1246 research outputs found
Sort by
The Evolving Themes of Innocence and Experience in Ruskin Bond’s A Season of Ghosts
Get PDFRuskin Bond’s literary works are often celebrated for its simplicity and timeless charm worldwide. Among his diverse oeuvre, A Season of Ghosts is a compelling narrative, delving into the journey between innocence and experience. This present research paper is an exploration of the evolving themes of innocence and experience within the context of Bond’s A Season of Ghosts. Through a multidimensional approach, the study focuses on a comprehensive analysis of characters, plot, and narrative techniques, employed in Ruskin Bond’s A Season of Ghosts. Hereto, it seeks to explore the transformation of characters and how they navigate the shifting terrain between innocence and experience, highlighting the nuances of their personal growth. Besides, this paper investigates the influence of external forces on characters’ perceptions of innocence and experience from socio-cultural and historical perspectives. Thus, Bond’s A Season of Ghosts is significant for a close reading with its thematic exploration in order to throw light on how it reflects not only the maturation of the characters but also the multifaceted themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Moreover, the study adds to a nuanced understanding of Ruskin Bond’s fascinating way of storytelling as well as his potential to navigate the delicate balance between innocence and experience in his literary writings. 
Understanding ‘Insanity’ in Literature as a Case Study and Philosophical Counseling as Emerging Therapy
Get PDFThis article is an attempt is to understand insanity, melancholy, madness, sorrow as the offshoots of gender discrimination and stereotype roles prevailing in the society. Such issues, being claimed as the subject of clinical psychology, have been analyzed popularly from the Freudian point of view, but in this paper, the researcher endeavors to philosophize the issue of insanity and attempts to offer a kind of solution to the problem which seems more ethical and moral in nature. The researcher proposes ‘philosophical counseling’ as an active practice to avoid such mental conditions. Since the study focuses on the gender-biased understanding of insanity, researcher will choose only women as the case of study. It is usually suggested by the scholars such as Terry Eagleton (in Literary Theory: An Introduction) and Edward Said (in his seminal work, Orientalism) that any literary work has to be studied and interpreted in its appropriate socio-cultural and intellectual background
Interrogating Ralph Singh as Floating Signifier: A Study of Displacement and Diaspora in V.S. Naipaul’s The Mimic Men
Get PDFClaude Levi Strauss coined the term 'floating signifier' by which he means “to represent an undetermined quantity of signification, in itself void of meaning and thus opt to receive any meaning” (Levi Strauss p. 56). Fundamentally, the term refers to the disorientation of the connection between the signifier and the signified in the Saussurian sense. Its reception as a non-linguistic sign is quite popular nowadays. This paper seeks to investigate the portrayal of Ralph Singh, the protagonist of V. S Naipaul’s novel; The Mimic Men (1967), and interpret all the possible factors that justify him as a non-linguistic floating signifier. Ralph Ranjit Kripal Singh or Ralph Singh is a Hindu born, lives in a fictitious Caribbean Island, Isabella. He later goes to England for his education, where he marries an English woman named Sandra. He comes back to Isabella and then travels back to England again. Ralph feels displaced from his real root to be a part of the country which he could not relate himself to and eventually metamorphoses into a ‘sign’. In the novel, wherever he travels, Ralph strives to make his life meaningful and significant. But every time his effort ends up in an insignificant way. So, throughout the novel, Ralph Singh behaves as a floating signifier but wishes to be signified. This paper also explores the relationship between displacement and diaspora, and its correlation to the floating signifier. The final purpose of this article is to ignite the discourse of the diaspora from an entirely different perspective
Haruki Murakami’s Spellbinding Embodiments: Decoding the Feline Mystique
Get PDFBeing a vital spark in Japanese culture, cats made their way through Japanese Literature and became an imperative potion in the writings where they were often associated with mystery and incongruity owing to the rich symbolism and imagery. Murakami’s writing is sequestered with cats that add an exorbitant richness to his works. They possess an eccentric demeanor and play a vital role in his fiction, from their disappearance to the violence imposed on them, they open new pathways to enter the parallel worlds and allow the characters to enter the quest which ultimately leads them to search for their own identity. The present research work analyzes the representation of these cats in his three major novels of Haruki Murakami— The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on the Shore, and Wild Sheep Chase to show how these cats are used as a medium to enter a parallel world and how they help characters in confronting their darkest fears in order to make them aware of their own existence. Murakami is a prolific Japanese author, known for his surreal, introspective works blending fantasy, reality, and metaphysical themes. His novels, such as Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84, captivate readers with their poetic prose, symbolism, and enigmatic characters. These cats provide tenderness and warmth to the characters at their lowest and enables them to apprehend a sort of meaning to the relationships they possess. Due to their spellbinding eloquence, they prove to be therapeutic for the characters, aids them in attaining a subjective self and provide them solace in their darkest hours
From Proscenium to Public: Explorations of Body and Space in Sircar’s Third Theatre
Get PDFThe name of Badal Sircar, the Bengali playwright, actor and theatre activist, holds a very prestigious position in the history of modern Indian theatre. Both in the field of the Indian mainstream proscenium theatre and in that of the Alternative/Street theatre, he has made significant contribution to the Indian drama. In the post-independence period, when Indian theatre world was caught in the debate of “modern” and “Indian”, he established a brand-new genre of theatre called “Third Theatre”. Third Theatre provided a potent resolution to the inherent dichotomy in modern Indian drama by skillfully reconciling indigenous theatrical tools and techniques with the Western proscenium tradition of a text-based, plot-driven idea of theatre. Sircar’s style is thus a hybrid of folk theatre and proscenium theatre. This was a creative attempt to create an alternate media to effectively spread the playwright's views among the populace. With all these innovative ideas, philosophies and techniques, Sircar’s primary purpose was to bridge the gap between the drama and the audience, between the rural and the urban, between the form and the content etc., and to attain to the ideals of liveness and direct communication in theatrical experience. This effort aids him in breaking sharply with the modern Bengali theatre, which is fixated on the manner of presentation used in the English Victorian drama, and elevating it to a hitherto unattainable level of artistry. The present paper seeks to explore how Badal Sircar experimented with the body of the actor and with the performance space in order to create a syncretic form of theatre accessible equally to the rural and urban
An Analysis of the Treatment of Love and Sexuality in the Poems of Kamala Das
Get PDFKamala Das, a renowned Indian author and poet, has been widely acclaimed for her bold and confessional style of writing. The research article aims to explore the multidimensional portrayal of love and sexuality in her works, juxtaposing them with the social norms and cultural backdrop of postcolonial India. In fact, everything else is secondary and this subject takes center stage. In reference to Kamala Das’ poetry, the term “love” refers to both passions, which her husband and a number of other men were fully and even excessively satisfied, as well as real love, which she never experienced. Her poetry primarily expresses her dissatisfaction with love. The spectrum of her writings is laden with autobiographical elements. In her works, love is depicted not only as an emotion but also as a tool for self-discovery and liberation from the shackles of conventional society. Despite fully meeting her sexual desires, her husband never believed that a woman should expect true love from her spouse, which is why their marriage failed. There were several sexual partners for her, but none of them ever showed her true affection. Kamala Das discusses her unfulfilled love often in her poems, and she repeatedly confesses her longing for love. At this point, Kamala Das admits that love is a strong emotional connection between a man and a woman, and she also thinks that their physical relationship is significant but secondary. The sexuality of a woman is addressed by Kamala Das, who views it as a crucial component of her overall physical and psychological composition. The article further explores how Das’s portrayal of female sexuality acts as a rebellion against the traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed upon Indian women during her time. The intimate and sensual expression in her works is not only a testament to her unique voice but also reflects the underlying themes of self-assertion and search for identity. It brings to light how her exploration of female empowerment through sexual liberation was both groundbreaking and controversial within the context of Indian society. It highlights her as a trailblazer in bringing the discourse on female sexuality into the mainstream and as a proponent of women’s agency in postcolonial Indian literature. The article illuminates the enduring relevance and the multifaceted nature of Das’s writings
Secular Philosophy of Peace in Shashi Tharoor’s Why I Am a Hindu
Get PDFThe research article elucidates and critically evaluates the prominent ideologies and perspectives articulated by Shashi Tharoor in his seminal book, Why I Am a Hindu He presents a cogent narrative on the diverse philosophical tenets of Hinduism, and accentuates their relevance in nurturing a secular and peaceful society. The crux of his exposition lies in the contention that Hinduism, as a religion, embodies pluralism, tolerance, and a non-dogmatic approach, which can be the catalysts for fostering peace in an increasingly polarized world. Not only in ancient era but also in modern scenario, here everyone is playing the “religious and communal card” to achieve the desired supremacy in society. Some innocent believers of religion believe that the condition of their religion is extremely in danger and there is an urgent need to be the revival and protection of it. In act of protection of their religious ethics, they can inter any extreme to be under the political umbrella. There are many literary minds who wrote against such religious extremist who crossed the boundary constitutional secularism. Tharoor’s adeptness in contrasting the philosophical underpinnings of Hinduism with the prevailing notions of religious chauvinism is emphasized, particularly in the Indian context. To him, the Hinduism began in the Indian subcontinent and spread other parts of the world through the migrants and immigrants. The central core of Hindu religion is that it respects every religion in tolerable limits. The novel is divided into three parts and each part of it well described the concept of Hinduism and Hindutva. It is all about tolerance and peace and not about supremacy to other religions. The article investigates the position of religious tolerance and tries to explore the challenge of radical extremism as a source of national disharmony that spares the opportunities of national unity. The focal point is the elucidation of how Tharoor propagates and transcends parochial boundaries. The article encapsulates an incisive exploration of the synthesis between ancient Hindu wisdom and modern secular values, and their collective potential in the establishment of a more inclusive and peaceful global society
Exploring the Interplay of Memory and Guilt: A Critical Examination of Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills
Get PDFA Pale View of Hills stands as a testament to the literary prowess of Kazuo Ishiguro. As his debut novel, it received widespread acclaim, showcasing his distinctive narrative style, masterful craftsmanship, and intricate character development. The book captures the attention of its readers through an interplay of nostalgia, cultural complexities, and individual memories. The almost unanimously positive reviews it garnered after its release underlines the undeniable narrative dexterity of Ishiguro and his ability to handle deep-rooted emotions with finesse. Set against the backdrop of England during the early 1980s, the novel delves into the life of Etsuko, a Japanese woman in the autumn of her years, now residing in England. Etsuko’s existence, marked by solitude and introspection, forms the crux of the story, and her interactions serve as windows into her soul, revealing layers of her personality, cultural dislocation, and past traumas. The narrative primarily revolves around a poignant discussion between Etsuko and her younger daughter, Niki. Notably, the name ‘Niki’ itself emanates from a cultural compromise between her parents, underscoring the amalgamation of two worlds in her identity. This meeting isn’t merely a casual mother-daughter interaction but triggers a cascade of memories for Etsuko. Etsuko finds herself transported to the era shortly after the harrowing bombing of Nagasaki. During that time, she shared her life with her first husband, a Japanese man named Jero. These reflections, prompted by Niki’s visit, allow the readers to journey through Etsuko’s past, gaining insights into her experiences, struggles, and choices in post-war Japan. Throughout the novel, Ishiguro adeptly weaves a tapestry of memories and present moments, blurring the lines between reality and perception. By embedding touching and, at times, enigmatic twists, especially towards the culmination, Ishiguro not only engages the readers but also prompts them to ruminate on the deeper nuances of memory, identity, and cultural displacement. This work stands as a nuanced exploration of personal histories intertwined with broader historical and cultural narratives
Ret Samadhi: Booker Award and Dialectics of South Asian Literature
Get PDFGitanjali Shree, now seen in the elite group of Booker winners, basically a teacher of English and social studies, has solicited a coveted recognition for herself with her brilliant writing skill in Hindi. Indian academics and literary sphere owe a rich tradition of such all-round competence of certain eminent personalities who having a commanding deft in their professional discipline flaunts an equal skill in a discipline of a different language. Many a shining name like Firaq Gorakpuri, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Ram Villas Sharma, Madhav Kaushik, Anamika, Ashok Vajpayee and lastly, but not the least, to mention the name of Gitanjali Shree is a strong testimony that Indian intelligentsia is multidisciplinary. In the current monograph the author intends to analyze certain features in the dialectics of South Asian literature in Gitanjali Shree’s Booker Award winning work of Ret Samadhi, Tomb of Sand. One sole purpose of this investigation is to ascertain accuracy in her portrayal of Indian society in 21st century. If this portrayal conforms to the tradition of early Booker winner writers like Rushdi, Naipaul, Adiga, Desai and Roy or it has modulated the depiction of South Asian society with a distinguished prying into it. One of the arch constituents of South Asian dialectics is a vivid sketch of society with all its chores and an imitative representation of the entire zeitgeist. From this perspective how well, the authoress has succeeded in foregrounding the apparent and subterranean reality has to be weighed in this paper. There is an easily perceptible thread of commonality in almost all Indian Booker winner writers that is to expose even the hidden vulnerabilities of Indian society and to ignore even the most conspicuous beauties of it. Is Gitanjali also treading on the same path or she has her own trajectory with some distinction is another intent of this research paper
The Power of Oxymoron: An Analytical Study of Oxymoron in Political Speeches
Get PDFThe present study carries out the linguistic analysis of oxymoron in political speech, which is a rhetorical device that mixes contradictory words or phrases by examining the definition, structure, and the purpose behind using this device in speech. The research article also examines the various types and applications of oxymoron with drawing general parameters to grammatical and pragmatic perspectives. The data was collected from several set of public political speech delivered by John F. Kennedy. A qualitative analysis was conducted of four political speeches. The model used to analyze the chosen data proposed by Yanfang Shen in his work “Foregrounding in Poetic Discourse: Between Deviation and Cognitive Constraints” (2007). The results demonstrate Kennedy is skillful at using the device of oxymoronic with accurate grammatical constructions to successfully convey a convenience message and create a dramatic impact on the listeners. His speeches were enriched with oxymorons expression by using mostly all its types, creating intellectually and memorable motivated statements. Finally, the study also reflects on some aspects of inserting oxymoron in the pedagogical perspective, specifically considering the practical implications of oxymorons in the classroom environment, argues that when using oxymorons, with careful consideration, can be powerful rhetorical devices for improving communication, persuasiveness, and creativity