Orlando

Orlando-A Novel written by Virginia Woolf.

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - A Biography was assigned by Megha ma'am, Department of English MKBU. In this task, we have to answer some questions mentioned in this blog.

Introduction of Writer:

Virginia Woolf

Also Known as - Adeline Virginia Woolf/Stephen

Born - 25 January 1882

Death - 28 March 1941 (aged 59)

Occupation/Known as - Novelist, essayist, publisher, critic

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English writer and one of the foremost modernist writers of the 20th century. She was known for her experimental style, which often explored themes of gender, sexuality, identity, and mental health. Woolf is best known for her novels, including "Mrs. Dalloway," "To the Lighthouse," and "Orlando," as well as her non-fiction works, such as "A Room of One's Own."

Woolf was a member of the influential Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, artists, and intellectuals who were known for their bohemian lifestyles and unconventional ideas. Woolf's work is characterized by its stream-of-consciousness narrative style, its emphasis on the interior lives of her characters, and its innovative approach to time and space.

Throughout her life, Woolf struggled with mental health issues, including depression and bipolar disorder. She ultimately died by suicide in 1941, at the age of 59. Despite her struggles, Woolf remains an important figure in modernist literature and her work continues to be studied and celebrated today.

Notable Works -  

Mrs. Dalloway (1925)

To the Lighthouse (1927)

The Voyage Out (1915)

Jacob's Room (1922)

Orlando (1928)

The Waves (1931)

Night and Day (1919)

1. How far do you feel that Orlando is influenced by Vita and Virginia’s love affair? Does it talk only about that or do you find anything else too?

It is widely known that Virginia Woolf's novel "Orlando" was inspired by her romantic relationship with Vita Sackville-West, and many aspects of the novel's plot and characters are thought to be based on their personal experiences. In particular, the character of Orlando is believed to be a composite of Woolf and Sackville-West, with elements of both writers' personalities and lives.

However, "Orlando" is not simply a retelling of Woolf and Sackville-West's love affair. The novel explores a range of themes and issues beyond their relationship, including gender identity, time, history, and literature. The book is a meditation on the nature of identity itself, as Orlando changes gender and experiences life in different historical periods while retaining a sense of continuity and selfhood throughout.

At its core, "Orlando" is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the creative spirit, as embodied by Orlando's artistic pursuits and Woolf's own literary experimentation. The book is a playful and experimental exploration of the nature of biography and history, challenging the reader's assumptions about the stability of identity and the fixity of historical narratives.

Overall, while "Orlando" may have been influenced by Woolf and Sackville-West's relationship, the novel is a rich and complex work that explores a range of themes and issues beyond their personal lives.

2. Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.

That being said, it is widely known that both Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West were queer women who lived in a time when same-sex relationships were not widely accepted or understood. Both writers explored themes of gender and sexuality in their work, and their personal lives undoubtedly influenced their creative output.

However, it is important to remember that identity is a complex and multifaceted concept, and there is no one "correct" way to experience or express one's sense of self. It is not productive or helpful to try to label or categorize individuals based on their sexuality or gender identity.

Ultimately, what is most important is that people are able to live authentically and express themselves in ways that feel true to who they are. As a society, we should strive to create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, where everyone is able to live without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

3. What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If not then why?

Throughout history, society's views on women and identity have been shaped by a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. In many societieks, women have been relegated to traditional gender roles and expected to conform to certain expectations about their behavior, appearance, and life choices.

For many years, women were denied access to education and opportunities for personal and professional development, which limited their ability to express themselves and pursue their goals. Women were often seen as secondary to men, and their identities were defined in relation to their roles as wives, mothers, and caretakers.

Thankfully, in recent years, there has been progressing in terms of gender equality and women's rights. Women have gained greater access to education, employment, and political representation, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.

However, despite this progress, there is still a long way to go before women's identities are fully valued and respected in all contexts. Women continue to face discrimination and marginalization based on their gender, race, ethnicity, and other factors, and there is a need for ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

What can we do for changing the rule for that type of society peoples?

Gender roles at home can and should be blurred. We should be teaching all our children to cook, clean, do laundry and fix things around the house – essential life skills for any adult. We should also be aware of cultural inconsistencies in how we treat girls and boys and the messages we are sending our daughters. We need to challenge cultural expectations that women should be responsible for things that men are not. Women are equally capable as men to be successful and happy. Our childhood upbringing and culture should reflect that.

Indian's Views on women and identity

More than half a century ago, India was one of the first countries in the world to elect a woman as prime minister, and the country currently has several highly influential women politicians, including Sonia Gandhi, the head of one of the major national parties. Today, most Indians say that “women and men make equally good political leaders,” and more than one-in-ten feel that women generally make better political leaders than men, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey of nearly 30,000 adults throughout India.

Most Indians (63%) see sons – not daughters – as being primarily responsible for parents’ last rites and burial rituals. Religious funeral practices for loved ones are widely seen as very important, and at least according to Hindu tradition, sons must perform last rites for a parent to ensure freedom for the soul in the afterlife. Recently, women – including acndtress Mandirla Bedi and the daughters of India’s former Chief of Defense Staff – have publicly challenged these norms by lighting family members’ funeral pyres.

When the matter comes particularly about India till that day there are communities who are thinking that women should only contribute in Child nurturing and should handle their families absolutely,for them it's pride that women is master in cooking and dressing up and men knows nothing, literally nothing about such works.

Even they are able to make women more powerful and capable than the men and that is what makes women emotionally weak or strong enough to handle all these matters hardly.

4. What are your views on Gender Identity? Will you like to give any message to society?

Gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of their own gender. It is a deeply personal and subjective experience that can differ from the sex assigned at birth, and may not fit into traditional binary categories of male or female.It is also important to recognize the diversity of gender identities and expressions that exist within society, and to promote inclusivity and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. This includes creating safe and supportive spaces for transgender and non-binary individuals and working to address the social and systemic barriers that can prevent them from accessing resources and opportunities.

Gender is a composite of socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities and/or attributes that a given society may consider appropriate for people of an assigned sex. Gender identity, like gender, refers to an individual’s personal sense of being female, male, both, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Gender identity may or may not correspond to the sex assumed or assigned at birth.

The following is a list of collectively used gender identities and expressions:

Agender: A person who identifies with this term will often consider themselves as not subscribing to any gender identity.

Cisgender: This term is commonly used to refer to people who identify exclusively with the gender assigned at birth.

Demigender: This is a term used to describe a person who feels a connection and/or has an internal leaning toward a particular gender. 

Gender Questioning: Gender questioning describes someone who is questioning all or parts of their gender identity or expression and does not wish to identify themselves with a specific gender identity.

Intergender: Intergender describes a gender identity that is a mix of both masculine and feminine identities.

Multi-Gender: Multi-gender describes people who hold more than one gender identity.

Transgender/Trans: Transgender is used to describing any person who has a gender identity that is different from the gender they were assigned at birth.

5. Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?

One notable aspect of the film's direction is its use of visual symbolism and metaphor. The film's iisurreal and dreamlike visuals are used to convey the fluidity of time and space, as well as the shifting nature of identity. For example, the use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film highlights the idea of duality and the reflection of one's inner self.

Another important element of the film's direction is its use of space and setting. The film is set in various historical periods, including Elizabethan England, the Victorian era, and the present day, and each period is depicted with great attention to detail and historical accuracy. The use of space and setting in the film is also used to convey the changing social and cultural attitudes towards gender and identity over time.

Overall, the direction of "Orlando" is marked by its bold and unconventional approach to storytelling, which is conveyed through its use of visual symbolism, metaphor, and attention to historical detail. The film's exploration of gender and identity remains relevant and thought-provoking, even decades after its initial release.

6. "Vita and Virginia" had to be made into Bollywood Adaptation, who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Virginia?

For the role of Vita, an actress with a strong screen presence and charisma would be needed. Some actresses who could potentially play this role include:

Priyanka Chopra and Sara khan

For the role of Virginia, an actress who can convey emotional depth and nuance would be required. Some actresses who could potentially play this role include:

[2] Compulsory Question: Write your views on the movie Orlando. What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Virginia and Orlando?

Orlando

Directed by - Sally Potter

Based on - Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf

Protagonist/Main Character - Tilda Swinton as Orlando

"Orlando" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film directed by Sally Potter, based on the novel by Virginia Woolf. The film tells the story of a young nobleman named Orlando who, in the Elizabethan era, is granted immortality by Queen Elizabeth I and experiences a journey of self-discovery through different eras of English history, transforming into a woman along the way.

One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of gender identity and fluidity, which was quite progressive for its time. Tilda Swinton gives an outstanding performance as Orlando, conveying the character's transformation and evolution over several centuries with subtlety and grace. The film's production design, costumes, and music also contribute to its overall beauty and atmosphere.

However, some viewers may find the film's pacing slow and its themes difficult to follow. Additionally, the film's commentary on class and imperialism may feel somewhat dated and overly simplistic to contemporary audiences. "Orlando" is a visually stunning and thematically complex film that is worth watching for its exploration of gender identity and the experience of being human across different eras of history.

What differences and similarities have you noticed in the movie Vita and Virginia 2018 and Orlando?

"Vita and Virginia" (2018) and "Orlando" (1992) are both based on literary works by Virginia Woolf and explore themes of gender identity and sexuality, as well as the lives of women in different historical eras. However, there are also some differences between the two films.

One major difference is in their focus and narrative structure. "Orlando" is centered around the character of Orlando and his/her journey through different eras of English history, while "Vita and Virginia" is primarily focused on the relationship between Virginia Woolf and the writer Vita Sackville-West, which was the inspiration for Woolf's novel "Orlando."

Another difference is in their visual style. "Orlando" is a highly stylized and visually stunning film that incorporates elements of period drama and magical realism. "Vita and Virginia," on the other hand, is a more naturalistic and intimate film that relies on the performances of its two lead actors, Elizabeth Debicki and Gemma Arterton, to convey the complexity of the relationship between Woolf and Sackville-West.

However, both films share a common interest in exploring the lives and experiences of women in different historical contexts, as well as the fluidity of gender and sexuality. Both films also feature strong female characters who challenge societal norms and expectations, and who experience personal and artistic growth through their relationships with other women.

While there are some differences between "Vita and Virginia" and "Orlando," both films offer compelling and thought-provoking explorations of Virginia Woolf's ideas and legacy, as well as the lives and experiences of women throughout history.

As a society, we should strive to create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, where everyone is able to live without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

3. What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If not then why?

No, I do not agree with society's thought for women.

Throughout history, society's views on women and identity have been shaped by a variety of cultural, social, and political factors. In many societies, women have been relegated to traditional gender roles and expected to conform to certain expectations about their behavior, appearance, and life choices.

For many years, women were denied access to education and opportunities for personal and professional development, which limited their ability to express themselves and pursue their goals. Women were often seen as secondary to men, and their identities were defined in relation to their roles as wives, mothers, and caretakers.

Thankfully, in recent years, there has been progressing in terms of gender equality and women's rights. Women have gained greater access to education, employment, and political representation, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of society.

However, despite this progress, there is still a long way to go before women's identities are fully valued and respected in all contexts. Women continue to face discrimination and marginalization based on their gender, race, ethnicity, and other factors, and there is a need for ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

What can we do for changing the rule for that type of society peoples?

No one else but the women can change rules for themselves.Gender roles at home can and should be blurred. We should be teaching all our children to cook, clean, do laundry and fix things around the house – essential life skills for any adult. We should also be aware of cultural inconsistencies in how we treat girls and boys and the messages we are sending our daughters. We need to challenge cultural expectations that women should be responsible for things that men are not. Women are equally capable as men to be successful and happy. Our childhood upbringing and culture should reflect that.

Stopping by Woods

Introduction of Robert Frost : 

Robert Lee Frost was a famous American poet. He is well-known for his realistic representations of rural life and his knowledge of American vernacular. In his work, he frequently employed settings from early twentieth-century New England's country life to address complex social and philosophical issues. Frost was a famous and highly quoted poet and won four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.

Lyrics of the poem  : 

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

The narrator of the poem has stopped by for a brief moment amid a snowy evening in the woods, transfixed by the mesmerizing scenes unfolding. As he takes a moment to indulge in a dosage of naturalistic beauty, he’s torn between staying in the woods and heading home. As readers explore the motivations and hidden inclinations, the poem gets intriguing and a clever play on words renders a diverse meaning. Robert Frost has a penchant for selecting two roads as was the case in ‘The Road Not Taken’ where the narrator again arrives at crossroads, deciding his permanent choice.

The narrator is spell-bounded by the momentary distraction from worldly responsibilities, allowing himself a moment of peace. Being naturalistic to the core, Robert Frost grounds his character in a forest, mesmerized by the snowy evening. The poet mildly indicates the presence of a human close by, albeit in-doors, oblivious to the passerby.

The woods for the narrators are immensely thick, dark, and stand in all their glory. More so, the poet paints an image, etched in natural beauty, drawing deep sensory emotions from the reader. The woods are blanketed in thick snow, amplifying its beauty factor. The narrator voices his concern about losing his way through the woods since it gets immensely dark at night-time, he decides to better get a move on.

Structure of the poem 

The poem, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ is composed in iambic tetrameter, pioneered by Edward Fitzgerald. All the respective verses conform to the a-a-b-a rhyming scheme. On the whole, the rhyme scheme follows the pattern of aaba-bbcb-ccdc-dddd convention.

Moreover, the second verse solidifies the rhyming structure of the poem. As is mentioned above, the poem is written in A / A / B / A style, with the first line of each stanza rhyming with the third line of the one previous — in this case, “here” and “queer.” This is a simple structure that flows very nicely and makes the read easier and more pleasant.

Archetypal Criticism

This blog is a response to the task given by Dilip sir a part of our syllabus of MA, English literature and we are supposed to ask questions to ChatGpt, an artificial AI asked questions and answers given by ChatGpt are given below :

1. What is Archetypal Criticism?

Archetypal criticism is a literary theory that examines the use and function of archetypes within a work of literature. An archetype is a universal symbol or motif that recurs throughout different cultures and time periods, and is often associated with a particular character, image, or theme. Examples of archetypes include the hero, the villain, the mother, the trickster, the journey, and the quest.

In archetypal criticism, the critic seeks to identify and analyze these archetypes in a work of literature, and to understand how they contribute to the meaning and structure of the work as a whole. This approach emphasizes the importance of collective unconscious and the innate human responses to certain symbols and themes. By exploring the archetypes present in a work, archetypal critics aim to uncover the underlying universal themes and values ​​that are relevant across time and cultures.

One of the key figures associated with archetypal criticism is Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist who believed that archetypes were part of the collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of human experience and knowledge that is inherited from our ancestors. Jung argued that the study of archetypes could help us better understand ourselves and our relationship to the world around us.

2. What is contribution of Northrop Frye in Archetypal Criticism?

Northrop Frye was a Canadian literary critic who made significant contributions to archetypal criticism.He is known for his influential book "Anatomy of Criticism", in which he develops a comprehensive theory of literary criticism that includes archetypal criticism.

Frye believed that all literature is shaped by a set of basic literary modes, which he called "myths" or "archetypes". These myths or archetypes are recurring patterns of imagery, plot, and character that can be found across all literary genres and periods.Frye identified four main myths or archetypes: comedy, tragedy, romance, and irony/satire.

Frye argued that each of these myths or archetypes represents a different mode of human experience and understanding.For example, tragedy represents a mode of experience that is characterized by conflict, suffering, and loss, while comedy represents a mode of experience that is characterized by reconciliation, resolution, and harmony.

Frye's archetypal criticism emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying structure of a work of literature, and how its use of archetypes contributes to its overall meaning and significance.He believed that by analyzing the archetypes present in a work, we can gain a deeper understanding of its themes, symbols, and imagery, and ultimately appreciate it as a work of art.

 

3. What do archetypal critics do?Explain with the examples. 

Archetypal critics analyze the use and function of archetypes within a work of literature. They seek to identify recurring patterns of imagery, plot, and character that are found across different cultures and time periods, and to understand how these archetypes contribute to the meaning and structure of the work as a whole. Here are some examples of what archetypal critics might do:

Identify archetypal characters: Archetypal critics might analyze the characters in a work of literature to identify which ones embody particular archetypes. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the title character can be seen as an archetypal hero who is on a quest to avenge his father's murder.

Analyze archetypal symbols: Archetypal critics might also analyze the use of symbols in a work of literature to identify which ones are archetypal. For example, the symbol of the serpent is a common archetype that appears in many cultures, representing knowledge, temptation, and transformation. Archetypal critics might look for the use of such symbols in a work of literature and explore their significance.

Identify archetypal themes: Archetypal critics might also analyze the themes of a work of literature to identify which ones are archetypal. For example, the theme of the hero's journey is a common archetype that appears in many cultures, representing a quest for self-discovery and transformation. Archetypal critics might look for the use of this theme in a work of literature and explore how it contributes to the work's meaning.

Compare archetypes across cultures and time periods: Archetypal critics might also compare archetypes across different cultures and time periods to explore their similarities and differences. For example, the archetype of the trickster appears in many cultures, representing a figure who uses humor and deception to challenge authority and reveal the truth. Archetypal critics might explore how this archetype appears in different cultures and how it is adapted to different contexts.

Overall, archetypal critics seek to understand how archetypes contribute to the meaning and structure of a work of literature, and how they reflect universal themes and values ​​that are relevant across time and cultures.

 

4) "Every organized body of knowledge can be learned 

progressively; and experience shows that there is also something progressive about the learning of literature. Our opening sentence has already got us into a semantic difficulty." Explain the semantic difficulty.

The semantic difficulty referred to in this statement arises from the ambiguity of the term "learning" when applied to literature. Learning can be understood in different ways, depending on the context in which it is used.

In the context of organized bodies of knowledge, such as math, science, or history, learning typically refers to the acquisition of factual information and skills that can be systematically organized and taught. This type of learning is often progressive, as learners build on what they have already learned and move from simpler to more complex topics.

However, when it comes to literature, learning may involve more than just acquiring factual information and skills. Literature is a form of art that is meant to be experienced and interpreted subjectively, and the process of "learning" literature may involve different forms of engagement, such as analysis, interpretation, and appreciation.

As a result, the semantic difficulty referred to in the statement is that while literature can be learned progressively, this learning process may not follow the same linear and systematic progression as other organized bodies of knowledge. The learning of literature may involve personal growth, emotional connections, and changing perspectives, which are not always measurable or easily quantifiable.

In summary, the semantic difficulty in the statement arises from the different ways in which the term "learning" can be understood, depending on the context in which it is used, and the unique nature of literature as a form of art that involves subjective engagement. . and interpretation.

 

5. As above - "The relation of criticism to religion, when they deal with the same documents, is more complicated. In criticism, as in history, the divine is always treated as a human artifact. God for the critic, whether he finds him in Paradise Lost or the Bible, is a character in a human story".

The quote suggests that when criticism and religion deal with the same documents, such as the Bible or Paradise Lost, there is a complex relationship between the two. The role of the divine is viewed differently in criticism and religion. In criticism, the divine is treated as a human artifact, which means that God is viewed as a character in a human story. This means that the critic's approach to the text is based on an analysis of the literary and historical context in which it was produced, rather than an acceptance of the text's divine origins.

In contrast, religion views the divine as a supernatural force that transcends human experience and understanding. Religious interpretations of the same texts may therefore focus on the spiritual and theological dimensions of the text, rather than its literary and historical context.

The quote highlights the different ways in which criticism and religion approach the same texts, and how their perspectives on the divine can affect their interpretations. While criticism seeks to analyze and interpret literature in a secular context, religion seeks to understand and connect with the divine through the text.

Thank you.

Talwaron pe sar waar diye

Angaron mein jism jalaya hai

Tab jaake ke kahin humne sar pe

Yeh kesari rang sajaya hai..

Aye meri zameen afsos nahin

Jo tere liye sau dard sahe

Mehfooz rahe teri aan sada

Chahe jaan meri yeh rahe naa rahe

Aye meri zameen mehboob meri

Meri nash-nash mein tera ishq bahe

Fika naa pade kabhi rang tera

Jismon se nikal ke khoon kahe

Teri mitti mein mill jaawaan

Gul banke main khil jaawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jawaan

Teri kheton mein lehrawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

O.. o..o..

Sarson se bhare khalihan mere

Jahaan jhoom ke bhagra paa na saka

Aabad rahe woh gaaon mera

Jahaan laut ke wapas jaa na saka

O watna ve, mere watna ve

Tera mera pyar nirala tha

Qurban hua teri asmat pe

Main kitna naseebon wala tha

Teri mitti mein mill jaawaan

Gul banke main khil jaawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jawaan

Teri kheton mein lehrawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Kesari..

Ho Heer meri tu hansti rahe

Teri aankh ghadi bhar nam naa ho

Main marta tha jis mukhde pe

Kabhi uska ujala kam naa ho

O maai meri kya fiqr tujhe

Kyun aankh se dariya behta hai

Tu kehti thi tera chaand hoon main

Aur chaand hamesha rehta hai

Teri mitti mein mill jaawaan

Gul banke main khil jaawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jawaan

Teri kheton mein lehrawaan

Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Kesari..

Teri Mitti – Lyrical | Kesari

"Teri Mitti (Female Version)"
(from "Kesari" soundtrack)

Mmm hmm...

Oh Ranjhanaa ve teri saanson pe
Thoda sa watan ka bhi haq tha
Na dekh mujhe yun mud mud ke
Tera mera saath yahin tak tha

Ye teri zameen tere khoon se hi
Toh sajti sanwarti hai Ranjhe
Tere ishq ki main haqdaar nahi
Teri Heer toh dharti hai Ranjhe
Haaye...

Teri mitti mein mill jaawan
Gul banke main khill jaawan
Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

Teri nadiyon mein beh jaawan
Teri kheton mein leharawaan
Itni si hai dil ki aarzoo

 si hai dil ki aarzoo

Transcendentalism

This activity is given by Megha ma'am as a part of our study to find some books or movies similar to transcendentalism,so here they are !

The term Transcendentalism should be understood first 

Transcendentalism, 19th-century movement of writers and philosophers in New England who were loosely bound together by adherence to an idealistic system of thought based on a belief in the essential unity of all creation, the innate goodness of humanity, and the supremacy of insight over logic and experience for the revelation of the deepest truths. German transcendentalism (especially as it was refracted by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas Carlyle), Platonism and Neoplatonism, the Indian and Chinese scriptures, and the writings of such mystics as Emanuel Swedenborg and Jakob Böhme were sources to which the New England Transcendentalists turned in their search for a liberating philosophy.

 

Famous Transcendentalists

Ralph Waldo Emerson,

Henry David Thoreau,

Margaret Fuller and 

Walt Whitman.

Transcendentalism Characteristics

Transcendentalism was heavily focused on seeking individual truth and growing to become more and more self-reliant. However, the movement can be described using three essential characteristics or principles: individualism, idealism, and the divinity of nature.

Individualism

As one of the most important beliefs for transcendentalists, individualism means seeking truth through one's own experience rather than relying on the view or opinion of anyone else. For the transcendentalists, this even meant not relying on the ideas and thoughts of other writers and philosophers, despite the fact that most of them were scholars who read many other books. One quote which demonstrates the idea of individualism comes from Emerson's Self-Reliance:

"A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace."

This quote demonstrates individualism because it describes how people can only feel happy and at peace by working on the work which is most important to them, and that outside of that there can be no peace or true satisfaction. It highlights the idea of thinking for oneself and trusting their own self to do the best work possible for their own growth.

Another excellent quote which expresses the importance of individualism comes from Henry David Thoreau. Another advocate of transcendentalism, Thoreau spent two years living alone on Walden Pond, taking long walks through the woods and living a simple life in a small cabin. In his long essay, Walden, he writes:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

Here, Thoreau explicitly describes why he believed spending so much time alone was so important to him. Only by himself, away from the rest of society and learning and growing as an individual, would he be able to really discover truths about life.

Idealism

The second key value of the transcendentalist movement is that of idealism. This value is a little more self-explanatory. Between the Age of Reason and Transcendentalism was the Romanticism movement; similarly to the British Romantics, this movement focused on the use of creativity and imagination, something the Age of Reason obviously greatly strayed from. The focus of idealism in the transcendentalist way of thinking sought to continue to utilize the innovative, imaginative ideas from the previous Romantic Movement. The members of the transcendentalist movement hoped to break away from the strict confines of the Age of Reason, and bring society into a more ideal, enjoyable environment.

Divinity of Nature

The final essential transcendental value is the belief in the divinity of nature. Transcendentalists did not believe in organized religion, but they were very spiritual people. They believed that nature is sacred, and that it is imperative for individuals to connect with nature.

Transcendentalists were lovers of nature, and did not think it was something that could be controlled by anyone. Instead, they believed that the only thing people can control is what is in their own minds. According to transcendentalists, if one senses a strong connection to nature, then he will be able to understand his oversoul and, in effect, be able to live a successful, complete life, free from any constraints placed upon him by conforming to society. The term oversoul is a transcendentalist term, which explains that everything is connected and thus happens for a reason; therefore, transcendentalists also believe that, since nature is divine, we must not interfere with it and leave it be as God intended.

 

The novel written  by Dhruv Bhatt named Tatvamasi,the title is a Sankrit word which means 'That art Thou(That you are). 

As per the characteristics of transcendentalism,the movie named Reva is a similar to the movement of transcendentalism.

 

Reva :

 A Journey Within is a 2018 Gujarati adventure drama film starring Chetan Dhanani and Monal Gajjar produced by Brainbox Studios and Baroda Talkies. The film is based on Gujarati author Dhruv Bhatt's 1998 Gujarati novel Tatvamasi. The film was directed by Rahul Bhole and Vinit Kanojia. It was released on 6 April 2018 to highly positive critic reviews praising performances of cast, story and cinematography and positive commercial acclaim too. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati.

Karan is a spoiled rich 25-year-old American NRI who has an extravagant life with his needs being at the centre of his world. His grandfather passes away and leaves all his wealth in his will to a charity, an Ashram located at the banks of the Narmada river in India. The only way he could get his wealth back was to convince the Ashram to sign a No Objection Certificate. Thus, Karan embarks on a journey to the remote Ashram with little expectation of the adventures he was about to encounter that would set in motion events beyond his control.

Significant Characters of the Novel : 

Karan : That image of protagonist  named Karan, I find it more significant as his character and the concept of the book that the growth of character with the flow of the novel is noticable here.

 2.Bittu and Banga : Two brothers who are much intelligent and also able to apply their intellect in their lives.

3.Shastri ji :  Shastri ji is a trustee of the Ashram and is taking care of the people by his knowledge of various planets and medicines.

4. Gandu Fakir 

End of the novel is somewhere different than the transcendentalism where character is searching for Reva or goddess Narmada only rather than himself.

Thank you.

ए मेरे कवि दोस्त

 I.A Richardson introduced four kinds of Meanings in poetry.

1. Sense is what is said, or the ‘items’ referred to by a writer.

2. Feeling refers to emotions, emotional attitudes, will, desire, pleasure, displeasure and the rest. When we say something we have a feeling about it, “an attitude towards it, some special direction, bias or accentuation of interest towards it, some personal flavor or colouring of feeling”. Words express “these feelings, these nuances of interest”.

3. Tone is the writer’s attitude to his readers or audience. The use of language is determined by the writer’s ‘recognition’ of his relation to his readers.

4. Intention is the writer’s aim, which may be conscious or unconscious. It refers to the effect that he tries to produce. This purpose modifies the expression. It controls the emphasis, shapes the arrangement, or draws attention to something of importance.

In his “Principles of Literary Criticism” chapter 34, he discusses the theory of language and the two uses of language. According to I. A. Richards language can be used in two ways,

 the scientific use and the emotive one.

Richards introduced Four types of misunderstanding while reading poetry.

Misunderstanding of the sense of poetry: Careless, intuitive reading. Like just considering rhyme or irregular syntax.

Over-literal reading – prosaic reading

Defective scholarship- inappropriate metaphor

Difference in meaning of words in poetry and prose- don't understand the use of Personification, Metaphor etc."

My poet friend" - Nawazuddin Siddiqui 

 Mere Kavi Dost Vaqt Aa Gaya Hai

That from poetry circles and groups 

Be free and protest in the middle of the road

Your poetry my poet friend

To meet your beloved and to part with him

The house was empty after his departure

The story is tired of talking

The country is emptying of values

Rudeness destroys morality

The value of has been sold

Calling journalists children of Randi 

It's been a debate 

The last answer

Farmer's decline and builder

The speed of the growing stomach has become the same

The grain feeder is eating the pill

Scattered on our streets

Blood came from the blisters of his foot 

There is a stigma on the head of our city

Even seeing your children hanging

That is for our children 

Food growing will not stop

Our selfishness will leave us 

Some parts of humanity in us

So we will ask a question

Will not eat food 

When we read about their suicides 

In the sewage pipe of Azad Hindustan 

Dalit dies of suffocation

Shops of hatred, in the battle of religions 

Innocent girls are sacrificed

It has become a cheap tool of politics and the dry leaves of payment placed outside the big bungalow of the leaders, in front of the big garden, in front of the big gate, do not move.

And his pony, before every question, the bugle of development plays so loudly that half the people become deaf and the rest of the question is forgotten. 

Ye kaisa daur hai, Charo tarap hai crowd, directionless-thoughtless-fierce, knife in hand,-stone-torch, cutting-breaking house and pressing sound 

The voice that asks the question – that robs the minister of his peace, keeps a watchful eye on his communal tongue.

Mere Kavi Dost, Lokantra ko phi seh karana hoga apna प्रोजोग से लोगो से, पर लोगो, लिखे लोगो

Once my poet friends recite the same poem together and paste that poem like a time bomb outside every fort in which the leader sitting inside makes policies that how to buy all the newspapers, How to sell the forest for the price of grass! How to declare the killing of a journalist as a Naxalite

The time has come for Kavita to stop being the watchman of the king and become the watchman of truth, the time has come for Kavita to be free from the pages, stagger across the wall from the library and protest on the middle road.

Waqt aa gaya hai mere kavi dost, waqt nikla raha hai If questions are not asked today then there will be no answers tomorrow.

 That poem "Mere Kavi Dost" is written by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and that poem deals with such a problems of Nation, where poet personified Poem to let it be free of such a glorified things like love and separations of lovers.

Poet says that there is only solution for any political problem - To abuse Journalist that some of them are responsible for not making truth in front of people.

The sufferings and generosity of farmers is disrespectful for citizens that thought they are suffering they are not stopping growing crops. women, subalterns are only tools for politicians that they are no longer interested in makin them at the good position, builders or industrial leaders are growing their wealth and farmers are being poor.

If we are having enough self respect then we'll go on the strike for their justice and ask questions, questions that can make politicians uncomfortable.

Savage Pipe is a metaphor here that it is not the duty of Dalits only but they are still suffering for one and another reasons.

Even when questions are asked their sycophants sing the tune of development that some of the questioners will go deaf and remaining will forget the question.

Poem should stand for the Truth inspite of praising rulers. If today we don't ask the question we won't find answer at anytime and no one ever gets inspired of asking the right question.

Problematization of the poem:

1. H ere in the poem, first stanza says that the poem has tired but one should keep in mind that it is not the poem who is tired.

2. "Ignorance has sold morality for junk"

Morality and immorality are two opposite abstract things that cannot sell each other at least not in the price of scraps.

3. "हमारे शहर के माथे पर कलंक है" That sentence is for the every one living in the city which is having stigma for their actions directly or indirectly.

4. poet says that republicey shall be aware of that it is For people, Of people and by people....that should be considered as necessity of "people" to be aware of republic that it's the matter of public. 

5.  Poet has used the word "Raja" that poem should stand for the truth rather than the king in the contemporary time it can be replaced with leaders of many fields.

If one is reading in Totality with each meaning in the direction of the poem it's no longer problematic to understand.

At the zenith of the thought poem is trying to make readers and poets to be aware of the condition if one is aware then he or she shall try to make another aware by speaking or writing inspite of praising rulers and singing the songs of love and other emotions.

Here is the video of that poem

Here  I found another contemporary poem, which is also dealing with the same  idea.