Wednesday, 19 July 2017

18th century Literature


18th century is the longest period in English literature history. It has has number of events happening at that time.

Three major events took place in 18th century:

1.       American revolution      

2.       French revolution

3.       Industrial revolution ( age of enlightenment)

Among all the three revolutions Industrial revolution holds the maximum importance in the characterisation of this century.  The Eighteenth Century in England is called by different names such as: the Classical Age or the Augustan Age in literature and also called the Age of Good Sense or the Age of Reason.


The Eighteenth Century is called the Classical Age in English literature on account of three reasons:

In the first place, the term ‘classic’, refers in general, applies to writers of the highest rank in any nation. This term was first applied to the works of the great Greek and Roman writers, like Homer and Virgil. As the writers of the eighteenth century in England tried to follow the simple and noble methods of the great ancient writers, they began to be called Classical writers.

 In the second place, in every national literature there is a period when a large number of writers produce works of great merit; such a period is often called the Classical Period or Age. For example, the reign of Augustus is called the Classical Age of Rome; and the Age of Dante is called the Classical Age of Italian literature. As during the eighteenth century in England there was an abundance of literary productions, the critics named it the Classical Age in English literature.

 In the third place, during this period the English writers rebelled against the exaggerated and fantastic style of writing prevalent during the Elizabethan and Puritan ages, and they demanded that poetry, drama and prose should follow exact rules. In this they were influenced by French writers, especially by Boileau and Rapin, who insisted on precise methods of writing poetry, and who professed to have discovered their rules in the classics of Horace and Aristotle.


As the term Classical Age is, therefore, too dignified for writers of the eighteenth century in England, who imitated only the outward trapping of the ancient classical writers, and could not get at their inner spirit, this age is preferably called the Augustan Age. This term was chosen by the writers of the eighteenth century themselves, who saw in Pope, Addison, Swift, Johnson and Burke the modern parallels to Horace, Virgil, Cicero, and other brilliant writers who made Roman literature famous during the reign of Emperor Augustus.


The eighteenth century is also called the Age of Reason or the Age of Good Sense, because the people thought that they could stand on their own legs and be guided in the conduct of their affairs by the light of their own reason unclouded by respect for Ancient precedent. They began to think that undue respect for authority of the Ancients was a great source of error, and therefore in every matter man should apply his own reason and common sense. Every man becomes his own philosopher. In 18th century not many people went to church.


In the previous ages which we have dealt with, it were the poetical works which were given prominence. Now, for the first time in the history of English literature, prose occupies the front position. As it was the age of social, political religious and literary controversies in which the prominent writers took an active part, and a large number of pamphlets, journals and magazines were brought out in order to cater to the growing need of the masses who had begun to read and take interest in these controversial matters, poetry was considered inadequate for such a task, and hence there was a rapid development of prose.

The two main characteristics of the Restoration period—Realism and Precision—were carried to further perfection during the eighteenth century. They are found in their excellent form in the poetry of Pope, who perfected the heroic couplet, and in the prose of Addison who developed it into a clear, precise and elegant form of expression.
 Another characteristic of this age was the development of satire as a form of literature, which resulted from the unfortunate union of politics with literature. The wings and the Tories—members of two important political parties which were constantly contending to control the government of the country—used and rewarded the writers for satirising their enemies and undermining their reputation. Moreover, as a satire is concerned mainly with finding fault with the opponents.
  Another important feature of this age was the origin and development of the novel. This new literary form, which gained great popularity in the succeeding ages, and which at present holds the prominent place, was fed and nourished by great masters like Defoe, Richardson, Fielding, Smollet and others who laid its secure foundations. The realism of the age and the development of an excellent prose style greatly helped in the evolution of the novel during the eighteenth century. Also first English dictionary by Samuel jhonsons came in 1755.

Saturday, 8 July 2017

I Did Not Ask For It.




Knock knock.
It has been talked about day after day.
But this time I hope you actually hear.
Knock knock, it is about rape.
Since the days of nursery I am draped in fragile pink. The choice was never mien, but this is how it was meant to be.
Oooh pretty little girl keep your hands off the mud and those current carrying wires. Ooooh pretty little girl did you get hurt?
Yes I was hurt.
Why did you not think, if the pretty girl who was no more little, was hurt, when you ripped off her dress and thrust inside her without any rest.
You return, thinking it was your right.
The pink colour choice was never mien, then how can I expect you to ask me if I wanted to join.
The rapes have been happening, and the people have convinced themselves that it was she who asked for it.
Did her walk, her talk, her short skirt, her visible breast, her red lipstick, her open hair, her clothes layers, her curvy waist ask for being raped?
Oooooh pretty girl. You in full sleeves clothes, hair in braid and flat chest have also been raped.

Friday, 7 July 2017

Destiny of Draupadi


Draupadi – the princess of panchala, the uninvited child, did not have the conventional upbringing. Though everybody in the palace including her father and Dhai Ma tried their best to teach her the tasks, a girl is expected to be efficient in. Her brother, Dhri was a constant support to her. Dhri talked to her about the matters, others would never have. Soon the time arrived when Draupadi was to be married. Unlike other girls she was given the chance to select her better half, in the swayamvar being organised by her father. The final decision was though left to the fate, as only few could complete the task at the swayamvar.

Draupadi from the time of her birth was being prepared for the situations which were to come in her life ahead. While she was being acquainted with the kings, who were to come to her swayamvar; she was hoplessely attracted to the portrait of karna (the king of Anga, the chariot son). Seeing such desires in the eyes of Draupadi for karna, infuriated Krishna. Draupadi says:

                                            “ Heat rose to my face. Did Krishna want to be one of my suitors? I’d never thought of that possibility. All these years he’d been to me as the air I breathed—indispensable and unconsidered. But today I sensed that there was more to him than the jesting self he’d chosen, until now, to reveal to me. This new Krishna, his eyes stern with anger, his voice like an arrow—I was certain he could pass the swayamvar test if he wished it.

How would it be to have him as my husband? An uneasiness rose in me as I turned the thought around in my mind. I loved him— but not in that way.”



Later she was shown the portraits of pandva brothers. Draupadi had no say in the decisions of her life. It was all destined. Moreover everybody around made sure that her decisions move her towards her predefined destiny. Draupadi says:

          How I longed to speak to Dhai Ma of that other, forbidden name: Karna.

Draupadi’s eyes always searched for karna, even after marrying to the five pandvas. She left no opportunity to have a look at him. Though such feelings were never reciprocated by karna. Draupadi favoured Arjun the most among five pandavs but carried more affection for Karna. Though this affection for Karna was never made public. We could say that the destiny presented her Arjun but her choice would have been Karna, if she was given a chance to decide.




Resourse: the pallace of illusion by Chitra Lekha and Banerjee Divakaruni

Shaved LEGS.

It is 3:00am and I am reminded of my instrumental music teacher from 9 th standard.  My school had morning assemblies every morning till 10...