The Kite Runner is the debut novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. It was first published in 2003. Hosseini’s masterful storytelling captivates readers as he explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, child-abuse, racism, guilt, political turmoil and redemption.
We start the novel in 1975 Afghanistan. The protagonist, Amir, a 12 year old boy, struggles for his father’s approval. He leads a very normal life with his loyal friend Hassan. It is endearing to see the bond between the boys. One day, Amir witnesses something that changes him forever. Due to this horrible event, his friendship with Hassan gets strained. Amir is guilt-ridden by it. Soon, the fate of his country changes forever. The life they knew was gone. We follow Amir and his Baba as they flee from their country and witness their struggles as refugees. Hosseini skilfully portrays the pain of leaving behind one's country, all the friends and relatives and the life they built there. After many adversities, Amir establishes himself in America. Then one day he gets a phone call from an old friend, who offers him a chance of redemption. After 26 years, Amir sets out to right his wrongs. His journey towards atonement is a very emotional one.
Through this novel, Hosseini shows the Soviet invasion and later the Taliban regime. Many aspects of Afghan history are woven into the narrative. A cast of complex characters show us the depths of human emotions.
To sum up, the kite runner is an excellent testimony of its author’s talent. It has described the journey of many afghan people who find themselves far from their home.
This Blog task is assigned by Barad Sir. You can check out the questions here. I shall try to answer the questions to the best of my ability.
Post-viewing Questions
How faithful is the play performance to the original play?
The play performance is very faithful to the original play. Original Shakespearean dialogues are used. The actors were capable in conveying the different emotions of the character. Especially the lead actor, Joseph Millson who portrayed Macbeth, was very dedicated to his portrayal. The thematic depth of the original play is incorporated with impressive accuracy. The play performance manages to capture the authenticity and spirit of the original work.
How has watching the play influenced your perception of the characters,
situations, or themes?
The play performance helped in better understanding of the play. The play helps in making the characters like Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and the witches more impactful. The ambition, cruelty and fear of Macbeth that leads him to do one crime after another are more effective when seen on stage. When the witchcraft scene is shown on stage, real fear creeps into the audience.
Watching the play helped in understanding the gravity of some situations. For example, the brutal murder of Macduff’s family (which was seen onstage) transforms the hero Macbeth into the villain in the eyes of the audience. These types of scenes are not that impactful when read but when portrayed onstage it leaves a deep mark on the audience's mind.
While watching the play, the major themes of Ambition and Guilt are better understood. The ambition of Lady Macbeth that makes her evil but then the overwhelming guilt she feels, these are portrayed remarkably.
Did you experience aesthetic delight while watching the play? When and
why?
Yes, I experienced aesthetic delight while watching the play. The use of dramatic music and talented actors provides an immersive experience of the play, so many scenes provided aesthetic delight. Some of the impactful scenes include:-
The witchcraft scene, the ghost of Banquo’s scene, Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene, and Macbeth’s final battle with Macduff.
Did you experience catharsis while or after watching the play? When and
why?
Macbeth is a play full of emotionally charged scenes. Hence, many scenes make you experience Catharsis. The scenes where Macduff’s kids are killed and the scene where he finds out are both very emotional scenes that can make the audience cry.
The dining room scene, where Macbeth meets the ghost of Banquo is also very powerful as it fills the audience with fear. Other than that, Macbeth’s descent into madness evokes pity and fear.
How did the screening of the play enhance your understanding of the play
compared to reading the text?
A play is the art of performance. It is always better understood when performed rather than read. Live performance also offers visual and auditory cues that enhance our understanding. Hence, the screening of the play provides a more immersive and sensory experience when compared to reading the text.
Is there a particular scene or moment in the play that will stay with you?
The acting of the lead actor (Joseph Millson) is magnetic. His portrayal of Macbeth’s madness was captivating. Whenever someone will say Macbeth, I would be reminded of his performance. The scenes where he is paranoid or scared was very powerful and will forever stay with me.
If you were the director, what changes would you consider making in a
screening of a play performance adaptation of Macbeth?
As a director, I might consider a few creative changes to bring a fresh perspective to a screening of "Macbeth." One option could be setting the play in a different time period or cultural context to highlight its universal themes. I might also experiment with the use of lighting, sound, and stage design to enhance the eerie and supernatural elements of the story, especially in scenes involving the witches.
Additionally, I could focus on the psychological aspects of the characters, using close-ups and intense acting to delve into their inner struggles and conflicts. Exploring the emotional depth of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship could add a layer of complexity to their motivations and actions.
Ultimately, any changes should serve to enhance the themes and messages of the original text while offering a fresh and engaging interpretation for the audience.
Symbolism of the scenes involving the witches in relation to Macbeth’s
ambitious actions and the plot of the play.
The scenes with the witches in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" symbolises the supernatural forces that manipulate Macbeth's ambitions and actions. The witches' prophecies ignite his desire for power, representing his unchecked ambition. Their appearances serve as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unrestrained ambition. Overall, the witches symbolise the destructive allure of ambition and the tragic downfall it can lead to.
MCQs
1. What is the genre of Shakespeare’s play, “Macbeth”?
Tragedy
2. Which of the following best describes Macbeth's tragic flaw?
Ambition
3. The witches' prophecies play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall. What is the primary theme associated with these prophecies?
Power
4. Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play. What emotion is she struggling with during that scene?
Guilt
Short Questions
1. Describe the symbolic significance of the opening scenes in Act I & IV involving the three witches in the play "Macbeth."
The opening scenes in Act I and IV of Macbeth involving the three witches are symbolically significant in a number of ways.
The witches represent the dark forces of evil and chaos that are at work in the play. They are associated with the elements of nature, such as the storm and the fog, which suggest a world that is out of control. Their language is full of riddles and ambiguities, which foreshadows the way that Macbeth's own fate will be clouded by uncertainty.
The witches' prophecies play a key role in shaping the events of the play. Their first prophecy, that Macbeth will "be king hereafter," plants the seed of ambition in Macbeth's mind and sets him on a path of destruction. Their second prophecy, that Banquo will father kings, sows the seeds of jealousy and resentment in Macbeth's heart.
The symbolic significance of the opening scenes involving the three witches is still relevant to modern audiences. The witches represent the dark side of human nature, the forces of evil and chaos that can tempt us to do wrong. Their prophecies remind us that we should be careful about what we wish for, as it may come true in ways that we do not expect. (Answered using Google Bard)
2. How does Macbeth's ambition lead to his moral deterioration throughout the play? Provide examples from the play to support your answer.
Macbeth's ambition is a central theme in the play, and it ultimately leads to his moral deterioration. At the beginning, his ambition is spurred by the prophecy of becoming king, but as he takes increasingly ruthless actions to secure his power, his morality deteriorates.
For example, when he hears the witches' prophecy, his ambition is ignited, and he becomes consumed by thoughts of becoming king. As his ambition grows, he starts to contemplate murdering King Duncan to achieve his goal. Initially, he hesitates and wrestles with his conscience, showing a moral struggle. However, his ambition overtakes his ethics, leading him to commit regicide.
After becoming king, Macbeth's ambition doesn't subside. He becomes paranoid about maintaining his newfound power, which leads to further moral decline. He orders the murder of Banquo and attempts to eliminate anyone who might threaten his rule, showing his willingness to eliminate even close friends.
In summary, Macbeth's unchecked ambition drives him to commit immoral and heinous acts as he pursues power. This descent into darkness is a clear representation of how ambition can corrupt an individual's moral compass. (Answered using Chat GPT)
3. In what ways does the motif of ‘blood’ serve as a symbol in "Macbeth"? Explain its significance in relation to guilt and violence. (‘Blood’ is mentioned around 40 times in the play).
The motif of 'blood' in "Macbeth" serves as a powerful symbol that is intricately connected to the themes of guilt and violence throughout the play. The recurring mention of blood, which occurs around 40 times, reflects the psychological and physical impact of the characters' actions.
1. Guilt and Conscience -
Blood is closely linked to guilt and remorse. After Macbeth and Lady Macbeth commit the murder of King Duncan, they become overwhelmed by guilt. Macbeth hallucinates seeing blood on his hands, symbolising his inner torment and the indelible stain of his crime. Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, trying to wash her hands of the imagined blood, which highlights her inability to cleanse her conscience.
2. Violence and Ambition -
The motif of blood is also connected to the violence that ensues in Macbeth's quest for power. It represents the brutal acts committed to secure his position. For instance, when Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo, he remarks, "It will have blood; they say, blood will have blood." This indicates the cycle of violence that vengeance can initiate.
3. Macbeth's Moral Decay -
As Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit more murders, his hands become increasingly stained with blood. The bloody imagery is a visual representation of his deteriorating moral state and the irreversible path he has chosen.
4. Symbol of Ambiguity -
Blood takes on a dual role as both a symbol of guilt and a symbol of valor. In the context of violence, blood represents bravery and honor on the battlefield. However, this positive association becomes tainted as Macbeth's ambitions lead to bloodshed that lacks honor or purpose.
Overall, the motif of blood in "Macbeth" serves as a multifaceted symbol that reflects the characters' inner turmoil, the consequences of their actions, and the blurred line between violence and valor. It encapsulates the complex interplay of guilt, violence, and ambition that drives the tragic events of the play. (Answered using Chat GTP)
4. Discuss the impact of the supernatural elements, such as the witches and prophecies, on the plot and characters of "Macbeth."
The supernatural elements in "Macbeth," including the witches and their prophecies, play a pivotal role in shaping the plot and characters of the play. These supernatural elements create an atmosphere of uncertainty, manipulation, and moral ambiguity that drives the characters towards their tragic fates.
1. Witches and Prophecies:
The three witches serve as agents of fate and catalysts for Macbeth's ambition. Their prophecies about Macbeth becoming king, Banquo's descendants inheriting the throne, and Macduff's threat fuel the characters' actions and decisions. Macbeth's initial encounter with the witches sparks his ambition and sets the chain of events in motion.
2. Character Transformation:
The supernatural elements contribute to Macbeth's transformation from a loyal and valiant soldier to a power-hungry tyrant. As he succumbs to his ambition and paranoia, he becomes increasingly ruthless, mirroring the witches' malevolent influence.
3. Lady Macbeth's Manipulation:
The supernatural elements also influence Lady Macbeth. She calls on the spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty, reflecting her desire to be free from moral constraints. The witches' prophecies embolden her and drive her manipulation of Macbeth to commit the murder.
In summary, the supernatural elements in "Macbeth" serve as a catalyst for the characters' actions, influence their decisions, and contribute to the moral deterioration of key figures. The witches' prophecies, along with their eerie presence, contribute to the play's themes of ambition, fate, and the corrupting nature of power. (Answered using Chat GTP)
5. Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. How do their personalities and motivations contribute to the unfolding of the tragedy?
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are central characters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," and their contrasting personalities and motivations significantly contribute to the unfolding tragedy of the play.
Macbeth -
Personality -
At the start, Macbeth is a loyal and honourable soldier, but his ambition and desire for power lead him down a dark path. He is plagued by moral dilemmas and struggles with guilt and paranoia as he commits ruthless acts to secure his position as king.
Motivations -
Macbeth's motivations are primarily driven by his ambition, which is ignited by the witches' prophecies. He initially seeks power out of a sense of destiny and curiosity but becomes consumed by it. His motivations evolve from a desire for greatness to a desperate attempt to maintain his newfound power.
Lady Macbeth -
Personality -
Lady Macbeth is initially depicted as a strong-willed and ambitious woman. She is determined and ruthless, willing to manipulate her husband to achieve their goals. However, as the guilt of their actions takes a toll on her, her mental state deteriorates, and she becomes consumed by remorse.
Motivations -
Lady Macbeth's motivations stem from her ambition and desire for power. She yearns for her husband to become king and is willing to go to great lengths, including encouraging murder, to make it happen. Her motivations evolve from confidence and ambition to guilt and madness.
Contributions to the Unfolding Tragedy -
Macbeth's personality and motivations lead him to commit regicide and descend into tyranny. His internal struggle and moral conflict show the corrupting influence of ambition and unchecked power, resulting in his downfall.
Lady Macbeth's manipulation and goading initially drive Macbeth to act, but her guilt-ridden conscience eventually leads to her mental breakdown and death. Her decline highlights the destructive consequences of ambition and the inability to reconcile immoral actions.
Their Contrasts are presented in the table below-
Macbeth
Lady Macbeth
Internal struggle is more pronounced
Seems stronger and more resolute (initially)
Guilt manifests through hallucinations
Guilt leads to sleepwalking and emotional breakdowns
Becomes increasingly isolated
Becomes isolated due to her mental state
Their Comparisons are presented in the table below-
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Both are motivated by Ambition
Both are consumed by guilt as a result of their actions
They both experience a transformation from their original selves to morally compromised individuals
Their partnership is founded on shared ambition but it ultimately leads to their tragic downfall
In conclusion, the contrasting personalities and motivations of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth contribute to the unfolding tragedy by illustrating the corrupting influence of ambition, the consequences of unchecked power, and the emotional toll of guilt and remorse. Their intertwined fates demonstrate the devastating impact of making unethical choices in pursuit of personal gain.
For better understanding of the topic you can check out these videos :-
In India, 29 August is celebrated as National Sports Day, as it is the birth anniversary of renowned Hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand. Today the students of the Department of English (MKBU), celebrated Sports Day. In this blog I’ll share my experience of this event.
As a group we played the game of Cricket. I know nothing about it. I don’t even remember the last time I played it. I personally felt embarrassed in front of my peers, some of whom are very skilled in this game. I would like to take this opportunity to tell them that I deeply admire their skill. A few students also brought their own sports equipment. Squash, Tennis and other games were played by them.
Today, after almost 7 years, I played Badminton again. Somewhere between poetry and books, I had forgotten the joy of playing badminton. While playing a brief game I rediscovered my love for this particular sport. I always considered myself a more creative person. If given an option, I would rather stay at home and read then go outside and play something. Today I found out that this generalization is wrong. Somewhere, unknowingly, I created a mental cage for myself. After many years I was again reminded that there is a sport that I enjoy.
I am so thankful to all my seniors, who organized this event. I know it was not what you planned but because of this I got to meet my hidden hobby again. From today onwards, I plan to play Badminton after college and stay connected to this interest as well.
On 22nd August, I, along with my friend Unnati Baroliya, presented the life of Jonathan Swift and Gulliver’s Travels to my class. It was a task given to us by Vaidehi ma’am. It was a very fun experience and we learnt a lot. I dealt with Gulliver’s Travels. I enjoyed reading about this work so much and it’s truly a literary masterpiece. I shall try to explain it here.
Gulliver’s travels were published in 1726. As the name suggests it is the story of Lumeul Gulliver who has various adventures. There are 4 adventures published as 4 parts. It is a satire on many things but most prominent are Human Nature, British Government and Travel writings (which were very popular in that time).
There are three satires used in the work. They are:-
Verbal Irony
Verbal irony is where you say something and mean the exact opposite. For example:- when your friend is late you say, “you’re so early”. You don’t mean this literally but say it to criticise your friend’s behaviour. Learn more about Verbal Irony :-
Situational Irony
Situational Irony is when readers and characters expect something to happen but the end result is something entirely different. Learn more about Situational Irony :-
Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is when the irony of a particular situation is apparent to readers but not realised by the characters. Learn more about Dramatic Irony :-
Now let us examine the adventures of Gulliver:-
A Voyage to Lilliput
This is perhaps the most famous part of the Gulliver’s Travels. It is here that Gulliver encounters Little people called Lilliputians. They are approximately 6 inches tall. These people, although small, have a complex political and social structure that mirrors great nations. Lilliputians put great emphasis on trivial matters. They are always busy in some kind of petty conflicts or absurd wars.
When Gulliver arrives there, they are at war with their neighbours because they disagreed on which side of an egg to crack. Through these unnecessary wars, Swift also displays the relation between England and France. There are also different groups in their land. For example- Big Endians and Little Endians. They have a disagreement over how to interpret a passage (which is cryptic in nature and can be interpreted in two ways). These groups signify the religious groups like Catholic and Protestants, who disagree on the message of their holy scriptures.
People of Lilliput island fail to recognise their own insignificance. They try to make Gulliver a pawn in their politics but they fail to realise that he can destroy their entire civilisation with ease. This is also seen in humans as we fail to recognise the certainty of death and always keep our mind busy with insignificant matters.
At the end of this part, Gulliver is charged for treason and he escapes through sea and returns to England.
A Voyage to Brobdingnag
In this adventure, Gulliver arrives at a place which is exactly the opposite of Lilliput Island. Brobdingnag is a land of Giants. At first Gulliver is captured by a farmer. He is treated as an entertainment and kept in a cage. Farmer takes him to the market and makes him do tricks. Then he is sold off to the Queen.
Living with the Queen, Gulliver got to observe their political structure. Their Government was praise-worthy. When Gulliver talks to the Brobdingnagian King, he is forced to face the follies of British Government. Through the fresh perspective of the King, Swift openly criticises the English Government.
The people of Brobdingnag are extremely vain, proud and superficial. Their outer look is also discussed in the book. Because of his small size, Gulliver notices ugliness in the peoples appearance. Even minor flaws seem magnified to him. Through this, Swift portrays the triviality of physical appearance. He tries to show that no matter how you look, you could be ugly from a different perspective.
Gulliver also had many dangers in this land. Because of his small size, he became an easy prey for many creatures. He is attacked by Wasps and Rats. At the end an Eagle captures him and drops him in the sea, from where he escapes.
A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib and Japan
Laputa is a flying island inhabited by super intelligent people. Balnibarbi is the land beneath them. Common people live on land while Government officials and other important people live on the flying Island. This signifies the disconnect of government and the people.
Gulliver soon notices the impracticality of their knowledge. They are talented but they work on utterly useless experiments like trying to get sunbeams from cucumbers or making marble soft so it could be used as a pillows. The people of this land are unable to engage in meaningful conversation or build emotional connections. In this part, we see the ruin brought by blind pursuit of science.
Then Gulliver is supposed to return to England through Japan. However, they took a detour and visit the Islands of Glubbdubdrib and Luggnagg. In Glubbdubdrib, he meets people who can summon ghosts. Gulliver calls for Julius Caesar, Brutus, Homer, Aristotle, Rene Descartes, etc. He admires these people as legends of our past but upon meeting them, he is disillusioned by them.
The Luggnagg citizens are immortals. They have eternal life. However, they do not have eternal youth. This means that they get old, suffer from diseases and their body starts to decay but they cannot die. They are legally considered dead at the age of 80. They envy Gulliver’s ability to die. For them death is a sweet relief. Through them, Swift shows the importance of endings. We like something because we know it is finite. It might not be the same way forever.
After this, Gulliver goes to Japan and returned back to England.
A Voyage to The Land of Houyhnhnms
In his last voyage, Gulliver ends up on the land of intelligent horses. They are devoid of greed, deceit, and selfishness. They live in peace and harmony in an almost utopian society.
Another species residing with them are human-like Yahoos. They are savage and brutal. Gulliver finds Yahoos to be repulsive. In this land, Horses, the dominant species are pure vegetarian, while Yahoos prefer meat. This is shown to signify their savagery. We can also connect it to the modern trend of Veganism.
The contrasting nature of both species raise philosophical and moral questions. Gulliver reflects on humanity as whole. This is the first place which Gulliver does not wish to quit. However, the horses reject him because of his similarities to Yahoos. They think Gulliver is a Yahoo with understanding but bad for their civilisation so they send him away.
He is rescued by a Portuguese ship captain. He goes back to England, and spends the rest of his days talking to his horses, and ignoring humans, considering them Yahoos. That is the end of Gulliver’s Travels.
This blog is a thinking activity assigned to us by Vaidehi ma’am. I shall try to answer the questions to the best of my ability.
Compare the general characteristics of the Elizabethan age and the Neoclassical age.
The Elizabethan Age and the Neoclassical Age are two major periods in English literature, separated by about a century. They are often contrasted with each other, as they represent two very different approaches to art and literature. The Elizabethan Age emphasised individualism and humanism, producing great works of literature and art, while the Neoclassical Age focused on reason, order, and moral themes, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman works.
The Elizabethan Age, spanning from 1558 to 1603 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, is renowned for its flourishing of literature, drama, exploration, and artistic expression. It was a time of great intellectual and artistic ferment. This period witnessed the emergence of illustrious playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, who created enduring works that explored the complexity of human nature. In this age, great emphasis on emotion and imagination is seen.
The Elizabethan age was a celebration of individualism and humanism. This was a time when intellectual inquiry was prized. Humanism, with its emphasis on the potential and dignity of the individual, influenced the arts, sciences, and politics of the period. The arts were marked by diversity and experimentation, as seen in the variety of theatrical genres and the mixing of styles from different cultures.
On the other hand, the Neoclassical Age, spanning roughly from 1660 to 1798, was a response to the preceding age’s exuberance and embraced a more rational and ordered approach. The Neoclassicists looked back to the ancient Greeks, and Romans for inspirations and emphasized order, reason and restraint in their art. They sought to restore artistic order and structure, often adhering to strict rules and forms. They believed that art should be used to teach and to improve society. They rejected the Elizabethan emphasis on emotion and imagination.
Neoclassical literature and art aimed for clarity, balance, and moral purpose. Writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift employed satire to criticize society’s follies, reflecting the era’s emphasis on social reform. This period also saw the rise of the novel as a prominent literary form, with authors like Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding contributing to its development. The Neoclassical period imitated the classical works of the past, while also incorporating reason and rationality.
An example of how differences are seen in literature can be observed through their plays. In the Elizabethan Age, plays were often full of violence, spectacle, and supernatural elements. They were made for entertainment purposes and their only goal was to attract an audience. In contrast, Neoclassical plays were typically more restrained and realistic. They were made for preaching purposes and their goal was to teach people morality.
The table presented below shows the key differences between the two period:-
Elizabethan Age
Neoclassical Age
Emphasis on emotion and imagination
Emphasis on reason and order
Eclectic and experimental
Classical and formal
Celebrated the individual
Stressed the importance of society
Produced some of the greatest works of English literature
Had a lasting influence on Western culture
In conclusion, the Elizabethan Age and the Neoclassical Age represent two distinct yet interconnected periods in English history. The former celebrated individualism, exploration, and artistic diversity, while the latter embraced reason, order, and classical influences.
For more information on both these ages you could check out the following videos:-
Favourite Writer and Favourite Text from Neoclassical age:
Recently I discovered the writings of Jonathan Swift and I could not help myself but admire his works. As a Neoclassical writer, his works put emphasis on reason, order and moral purpose. His works exhibit profound insights into human nature and societal flaws. Through works like “Gulliver’s Travels” and his satirical essays, Swift skilfully employed classical forms and rational thought. He possesses a remarkable ability to blend humour with critique.
One text that I admire the most from the Neoclassical age also comes from the pen of Jonathan Swift. His remarkable 4 part novel, Gulliver’s Travels, is truly a masterpiece. For more information on this work click here.
Difference between Jonathan Swift and writers from Elizabethan Age :-
Jonathan Swift was more interested in social and political satire. His works did not explore love, death and the supernatural like writers of Elizabethan age. He also used formal and balanced style and was not experimental. He was more concerned with the moral and ethical implication of his writing then the aesthetic beauty of his language.
Difference between Jonathan Swift and writers from Romantic Age :-
Jonathan Swift also differed from the writers of the Romantic age. He was not interested in the individual and the emotions as the romantics were and was more skeptical of human nature and more critical of society. His work was dark and pessimistic rather than the optimistic, idealistic works of the romantics.
One thing about the Neoclassical age which I look upto:-
One aspect of Neoclassical age that I admire is the emphasis on reason and rationality. This era valued intellectuals and ethical considerations. Because of these it is also called, “The Age of Reason”. The works of art are carefully structured, clear and often carried a moral message. The commitment to these principles helped in shaping thought provoking pieces that continue to influence discourses and analysis.
We live in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. The Neoclassical ideals of reason and order can help us to make sense of the world around us and to find a place in it. The Neoclassical age was not without its flaws. They could be too rigid and dogmatic in their classical ideals. They were also insensitive to the needs of the individual and oftentimes ignored the emotions. However, they possessed many positive qualities. It was the time of great intellectual and artistic achievement and it produced some of the greatest works of western literature.
