Home and the World

 Thinking Activity:- Home and the World

Hello Readers! This blog is a response to the thinking activity which was assigned by Megha ma'am from the Department of English, MKBU. In this blog we have to write about general introduction of writer, characters and critical note of the novel The Home and the World.

About the Writer:-

Rabindranath Tagore:- 

Rabindranath Tagor was born in 7 may, 1861 and died in 8 August, 1941. He was an Indian poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosophers, social reformer and painter. He reshaped Bengali literature and music as well as Indian art with contextual modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of the "Profoundly sensetive, fresh and beautiful" poetry of Gitanjali, he becomes in 1913 the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was a fellow of the Royal Asiatic society. 

He is a Bengali Brahmin from Calcutta with ancestral gentry roots in Burdwan district and jessore, Tagore wrote poetry as an eight year old. Tagore Modernised Bengali art by rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic structures. His novels, stories, songs, drama, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali and Ghare-Baire are his best known works. His composition were chosen by two nations as national anthem: India's "Jana Gana Mana" and Bangladesh's "Amar Shonar Bangla". The Sri Lankan national anthem was also inspired by his works.

His notable Works are as below:-

• Gitanjali
• The Home and the World
• The Post Office
• Amar Shonar Bangla
• Glimpse of Bengal
• Balaka
• Gora

About the Novel:-

The Home and the World:-

"The Home and the World" is a Novel written by Rabindranath Tagore. The novel originally written in Bengali language under the title Ghare Baire in the year 1916 by Rabindranath Tagore. The novel illustrates the battle tagore had with himself, between the ideas of western culture and revolution against the western culture. 

These two ideas are portrayed in two of the main characters, Nikhilesh, who is rational and opposes violence, and Sandip, who will let nothing stand in his way from reaching his goals. These two opposing ideals are very important in understanding the history of the Bengal region and it's contemporary issues.

The Novel was translated into English by the author's nephew, surendranath tagore, with input from the author, in 1919. In 2005 , it was translated into English by sreejata guha for penguin books India. The Home and The World was among the contenders in a 2014 list by The Telegraph of the 10 all time greatest Asian novels.

Characters of the Novel:- 

• Bimla Choudhary
• The Sister - in - low
• Sandip Mukherjee 
• Amulya
• Nikhilesh Choudhary 

Critical Analysis of the Novel:-

The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore is a novel that explores the various themes , including nationalism, identity, love and clash between tradition and modernity. Here is the critical note or analysis of the novel.

Complex Characters:-

One of the strengths of the novel is it's well developed characters. Tagore creates characters who are multi dimensional and undergoes significant growth throughout the story. Nikhil's rationality and tolerence, Bimla's transformation from a traditional wife to an empowered woman, and sandip's charisma and radicalism all contribute to a rich character driven narrative.

Exploration of Nationalism:-

Tagore provides a critical examination of the nationalist movement in India during the early 20th century. Through the characters of Nikhil, who advocates for a more moderate and inclusive approach, and Sandip, who represents a more radical and militant perspective, Tagore presents a spectrum of ideologies within the nationalist movement. This allows readers to contemplate the complexities and moral dilemmas associated with the fight for independence.

Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity:-

The novel delves into the theme of tradition and modernity, particularly through the characters of Bimla. Her journey reflects the struggle faced by many women in a patriarchal society as they grapple with societal expectations and their desire for personal freedom and self expression. This conflict is a recurring theme in Tagore's works and is portrayed with great sensitivity.

Narrative Style:-

Tagore's prose is poetic and lyrical, reflecting his background as a celebrated poet. His writing style adds depth and beauty to the narrative, making it a work of both literary and philosophical significance.

Universal Themes:-

The Universal Themes is in the context of early 20th century India, It's themes and conflicts are universal. It speaks to broader issues of Love, loyalty, individuality, and the struggle to balance personal desires with societal expectations, making it relevant to readers across cultures and time periods.

The Role of the Women:-

In Rabindranath Tagore's novel "The Home and the World", the role of women is a central and complex theme that is explored through the character of Bimla and, to some extent, through other female characters as well. The novel provides a critical examination of the evolving roles of women in early 20th century India during a period of political and social upheaval. 

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, 'Home and the World' by  Rabindranath Tagore is a masterful work that provides a thought - provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the evolving roles of women in society, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the multifaceted nature of nationalism. As a critical examination of the human experience and society's complexities, "The Home and the World" continues to be celebrated and studies for its enduring relevance and profound insights. It challenges societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the intersection of personal lives with political and social movements.

The Midnight's Children

 Thinking Activity:- The Midnight's Children

Hello Readers! This blog is a response to the thinking Activity which was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Sinhji Bhavnagar University. In this blog I am going to discuss  some questions from the novel "Midnight Children's" by Salman Rushdie. 

Introduction of  Author:-

Salman Rushdie:-

Born:- 19 June, 1947

Salman Rushdie is a renowned British -Indian author and novelist who gained worldwide acclaim for his literary works, including his debut novel "Midnight Children's", which won the Booker Prize in 1947, in Bombay, India, Rushdie has had a prolific career spanning several decades.

Rushdie's writing is known for its intricate storytelling, rich prose, and blending of various cultural and historical elements. His works often explore themes of identity, migration, cultural clashes and the power of storytelling itself. While his writing is deeply rooted in his Indian heritage, it also reflects his experiences living in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Despite his literary success, Salman Rushdie became a controversial figure in the late 1980s due to the publication of his novel "The Satanic Verses", which sparked outrage and led to a fatwa issued against him by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989. This Fatwa forced Rushdie into hiding for several years, but he continued to write and publish during this tumultuous period.

Salman Rushdie's body of work includes novels, essays, and non-fiction pieces that have continued to Captivate readers around the world. His contribution to the literary world has earned him numerous awards and honors, and her remains an influential and thought - provoking figure in contemporary literature. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Rushdie's life story also serves as a testament to the enduring power of free expression and the importance of defending artistic freedom in the face of adversity.

His Notable Works:-

• Midnight Children's
• The Satanic Verses
• Victory City
• Shame
• Imaginary Homeland
• The Golden House
• The Enchantress of Florence
• Joseph Anton: A Memoir

Introduction of Novel:-

Midnight's Children is a 1981 novel by Indian British writer Salman Rushdie, published by 

Jonathan Cape with cover design by Bill Botten, about India's transition from British colonial rule to independence and partition. 

It is a post colonial, postmodern and magical realist story told by its chief protagonist, Saleem Sinai, set in the context of historical events. The style of preserving history with fictional account is self-reflective. 

Midnight's Children sold over one million copies in the UK alone and won the Booker Prize and James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981. It was awarded the "Booker of Bookers" prize and the best all time prize winners in 1993 and 2008 to celebrate the Booker Prize 25th and 40th anniversary. In 2003 the novel appeared at number 100th on the BBC's The Big Read poll which determined the UK's "best-loved novels" of all time.

Themes of the Novel:-

• Religion
• Colonialism and Postcolonialism
• Identity and Nationality
• Fragmentation, 
• Memory and 
• Migration

In Salman Rushdie's"Midnight Children's", the themes of Fragmentation, memory and migration are intricately woven into the narrative, contributing to the complexity and depth of the novel. Here's an explanation of each of these themes:

Fragmentation:-

One of the Central aspects of "Midnight Children's " is the sense of personal Fragmentation experienced by the protagonist, Saleem Sinai, and other characters. Saleem is born at the exact moment of India's independence, and as a result, he sees himself as a representation of the nation itself. However, as he grows, he begins to feel fragmented , torn between different identities and allegiances. This personal Fragmentation mirror the larger post colonial experience of India, a nation grappling with its own divided identify.

 The novel reflects the broader Fragmentation of India as a newly independent nation. The country is divided along religious, linguistic, and cultural lines, leading to the partition of India into India and Pakistan, a traumatic event that shapes the characters lives and the narrative.

Memory:-

Memory is a recurring motif in "Midnight Children's". Saleem , as the narrator, acknowledges the unreliability of memory and the subjective nature of storytelling. His memory is selective, and he acknowledges that he may not remember events accurately. This emphasise the idea that individual and collective memories can be manipulated or distorted to serve particular narratives or agendas.

Rushdie uses memory as a narrative device to explore the connection between personal and national history. Saleem's memories are intertwined with the history of  india, and his personal experiences often reflect or parallel larger historical events. Memory becomes a way for the characters to make sense of their past and their identities.

Migration:-

"Midnight Children's" is a story of Migration on multiple levels. Many characters, including Saleem, migrate physically, leaving their ancestral homes for new places. This physical migration often reflects the larger migrations and displacement that occured during the partition of India. Additionally, there is a sense of cultural migration as characters navigate the complexities of India's cultural landscape. Migration in the novel is often accompanied by a sense of loss and displacement. Characters leave behind their homes and families surrounding, which can lead to feeling of root less ness and estrangement. This reflects the broader experience of many individuals and communities who were forced to leave their homes during times of political upheaval and conflict.

In the novel "Midnight Children's" these themes of Fragmentation, memory, and migration are interconnected and serve to highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of personal and national identity. They are central to the novel's exploration of how history, memory, and individual experience intersect and shape the characters lives and the broader narrative of postcolonial India.

Symbols in Midnight Children's:-

The Silver Spittoon:-

The Silver Spittoon given to Amina as part of her dowry by the Rani of Cooch Naheen is responsible for saleem's loss of memory. Even when he has amnesia, however, Saleem continues to cherish the Spittoon as if he still understands it's historical value. Following the destruction of his family, the silver Spittoon is the only tangible remnant of saleem's former life, and yet it too is eventually destroyed when saleem's house in the ghetto is torn down. Spittoon's once used as part of a cherished game for both old and young, gradually fell out of use: the old men no longer spit their betel juice into the street as they tell stories, nor do the children dart in between the streams as they listen. The Spittoon is the symbol of a vanished era, which, in retrospect, seemed simpler and easier. And so, although Saleem may not be able to recall the specific association between the Spittoon and his family, the Spittoon maintains its symbolic quality as both a container of memory and source of amnesia.

Perforated Sheet:-

The perforated sheet through which Aadam Aziz falls in love with his future wife performs several different symbolic functions throughout the novel. Unable to see his future wife as a whole, Aadam falls in love with her in Pieces. As a result, their love never has a cohesive unity that holds them together. Their love is fragmented, just as their daughter Amina's attempts to fall in love with her husband are also fragmented. 

The hole of the perforated sheet represents a portal for vision but also a void that goes unfilled. The Perforated sheet, in addition to preserving her purity, also reduces to her to nothing more than a voice. The sheet becomes a veil that separates her from the rest of the world and reflects her inability to accept affection.

Knees and Nose:-

Knees and Nose represents Shiva and Saleem. It's symbolise the power. When Aadam Aziz first knees down to pray, represent an act of prayer, as well as the submission and humility necessary faith. After hitting his nose on the ground, however, Aadam rejects that submission,  and a hole open up inside of him. Knees and Nose also become significant with farooq's death via a sniper bullet. Shot, Farooq first drops to his knees, then hits his nose on the ground. Just as Aadam bowed before God, Farooq bows before death. Knees and Nose just like Shiva and Saleem, destruction and creation, faith and humility are inextricably related.

Conclusion:- 

In essence, the conclusion of Midnight's Children leaves the reader with a sense of the enduring and complex relationship between individual and historical elements that shape their lives.  The novel Explores the themes of identity, memory and the postcolonial experience.  The novel also explores the symbols of Silver Spittoon, Pickles, Knees and Nose or  Perforated Sheet. Midnight's Children are a victims of their times. 

Final Solution

 Thinking Activity:- Final Solution

Hello Readers and Viewers! This blog is assigned by Vaidehi ma'am. In this blog I am going to discuss some questions, which was given by Vaidehi ma'am of the play 'The Final Solution' by Mahesh dattani.

About Writer:-

Mahesh Dattani:-

Mahesh Dattani is an Indian director, actor, playwright and writer. He wrote such plays as Final Solution, Dance like a Man, Bravely Fought the Queen, on a Muggy Night in Mumbai, Tara and The Big Fat City. He is the first playwright in English to be awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award. Mahesh Dattani writes stories that reflect the world he knows well. He talks about the society and places he's familiar with. His imagination comes from his own experiences and understanding of the culture around him. He uses his writing to show the truth to people, like using a mirror to show them what's real.

About Play:-

 'Final Solution':-

"Final Solution" by Mahesh Dattani was first performed on July 10, 1993, against the backdrop of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. This event reignited communal tensions in India, evoking memories of the partition and its tragic aftermath. The play reflects this tense environment and explores the impact of prejudice and hatred on individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder of the scars that history can leave and the urgency of healing divisions within society.

Let's discuss some questions which was assigned by Vaidehi ma'am as a part of thinking activity.

Q. 1 What is the significance of the title "Final Solution" by Mahesh Dattani and what is the final solution of the play?

Final Solution is a play written by Indian playwright Mahesh Dattani. It was first performed in 1993. The title itself carries a significant historical and symbolic weight due to its associated with the Holocaust during world war II, where the term "Final Solution" was used as a euphemism by the Nazi regime to refer to their plan to systematically exterminate the Jewish population. 

The play 'Final Solution', the title carries a multi-layered meaning that reflects the complexity of the themes explored within the narrative. The play is set against the backdrop of communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India, and it examines the various ways in which prejudice, hatred and violence can escalate, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Title represent the culmination of hatred that can potentially result in the destruction of lives, relationships and communities. The play highlights the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate into irreparable tragedy.

Q.2 What was the difference you observed in the movie and play you performed?

Personally I found no any  major difference between movie and play. But when we performed some scenes from the play we learnt lot many things. We can feel the different emotions which are very major in the play. We can feel emotions like  smiling and laughing.  But when we watched movie we can easily feel all  emotions. So, these all are the some difference between movie and performing play. During the performance we observed many things which we can not learnt from the movie. We made some mistakes and find some major issues. But after performing a play we improve our dramatic performance. So this is all about my personal opinion about differences between movie and play.

Q. 3 Share your thoughts on understanding drama through drama- based pedagogy or involvement in theatrical practice. 

Drama based pedagogy:-

In the drama based pedagogy we used many technical tools like, Camera. And we learnt about lighting, Music and editing methods in video editing. We learned How to record one scene of particular play or Drama. Drama based pedagogy means  theater education.  participation of students in the drama is very important, as well as communication skills and collaborative work play very vital role in the drama. In the drama characters and scenes play significant role. Many times I forgot dialogues and trying to remember all the dialogues of the selected scene, it's very difficult for me to remember all the dialouges. Overall, drama based pedagogy is a dynamic approach. So, this all about my understanding about drama based pedagogy.

Q. 4 What kind of skills do you develop while undergoing the preparation process for a performance and how?

The performance of the drama requires lots of things. Teamwork and Creativity is very important in the process of performing drama. While we prepared a particular scene we learnt about some technical skills, like recording of scenes, music and editing. During the performance we not  learnt only about skills but also learnt about different types of emotions like, sad and happy, also learnt about how to cry and laugh. Overall, while we prepared any particular drama we used many different skills. So, this is all about my understanding about how to perform a particular scene from the drama. 

Happy Learning ✨

Thank you for reading and visiting.

Virtual Teacher's Day Celebration - 2023

 The Second Coming by W. B. Yeats

Hello Everyone! This blog is based on the virtual Teacher's Day. This task is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this blog I am going to discuss about W. B. Yests poem "The Second Coming". 

About the Poet:-

W. B. Yeats:-

W. B. Yeats was an Irish Poet and Dramatist. He was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was a greatest poet of the 20th century. W. B. Yeats is a Symbolist Poet. W. B. Yeats won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923. He was one of the founder of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. 

About Poem:-

"The Second Coming":-

This poem was published in 1920. It is a poem of powerful imagery and Symbolism. Yeats used the phrase 'The Second Coming'. The poem was written in 1919 in the beginning of the Irish war of independence. It was first published in 'The Dial' in the 1920. 

For more information about the poem I put a links of YouTube Video and Ted.ed Platform.

Ted.ed Lesson

YouTube Video

Quiz

So, this all about the poem "The Second Coming" by W. B. Yeats.

Mobile Photography Workshop

Photography Workshop:- Learning Outcome

Hello Readers and Viewers! This blog is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this blog I am going to share my personal experience about mobile Photography workshop. And also put some pictures which is clicked by my mobile. 

On 17th August, 2023, Department of English, MKBU organised one day Mobile Photography Workshop. In this workshop Mr. Kaushik Ghelani was a speaker or mentor.  He is a wildlife photographer and also filmmaker. This workshop was hosted by trushali dodiya and welcomed by Riya Bhatt. Feedback given by Hina Parmar and hetal Pathak. The second session was based on capturing photos or compitition. In this compitition Avani Jani secured a first rank, student from life science department secured a second rank and third rank secured by Drashti Joshi. 

Let's discuss some points which was explained in workshop.

Centre Focus Rule:- 

Emphasise subject in centre. The main subject of your photo is in the centre.

Symmetry :- 

In Symmetry subject is divided in two parts. Like Mirror and Reflection. 

Depth of Field:-

( In Photography ) the distance between the nearest and the furthest object giving a focused image. ( Oxford Dictionary )

In above picture we can see the distance between the nearest and the furthest object. The main focus is on the leaf and background is blur.

Beautiful and Aesthetic Photos:-

Narrative or Thematic Photos:-

For thematic photos click on thematic Photography.

Thematic Photography

In the first image, a striking contrast emerges as a black cat and white cat stand side by side, Which symbolises the diversity and contrast. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for mismatched relationship. The main theme of this image is Companionship or motherhood. 

The second image represent the theme of friendship. The Children are in the centre. We can see the pure innocence faces. 

In the third image, we can see the reflective serenity of nature. It creates a mesmerizing play of light and symmetry. The image is looking beautiful. ( Images are in the second blog )

Conclusion:- 

To sum up, this is all about my understanding and experience of Mobile Photography Workshop.  I am not  a expert in photography but I try to learn this. So, Everyone is free to suggesting or asking anything related to this Workshop.  During this workshop I learnt a lot many things like, different techniques and editing methods. Thank you Dr. Dilip Barad sir for organizing this wonderful workshop. And also thanks to Vaidehi ma'am and Megha ma'am who always encourage us. 

Thank you for visiting...

Happy Learning ☘️✨