Dr.M.Mazumdar

Euphuism is a highly elaborate and ornate style of writing and speaking, most famously exemplified in Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit, a novel by John Lyly published in 1578. The term "euphuism" itself derives from the character Euphues, whose name comes from the Greek word meaning "graceful" or "witty." This literary style, characterized by its extensive use of alliteration, antithesis, balanced sentences, and classical references, was both admired and criticized for its artificiality and complexity. Background and Purpose of Euphuism: John Lyly was a dramatist and novelist during the Elizabethan era, a time marked by the flourishing of literature and a heightened interest in rhetoric. His work Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit became a guide to courtly behavior and was particularly appealing to the educated, aristocratic classes of England. The novel serves as a moralistic treatise on the virtues and vices of young men, delivered through the witty, rhetorical conv...

In the essay titled "Of Discourse," Bacon explains how a person can "lead the dance" without appearing to dominate a conversation. You may find it worthwhile to compare Bacon's aphoristic observations with the lengthier reflections offered by Jonathan Swift in "Hints Toward an Essay on Conversation" and by Samuel Johnson in "Conversation." Francis bacon opens the essay by arguing about the narcissistic orators who always make use of the opportunity of joining a discourse just to show off their sharp intelligence. They struggle to win all their arguments from other orators though more by ferociousness than by reasoning. They forget about the sole purpose of the discussion, which to arrive at a thorough decision of an issue, in addition, to find out the truth by careful participation, in the search to show off their mental ability. Such speaker, the self-confident and over-bearing, think that by expressing themselves before the meeting would he...

Of Studies is the masterpiece essay nicely written by Francis Bacon. This essay is one of the most attractive essays, which was written on the behalf of Study. In the essay Of Studies, the writer Francis Bacon describes the importance of studies in human life. The essay Of Studies is the first essay in a series of ten essays published in 1597. The title of this essay collection is Essays or Counsels: Civil and Moral. In this essay, the writer has highlighted the importance of reading, writing, and learning in One’s life with experience, reinforcing the three purposes of studies – for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Analysis of “Of Studies” The writer begins this essay by enlisting three purposes of studies which are as follows: Studies for delight: Studies for gaining delight or happiness in one’s life. Studies for ability: Studies for improving one’s ability in life. Studies for Ornament: Studies for ornamenting one’s life. The first use of studies is that they serve for deli...

The Victorian era (1837-1901), marked by the reign of Queen Victoria, was a period of profound social transformation and reform in Britain. Amidst rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a growing middle class, Victorian writers used prose as a powerful tool for social critique and reform. Their works often exposed the stark realities of society, challenging the status quo and advocating for change. Charles Dickens, perhaps the most famous Victorian novelist, used his writing to highlight the plight of the poor and the working class. In novels like Oliver Twist (1837-39) and Hard Times (1854), Dickens painted vivid pictures of the harsh conditions faced by children, laborers, and the destitute. His detailed depictions of workhouses, child labor, and the dehumanizing effects of industrial capitalism stirred public empathy and sparked debates on social reform. Through his characters and narratives, Dickens criticized the systemic injustices of his time, pushing for better living condi...

Romanticism and the Personal Essay Romanticism, an artistic and intellectual movement that began in the late 18th century, was characterized by an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. This movement stood in contrast to the rationalism and order that dominated the Enlightenment period. Romanticism's influence permeated various forms of art, literature, and philosophy, and it played a significant role in shaping the personal essay as a literary form. One of the key tenets of Romanticism was the belief in the power of the individual's emotions and experiences. Romantic thinkers and writers often focused on the subjective experience, prioritizing personal feelings and imagination over reason and objective reality. This emphasis on the individual paved the way for the development of the personal essay, a form of writing that is deeply rooted in personal reflection and expression. The personal essay, as a genre, is inherently Romantic in its nature. It...

The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was a transformative period marked by an emphasis on reason, scientific inquiry, and skepticism of traditional authorities, particularly in religion and governance. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant championed the idea that human beings could use reason to understand and improve the world. This shift in thought laid the foundation for new literary forms, including the periodical essay, which became a crucial medium for disseminating Enlightenment ideas. The periodical essay emerged in the early 18th century as a popular form of writing, designed to be accessible and engaging for a broad audience. These essays were published regularly in newspapers or journals and offered readers concise, topical discussions on various subjects, from politics to fashion. The Tatler, founded by Richard Steele in 1709, was one of the first successful periodicals, covering a wide range of topics in a lively, conversational style t...

The Renaissance was a period of profound intellectual and cultural transformation that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe, reaching England in the late 15th century. Characterized by a revival of interest in the classical art, literature, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance also marked the rise of humanism, a movement that emphasized the value and agency of human beings and focused on the study of the humanities—grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy. In England, these Renaissance ideals had a significant impact on literature, particularly on prose, reshaping its form, content, and purpose. The Renaissance and the Rise of Humanism in England- The Renaissance's influence on England was somewhat delayed compared to the rest of Europe, primarily due to its geographic isolation and political instability. However, by the late 15th century, the Italian Renaissance began to permeate English intellectual circles. The introdu...

Absurd Drama refers to a genre of modern drama that focuses on the existential themes of human existence, often highlighting the absurdity and meaninglessness of life. It emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by its unconventional structure, illogical sequences, and dialogue that reflects the breakdown of communication. The term "Theatre of the Absurd" was coined by the critic Martin Esslin in his 1960 essay and later book, *The Theatre of the Absurd*. Definition: Absurd Drama is a form of drama that portrays human existence as nonsensical, chaotic, and devoid of purpose. The characters often find themselves in incomprehensible situations, where their actions and words seem meaningless. The structure of these plays typically defies traditional narrative forms, with fragmented plots, repetitive actions, and circular dialogue, all intended to underscore the absurdity of the human condition. Key Characteristics: - Illogical Plotlines: Events in absurd drama often ...

William Butler Yeats's "The Second Coming" is a short poem that blisters with apocalyptic ominousness. Its first line, "turning and turning in the widening gyre," locates the whole poem inside an expanding gyre, or spiral, making it clear that something is moving and changing, and the world will never be the same. The poem's second line zooms from that gigantic, unclear beginning straight into a very specific and symbolic image—the falcon, which has lost touch with its falconer. This line essentially implies that the "falcon," which likely represents humanity, has become detached from its "falconer," some sort of controller or holder that once kept it in order. Now the falcon is roaming free. Lines three through six describe collapse and turmoil, a dissolution of order and a rising tide of violence and revolution without cause. Innocence and rituals celebrating purity have been destroyed, and a wave of violence is washing over the land, d...

1. Shakespearean drama refers to the body of theatrical works produced before the rise of William Shakespeare, primarily during the late 16th century and earlier. This period includes various forms of drama, such as morality plays, mystery plays, and early forms of tragedy and comedy. Key characteristics and notable points include: Historical Context: Pre-Shakespearean drama emerged during the medieval period and the early Renaissance in England. It reflects the social, religious, and political contexts of the time. Types of Plays: - Mystery Plays: These were biblical plays performed by guilds, depicting stories from the Bible. - Morality Plays: These plays focused on moral lessons, often featuring allegorical characters representing virtues and vices. - Interludes: Shorter, comedic plays that often included satire and social commentary. - Tragedies and Comedies: Some early examples were influenced by classical works, incorporating elements of both tragedy and comedy...