Culture Studies in Practice

 Thinking Activity:- Cultural Studies in Practice

Hello friends! This blog is an response to the thinking activity which was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Department of English, MKBU. In this blog am going to discuss which approach of CS is applied in the reading of the play 'Hamlet', poem 'Coy Mistress' and novel 'Frankenstein' according to my understanding of this. 

What is a Cultural Studies:- 

Cultural studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the ways in which culture, including its various forms of expression and representation, shapes and is shaped by social, political, economic, and historical contexts. It emerged as a response to traditional academic disciplines, seeking to bridge gaps between disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, literature, media studies, and history.

Key aspects of cultural studies include:

1. Interdisciplinarity:Cultural studies draws on insights and methods from various disciplines, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding culture.

2. Critical Analysis:Cultural studies often involves a critical examination of power dynamics, ideologies, and social structures. Scholars in this field analyze how culture reflects and reinforces existing power relations.

3. Popular Culture:While traditional academic disciplines may focus on "high culture" (e.g., classical literature, art), cultural studies often gives equal importance to popular culture, including mass media, music, fashion, and everyday practices.

4. Identity and Representation: Cultural studies explores how identities (such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality) are constructed and represented in cultural texts and practices. This includes examining issues of stereotyping, marginalization, and resistance.

5. Global Perspective: Cultural studies often takes a global perspective, considering how cultural phenomena are interconnected across different regions and societies.

6. Social Change: Scholars in cultural studies are often interested in how cultural practices and representations contribute to social change or, conversely, reinforce the status quo.

The field has evolved over time, and different scholars may approach cultural studies from various perspectives. It's a dynamic field that continues to adapt to changes in society and culture. Overall, cultural studies provides a framework for critically analyzing and understanding the complex interplay between culture and society. (ChatGPT)

Kalyani Vallath Ma'am has shared a video on YouTube that delves deeper into the intricacies of Cultural Studies. Here is the link of that YouTube video. (Cultural Studies)

Cultural Studies: Hamlet :-

The play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, written around 1600, is a famous tragedy centered on Prince Hamlet of Denmark. It explores themes like revenge, madness, political intrigue, and human nature as Hamlet grapples with avenging his father's murder by King Claudius. Known for its poetic language and iconic soliloquies, such as the famous "To be or not to be" speech, the play captivates readers with Hamlet's internal struggle and his desire to avenge his father's death.

In the realm of Cultural Studies, a unique perspective on "Hamlet" emerges, focusing on characters like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as they relate to power in a cultural context. These characters, often marginalized, take on a different significance. For instance, in a scene where Claudius discusses sending Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, their roles as Hamlet's friends and fellow students from Wittenberg become crucial.

One noteworthy moment is Rosencrantz's response to Claudius's plan. In this speech, Rosencrantz eloquently expresses his thoughts, using a compelling set of metaphors. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the characters and the cultural dynamics at play in "Hamlet."

The singular and peculiar life is bound

With all the strength and armor of the mind

To keep itselfrom noyance, but much more

That spirit upon whose weal depends and rests

The lives of many. The cease of majesty

Dies not alone, but like a gulf doth draw

What's near it with it. lt is a massy wheel

Fixed on the summit of the highest mount,

To whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things

Are mortised and adjoined; which, when it falls,

Each small annexment, petty consequence,

Attends the boisterous ruin. Never alone

Did the King sigh but with a general troun........ (Guerin)

In a speech from "Hamlet," there's a focus on the unique and weighty life of a ruler, emphasizing the significant responsibility they bear for the well-being of many people.

Interestingly, despite being part of one of the best-known lines of the play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are often forgotten by readers. They are likened to jellyfish among Shakespeare's characters, easily slipping from memory.

Murray J. Levith notes that their names, derived from Dutch-German, translate to 'Garland of Roses' and 'Golden Star,' sounding like a melodic song. Their names, however, may not hold historical significance but were likely chosen for their grand and Danish qualities.

In "Hamlet," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's main task is to gather information from Hamlet. However, Hamlet sees through their motives, realizing they are pawns used by Claudius to spy on him. Later, they are sent to England with a letter ordering Hamlet's execution. Though unaware of its contents, Hamlet suspects their involvement in the plot against him.

They must sweep my way,

And marshal me to knavery. Let it work,

For 'tis the sport to have the engineer

Hoist with his own petard. And 't shall go hard

But I will delve one yard below their mines And blow them to the moon: Oh, 'tis most sweet

When in one line two crafts directly meet. (Guerin)

In the story, there's a line, "Hoist with own petard," referring to Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius caught in their own trap.

Hamlet tells Horatio that he's not to blame for what happened to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He believes it's the consequence of their own actions.

In Hamlet's eyes, he sees himself as restoring moral order, not as a murderer. He points out that Claudius uses people like pawns and then discards them. Hamlet even calls Rosencrantz a "sponge."

Hamlet: . . . Besides, to be demanded of a sponge! What replication should be made by the son of a king?

Rosencrantz: Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

Hamlet: Aye, sir, that soaks up the King's countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the King best service in the end. He keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his jaw, first mouthed, to be last swallowed. When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again. (Guerin)

The first part talks about how some characters in Hamlet, like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, may have good intentions towards Hamlet, but their main motive is to please the king. They are considered expendable, like pawns in a game.

The discussion revolves around power dynamics, emphasizing how kings hold significant power, while others, like pawns, are considered less important. The next part mentions "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" by Tom Stoppard, where these characters are portrayed as ineffectual pawns, questioning their existence. Stoppard's work suggests that, whether in Shakespeare's or his version, these characters represent marginalized individuals, mere nothings in the grand scheme of kings' power.

In simpler terms, it's highlighting how those without power, like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, are often overlooked and insignificant in the larger picture dominated by kings and their influence.

Cultural Studies: 'To His Coy Mistress':-

The poem "To His Coy Mistress" is written by Andrew Marvell . The Speaker reveals a lots of things about himself through the poem They know a lot about different kinds of writings, like old stories from Greece and Rome, medieval love tales, and even ideas from thinkers like Aquinas. In the first part of the poem, they use fancy language on purpose to make it sound dramatic.

In the next part, they mention ideas like "seize the day" from an old writer named Horace and bring in thoughts from other famous writers. The person who wrote this poem is showing off their knowledge, kind of like saying, "Look how much I know!" They also imagine that the person reading or hearing the poem is smart too, understanding all these references. The writer is not really serious; they're just playing around with words and ideas.

The speaker  seems educated and clever, and they hope the person they're talking to is the same. They believe that by sharing these jokes and references, they can get closer to the other person. The poem gives us a peek into how people back then thought and what they found interesting.

But, the poem doesn't talk about the hard stuff in life, like being poor or getting sick. It ignores the big problems of the time, like the Black Death and other diseases. Even though these were serious issues, the writer and the person they're talking to might have decided not to talk about them. Instead, they focus on the good things in life, maybe to keep things light and enjoyable.

Looking at the poem from a Cultural Studies perspective means trying to find what's hidden or ignored. Cultural Studies helps us open a door to see beyond what's on the surface and understand more about the time and culture of the writer and the people they're talking to.

Cultural Studies:- 'Frankenstein':- 

1)Revolutionary Birth:-

"Frankenstein" was created during a time when a lot of things were changing, and it challenged the popular ideas of that time. Even today, it's like a rebel story that keeps evolving. Think of it as a strong symbol, especially in a world where people are focused on buying things and trying to be authentic but are also worried about it. You can find Frankenstein's influence everywhere – from calling Saddam Hussein an "American-made Frankenstein" to raising concerns about genetically modified foods, test-tube babies, and cloning.

This story talks about big political and scientific issues, and it has become a part of everyday culture through books, plays, movies, and TV shows. It's not common for a single story to tackle current scientific and political matters while also entertaining many generations of people. "Frankenstein" has managed to stay relevant and spark discussions about the changes in our world.

Frankenstein as a Proletarian:-

Mary Shelley, who wrote "Frankenstein," lived in a time when Britain was going through big changes. Her family knew radical thinkers, and her husband wanted significant changes, which got the government's attention. In the story, the Creature reflects Mary Shelley's own worries about revolution and her feelings for the poor.

The Creature is a mix of good and bad, kind of like Mary Shelley herself. Monsters like the Creature are complicated. They challenge the way things are because they are often created by the same order they challenge. When these monsters survive, even if they look strange, it's like winning against the odds. But society feels safer when these monsters are caught. That's why there were many Frankenstein-like movies during the Cold War.

The Creature's rebellious nature goes deep. It reads books that inspire change, but even with good ideas, it can't fit in or be accepted by society. Even though it learns a lot about freedom from these books, it still doesn't help it belong in a society that doesn't want it. So, the Creature's story shows us how sometimes, even with good intentions, it's hard to be accepted when you're different.

A Race of Devil's:- 

In "Frankenstein," the Creature's yellow skin shows the fear of people who are different, kind of like how prejudices existed against various groups in Mary Shelley's time, especially Africans. Africans were often depicted as pitiable and childlike, influenced by the anti-slavery movement. There was even a reference to Frankenstein in Parliament, comparing setting a slave free to the creature in the novel. The story also reflects ideas from German thinkers about different races.

From Natural Philosophy to Cyborg:- 

Today, when we're all about genetic engineering and cloning, "Frankenstein" is still important. Mary Shelley was inspired by experiments showing electricity's effect on bodies during the Romantic era. Now, with advances in fertility science like genetic engineering, tough decisions come up for couples about handling multiple births and premature babies. People debate if science is going too far. "Frankenstein" connects with present ideas like sperm banks and artificial wombs, showing a desire to control reproduction. The book's warning about ambitious science is still relevant as it explores the limits between life and death, selective reduction, and life support.

2) The Frankenstein  in Popular Culture: Fiction, Drama, Film, Television:-

In the Routledge Literary Sourcebook on Frankenstein, Timothy Morton talks about "Frankenstein." These are elements like words, sounds, and visuals drawn from Mary Shelley's novel that pop up in various cultural works. You can find these Frankenstein  in discussions about race, class, debates on genetically engineered foods, and in different kinds of stories, plays, movies, and TV shows. Basically, it's about how Frankenstein's ideas and symbols have spread into lots of areas of our culture.

The Greatest Horror Story Novel Ever Written:-

"Frankenstein's Fictions" talks about how many writers got inspired by Mary Shelley's story to create new scary tales. Peter Haining, in the "Frankenstein Omnibus," even thinks it's the best horror novel ever. The first short story influenced by "Frankenstein" was Herman Melville's "The Bell-Tower," where a scientist makes a mechanical man that goes against him in Italy. Villiers de L'Isle Adam's "The Future Eve" was the first story about a girl monster, and other writers like W.C. Morrow and Jack London also wrote about bringing the dead back to life. H.P. Lovecraft wrote "The Reanimator," which became a movie, where experiments are done on dead bodies. There are even versions for kids and many different ways people interpret the original story. 

Frankenstein on the Stage:- 

"Frankenstein" into plays or movies, stage or adaptation often make the Creature scarier and make Victor less responsible. It focus on big, dramatic scenes like creating the Creature and its destruction, leaving out the novel's complexities. It also skip smaller characters and change how the story is structured. The first play in 1823, called "Presumption, or, The Fate of Frankenstein," got approval from Mary Shelley, but it led to funny imitations. Later adaptations, like "The Rocky Horror Show" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," take a more modern and sometimes funny approach. It even change the story with new characters, so they're quite different from the original "Frankenstein."

Film Adaptation:-

In the Frankenstein Omnibus, there's a script for the famous 1931 film where James Whale added new things, like using a criminal brain for the monster. Thomas Edison's 1910 film was the first one and was different from stage shows, focusing more on dreamlike parts. Whale's film and Boris Karloff's role influenced later portrayals a lot. Changes made by Whale, like the grunting Creature, Victor called "Henry," an assistant named Fritz, and a happy ending, stuck around. Whale's movie reflected an American idea that biology determines behavior and crime.

In "Bride of Frankenstein," there's a mix of funny and scary parts. It introduces new characters like Dr. Pretorius and a female Creature, showing the Creature as more innocent and society as the real danger. The 1994 film by Kenneth Branagh tries to follow the novel but changes the story to focus more on a love plot between Victor and Elizabeth.

Television Adaptation:-

Frankenstein has shown up in lots of TV shows, like The Addams Family, The Munsters, and The Simpsons. Different actors have played the Creature, including Bo Svenson, Randy Quaid, and David Warner. A special TV version was "Frankenstein: The True Story" from 1972, with a fantastic cast and a script by Christopher Isherwood. It starred actors like James Mason, Jane Seymour, Michael Sarrazin, and even Tom Baker from Doctor Who, as explained in the book 'A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature'.

Conclusion:- 

In conclusion, Cultural Studies in practice allows for a nuanced exploration of cultural artifacts, revealing layers of meaning, addressing societal issues, and demonstrating how stories can transcend their original contexts to become enduring symbols in the cultural Studies.