General Essay (Group 2) - Book reviews

AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND

- BOOMIKA P (2113312005008)

Title: An Introduction to Social History of England

Author: A. G. Xavier 

Genre: History 

Published: May 30, 2009 by Viswanathan, S., Printers & Publishers Pvt Ltd

ISBN: 9788187156116 (ISBN10: 8187156112)

Length: 218 Pages

An Introduction to Social History of England is the best selling Book written by A. G. Xavier, he is Professor of English in Loyola College, Madras. This book is concise, clear and understandable especially very beneficial to the students. Literature is a mirror in which we can see the reflection of life. This is true in the sense that a poet or writer in composing his literary work is very often inspired and influenced by some of his own experiences and social surroundings. For the correct understanding and appreciation of such literary pieces some knowledge of social life of the people is essential. In fact, study of social history and literature will have reciprocal effect; knowledge of social history is sure to facilitate better appreciation of literary masterpieces and so also by reading literary works an intelligent reader can get at the social background of the authors. 

Author himself confesses that though a comprehensive knowledge of the social history of England is the ideal thing which a student of English literature should aim at, from the examination point of view he has to settle down to certain topics. This book is mainly meant to help the student to meet the exigency of examinations and to shed some light on things of importance in the of English literature. This book consists of 28 Chapter such as The Renaissance, The Reformation, The Dissolution of the Monasteries, The Religion of England, The TudorNavy and the Armada, The Elizabethan Theatre, The East India Company, Colonial Expansion,The Civil War and its Social Significance, Puritanism, Restoration England, The Origin and Growth of Political Parties in England, Age of Queen Anne, Coffee-house Life in London, The Union of England and Scotland, The Agrarian Revolution, The Industrial Revolution, The Methodist Movement, Other Humanitarian Movements, The War of American Independence, England and Ireland, Effects of the French Revolution, The Reform Bills, The Victorian Age including Introduction, A Brief outline of British History and Notes.

Social History of England depicts the History of England as repeated stories of ups and downs in life. Originally inhabited by the aborigines called pits, Britain was the target of invasion by foreigners like Romans, the three Germanic tribes, the Scandinavians. From the time of Norman Conquest in 1066 down to the middle of the fourteenth century, England was under French domination. Then the tide turned and from the days of Edward III, England started invading the land of its invaders.

For a century or more, English power in France was on the increase and it would have been greater but for that miracle in history namely the arrival of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl of seventeen. as the champion of her country. The spirit of patriotism and nationalism she inspired in her countrymen was so great that in a few years France was freed from foreign domination. By 1453 Calais alone was left as a memorial to the English invasion of France. There was a lull in the national life of England in the fifteenth century as it was a period of dynastic struggle called the Wars of the Roses.

The end of this Civil War marked the beginning of Tudor despotism. Breaking the shackles of medievalism England emerged as a modem nation and reached the height of its glory in the time of Queen Elizabeth. The Stuart regime was a period of struggle between King and Parliament; but it was also a period of colonisation. The colonial spirit continued throughout the Hanoverian period with the result that by the end of the nineteenth century the Union Jack fluttered in many parts of both the hemispheres. Hence the Queen of England could boast that the Sun would not set in her Empire. 

England had reached the highest rung in the ladder of ambition and thereafter no more climbing upward was possible. The only thing left for her to do was to climb down. In the first decades of the present century there was trouble in many parts of the Empire. Thus the foundation of the edifice of the British Empire was shaken and the mighty superstructure began to crumble after the Second World War.

The Book conveys that surely humanity has much to learn from the history of this great nation.

THE INVENTION OF THE HUMAN

- DHARINE M S (2113312005009)

Title : "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human" 

Author: Harold Bloom 

Originally published: 1998 

Genre: Biography 

ISBN : 1573221201, 9781573221207 

Length : 745 pages 

Nominations: National Book Award for Nonfiction, National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism Harold Bloom is an American literary critic and professor at Yale University. He has written twenty books on literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and a novel. In addition, he has edited numerous anthologies covering practically every literary period, not just Shakespeare. 

In Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, Bloom gives the argument that Shakespeare “invented human attributes that we think are very much our own inventions” (Bloom, 1995) which is somewhat true. The reason for it being somewhat true is the fact that humans are very complex beings to begin with, and Shakespeare only managed to convey this complexity of the human psyche in his works with absolute perfection. The only reason this notion applies to literature after Shakespeare is because Shakespeare is the one that successfully managed to represent such complex characters first.

Shakespeare's Symbolism of Change

Shakespeare is a master at portraying a character in such a way that it serves as an example of a universal human trait that changes over time, whether for the better or worse, but this distinction is irrelevant because the character is dynamic and ever-evolving. Shakespeare "invents ways to depict human changes, changes not only brought on by flaws and decay but also by the will and by the will's temporal vulnerabilities" (Bloom, 1995). Shakespeare's most important characters all undergo progressions in physical and psychological change, whether for the better or worse. Shakespeare does a masterful job of how this development occurs. Every event in the play has a purpose, and no matter how minor a detail may appear on the surface, it may have a huge impact on the characters in the long run: 1. Macbeth changes from a proud hand of the king to a man who commits regicide; Lear’s character changes from a flatter seeking all-mighty king to a caring father and a wretch that endures the wrath of nature on his own flesh, which gives birth to his respect for things he thought he had power over, when in reality he had none. 2. Hamlet changes from being a passive moan to an active doer. According to Bradley, internal and external factors (such as decay) have an impact on alterations in all of Shakespeare's key characters (the will and its temporal vulnerabilities). Shakespeare is especially enjoyable to read and reread since the characters in the plays are continuously changing. 

Shakespeare's Works Are the Sacred Text for the Modern Age 

Shakespeare and his characters are known for being universal. Shakespeare's works have been referred to as the secular Scripture or, more simply, as the central work of the Western canon (Bloom, 1995). Shakespeare's status as one of the most widely translated writers of all time is not the reason he is sometimes referred to as the secular Scripture. Shakespeare used his characters to depict every aspect of the human condition, whether it be a virtue or a defect. As Bloom states, “we are the heirs of Falstaff and of Hamlet, and of all other persons who throng Shakespeare’s theatre of what might be called the colours of the spirit.” An eternal archetype of human traits can be found in every Shakespearean character. Shakespeare is therefore said to be ageless, which explains why there have been so many successful modern Shakespearean adaptations in play and film. Shakespeare presents issues that are timeless in his plays and unconstrained by chronological limitations. 

On King Lear, Harold Bloom 

In his critique of King Lear, Bloom draws a comparison between the Old Testament and the play. Given that both King Lear and The Book of Job contain the paradigm of suffering, it is crucial to understand it in this context (first poetic book in the Old Testament). King Lear, according to Bloom, is extremely challenging to present because "our directors and players feel defeated by this play." It is very likely for a player to depict Lear in a clichéd way, making him a pathetic character rather than the true tragic character. By rereading King Lear and avoiding these "manufactured travesties," one might avoid being let down by poor Lear renditions.

Last Words 

From what is evident above, Bloom accurately depicts what he calls “main hindrances to proper understanding of Shakespeare” (Bloom, 1995), and also presents the reasons why Shakespeare’s works are considered akin to the Bible by some people. Additionally, Bloom introduces the concept of Shakespearean universalism and the way that Shakespeare transforms his works to address issues that have plagued humanity from its inception to the present. In his discussion of King Lear, Bloom emphasises the challenge of producing the play and how amateur actors often portray Lear as pitiful rather than tragic. Finally, Bloom provides us with invaluable insight into the structure of Shakespeare's plays as well as advice on how to avoid interpreting certain elements of the Bard's characters and works.

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE 

- DHIVYA DHARSHINI S (2113312005010)

Title: The English Language

Author: C L Wrenn

Publisher: Vikas Publishing House, 2009

ISBN: 0706999061, 9780706999068

Length: 236 pages

Charles Leslie Wrenn (1895–1969) was an English scholar. After taking an MA at the University of Oxford , he worked for a year as a lecturer in the department of English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds in 1928–29.

Some of the work published by Wrenn includes The English Language (1949), A Study of Old English Literature (1967), and An Old English Grammar, written with Randolph Quirk (1955, rev. 1957). His literary interests were primarily comparative literature and later poets including T.S.Eliot.

The English Language C L Wrenn “To write a good small book on the English Language is an extremely difficult job.... Professor Wrenn’s study is far better than any of its predecessors... It would be an impertinence for an indolent reviewer to comment on the scholarship of the Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, but one may perhaps venture to admire the vivacity and seriousness of his interest in modern English, and his conviction that the language should be studied historically in order that we may use it more intelligently today.” —The Cambridge Review. 

This versatile book is for anybody and everybody interested to know more about the English language. It is a sort of collectors' volume. It is an advanced level book, at graduate and higher levels where the learner savours the beauty of the language, learns of its evolution and subtleties and ultimately plays with the language. The book has 8 chapters that gives a brief note about the history, vocabulary, pronunciation word building of English language and also touches about the evolution and modernization of English language. The book also covers the influence of foreign languages in English like Italy, Scandinavian, Germanic languages Latin and Greek. It also mentions the influence of Shakespeare and Milton. 

The foremost aim of the book is to understand the masterpieces of English Literature of different periods. 

Secondly, it aims to study the history and the diachronic study of the language, which enables us to see English as a whole from the days of Cadmon, the first known English poet in the late 17th century to the popular newspaper of today. 

Thirdly, to understand the diachronic and synchronic study of language. 

Fourthly, the discipline of studying one's own language throughout, sharpens the faculty of linguistic observation and increases one's appreciation of the important of accuracy in the employment of words. 

Finally, the study of language from many perspectives. It enables one to explore its past riches for oneself, and opens the way to a large no.of subsidiary studies.

C.L. Wren has referred almost 200 books and authors from shakespeare, Judith Wright, Ferdinand De Sassure etc,.

THE BLUEST EYE

- ATCHAYA R (2113312005007)

Title: The Bluest Eye

Author: Toni Morrison

Publisher: Holt, Rinehart and Winston 

Originally Published: 1970

Genre: Novel

Length: 224 pages

ISBN: 0452282195, 9780307278449

Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, known as Toni Morrison (1931 - 2019), was an American novelist. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970. The critically acclaimed Song of Solomon brought her national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1987, Morrison released her novel called Beloved, based on the true story of an African-American enslaved woman. This book won countless awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In 1993, Morrison became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Women are always affected by a pre-existing male dominated culture. This situation led to the alienation of women, especially black women, from society. In The Bluest Eye, all of the women, suffer from past traumas related to their own race and also seek to be accepted into existing culture and society. The Bluest Eye is not only a story but an awe-inspiring poem that confronts beauty itself and the consequences of beauty standards on individuals that do not meet them. Beauty is an obsession that has been present throughout history, which is why this novel, set in the 1940s, continues to awe readers today. It was named after the main character's wish to have blue eyes. She has an obsession with her blue eyes because “Whiteness” is the standard of beauty that Pecola Breedlove can't match.

Throughout the book it is emphasized that there is nothing ugly about it. It just doesn't meet social norms.The reader will wonder, “What's ugly?” Sometimes people are really ugly because there is no explanation. In the end, Pecola was driven insane by thinking she was unaware of her pregnancy because of her blue eyes. Her character never develops.  

Parts of the story are written from Geraldine's point of view. She considers herself a little more civilized than other blacks, instead preferring to call herself “people of color”. She does not allow her son to play with other “black” children. Geraldine is not a character of her own, but a kind of black woman. It shows readers how people can give up who they are if they are not desired in society.

In the end, Toni Morrison questions readers about the beauty of people being pressured to follow their fallacies. The novel does not leave the reader without recognizing the dangers of social norms and changing their vision of how society functions.

WORLD DRAMA - OTHELLO

- GAYATHRI K (2113312005011)

Title: Othello 

Author : William Shakespeare 

First edition: 1622

Registered by: Stationers' Company 

Registered on: October 6, 1621 by Thomas Walkley

Printed by: Nicholas Okes

Introduction:

Othello is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare. It is believed to have been written in 1603-1604, and it was first performed in 1604. The play is set in Venice and Cyprus and revolves around the central character Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army. The play explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, racism, love, and the destructive power of pride.

Impact

Othello has had a significant impact on literature and culture. It is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays and has been adapted into various forms, including films, stage productions, and operas. The play's exploration of themes such as jealousy, betrayal, and racism continue to resonate with audiences today. Othello has also influenced the portrayal of black characters in literature and media, as the play's complex depiction of Othello challenged the stereotypical portrayal of black people in Elizabethan England.

Language:

Shakespeare's language in Othello is rich and complex. He uses a range of literary techniques to create a powerful and engaging play. One of the most notable techniques is the use of soliloquies, where the characters speak their thoughts aloud. This allows the audience to understand the characters' motivations and inner turmoil.

The play also uses a range of figurative language, including metaphors, similes, and imagery. For instance, when Iago is describing his plan to manipulate Othello, he uses the metaphor of a garden to describe his manipulation: "I'll pour this pestilence into his ear. / That she repeals him for her body's lust; / And by how much she strives to do him good, / She shall undo her credit with the Moor."

Themes 

The play explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal, and its relevance in contemporary society is still significant. This critical analysis will examine the relevance of Othello in today's society, highlighting specific subheadings.

Racism

One of the most significant themes in Othello is racism, which is still relevant in contemporary society. In the play, Othello, a black man, is discriminated against and not treated with the same respect as his white counterparts. This is a reflection of how racism is still prevalent in society today. People of color are still marginalized and discriminated against, and their achievements are often overlooked. Othello's character shows how racism can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of confidence, which can ultimately lead to destructive behavior.

Gender Roles

Gender roles are another theme explored in Othello, which is still relevant in today's society. The play portrays the patriarchal society of the time, where women were expected to be submissive and obedient to men. This is evident in the character of Desdemona, who is portrayed as a loyal and submissive wife. However, her strength and independence are also evident in her defiance against her father's wishes and her unwavering love for Othello. This is a reflection of how women are still subjected to patriarchal ideals, and the struggle for gender equality is ongoing.

Manipulation

Manipulation is a theme that is still prevalent in contemporary society, and it is explored in Othello. Iago, the main antagonist, manipulates the other characters in the play to achieve his goals. This is a reflection of how people in society today manipulate others for personal gain, whether it be in the workplace or personal relationships. The play highlights how dangerous manipulation can be and how it can lead to destructive behavior.

Mental Health

Othello's character also explores mental health, which is still a relevant topic in contemporary society. Othello's jealousy and lack of trust in Desdemona ultimately lead to his downfall. This is a reflection of how mental health issues, such as jealousy and anxiety, can have a significant impact on one's life. The play highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and how neglecting them can lead to destructive behavior.

Power

The theme of power is explored in Othello, and it is still relevant in contemporary society. The play portrays how power can be abused, and those in positions of power can become corrupt. This is evident in the character of Othello, who abuses his power as a military general to assert dominance over Desdemona. This is a reflection of how power can be misused in society today, and those in positions of power need to be held accountable for their actions.

The play highlights the importance of these issues and how they can impact one's life. As society progresses, it is crucial to continue to examine and address these issues to create a more equitable and just world.

Characters

Othello: The tragic hero of the play, Othello is a highly respected and powerful general in the Venetian army. He is a Moor, which means he is of African descent, and is subjected to racist slurs throughout the play. Othello is a complex character who is deeply in love with Desdemona but is consumed by jealousy and ultimately destroys both himself and his wife.

Desdemona: Othello's wife, Desdemona is a kind, beautiful, and loyal woman. She loves Othello deeply but is wrongly accused of infidelity by him. Despite her innocence, she is unable to convince Othello of her fidelity and meets a tragic end.

Iago: The primary antagonist of the play, Iago is a manipulative and deceitful ensign who is passed over for promotion by Othello. He is consumed by jealousy and sets out to destroy Othello's life and reputation by manipulating those around him. Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex and fascinating villains, as he has no clear motivation for his evil actions.

Cassio: Othello's loyal lieutenant, Cassio is wrongly implicated in the affair between Othello and Desdemona by Iago. He is a well-respected and honorable man who is ultimately promoted to be the governor of Cyprus.

Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's attendant, Emilia unwittingly plays a role in Iago's plot against Othello.

Motifs

"Othello" contains several motifs that run throughout the play. These motifs include:

Handkerchief: The handkerchief that Othello gives to Desdemona is a symbol of their love, but it ultimately becomes a source of tension when Iago uses it to plant false evidence of Desdemona's infidelity.

Animals: Animal imagery is used throughout the play to emphasize the savage nature of jealousy and the primal instincts that drive the characters.

Light and darkness: The contrast between light and darkness is used to represent the duality of human nature, as well as the way that characters can be blinded by their own emotions.

Poison: Poison is a recurring motif in the play, representing the way that Iago's words are like a poison that infects the minds of those around him.

Act wise analysis

Act 1:

Act 1 opens with a conversation between Roderigo and Iago. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, and Iago is angry that he was not promoted to the position of lieutenant. Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello and plans to get revenge by causing his downfall. Iago manipulates Roderigo into giving him money and promises to help him win Desdemona's love.

In the next scene, we meet Othello, who has just eloped with Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. They arrive in Cyprus, where Othello has been sent to defend the island against the Turks. Othello is a proud and honorable man who is respected by his soldiers. He is also deeply in love with Desdemona and believes that she loves him in return.

Act 2:

In Act 2, Iago begins his plan to destroy Othello's reputation. He convinces Cassio, a young and inexperienced soldier, to get drunk and start a fight with another soldier. Cassio loses his position as lieutenant as a result of this incident, and Iago is promoted to the position.

Iago also plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind about Desdemona's loyalty. He suggests that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair and that they are laughing at Othello behind his back. Othello is troubled by these suggestions but still trusts Desdemona.

Act 3:

In Act 3, Iago's plan to destroy Othello's reputation intensifies. He convinces Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair by presenting circumstantial evidence, such as a handkerchief that Othello had given to Desdemona as a gift. Iago claims that Cassio had taken the handkerchief from Desdemona and given it to his mistress.

Othello is consumed by jealousy and confronts Desdemona about the handkerchief. Desdemona is innocent and tries to explain, but Othello refuses to listen. He believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful and decides to kill her.

Act 4:

In Act 4, Othello's jealousy becomes more intense, and he plans to kill Cassio as well. Iago convinces Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede on his behalf, hoping that this will make Othello even more jealous. Desdemona agrees to help Cassio and pleads with Othello to reinstate him as lieutenant. Othello refuses and becomes even more convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful.

Act 5:

In Act 5, Othello's jealousy leads to tragic consequences. He kills Desdemona and then learns the truth about Iago's lies. Othello is devastated by his actions and kills himself in remorse. Iago is arrested and brought to justice.

Conclusion of Othello

The conclusion of Othello is both tragic and thought-provoking. In the end, the characters who were driven by their emotions, prejudices, and insecurities, pay a heavy price for their actions. Othello, consumed by jealousy and manipulated by Iago, murders his innocent wife, Desdemona. In a moment of clarity, he realizes the gravity of his actions and takes his own life. Iago is exposed as the master manipulator, but he is left alive to face the consequences of his deceit. Cassio becomes the only surviving main character, and he is left to pick up the pieces of the shattered lives of those around him.

Shakespeare's portrayal of the human condition in Othello is both timeless and relevant. The themes of jealousy, race, and betrayal are still prevalent in contemporary society, and the play offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked emotions and the harm that can come from prejudice and discrimination. The play also explores the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of trust, reminding us of the importance of communication, honesty, and understanding in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, Othello is a powerful and enduring play that continues to captivate audiences today. Its themes and messages are as relevant now as they were when it was written over four hundred years ago. Through its exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions, the play offers a timeless warning about the dangers of allowing our emotions and prejudices to take control of our lives.

Thank You!