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Showing posts from January, 2024

238. DSM 101- Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 (4)

1. Critical Appreciation of the sonnet/poem  Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare is a poignant exploration of the speaker's emotional turmoil and the transformative power of love. Comprising 14 lines, this sonnet delves into themes of self-worth, despair, and the redemptive nature of love. In this critical appreciation, we will analyze the structure, language, and overarching themes of Sonnet 29, shedding light on its enduring relevance and the skillful craftsmanship of Shakespeare. Structurally, Sonnet 29 adheres to the traditional Shakespearean sonnet form, consisting of three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet. This structure lends itself to a gradual unfolding of the speaker's internal conflict. The initial quatrain establishes a tone of despair as the speaker laments his own misfortune, feeling outcast and abandoned by fortune. The second quatrain intensifies this sense of isolation, presenting the speaker's feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. The third quatrain ...

237. AEC 101/Alte- Vivekananda: The Great Journey to the West (3)

1. Romain Rolland Romain Rolland (1866–1944) was a French writer, essayist, and Nobel laureate in literature. Known for his multifaceted literary contributions, Rolland's work spanned novels, essays, plays, and biographies. His most notable work, the monumental novel "Jean-Christophe," earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915. Rolland was not only a prolific writer but also a prominent intellectual figure with a deep commitment to pacifism and humanism. He actively engaged in social and political issues, advocating for peace during World War I and later promoting dialogue between different nations. His influential essay "Above the Battle" (1915) called for an end to the war and emphasized the importance of intellectual and artistic collaboration across national borders. Rolland's commitment to peace and his outspoken views led to controversy, but his unwavering stance on moral principles left a lasting impact on the intellectual and cultural landscap...

236. AEC 101/Alte- The Thief (4)

1. Summary The story is about two friends Deepak (narrator) and Arun. It highlights the importance of learning and education and the consequences of its deficit. Education can be a useful tool in grooming a person to think, do and conduct his affairs in a manner conducive to societal and personal good. Education can be a useful tool in grooming a person to think, do and conduct his affairs in a manner conducive to societal and personal good. Deepak & Arun- Deepak was an illiterate teenager who had developed a bad habit of stealing. Arun, on the other hand, was an educated and responsible adult and compassionate in his make-up. Deepak meets Arun in a street scuffle and marks him as his next victim. He develops friendly conversation with him and talks him into giving him a job as his cook. However, he does not know how to cook. Arun not only helps him learn cooking but also teaches him basic writing. Arun- Arun does not earn regularly so often could not pay Deepak. Instead he feeds h...

235. AEC 101/Alte- A Service of Love (5)

1. Summary/Analysis A:- A Service Of Love is a short story written by William Sydney Porter, more commonly known by his pen name O. Henry. The story features two aspiring artists as they struggle with money to pay for their lessons and each in turn decides to help out by selling their art. However, what they do not realize is that they both have gotten jobs to earn money and instead are lying to each other so that it does not put pressure on their talents. This way the story reflects the message that is given by the title “A Service Of Love” and disagrees with the statement “When one loves one’s Art no service seems too hard” which the author himself shows to be only a hoax and that reality is very different indeed. O. Henry also uses an ironic tone to emphasize the creativity of artists as the lies made up by the protagonists are brilliant to such an extent that they both believe it themselves. However, the underlying theme of the story becomes quite clear: love is an important thing ...

234. AEC 101/Alte- Journey of the Magi (6)

1. Critical Appreciation "Journey of the Magi" is a poem by T.S. Eliot that explores the spiritual transformation of the Three Wise Men after encountering the birth of Christ. The poem begins with a bleak and desolate description of the journey, setting the tone for the spiritual struggle that unfolds. The Magi recount the hardships they faced, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of their quest. Eliot masterfully employs vivid imagery to portray the harshness of the journey, creating a sense of despair and exhaustion. The use of first-person narration allows readers to delve into the psyche of the Magi, providing a personal and introspective perspective on their transformative experience. This narrative choice brings a unique intimacy to the poem, as the Magi reflect on the profound impact of witnessing the birth of Christ. One notable aspect is the thematic contrast between the Magi's past and present experiences. The poem highlights their former way of life, cha...

233. AEC 101/Alte- Three years she grew in sun and shower (4)

1. Critical Appreciation "Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower" is a poignant poem penned by William Wordsworth, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the transformative power of nature. The poem, written during the Romantic era, delves into themes of growth, transience, and the profound connection between the human soul and the natural world. The title itself, "Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower," suggests a specific timeframe, signaling the passage of time and growth. The opening line, "Three years she grew in sun and shower," sets the stage for the reader to witness a significant period of development in the subject's life. The use of the natural elements—sun and shower—immediately ties the individual's growth to the rhythms of nature, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between the human experience and the environment. Wordsworth's choice to personify nature is crucial in understanding the poem's essence. The phrase ...