Vachikam by Jalso

On the evening of September 28, 2023, I had the privilege of attending “Vachikam,” a mesmerizing dramatic reading of renowned Gujarati stories, brought to life by the talented Jalso team. This captivating event was meticulously organized by Hallopp Entertainment, marking its debut in the world of entertainment.

The show started at around 9:30 pm. First, there was an inauguration ceremony. Then we heard about the inspiring journey of Mr. Punit Purohit, who is the founder of Hallopp. Mr. Purohit shared his profound connection with the word “Hallopp,” explaining how it ignited his motivation, evolved into his life’s mantra, and eventually became the name of his firm.

 

Dr. Nimit Oza, a renowned author and influential blogger, took the stage, delivering a powerful and thought-provoking speech. Among his many pearls of wisdom, he unveiled the three essential “P’s” that pave the path to success: Passion, Perseverance, and Patience. His words resonated deeply with the eager audience, leaving them inspired and contemplative.

Adding to the evening’s allure, Gujarati Author and Screenwriter, Ram Mori, graced the gathering with his encouraging words, setting the stage for the main event. As the curtains rose and the dramatic readings began, it was evident that “Vachikam” would be an unforgettable experience, a testament to the creativity and talent that thrives in the world of Gujarati literature and entertainment.

The first story that was read was Odipo by legendary writer Jhaverchand Meghani. It was the story of loving and hard-working Rupi. She happily lived with her in-laws and was fond of decorating her home. She was so skilled in this task that it evoked jealousy of village-people. Once, she visited her mother on some occasion but due to some misunderstanding, Rupi’s mother forbade her to go back to her in-laws and tried to marry her off somewhere else. Rupi was not able to accept this and waited for her husband. However, when no hope was left, she jumped in a river and ended her life, as she would rather die than live without her husband. The sad tale of Rupi was narrated with such skill that it brought the audiences to the verge of tears. 

Next we heard chapter number 17 from Baki Raat, written by very skilled Gujarati Author, Chandrakant Bakshi. It was another heart-wrenching story which shook the audience to their core. In this story, we meet Vicky who finds out that Keya, (who is a widow) is pregnant with his child. Vicky tries to convince her to abort the child and Keya tries to explain that it is quite impossible as she was 7 months pregnant. Amid the confusion and misunderstandings, Vicky loses his cool and attacks Keya. This story of Anger, Violence, Shock and Sadness was very impactful. It ended in suspense, as it was only a chapter from the novel. 

Next was an enchanting story by Himanshi Shelat called “Sundar, Amruta ane Vruksh”. Speaker Mr. Naishadh Purani claimed this to be one of his favourite story. Sundar is a talkative fellow who meets the unnamed narrator. He instantly becomes friends with him and invites him home. Sundar also describes “Amruta” his wife, in an alluring method, which sparks our narrator’s imagination. After meeting a few times and a few more invitations, narrator visits his home. However, all is not as he expected and narrator leaves in a hurry. At the end, Sundar feels bad as nobody wants to see the tree, in his backyard, which he keeps talking about. 

Then we heard, “Ambagorani No Parbhudo” by Chunnilal Madiya. It was the story of an old mother, the titular character Amba Gorani, who has to witness the painful ordeal of her son Parbhu’s attempted suicide. The story takes place in a hospital where doctors are trying their best to save Parbhu. Amba Gorani is present there with some other people from the village. When it was apparent that Parbhu will not live longer, Amba Gorani only wanted to ask him one question. This one question entertained the people from the village as everyone started to guess what it would be. Some of them were shocked that how can Amba Gorani be satisfied in only one question, as Parbhu was her only family member. She was very old and it was thought-provoking how she can even accept her son’s death. Some of the villagers, very insensitively, cracked jokes on the family’s poverty. Some saying that she might want to ask to whom they do not owe any money so that she can ask for a loan. At the end of the story when that one question was revealed, everyone, characters of the story and the audience, were beyond sad. It was truly one of the saddest stories i have ever heard. 

In story number 5, we met “Intellectual Indubhai”. Written by very talented Mahendrasinh Parmar (who was present in audience). In this story, we explored the differences between a pretentious intellectual, who only wants to “look” intelligent and a real one, someone who actually understands things. Indubhai was a true intellectual. We see how he struggles with intelligence and suffers the consequences of other’s misdeeds. As a reader, the fire at Indubhai’s house brought tears to my eyes. He’s a college professor but as he witness his students becoming a part of illogical chaos, he is deeply hurt. This hurt and helplessness transform the intellectual Indubhai to some mad person who sees Milton on the streets. 

Then we enjoyed the special performance of Deep Vyas who presented “E..E..Eso”, a story which he wrote himself. It was a brilliant story about Eso who could not see properly but had a very proper perspective.

We ended this wonderful evening with a story, written in letter format, by Kundanika Kapadiya. This thought-provoking piece was “Sampurna Sundar Pane”. It was about a woman who got divorce after 12 years of marriage and was writing the last letter to her ex-husband. It was about hope of new beginnings and strength to leave behind the past. 

I would urge all my readers to experience these stories yourself on the Jalso app. I would like to thank the Jalso team for their entertaining performance. My heartfelt thank you to Hallopp Entertainment for organising this memorable event. Last but not the least, I would like to thank my wonderful teacher Vaidehi Ma’am for sharing about this awesome event. It was truly an unforgettable evening. 

Wordsworth and Lyrical Ballads

This blog is a bridge course task assigned by Barad Sir. For further reading click here. 

How French Revolution influenced William Wordsworth's Romanticism:

It puts emphasis on Individualism. The French Revolution promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which resonated with Romanticism's focus on individualism and personal experience. Wordsworth's poetry often celebrated the individual's connection with nature and their unique emotional responses to it. It also inspired Wordsworth in critique of Industrialisation. The industrialisation that followed the French Revolution led to urbanisation and social change. Wordsworth and other Romantics critiqued these developments, championing the simple, rural life and expressing concerns about the impact of industrialisation on the human spirit.

It also provided nature as a Source of Inspiration. Wordsworth, like other Romantic poets, was inspired by the natural world. The upheaval of the French Revolution led to a renewed interest in nature as a source of solace and inspiration in the face of societal turmoil.

Due to French Revolution, a certain political and social awareness was also awakened. The revolutionary ideals of heightened political and social awareness. Wordsworth's poetry often reflected a sense of social responsibility and a desire for positive change, aligning with the revolutionary spirit. Along with all these, French Revolution helps in developing emotional expression. Romanticism valued emotional expression, and the intense emotions associated with the revolutionary period, from hope to disillusionment, found their way into Wordsworth's poetry. His work often delved into deep emotional experiences and explored the human psyche.

In summary, the French Revolution's influence on Wordsworth's Romanticism can be seen in his focus on individualism, nature, critique of industrialisation, heightened political awareness, and the emotional intensity of his poetry, all of which were shaped by the revolutionary era's social and intellectual currents. (Answered with Chat GPT)

Absalom and Achitophel

Absalom and Achitophel, written by John Dryden, is a celebrated satirical poem written in heroic couplets and published in 1681. This blog is a thinking task assigned by Barad Sir, on that poem. For more information, you can click here. 

1. Given below are two tables of characters who are in favour of King David and Achitophel :- 

2. Criticism of the beginning of the poem :-

Lines from the poem - 

In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, Before polygamy was made a sin; When man on many multiply'd his kind, E'er one to one was cursedly confined: When nature prompted, and no law denied Promiscuous use of concubine and bride; Then Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart, His vigorous warmth did variously impart To wives and slaves: and, wide as his command, Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land.

Analysis -

Dryden begins by invoking a time before the laws of society and religion were established, when men were free to pursue their natural desires. He then introduces King David, a man of great passion and fertility, who fathered many children from many different women.

The speaker's tone in these lines is light and playful, but there is also an underlying seriousness. Dryden is using the biblical story of David and Absalom as an allegory for the contemporary political situation in England, where King Charles II was facing a challenge to his rule from his illegitimate son, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.

One of the most striking features of this passage is its use of language. Dryden's diction is elevated and poetic, but he also uses a number of colloquialisms and slang expressions, such as "prompted" and "cursedly." This creates a sense of immediacy and realism, and it also helps to make the poem's allegorical meaning more accessible to the reader.

Another notable feature of this passage is its structure. Dryden uses a variety of poetic devices, such as enjambment, caesura, and alliteration, to create a sense of flow and rhythm. The passage is also carefully structured in terms of its meaning. The first two lines introduce the poem's setting and theme, while the next four lines introduce the main characters. The final two lines then focus on King David, and his role in the poem's allegory.

Overall, the beginning of Absalom and Achitophel is a masterfully written piece of poetry. Dryden's use of language, structure, and allegory is masterful, and he effectively introduces the poem's main characters and setting.

Critique -

Some critics have argued that Dryden's use of the biblical story of David and Absalom is too heavy-handed, and that it makes the poem's allegorical meaning too obvious. Others have argued that Dryden's tone in the opening lines is too flippant, and that it does not adequately reflect the seriousness of the poem's subject matter.

However, I believe that Dryden's use of the biblical story is very effective. The biblical story of David and Absalom is a well-known and well-loved story, and it provides a clear and accessible framework for Dryden's allegory. Additionally, Dryden's use of a light and playful tone in the opening lines is deliberate. He is trying to disarm the reader and make them more receptive to his message.

Overall, I believe that the beginning of Absalom and Achitophel is a very well-written and effective piece of poetry. Dryden's use of language, structure, and allegory is masterful, and he effectively introduces the poem's main characters and setting. (Answered using Google Bard)

3. Comparing Absalom and Achitophel with Hamilton :- 

One contemporary political satire that is worth comparing to John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel is Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton. Both works use allegory and humor to criticize the political climate of their time.

Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical allegory of the Exclusion Crisis of 1679, in which the English Parliament attempted to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from the throne. Dryden uses the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom to represent the conflict between Charles II and his opponents. In the poem, Absalom represents Charles's illegitimate son Monmouth, who was supported by the Whigs. Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, the Whig leader who was instrumental in the Exclusion Crisis.

Hamilton is a satirical allegory of the American Revolution. Miranda uses the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, to represent the ideals of the Revolution. However, he also uses the musical to criticize the hypocrisy and corruption of the American political system.

Both Absalom and Achitophel and Hamilton are masterpieces of political satire. They are both witty, insightful, and entertaining. However, there are some key differences between the two works.

First, Absalom and Achitophel is written in heroic couplets, a traditional poetic form. Hamilton, on the other hand, is a hip-hop musical. This difference in form reflects the different audiences for the two works. Absalom and Achitophel was written for an elite audience of educated readers. Hamilton, on the other hand, is written for a mass audience.

Second, Absalom and Achitophel is more overtly political than Hamilton. Dryden's poem is a direct attack on the Whig party and their attempt to exclude the Duke of York from the throne. Hamilton, on the other hand, is more subtle in its political satire. Miranda uses the story of Hamilton to criticize the American political system as a whole, rather than any specific party or politician.

Finally, Absalom and Achitophel is a tragedy. Absalom is killed in battle against his father David, and Achitophel commits suicide. Hamilton, on the other hand, is a more hopeful work. Hamilton is assassinated, but his legacy lives on.

Despite their differences, Absalom and Achitophel and Hamilton are both powerful examples of political satire. They are both works of art that challenge us to think critically about the political world around us.

Byronic Hero

This blog is a thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma’am. In here I will try to explain the Byronic Hero. 

Introduction - 

In the realm of literature, there exist a character archetype that has captivated readers for centuries, a figure both flawed and fascinating - The Byronic Hero. It’s named after its creator, Romantic poet Lord Byron. Both, Byron’s own persona and the characters from his writings are considered when defining features of the character type. To know more about Lord Byron, click here.

Origins - 

Byronic hero comes to life in works of Lord Byron. His most famous Byronic hero can be found in the epic poem “Childe Harold’s pilgrimage”, where the protagonist embodies many characteristics of this archetype. One could say that Byronic heroes are hero and villain of their own story.  This is because they combine traditional tragic hero and the gothic villain. Byronic hero is a rebel. He would rather revolt and face the consequences, than submit to a higher power and live in peace. 

Lord Byron’s own life was filled with scandal, heartbreak, and a spirit of rebellion against societal norms. These elements were infused in his characters. The Byronic hero is, in many ways, an extension of Byron’s own inner struggles, and desires, making it a deeply personal and compelling creation. A quote by Lady Caroline Lamb, initially meant for Lord Byron, can explain this Byronic Hero : “Mad, Bad and Dangerous to know”. 

Characteristics of Byronic Hero - 

The Byronic hero is a complex and multifaceted character, and his characteristics can vary depending on the author and the specific work of literature. However, some of the most common characteristics of Byronic heroes include:

Dark and brooding: 
Byronic heroes are often characterised by their dark and brooding nature. They may have a tragic past or a secret that they are carrying, and they are often weighed down by a sense of guilt or remorse.

Rebellious and defiant: 

Byronic heroes are also known for their rebellious and defiant spirit. They challenge authority and social conventions, and they are not afraid to go their own way.

Intelligent and charismatic: 

Byronic heroes are typically highly intelligent and charismatic individuals. They are able to draw people to them with their wit, charm, and passion.

Darkly romantic: 

Byronic heroes are often depicted as darkly romantic figures. They are passionate and sensual, but they are also mysterious and dangerous.

Tragic downfall: 

Byronic heroes often meet with a tragic downfall. Their flaws and hubris often lead to their destruction.

Arrogance: 

Byronic heroes can be arrogant and disdainful of others. They may have a sense of superiority that alienates them from others.

Self-destructive tendencies: 

Byronic heroes often engage in self-destructive behaviours, such as gambling, drinking, and promiscuity.

Cynicism: 

Byronic heroes can be cynical and disillusioned with the world. They may have a deep distrust of others and a belief that humanity is inherently corrupt.

Despite their flaws, Byronic heroes are often compelling and sympathetic characters. They are often misunderstood and alienated by society, but they are also highly intelligent, passionate, and romantic individuals. Their tragic downfalls serve as a reminder that even the most noble of us are flawed and that we are all susceptible to temptation.

Examples of Byronic heroes in literature

• Childe Harold and Don Juan from Lord Byron's poetry
• Heathcliff from Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights
• Victor Frankenstein from Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein 
• Raskolnikov from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment
• Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
• Rochester from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre
• Dracula from Bram Stoker's Dracula
• Edward Cullen from Twilight movie series
• Loki from Norse mythology and Marvel films
• Kylo Ren from the Star Wars sequel trilogy

The Byronic hero continues to be a popular archetype in literature, film, and television. He is a complex and fascinating character who represents our deepest desires and our darkest fears.

Why is the Byronic hero important?

The Byronic hero is important because he represents a universal human archetype. He is the outsider, the rebel, the individual who challenges the status quo. He is also the tragic hero, who ultimately falls from grace.

In a world that often values conformity and obedience, the Byronic hero is a reminder that it is important to be true to oneself, even if that means being different. He is also a reminder that we are all flawed and that even the most noble of us can make mistakes.

The Byronic hero continues to resonate with audiences today because he is a timeless character. He represents our deepest desires and our darkest fears. He is the hero we love to hate and the villain we can't help but root for. 

For more information on Byronic Hero, check out the following videos :- 

Wandering on Wheels - Storytelling session

On 22nd September 2023, we, the students of Department of English MKBU, had an amazing opportunity to attend a Storytelling session by Dr. Dikpalsinh Jadeja sir. He is a renowned storyteller who is very skilled in his craft. 

Sir stared the session by telling us the work he has done. He loves to travels and goes to explore remote places. From here he unearths the forgotten folk tales and presents them to his readers. He also records children’s stories and is loved by his younger audience. Many children don’t like to eat or sleep without listening to his stories. Sir presented some anecdotes on how stories can change lives and further told us the importance of stories. As we grow older, we sometimes forget how impactful stories are. It’s the stories of our childhood that make up the person that we are today. As Sir was telling his stories, I was reminded of my great-grandmother who used to sit with me on summer evening and tell me stories. She was the one who developed in me the love for stories. 

We moved the session further with a reading of a Gujarati short story called, “ જાવું હતું જકાર્તા અને નીકળ્યો હું ચોબારી”. In this story we explored the history of the area and it also includes a Gujarati folk tale. Narrated exceptionally well by Jadeja Sir, the story was very captivating. Through his words, Sir painted vivid scenes and brought the characters to life.  

Attending this session was a truly memorable experience.  I eagerly await more such opportunities. 

Rape of the Lock

This blog is a thinking task assigned by Vaidehi Ma’am. For more information and questions click here. I shall try to answer these questions to the best of my abilities.

 

1. According to you, who is the protagonist of the poem Clarissa or Belinda? Why? Give your answer with logical reasons.

According to me, the protagonist of the poem is Belinda. 

Clarissa makes some excellent points on how beauty should not be valued so much that virtues are no longer necessary. If the poem had been published in today’s time period then Clarissa would have been the protagonist. However, Belinda fits the mould of a protagonist of those times. She is a rich girl, who has many admirers and literal angels protecting her. 

Another thing is that, Belinda, being so vain, makes the poem a perfect satire. Pope would not have been able to send the message he intended if Clarissa was the protagonist. It is Belinda’s vanity and illogical personality that makes her a protagonist.

2. What is beauty? Write your views about it.

As people often say, “Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder”. I personally believe in that and think beauty is a changing subject. Everyone have a different beauty standard. So, there is no one trait that can be considered beautiful.

Other than that, you can consider that there are two types of beauty. 1. Inner and 2. Outer beauty. If one wants to be beautiful they should try to better themselves from the inside. This means to be kind to those around them, help someone whenever they can, etc.

3. Find out a research paper on "The Rape of the Lock". Give the details of the paper and write down in brief what it says about the Poem by Alexander Pope.

A very interesting research paper on “The Rape of the Lock”, is written by Umme Salma from the University of Queensland. It’s called “Women and Empire in Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock: A rereading”

You can check out that paper here.

In this research paper, Salma discusses the symbolism in Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock." It suggests that the poem tells not only the story of Belinda's hair being cut but also symbolises the metaphorical rape of the British Empire during its imperial expansion. Just as Belinda's locks make her an object of desire, the Empire's treasures make it desirable to patriarchy and imperialism. Both women and the Empire are seen as objects to be possessed and dominated. The paper argues that Belinda's locks and the Empire's treasures symbolises each other, highlighting a connection between patriarchal and colonial dominance in the poem.

4. Write your views about the significance of hair. Is it symbolic?

In the poem “Rape of the Lock”, hair plays a very significant role. There are a number of instances from which we can see this. Some of them are given below.

In the title, the word “Rape” is used for hair. “Rape” is a very serious crime. However, by using it for hair, Pope symbolises how important the lock of hair is.

For Belinda, the lock of hair symbolises her prestige, honour and dignity. When the lock of hair is lost, she is extremely disturbed. Pope also suggests that such heartbreak was never felt by anyone and proceeds to describe heartbreak of kings who lost battles and widows who lost husbands. By giving such examples, Pope mock Belinda and her grief but we also get to know how important the lock was to Belinda.

In this manner, the hair symbolises many things.

Post - Truth

This is a Sunday reading blog task, assigned by Barad Sir. For more information click here. In this blog, I shall present my understanding of the concept of Post Truth. 

What is Post-Truth? 

Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. (Oxford Dictionary)

Post-Truth is when people believe things based on their feelings rather than facts. In a post-truth world, emotions and personal opinions often matter more than objective information and evidence. This makes it challenging to have honest and rational discussions because facts are sometimes ignored or manipulated to fit a particular narrative or agenda.

The concept and history of Post-truth is very well explained in a video by “Then & Now”. You can check that out here - 

Word of the Year 2016 

“Post-truth” was chosen as the word of the year 2016 by Oxford Dictionaries. This word captured the political trend at the time. During that year, there was an increase in the use of the term due to the rise of political movements and campaigns that seemed to prioritise emotions and personal beliefs over facts and evidence. A very Famous example of it would be the Brexit vote in the UK. 

The word “Post-truth” was chosen to reflect the growing concern about the manipulation of information. It highlighted the challenges society was facing in distinguishing between factual information and emotional or biased narratives in the age of internet and social media. 

Philosopher and Author Professor A. C. Grayling described in one video by Sky News, why it’s the word of the year. You can check out that video here - 

 

The influence of Social Media 

One of the major reasons for the spread of Post-truth is increased dependency on social media. Social media platforms are a ground for rapid spreading of information, both accurate and misleading. A single tweet, post or video can go viral within minutes, reaching millions of viewers. This makes it challenging to control misinformation. The algorithms that govern our social media feeds often prioritise content that evokes strong emotional responses. This can contribute to the spread of sensationalised or false information. 

The sheer volume of information on social media can be overwhelming. Users may not have time or inclination to critically evaluate every piece of content they encounter. This can lead to a reliance on social media, which can be dangerous in times of fake news. A very recent example of this is Manipur crisis. Because of a piece of false information, that appealed to people’s aggressive emotions, many innocent lives were destroyed. 

How to be safe in Post-truth world?

There are a few things that we could do to avoid false information and be aware of facts. Some of them are:- 

Media literacy - 

Developing media literacy skills is crucial. Educating ourselves and others on how to critically evaluate sources of information, fact-check claims, and recognise potential bias can help us make more informed decisions.

Diverse perspectives - 

Everyone should actively seek out diverse perspectives and opinions. Engaging with people who hold different views can provide a more well-rounded understanding of complex issues.

Emotional awareness - 

We should be aware of our emotions and try to recognise how they influence our decisions. Just by being in control of our emotions, we can make more rational decisions. 

Fact-checking - 

Fact-checking organisations and tools are valuable resources for verifying information. Taking a moment to fact-check before accepting or sharing information can help curb the spread of misinformation.

In conclusion, the concept of Post-truth reflects a world where emotions and personal beliefs can overshadow facts and evidence. While navigating this landscape can be challenging, developing media, literacy, and critical thinking are sensual steps towards a more informed and balanced society.

In Jaipur Literature Festival 2017, there was a very interesting debate on whether we live in Post-truth era. You can check it out here - 

John Dryden’s Dramatic Poesy

This is a blog task assigned by Barad sir. In here we learned about Dryden’s “Essay of Dramatic Poesy”. You can read all about it here. I shall try to answer the questions to the best of my ability. 

1. Do you any difference between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of Play?

To see the difference we first have to see the definitions. 

Aristotle’s definition of Tragedy -  

"An imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions." 

Dryden’s definition of Play - 

“ Just and lively image of human nature, representing its passions and humours, and the changes of fortune to which it is subject, for the delight and instruction of mankind.”

Differences-

Now the first thing that we should keep in mind is that Aristotle’s definition only deals with Tragedy. Whereas Dryden’s definition encompasses a wider range of dramas. 

If we see the end of the definition of Aristotle puts emphasis on the concept of “Catharsis”. He believes that tragic plays should produce strong emotions in the audience. 

Dryden ends with equal emphasis on instructions or moral preachings as well as delight of the audience.

Aristotle also considered Unities very important. This is not so important for Dryden.  Dryden argues that these Unities can be ignored as it creates a very interesting drama.

Hence, a few differences are seen in definitions of Dryden and Aristotle. These differences are also expected as both these literary scholars are product of different time periods.

2. If you are supposed to give your personal predilection, would you be on the side of the Ancient or the Modern? Please give reasons. 

I personally prefer the Modern English criticism. Here are my reasons for it:- 

I think the three Unities rule really restrict creative writing. The Modern freedom to ignore this rule helps dramatists in producing grand dramatic works. The main story can also be explored freely if the unities rule is ignored. 

Another great feature of Modern Criticism, which here means from Neo-classical age, is that some elements of classics are present. However, Modern techniques are also incorporated in their works. The work produced here is an updated version of classics.