Subject :- Major -1 & SEC
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Assignment Link fo M.A English Students
Paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century
Paper 108: The American Literature Here are the hyperlinks to the blog assignments of M.A. English students:-
Paper Major 14: Study of Indian English Novel and Short Stories
Here are the hyperlinks to the blog assignments of B.A. Sem 6 English students:-
Paper Major 10:Translation
Paper SEC: Leadership Skills
Here are the hyperlinks to the blog assignments of B.A Sem 4 English students:-
Paper Major 3: Proficiency in English Language
Paper Major 4: Proficiency in English Literature
Paper SEC: Life Skills
Here are the hyperlinks to the blog assignments of B.A Sem 2 English students:-
Friday, February 27, 2026
That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande
That Long Silence - Shashi Deshpande
Shashi Deshpande
Shashi Deshpande (born 19 August 1938) is a famous Indian English novelist. She was born in Dharwad, Karnataka, and is the daughter of the well-known Kannada writer and dramatist Adya Rangacharya. She studied in Mumbai and Bangalore and earned degrees in Economics, Law, and Journalism. She also worked for a short time as a journalist.She published her first short story collection in 1978 and her first novel The Dark Holds No Terrors in 1980. She won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990 for That Long Silence and the Padma Shri Award in 2009. Her novel Shadow Play was shortlisted for The Hindu Literary Prize in 2014. She has written novels, short stories, children’s books, and essays. In 2015, she returned her Sahitya Akademi Award as a protest against violence and injustice. In 2018, she spoke about peace, harmony, and the dangers of religious division in India.
Main Themes:
Her writing mainly focuses on women’s inner emotions, identity, silence, marriage, family life, patriarchy, and middle-class problems. She shows how women suffer silently, struggle within society, and slowly try to find their own voice, self-respect, and independence.
Writing Style:
Her writing style is simple, realistic, and psychological. She gives more importance to characters than to events. She uses inner thoughts, memories, and silence to express deep emotions. Her writing is feminist but gentle, realistic, and sensitive, showing women’s struggles in a natural and humane way.
Significance of the Title – That Long Silence
The title That Long Silence is very meaningful. The word “silence” is the most important idea in the novel. It stands for the silent suffering of women in a male-dominated society.
In the novel, silence appears at different levels:
1. Silence of Older Women (First Generation):
Women like Mohan’s mother remain silent all their lives. They tolerate pain, anger, and unhappiness without complaint. Their silence does not mean happiness or acceptance, but helplessness, fear, and forced patience. They believe that a woman must stay quiet and adjust. This silence hides their suffering and denies them identity and respect.
2. Silence of Younger Women (Second Generation – Jaya):
Women like Jaya are educated and capable of expressing themselves. But even they are forced into silence after marriage. Jaya hides her feelings, thoughts, and pain to keep peace in her family. This long silence makes her unhappy and emotionally lonely.
3. Breaking the Silence:
Slowly, Jaya realizes that silence has ruined her life and relationships. She begins to write, which helps her express her pain and emotions. Writing becomes her way to break the long silence. She also tries to speak honestly with her husband. By the end, Jaya becomes a changed woman who decides not to remain silent anymore.
4. Symbolic Meaning:
The title shows that Indian women suffer silently for generations. Many women hide their illness, pain, and sadness. Some even die without care or attention. The novel urges women to speak, express, and fight for their identity and rights.
Characters
Jaya (Suhasini)
Jaya is the main character of Shashi Deshpande’s novel That Long Silence. She is a typical middle-class Indian woman who plays the traditional roles of a wife and mother. Though she has a comfortable life with her husband Mohan and two children, Rati and Rahul, she feels unhappy and dissatisfied. Her life seems dull, repetitive, and empty. She slowly realizes that she has lost her true identity.
Before marriage, Jaya was independent, thoughtful, and curious. But after marriage, she changes herself completely to match her husband’s wishes. Mohan gives her the name “Suhasini,” which means a soft, smiling, obedient woman. In doing so, she loses her individuality. Like mythical women such as Sita, Savitri, and Draupadi, Jaya silently follows her husband and accepts suffering without protest.Mohan gets involved in a corruption case in his office. To avoid public shame, he moves his family to a small flat in Dadar. During this difficult period, Jaya starts thinking deeply about her life. She realizes that her marriage is not truly happy and that her silence has hidden her pain and anger. Mohan believes that a woman’s silence is her strength, but Jaya feels that silence only increases her suffering.
Jaya is also a writer. At first, she writes honestly and boldly, but later she changes her style to please her husband and society. Because of this, her writing loses its originality, and her stories get rejected. Finally, she stops writing, which further adds to her frustration. Her friend Kamat encourages her to express anger and truth in her writing, but she is afraid of damaging her marriage.Jaya slowly understands that her long silence has made her life empty. She accepts that she is partly responsible for losing her identity because she always tried to be an ideal wife and mother. After years of emotional pain, she decides to break her silence, speak openly, and rebuild her relationship with Mohan. She wants to live as an independent individual and not just as someone’s wife or mother.
Jaya’s journey shows the condition of women in a male-dominated society. Her story highlights how social pressure and patriarchal values force women to suppress their feelings. In the end, Jaya moves from despair to hope and from silence to self-expression. Her story becomes a journey toward self-awareness and personal freedom.
Kusum
Kusum is Jaya’s cousin and is mentally ill. She represents the tragic fate of women who are completely rejected by society. Jaya often compares herself with Kusum and defines herself as “not Kusum.” The only difference between them is that Kusum is unable to understand and express her pain, while Jaya is conscious of her suffering.Kusum waits patiently for her husband to take her back home. Her entire hope and existence depend on him. Tragically, she commits suicide just one day before her husband was supposed to bring her home. Her mother’s reaction to her death is shocking and painful. She writes that Kusum’s death was “a good thing” because she was useless after becoming mad. This statement exposes the cruel reality of patriarchal society, where a woman’s value lies only in her usefulness to her husband and family.Kusum’s brother Dilip, who fails in his matriculation examination, is still praised and admired. His failure is treated as an achievement, while Kusum is treated as a burden. This sharp contrast highlights the deep-rooted gender discrimination in society. Kusum’s character exposes the injustice and emotional cruelty faced by women.
Ajji
Ajji is Jaya’s grandmother and a widow. She represents the harsh and humiliating condition of widows in traditional Hindu society. After her husband’s death, Ajji’s head is shaved, which symbolizes the stripping away of her identity, dignity, and femininity.She lives a life of complete deprivation. She owns almost nothing, wears only two saris, sleeps on a straw mat, and sits on the floor. Her life is marked by renunciation, loneliness, and silence. Her hair shaving and simple living symbolize how widowhood deprives a woman of happiness, beauty, and individuality.
Through Ajji, Deshpande raises serious questions about the unjust treatment of widows. While widows are forced into a life of suffering, men easily remarry and continue enjoying life. Ajji’s character strongly criticizes the gender-based inequalities embedded in tradition.
Mukta
Mukta is Jaya’s neighbour in the Dadar flat and is also a widow. Her husband Arun dies suddenly after falling from a train. After his death, Mukta’s life becomes empty, silent, and full of sorrow.
Jaya compares Mukta to a dancer standing still, filled with unexpressed emotions. Mukta lives in deep grief and loneliness. She strictly follows rituals, fasts, and religious practices, hoping to give meaning to her empty life. However, Jaya finds these rituals meaningless because they cannot change her reality.Though Mukta is educated, she cannot free herself from social customs due to fear of society. Her daughter Nilima, however, rebels against meaningless traditions and openly criticizes her mother’s blind faith. Nilima represents the modern, bold, and independent generation that questions patriarchal values.
Mukta’s character highlights how widowhood becomes a lifelong burden and emotional imprisonment for women.
Jeeja
Jeeja is Jaya’s maid. She is childless, and because of this, her husband remarries. Jeeja accepts this silently, believing it is her fault. She does not blame her husband or his second wife. Instead, she blames herself for not producing children.
Her attitude shows how deeply patriarchal values are ingrained in women’s minds. Jeeja believes that a woman’s worth lies in her ability to give birth, especially to sons.
Nayana
Nayana has given birth to daughters, but her husband threatens to leave her because she has no surviving sons. Though she protests, she is helpless. Her fear reflects the reality that a woman abandoned by her husband becomes socially and economically insecure.
Both Jeeja and Nayana show the helplessness of poor women, whose lives revolve around their husbands for survival, shelter, and identity.
Vimala
Vimala is Mohan’s sister. She suffers silently due to her inability to conceive. Society considers a barren woman as cursed and shameful. Vimala never shares her pain with anyone. Her emotional suffering slowly destroys her, leading to her illness and death.Her death symbolizes how silence becomes fatal for women. Her tragedy highlights how women internalize pain and suppress their emotions until it leads to their physical and emotional collapse.
Asha
Asha is Jaya’s sister-in-law and is very different from other women characters. She is bold, outspoken, and self-respecting. Her husband Ravi is irresponsible and dishonest. Unlike traditional wives, Asha does not tolerate injustice or blind obedience.She openly quarrels with her husband and refuses to sacrifice her dignity. Her confidence comes from the emotional and moral support of her father. Asha represents the modern Indian woman who challenges patriarchy and asserts her individuality.
Leena
Leena is Jaya’s college friend who dares to live life on her own terms. She has a relationship with a married man, which society strongly condemns. Jaya initially judges her harshly but later realizes her mistake.Through Leena, Deshpande questions society’s double standards. While men are easily forgiven for immoral behavior, women are harshly criticized. Leena helps Jaya come out of depression and self-hatred and inspires her to think independently.
Mohan
Mohan is Jaya’s husband and represents the typical middle-class Indian male. He is ambitious, materialistic, and obsessed with social prestige. His childhood poverty makes him greedy for wealth and status.Mohan expects Jaya to be silent, obedient, and supportive. Though he marries her for her intelligence and English fluency, he suppresses her individuality after marriage. He discourages her writing but expects her to earn money during a crisis.
Though Mohan hates his own father’s cruelty towards his mother, he unconsciously imitates the same behavior. He believes that a woman’s silence is her strength, while for Jaya it is a sign of suffering.Mohan symbolizes patriarchal authority, emotional insensitivity, and lack of communication in marriage.
Kamat
Kamat is Jaya’s neighbour in Dadar and a widower. He is sensitive, progressive, and emotionally mature. He treats Jaya as an equal and encourages her to express herself freely.Unlike Mohan, he respects Jaya’s intelligence and creativity. He helps her rediscover her lost identity. He also makes her realize her emotional and physical needs.However, due to social fear and moral conflict, Jaya withdraws from him when he suffers a heart attack. Her silence and inaction lead to his death, which becomes her lifelong guilt.Kamat represents emotional openness, intellectual companionship, and gender equality.
Rahul and Rati
Jaya and Mohan's children.
Tara
Tara, the character who belongs to the lower sections of society, doing all kinds of odd tasks that come towards her, represents a self-sufficient woman. Tara and her eldest daughter Manda work twenty four hours for their livelihood as their men were drunkards and unwilling to perform any work.
Mohan’s Mother
Mohan's mom suffered a ton since she needed more courage to express a single word to his dad's way to deal with her, perhaps for her "husband is a shielding tree". She liked to be a quiet sufferer or she probably wouldn't have pondered the death of her self-regard. Mohan's mom needs to endure a great deal on account of his dad's self-absorbed nature just as his male domain demeanour. She could comprehend that the battle the woman is confronting is unpleasant to such an extent that quiet is the main weapon. Quiet and give up. Despite the fact that such an impolite individual he is, she is running her existence with the fallen angel like individual. His dad has never left a solitary possibility of harming her mom's understanding, feelings or sentiments. Mohan's mom needs to wait for his dad, anyway late he is. Around evening time she needs to initially provide supper for their kids and afterward cook rice for him. He needs his rice crisp and hot from a vessel that is immaculate. Mohan interprets her despair and misery as toughness.
That Long Silence – Detailed Summary
Shashi Deshpande’s novel That Long Silence (1989) is an important work of Indian feminist literature. It won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990. It tells the story of Jaya, a middle-class Indian woman, and her emotional struggle in a male-dominated society. The novel mainly focuses on women’s silence, suffering, identity, marriage, and self-realization. It shows how women are taught from childhood to remain silent, adjust, and sacrifice their dreams for the happiness of others.
The story begins when Jaya and her husband Mohan move into their old, small flat in Dadar. They are forced to leave their comfortable house because Mohan is accused of corruption in his office. To avoid public shame, they shift to this neglected flat. Their children stay with relatives. The small, lonely flat becomes a place where Jaya starts thinking deeply about her life. The silence in the flat reflects the emotional distance between Jaya and Mohan.
While staying in the flat, Jaya starts remembering her past life. She thinks about her childhood, education, marriage, motherhood, and her failed dream of becoming a writer. As a child, Jaya was intelligent, curious, and outspoken. But society did not like these qualities in girls. Her grandmother and mother taught her that a good woman should be quiet, obedient, patient, and adjusting. She was told that women must keep family peace by remaining silent. Her father was the only person who supported her creativity and individuality. However, after his death, Jaya slowly accepted silence as a part of her life.
Jaya loved writing and wanted to become a writer. Writing helped her express her feelings and thoughts. But after marriage, Mohan discouraged her from writing honestly. He did not like her expressing dissatisfaction or emotions. Gradually, Jaya began writing carefully and fearfully. She lost her creative freedom. As a result, her writing became weak, and she felt frustrated. Writing, which once gave her joy, became another reason for her silence.
Jaya’s marriage to Mohan is not happy or emotionally satisfying. Mohan is ambitious, practical, and concerned about social status. He expects Jaya to behave like an ideal wife—silent, obedient, and supportive. There is very little emotional communication between them. Jaya takes care of the home, cooks, cleans, and raises the children, but she feels lonely and unfulfilled. Their relationship becomes mechanical, lacking love and understanding.
When Mohan loses his job due to corruption charges, his confidence collapses. He becomes insecure, angry, and emotionally weak. At this time, he needs emotional support, but both husband and wife lack communication skills. Jaya does not know how to comfort him, and Mohan does not know how to express his pain. This emotional gap increases the distance between them.Jaya also reflects on her role as a mother. She feels she has failed her children. Her son Rahul becomes rebellious and runs away from home, while her daughter Rati becomes dependent and weak. Jaya realizes that her emotional emptiness and silence have affected her children’s emotional development. This realization fills her with guilt and sadness.
One important character in Jaya’s life is Mr. Kamat, her widowed neighbor. He is kind, understanding, and open-minded. He treats Jaya as an equal and encourages her to think freely and write honestly. With Kamat, Jaya feels relaxed and confident. She can express her thoughts without fear. He becomes her emotional support. His sudden death deeply shocks Jaya and increases her loneliness. His death also makes her realize how rare genuine emotional understanding is in her life.
Jaya also remembers many women in her family, such as her grandmother Ajji, her cousin Kusum, and others. All these women suffered silently due to social pressure, emotional neglect, and helplessness. Their lives show how women are trained to tolerate pain without complaint. Jaya understands that she has followed the same pattern of silence and sacrifice.
The emotional climax of the novel comes when Mohan angrily leaves the house after accusing Jaya of not supporting him. Left alone, Jaya deeply examines her life. She realizes that her silence has destroyed emotional connection in her marriage. She understands that silence is not strength but a form of self-destruction. She accepts that fear of conflict and social judgment stopped her from expressing her true feelings.
At the end of the novel, Mohan sends a telegram saying he will return home and that he may get his job back. Jaya decides to accept him and rebuild their relationship. But this time, she resolves not to remain silent. She decides to speak honestly, express her feelings, and establish emotional communication. The novel ends with hope, suggesting that healing begins when silence ends.
In conclusion, That Long Silence is a powerful novel about a woman’s journey from silence to self-awareness. It shows how patriarchal society suppresses women’s voices and how emotional silence destroys personal happiness. Through Jaya’s story, Shashi Deshpande highlights the importance of self-expression, emotional honesty, and identity in a woman’s life.
Feminism in That Long Silence
Feminism in That Long Silence is presented in a simple, realistic, and psychological way. Shashi Deshpande does not show loud protest or aggressive rebellion. Instead, she shows how ordinary women suffer silently within a male-dominated society. The novel focuses on the emotional struggles of women, especially within marriage and family life. Through the character of Jaya, Deshpande explores how women are trained from childhood to be obedient, patient, and self-sacrificing, and how this training slowly destroys their identity and happiness.
From a young age, Jaya is taught that a woman should remain quiet, adjust, and depend on her husband. She learns that obedience and silence are the qualities of a good woman. This social conditioning forces her to hide her real thoughts, feelings, and desires. As a result, Jaya grows up suppressing her individuality. Her silence becomes a way to survive in society, but at the same time, it becomes a source of emotional pain and loneliness.
Marriage is shown as the main institution through which patriarchy controls women. Jaya’s husband Mohan is not violent or cruel, but he expects her to obey him, manage the household perfectly, and support his decisions without question. He believes that a wife’s duty is to serve her husband and family. In this process, Jaya slowly loses her self-confidence, independence, and identity. She becomes only a wife and mother, forgetting her own dreams and ambitions. This shows how patriarchy works quietly in everyday life, making women feel invisible and unimportant.
Another important feminist aspect of the novel is the suppression of Jaya’s creative voice. Jaya loves writing and wants to express her thoughts honestly. However, Mohan dislikes her bold and truthful writing, especially when it reflects her dissatisfaction with married life. To avoid conflict, Jaya begins to censor herself and hide her real emotions. This shows how society controls not only women’s behaviour but also their thoughts, creativity, and freedom of expression.The title That Long Silence symbolizes the generations of silent suffering of women. Silence becomes Jaya’s habit and survival strategy, but it also traps her emotionally. Over time, she realizes that her silence has destroyed communication, understanding, and emotional closeness in her marriage. Through deep self-thinking and writing, Jaya slowly becomes aware of her inner self and her suppressed desires. She understands that silence has only increased her pain and loneliness.
In the end, Jaya decides to break her long silence. She chooses to speak honestly, express her emotions, and face her problems with courage. This moment marks her feminist awakening, where she begins to reclaim her identity and self-respect. However, Deshpande’s feminism is gentle and realistic. Jaya does not leave her family or reject marriage. Instead, she seeks equality, understanding, and emotional freedom within her relationship. This reflects Indian feminism, which focuses on balance, adjustment, and self-growth rather than extreme rebellion.
In conclusion, That Long Silence is a powerful feminist novel because it reveals the emotional oppression faced by women in everyday life and emphasizes the importance of self-expression and self-awareness. Through Jaya’s journey from silence to voice, Shashi Deshpande shows that true freedom for women begins when they understand their own worth and dare to speak for themselves. The novel encourages women to break their silence and live with dignity, confidence, and independence.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Students Assignments B.A Sem1,3,5 & M.A Sem1
Click on the names to read students blog
Semester 1 Skill Enhancement Course(SEC) Students Assignment
B.A Semester 1 Proficiency in English Language (Major 1)Students Assignment
B.A Semester 3 Translation II (Major 7)
Students Assignment
B.A Semester 3 Digital Literacy Education (SEC) Students Assignment
B.A Semester 5 A Study of Drama (Major 11) Students Assignment
M.A Sem 1 (Students Assignment ) Paper 101:-Elizabethan and Restoration Period
M.A Sem 1 (Students Assignment ) Paper 102:- Neo-classical Period
M.A Sem 1 (Students Assignment ) Paper 104:- Literature of Victorians
Sunday, July 6, 2025
From Stage to Screen: Othello Becomes Omkara
A Comparison between movie Omkara by Vishal Bhardwaj and a play Othello by William Shakespeare
Omkara is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, Omkara is a powerful Indian film based on Othello, a famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Bhardwaj is known for turning Shakespeare’s plays into Indian stories that feel real, raw, and relatable. He adapted Othello to show how jealousy, power, and love still affect people today even in a completely different time and place. In this blog, we’ll compare the characters, themes, and symbols in a simple way that helps you understand both versions easily. Let’s explore how one powerful story connects two different worlds Venice and Uttar Pradesh.
Setting & Background
Othello is set in Venice and Cyprus during the late 16th century, focused on war, honor, and race.
Omkara is set in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, India, centered around political rivalry, caste, and crime.
Key Point: Bhardwaj keeps the core story but adapts it to the Indian political-criminal setup, making it relatable.
Characters – Othello and Omkara
| Othello Character | Omkara Character | Role/Relation | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Othello | Omkara (Omi) | Main hero, general/gang leader | Brave, respected, insecure and jealous |
| Desdemona | Dolly Mishra | Othello/Omkara’s lover | Loyal, innocent, strong-hearted |
| Iago | Langda Tyagi | Villain, manipulator, aide | Jealous, cunning, fake loyalty |
| Cassio | Kesu Firangi | Officer, second-in-command | Charming, loyal, well-mannered |
| Emilia | Indu | Wife of Langda, Dolly’s supporter | Honest, brave, speaks up too late |
| Roderigo | Rajju | Foolish admirer of Desdemona/Dolly | Obsessed, tricked easily |
| Brabantio | Raghunath Mishra | Father of Desdemona/Dolly | Proud, disapproves of Othello/Omi |
| Duke of Venice | Tiwari Bhaisahab | Senior figure, mediator | Fair, wise, politically aware |
| Montano | — | Former governor | Honest, law-abiding |
| Lodovico | — | Observer of the tragedy | Calm, moral, shocked by events |
| Gratiano | — | Brabantio’s brother | Supportive, arrives late |
| Clown | — | Comic servant | Witty, ironic |
| Sailor | — | Messenger | Minor role |
| Bianca | Billo Chamanbahar | Prostitute girl Cassio’s admirer | Emotional, jealous, ignored |
Comparison of movie and play themes
- Jealousy: Langda and Iago destroy everything due to envy.
- Betrayal: The hero trusts the villain and doubts the innocent.
- Innocence Destroyed: Desdemona and Dolly are killed without fault.
- Outsider Identity: Race and caste create insecurity and isolation.
Symbols in Both Stories
| Symbol | In Othello | In Omkara | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Token of Love | Handkerchief | Silver Waist Chain | Love turned to doubt |
| The Bed | Death of Desdemona | Death of Dolly | Love ends in tragedy |
| Race/Caste | Othello’s race | Omkara’s caste | Symbol of being an outsider |
| Silence | Emilia speaks too late | Indu tells truth too late | Truth delayed leads to death |
Style and Language
Othello uses poetic English and long speeches.
Omkara uses strong, realistic Hindi and local dialects.
Conclusion: One is classical, the other raw and modern—but both are powerful emotionally.
The Tragic Ending
Both heroes kill the woman they love out of jealousy, and later regret it when they learn the truth.
Both end their own lives in grief and guilt.
Conclusion
Both Omkara and Othello tell the same heartbreaking story in different ways. Whether it’s a general in Venice or a gang leader in Uttar Pradesh, the emotions of love, jealousy, and betrayal are the same. Vishal Bhardwaj successfully brought Shakespeare’s classic into an Indian setting, helping us see how timeless these themes really are. By comparing the characters and symbols, we learn that human nature hasn’t changed much over the years. For students, Omkara is a great way to understand Othello in a language, culture, and style that feels closer to home.
From Venice to Uttar Pradesh, the tragedy remains timeless.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Students Blog Links
Friday, March 8, 2024
Ecocriticism/Green Studies
INTRODUCTION TO ECOCRITICISM/GREEN STUDIES
Ecocriticism is the latest and the newest type of theory in criticism which has evolved in the 21st century. Modern scientists are much worried about the very existence of the earth and its resources. Modern science and technology have created dangers for the future generation of mankind. Breaking of the layers of Ozone due to too much carbon dioxide and too much consumption of natural gas, crude oil, etc. have made us think seriously on how we can protect the earth and the environment in order to survive ourselves and our future generation.The gap between man and nature has been increasing by heaps and bounds in the modern world of science and technology. Hence, to bring about a balance between man and nature and ecology has been the dire need of today's time.
DEFINITION OF ECOCRITICISM:
True literature gives expression to the most urgent and important challenges of the time. The challenge of modern times is to save our mother earth and to save nature. Ecocriticism is a new branch of criticism in which the critics try to find out to what extent modern literature discusses these issues of ecology. Modern eco-critics try to examine to what extent literature leads mankind to bring about the balance between man and the earth. Ecocriticism is the study of literature and environment from an interdisciplinary point of view.
Ecocriticism investigates the relation between human and the natural world in literature.It deals with how environmental issues,cultural issues concerning the environment and attitudes towards nature are presented and analyzed.One of the main goals in Ecocriticism is to study how individuals in society behave and react in relation to nature and ecological aspects. This new study is often termed as “green (cultural) studies”, “eco- poetics”, and “environmental literary criticism.”
ORIGIN OF ECOCRITICISM:
The idea of the relationship between ecology and literature was first heralded by Joseph Meeker as an idea called "literary ecology" in his work 'The Comedy of Survival: Studies in Literary Ecology' published in 1972.Later on, the term Ecocriticism was coined in 1978 by William Rueckert in his essay 'Literature and Ecology: An Experiment in Ecocriticism. Ecocriticism as a separate approach became popular in the USA in the 1980s. It became widespread in Europe as ‘Green Studies’ in 1990s.But Ecocriticism as a new style or method of understanding literature officially began with the publication of work, both published in mid-1990s:
1. 'The Ecocriticism Reader, edited by Cheryll Glotfelty and Harold Fromm
2. 'The Environmental Imagination', by Lawrence Buell.
MAJOR FOLLOWERS OF ECOCRITICISM:
1. Jonathan Bate (considered as the father of Ecocriticism in England)
2. Cheryll Glotfelty (father of Ecocriticism in the USA)
3. Laurence Coupe
4. Patrick D Murphy
5. Raymond Williams
IMPORTANT BOOKS ON ECOCRITICISM:
1. 'The Green Studies Reader: From Romanticism to Ecocriticism' by Laurence Coupe
2. 'The Song of the Earth' by Jonathan Bate
3. 'The Ecocriticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology' by Cheryll Glotfelty
4. 'Literature of Nature: An International Source-book’ by Patrick D.Murphy
5. ‘What is Nature?Culture, Politics, and the Non-Human’ by Kate Soper
What is ecocriticism ?
Ecocriticism can be defined as the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment.It is also referred as Green Studies which began in USA in 1980s which was founded by Cheryll Glotfelty.Cheryll and Harold Fromm edited a collection of essays entitled The Ecocriticism Reader: Landmarks in Literary Ecology in 1996. Co-founder of ASLE (Association for the study of literature and environment) in 1992. At the WLA (Western Literature Association) conference she insisted on using the term ‘Ecocriticism’ instead of 'the study of nature writing. Ecocriticism as a concept was introduced by Michael P who traces the word Ecocriticism from William Rueckert's essay 'Literature and ecology: an experiment in Ecocriticism (1978).
The literary bearings of Ecocriticism can be seen in the 19th century American transcendentalists whose works celebrated nature, the life force and the wilderness.Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller and Henry David were the prominent writers who dealt with those themes.Ralph Waldo Emerson's book Nature, published in 1836 exposed the cultural independence and the impact upon him of the natural world. Fuller's first book Summer on the Lakes During 1843 expresses that it is a journal of her encounter with the American landscape as the first woman student at Harvard(is about her experiences exploring the American landscape. It mentions her being the first woman student at Harvard, which influenced her perspective on the environment). Thoreau Walden expresses his two year stay from 1845 in a hut he had built on the shore of Walden Pond. All these writings depicted the dropping out of modern life and seeking to renew the self by a 'return to nature The Ecocriticism in UK took its bearing from the British Romanticism of the1790s.
The active proponents of Ecocriticism in Britain is based on certain institutions and a collection of essays was published in Laurence Coupe's The Green Studies: from Romanticism to Ecocriticism.The preferred American term is 'Ecocriticism' and 'green studies' is used in England. The American writings were celebratory in tone whereas the British writings warned of environmental threats. Ecocriticism concerned the matter of the relationship between culture and nature.Theory in general stated that everything is socially and linguistically constructed, which was rejected by the ecocritics.(This line means that some theories say our understanding of the world is shaped by society and language. But ecocritics disagree. They think nature also plays a big role, not just society and language.)
For example the outdoor environment gradually moves from wilderness to the scenic sublime(when you feel amazed by the beauty and power of nature, like when you see a breathtaking mountain or a vast ocean), the countryside and then the culture.All these environmental areas acted as the basis of the writings. The American transcendentalists preferred the wilderness,Wordsworth- the scenic sublime, Thomas Gray and James Johnson - the countryside and the domestic fiction in countryside and culture.The ecocritics argue that there is no true wilderness as every region is affected by global warming and other anthropocentric problems.(This line means ecocritics believe there's no untouched wilderness left because things like global warming and human-related issues affect every part of the world. So, even remote areas aren't completely natural anymore)
WHAT DO THE ECOCRITICS DO?
• The ecocritics examine the works of literature from the ecological point of view.
• They try to see how human life is presented in proportion to nature.
• They examine human civilization along with nature.
• The ecocritics study literature to see how it shows the importance of natural resources in our lives, our deeds which harm the ecological balance, wars and their adverse effect on our society and so on.
EXAMPLES OF ECOCRITICISM:
1. One may study Wordsworth's ‘Daffodils' from ecological perspectives where the poet gives importance to nature in his life.
2. We may study 'Ode on Solitude' by Alexander Pope from an ecological point of view. Here too the poet talks of the importance of solace of nature in the hustle and bustle of modern life of industry and technology.
London by William Blake
London by William Blake
Introduction of Author
William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker, best known for his visionary poetry and unique artistic style. He was a prominent figure of the Romantic movement and is often considered one of the greatest poets in the English language. Blake's works are characterized by their exploration of spirituality, social justice, and the imagination, often challenging the conventions of his time.
"London" is one of Blake's most famous poems, published in 1794 as part of his collection "Songs of Experience." The poem reflects Blake's deep concern for the social and political conditions of his era, particularly the hardships faced by the urban poor in London during the late 18th century. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Blake critiques the oppressive forces that dehumanize individuals and stifle their freedom in the city. "London" serves as both a protest against societal injustices and a call for greater empathy and compassion towards the marginalized members of society.
Stanza 1:
"I wander thro' each charter'd street,
Near where the charter'd Thames does flow,
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe."
In this opening stanza, the speaker describes walking through the streets of London, emphasizing the sense of confinement and restriction implied by the term "charter'd." The Thames River, which flows through London, is also depicted as bound by man-made laws. The speaker observes the faces of the people he encounters, noting the physical and emotional toll of their suffering.
Stanza 2:
"In every cry of every Man,
In every Infants cry of fear,
In every voice: in every ban,
The mind-forg'd manacles I hear"
Here, the speaker hears the collective cries of the people, from men to infants, expressing fear and suffering. The phrase "mind-forg'd manacles" suggests that the constraints and limitations experienced by individuals are not just physical but also mental, imposed by societal norms and expectations.
Stanza 3:
"How the Chimney-sweepers cry
Every blackning Church appalls,
And the hapless Soldiers sigh
Runs in blood down Palace walls"
This stanza highlights the plight of different segments of society. The cries of the chimney-sweepers evoke the harsh labor conditions they endure, while the "blackning Church" symbolizes moral corruption. The soldiers' sighs, contrasted with the imagery of blood running down palace walls, suggest the violence and exploitation perpetuated by those in power.
Stanza 4:
"But most thro' midnight streets I hear
How the youthful Harlots curse
Blasts the new-born Infants tear
And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse".
The speaker continues to describe the sounds of suffering that pervade the city, particularly focusing on the curses of young prostitutes and the tears of newborn infants. The phrase "Marriage hearse" conveys the idea of marital relationships being tainted by societal ills and unhappiness.
Let's explore further the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem:
Oppression and Repression: Blake's London is depicted as a city burdened by oppression and repression. The repeated references to "charter'd" streets and "charter'd Thames" suggest that even nature itself is bound by man-made laws and restrictions. This conveys a sense of confinement and control over the people, stifling their freedom and individuality.
Poverty and Suffering:
The poem vividly describes the poverty and suffering endured by the lower classes. Blake highlights the "marks of weakness, marks of woe" etched on the faces of the inhabitants, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of their hardships. The imagery of "black'ning Church" and "black'ning" walls suggests a pervasive atmosphere of despair and decay.
Corruption and Moral Degradation:
Blake critiques the moral degradation prevalent in society, symbolized by the "mind-forg'd manacles" that imprison the minds of the people. The "hapless Soldier's sigh" and the "youthful Harlot's curse" reflect the disillusionment and despair experienced by individuals from various walks of life. The reference to the "Marriage hearse" suggests a bleak view of marital relationships, tainted by societal constraints and unhappiness.
Industrialization and Urbanization:
Blake explores the adverse effects of industrialization and urbanization on society. The "chimney-sweeper's cry" and the "hapless Soldier's sigh" represent the exploitation and dehumanization of laborers and soldiers within the industrial and military complexes of the city. The image of the "blood down palace walls" evokes a sense of violence and injustice perpetuated by those in power.
Rebellion and Resistance: Despite the pervasive despair depicted in the poem, there are elements of rebellion and resistance. The speaker's observation of the "every cry of every -born Infant's tear,And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse".
The speaker continues to describe the sounds of suffering that pervade the city, particularly focusing on the curses of young prostitutes and the tears of newborn infants. The phrase "Marriage hearse" conveys the idea of marital relationships being tainted by societal ills and unhappiness.
Conclusion
"London" by William Blake paints a bleak picture of life in the city during his time. It talks about how people suffered, how poverty was everywhere, and how even children and soldiers faced hardships. Blake criticizes the society of his time for its injustice and lack of compassion. He wants people to notice these problems and work together to make society fairer and more caring for everyone.
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