaissance. Later on it spread all over, it is but natural that Bengali writers led the way. First novel was traced in 1858, which was ‘Alaler Gharer Dulal’. But with the coming of Bankim Chandra Chattergee the novel made the mark. His first effort ‘Rajmohan’s Wife’ become first Indian novel in English. Other Bengali novels came out and were translated into English. They are: ‘Durgeshnandini, ‘Kopalkundala’, ‘Vishavriksha’, ‘Krishnakantar Uyil’, ‘Anandmath’ and ‘Devi Choudhuani’. Toru Dutt’s ‘Biance’, Raj Lakshmi Devi’s ‘The Hindu Wife’ etc. appeared too.

Indian Renaissance Gandhi Literature



Indian Renaissance Gandhi Literature
            M.K. Gandhi was a gigantic man. ‘He was an organization. For India he is an ‘avatar’
            “He was no doubt primarily a man of God, but he was also a practical man who was more keen on doing the right things under all conceivable circumstances than in making an exhibition of tight-rope dancing in the interest of theoretical consistency.”
            Whatever he did was experiments with truth which he thought as God. There are lots of things which stand as values of life. He was a humanist, a man of religion and a nationalist and patriot. In Africa or in India, he had struggles with the Whites or the English yet there was not enmity against them. He learnt English and studied law. He was a pure Indian. Simplicity was a marked quality which is found not only in his life but also in writing. He had faith in men that lead to hatred of machines. Inequality in class and trade were horrible and separated a man from the society. His aim was ‘Sarvodaya’. Gandhi remained a pioneer in social changes. He turned a leader and as the leader he immensely influenced Indians, Indians, African and the whole world. His life and deeds can’t be described in short span.


Poetry: - Toru Dutt, Tagore, Aurobindo, Sarojini Naidu.



Poetry: - Toru Dutt, Tagore, Aurobindo, Sarojini Naidu.

            India English poetry has its own achievement. It’s a phenomenon, covering colonial and post colonial period. It has legacy of English period as well as conflicts against it. Our great national leaders, thinkers have remained practitioners including Derozio, Aurobindo and Sarojini Naidu. Like British literature, Indian English poetry has not clear classification according to periods. Though Naik has periodized it :-
  1. From the beginning to 1857
  2. 1857-1920
  3. 1920 – 1947 and
  4. Independence and after
            There is no explain except historical or political; Toru Dutt, Aurobindo, Tagore, and Naidu could be put into second period of 1857 – 1920. According to others as there are no fixed reasons of classifications, great periods have been considered.
1.      1825 – 1900: colonial period
2.      1900 – 1950 : nationalism and
3.      1950 – 1980: modernism
4.      After 1980: post modernism.


 

Indian Renaissance Indian Renaissance



Indian Renaissance  Indian Renaissance
            In the very early nineteenth century renaissance came to India. New life and a new thought began to be noticed. Old spirit and national ideas were revived. This renaissance is not to English but to Irish one. English Renaissance is marked by Christianity, Teatonised and Greek influence. As Ireland awakened her national spirit, spiritual force. India did the same.
            “The shaping of a new body of new philosophical, artistic, literary, cultural, political social forms by the same soul rejuveneseent was the type of the Indian Renaissance.” Beginning of education and study of western literature and publication of news papers are the chief causes of renaissance.
In a miserable time some of the events changed India. The battle of Plessey was fought in 1757. Revenue administration took place in 1772. Warren Hastings established the Calcutta Madras in 1781. Sir William Jones organized the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. He and Sir Thomas Munro are prominent persons. They were called ‘Brahmianised Britons’ East India Company began to have commercial and political powers. Missionaries wanted religions domain. Divided India itself was in a miserable condition.
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Indian Renaissance “The beginnings; Rammohan Roy”



Indian Renaissance  “The beginnings; Rammohan Roy”
            Indian literature existed since long. We shall see the beginning of India literature with a reasonable mind. If we have to inquire, we must see three factors: the race, the milieu, and the moment. ‘Our race’ is mixed Indian race because of invasions, conquests and occupation within a period of five thousand year. ‘Milieu’ is various because of vast subcontinents. Geographically and culturally there is a great variety. While moment’ covers the meeting of the west and India.
            During 17th and 18th century India was chaos. Many westerners came and began to rule while the Indians themselves were divided. It was the waste-land. Neither vitality of life nor intellectual activity was found so life was miserable. Economy and trade flourished, social system of cast and creed was maintained. Decadence was there but not.


 
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Describe Gandhi as a writer.



Q: - 4 Describe Gandhi as a writer.
Q: - 4 what is Gandhi’s Contribution as writer- Discuss his greatness in this regard.
Q: - 4 Discuss Gandhian style of writing.
            M.K Gandhi was not basically a writer. He was a leader in social and political fields. He started writing during his stay in Africa. His life style is reflected in the autobiography. He became a knowledge person and made him conscious of Writing. Moreover his profession also influenced in careful creation. He began to use writing for various motives. There is explanation, appeal, or clarification. Clarity and simplicity have remained great merits. Figurative use isn’t found as his purpose was to describe plainly. Digressions have come. Yet we have to remember that the narration is interesting, orderly, assertive and very much effective.

“Gandhi as a wonderful economist”


“Gandhi as a wonderful economist”
Q: - 3 Gandhi was a wonderful economist, Is it true?’ Elaborate your views in reference to the Autobiography. OR
What are Gandhi’s views on economics, agriculture in industry and industry over all? – Explain them.

            Gandhian philosophy is blended with economic views. It is surprising he is not a professional economist, yet his practice, thinking and own life-style is of spirituality, he found welfare of people through practice of truth and Ahimsha. Success of economic thoughts of Gandhi denied on it. Truth is social, political matter govern the life so they should be kept in mind. Gandhi moved to various places of Africa and India and was moved by ignorance and idleness. These are evils which spoil the lives of thousand of people. Add to this is problem of population. To solve these problems he gave many solutions. Living, home industry, rural industry, educated political awareness, sources-resources, following Brahmacharya were some other means remove the poverty and bring prosperity happiness.



“The Story of My Experiments with Truth” gives the message of spirituality, love, truth and non-violence.” Explain.

Gandhian Philosophy
Q:- 2 What is Gandhian philosophy? How this philosophy came to be known as such?
Or. “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” gives the message of spirituality, love, truth and non-violence.” Explain.
Or “The autobiography is a moral leader and Gandhi seems to be an Apostle.” Explain.
            The life style which shaped Gandhi’s life is known as Gandhism. His life is nothing but mixture of love, truth, spirituality and non-violence. Simplicity, honesty, moral high values and service to the people all marked his life. His autobiography and other plenty of writings, speeches, reflect these ideas and aspects. This is known as Gandhism or Gandhian philosophy. Practice of all those things made him an apostle. Autobiography is a pivotal work where he opened his book of life. That’s why the work has remained a moral leader.


The Story Of My Experiments With Truth” As autobiography



The Story Of My Experiments With Truth” As autobiography
Q:- 1 Describe “The Story Of My Experiments With Truth” as an autobiography Or.
Q:- 1 The autobiography is a transformation of ‘Mohan’ to ‘Mahatma’
¬   Introduction:-
 Autobiography is also a form of literature. It is an art. The narrator knows what to put and what not. He takes care of reader’s interest. Merely fact is not important but its impression on himself and its motive to tell become chief objects. The writer should keep in mind his openness and boldness to reveal the self. Glorifying one’s own personality shouldn’t be the purpose but shaping of the personality certainly would make a good work. In this light Gandhi’s autobiography should be seen.   


 

Character Of Padmini



Character Of Padmini
¬   Introduction:-
Þ          Padmini is the central character of the play, ‘Hayavadan’ by Girish Karnad. She is main person around whom the whole play revolves. Karnad has conveyed through this character a transparent sensibility- aspiring for the incarnation of perfection- a picture of ever thirsting modern woman. In this play, Karnad has made Kapila says,
“I know Padmini, what you want-
            Strong muscular body of Kapila and head of Devadatta.”

Character Of Kapila



Character Of Kapila
¬    Introduction:-
Þ          Kapila is one of the two youth of the city of Dharampura. He is the only son of the iron-smith Lohila. He is dark and plain to look at. In physical skills and strength, there is no equal to him. He is excellent in driving, daring, dancing, and strength. He is the man of muscles, with a powerful body and simple too. He is not much intelligent. Like Padmini his is also leaned toward Dionysian ego but he is innocent like a child. We can call him a rustic young man.

Title of “Hayavadana”



Title of “Hayavadana”
¬   Introduction:-
Þ          The title of a book should be very much appropriate to its theme. It should be very much suggestive and prefect. It gives idea of the story.
Þ          “Hayavadana” is such a title. Though the story of Hayavadan for forms the subplot of the play, it has relation with the main plot. Both the plots deal with the theme of ‘search or completeness or ‘quest for perfection’.

Lakshman



Lakshman
Lakshman:  Historical religious character:-
            Lakshman is a historical character. He was a prince of king Dashrath. In the great epic, ‘The Ramayana’ he is almost a shadow of Lord Rama. He is known for his brotherly love, faith and bravely.
            Toru Dutt was fascinated to ancient mythical stories. Her one collection refers the same. Many of her poems have issues or themes from the history. So Lakshman isn’t new for us but Toru’s poetic art is our concern. She narrates as she found him.

Faith and Helplessness of Lakshman; theme:-
            Lakshman is a great example of faith. In the forest he wanders with Rama and Sita. In a situation Rama goes for hunting on demand of Sita, he asks Lakshman to guard her at any coast. While he was guarding her, Sita heard a cry and believes it is her husbands shouting for help. She asks Lakshman to go and save but he denies and tells that his brother can not be defeated or killed so easily. It could be a mistake. At this time Sita becomes so angry that she tells a lot to Lakshman. For him on one side obedience to his brother is there and o the other Sita’s taunts and bitter remarks make him helpless. Lakshman’s helplessness is brought out by the poet.
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Our Casuarina Tree – Toru Dutt



Our Casuarina Tree – Toru Dutt
Tree; Symbol:-
            The tree symbolizes the pot’s feeling. Her childhood is associated with a Casuarina tree, which was standing in her garden. She grows up and goes away but tree remains in her memory. The poem is a ‘meeting point for the past and the present for time and eternity. This is the theme symbolically presented in another words. It is an admirable blend of local touches and literary reminiscences or objective description of the actual tree and the charm of association with Toru’s Childhood.
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Baugmaree- Toru Dutt



Baugmaree- Toru Dutt
The Title; the Garden:-
            The title is very suggestive and apt. The garden ‘Baugmaree’ is the main subject of the poem. The poet describes scenic beauty of the garden of her family. It shows her love for nature.

The content:-
            The garden covers her home. It girds around with its ‘sea of foliage’ of shades, with its vivid splashes of different colors. The sea of foliage isn’t dull. Green colour has variety. There is light green colour of graceful tamarind tree. Mango tree has deep green colour. Palm is also standing, no doubt it is green. They stand like gray pillars so there’s dull green color. Red color is fascination. There are many seemuls trees. They are almost cotton trees and they have maroon flower. They look very much red. They are startling like trumpet’s sound. They are leaning over the quite pools. Bamboos are standing to the eastward. They look lovelier than others, in moonlight. White lotuses are looking like a cup of silver in the midst of such natural beauty. One is sure to feel free and cheerful.

The Lotus-Toru Dutt



The Lotus-Toru Dutt
Toru Dutt: - (1856-1877)
            She belonged to wealthy and educated family. Her parents were literary personalities. She was fragile but powerful in sensitivity. Life was as she saw a few deaths. In a very short life she left behind a rich tradition. Her Education in Bengal, England and France has helped a lot to her poetic career. “A Sheaf Gleaned in French” is a collection of translations. Her creative poetic collection is “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” published in 1882. “Miscellaneous Poems” is another collection. She wrote short lyrics, odes and sonnets in which her talent is seen.
            Basically she is a romantic poet. Her description of nature is very fine and fascinating. There is moral tone but it is saved because of her lyrical output. Her sensitive, intense nature adds charm. Sincerity of mind; finely knit content; vigorous, pleasing sound’ and sense make her word value. Nostalgic mood,, variety of description, dialogues etc. rise to the occasion and she manages to versification. ‘Lotus, ‘Prahalad’, ‘Savitri’, ‘Our Casuarina Tree’ and ‘Baugmaree are some of her beautiful poems.   

The Lotus:-
            The poem tells us the story of the birth of the lotus flower. There was a conflict between the Lily and the Rose about their claim of the Queen. Psyche (love) goes to Flora (the Queen of Gardens) to fins the answer. Psyche asks such a flower that should be delicious as the rose and stately as the lily. The combination of both these things is the lotus. She gives Psyche this flower which is rose-red and lily-white. Even the strife between the two is known to other flowers. Often they talked about this as this was a quarrel since long long time. Even the praises of each were sung by the poets but there was no solution. Some claimed that Rose can not tower like Lily. Lily hides beauty of Rose. Lily’s appearance is majestic. The look is fascinating. But rival is also beautiful. Out of two certainly rose is lovelier. Rose is delicious and Lily is stately. Rose is soft, Lily is proud. There was no end of this dispute.
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If–Rudyard Kipling (1856-1936)



If–Rudyard Kipling (1856-1936)
Þ          Poetry is one of the oldest arts. It has twin functions, ‘to please and to teach to reader’. Sometime it gives pleasing and something it gives teaching through pleasing. The poem ‘If’ is the best examples of this type of poetry. It is written by Rudyard Kipling. He was a very famous poet of early part of the twentieth century and was awarded Noble prize in 1907.
Þ          The poem ‘If’ is an extract from a longer poem ‘If’. It is a simple poem and like a piece of instruction in which a father is giving to his son so that his son’s moral character would be improved. Thus the poem shows simple faith and clear understanding.


 

The Soldier–Rupert Brooke



The Soldier–Rupert Brooke
Þ          Rupert Brooke, a War poet, had taken in the First World War and died in 1950 at the age of 32. His war experiences and deep love for the country made his poem and himself very popular. According to A. C. Ward, “In a group of sonnets he evoked the patriotism and idealism of that strange and tragic year of 1814.”
Þ          The poem ‘The Soldier’ is one of masterpiece of Brooke’s sonnets in which the poet speaks about a soldier’s love for his own land. The poem also presents how his body was given to him by him motherland, English.


 

The Wild Swan- W.B. Yeats



The Wild Swan- W.B. Yeats
Þ          William Butler Yeats was the most famous Irish metaphysical poet and a great Irish dramatist. As supreme symbolist, He was the father of the symbolistic movement. He was a Noble Prize Winner in 1923, composed some of the most respected poetry of 20th century. Like T.S. Eliot, he was the initiator of the 20th century poetry.
Þ          The poem ‘The Wild Swan’ is derived form the volume ‘The Wild Swan at Coole’ appeared in 1919. In this poem Yeats considers the problem of the exhaustion of his power with the coming of old age. The poem also tells us about the swans, their youthfulness and beauty. But this narration is a reflection of his mind memories and his disturbed mind at thought of years of beauty and youthfulness that passed away.

Break, Break, Break–Tennyson



Break, Break, Break–Tennyson
Þ          Lord Alfred Tennyson was the most popular poets of the English Victorian Ages. His poetry was read in all cultured households; he was made Poet Laureate and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His poetry was an epitome of his time. According to W. J. Long “Through the entire Victorian period Tennyson stood of the summit of the poetry in England”
Þ          The poem ‘Break, Break and Break’ is one of the best known of Tennyson’s short poems. It is derived from the volume ‘In Memoriam’ which express the poet’s grief over the premature death of his friend Arthur Henry Hallam. The poet’s powerful feelings for his friends and the loneliness caused by his friend are very nicely shown in the poem.


Lucy– William Wordsworth


Lucy– William Wordsworth
Þ          William Wordsworth was poet of nature and one of pioneers of the Romantic Movement in England. He had brought in a new trend in poetry-stressing the need for a return to nature and simple mode of poetic communication.  He had an exceptional influence on the development of English literature.
Þ          These two poems have been taken form a group of five poems where Wordsworth has written about his love for Lucy. We do not know who Lucy was. But it is likely that the poems speak of a real experience of young love for a girl who died suddenly. The poet’s love is very tender and since and the loss is felt very deeply.