Smruti's Blog

Dante Gabriel Rossetti: A Poet of Passion and Symbolism This blog is part of thinking activity of History of the Victorian Age assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am. Introduction Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882) occupies a unique position in the pantheon of Victorian poets. While he is often celebrated for his visual artistry, his literary contributions are equally monumental. Rossetti's poetry blends an intense personal vision with a mastery of form and language, resulting in works that explore love, mortality, and spirituality with profound emotional depth. As both a poet and translator, he enriched Victorian literature with his original compositions and brought the medieval Italian poetic tradition to new audiences. This essay examines Rossetti's literary legacy, focusing on his major poetic works, themes, and stylistic innovations, as well as his role as a translator and influence on later writers. Early Literary Influences Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s literary journey was prof...

The Importance of Being Earnest: An Exploration of Wit, Social Critique, and Identity This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am. Introduction Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedy that cleverly satirizes the pretensions, conventions, and absurdities of Victorian society. The play's wit, double entendres, and farcical plot serve as a means to critique the social structures, particularly in terms of marriage, class, and identity. Wilde’s comedic genius is evident in his manipulation of characters and situations that expose the hypocrisy and contradictions of Victorian norms. Through the play’s witty dialogue, Wilde not only entertains but also challenges societal conventions, offering a subtle yet pointed commentary on the times in which he lived. The choice of subtitles for the play, the appeal of its female characters, its critique of social customs, and the underlying themes of duplicity and ambivalence provide a rich landsca...

Pride and Prejudice This blog is a thinking activity by Megha Trivedi ma'am. Comparing the Narrative Strategy of the Novel and Movie Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece of literary storytelling, celebrated for its wit, social commentary, and complex character development. The 2005 film adaptation by Joe Wright translates this narrative into a visual medium, bringing its own strengths and limitations. While both share the same core themes and plotlines, the strategies employed by Austen and Wright differ in how they engage their audiences, reflecting the capabilities and constraints of their respective forms. The novel employs a third-person omniscient narrator, which allows readers access to the innermost thoughts and emotions of its characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet. Austen masterfully uses free indirect discourse to merge the narrator's voice with Elizabeth’s perspective, enabling readers to experience her judgments and biases firsthand. This technique is...

Examining Frankenstein This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Megha Trivedi ma'am. Introduction Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a cornerstone of Gothic literature and a profound exploration of human ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of creation. Written in 1818, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose obsession with unlocking the secrets of life leads to the creation of a sentient being. However, Victor's rejection of his creation and the creature’s subsequent suffering spark a chain of tragic events. Shelley's narrative is not just a cautionary tale about scientific overreach but also a deep philosophical inquiry into morality, responsibility, and the essence of humanity. The questions surrounding Frankenstein have continued to resonate with readers, scholars, and audiences through various interpretations and adaptations. Who is the real monster—Victor or his creation? Is the pursuit of knowledge inherently dangerous? H...

Pope's Satirical Mastery in 'The Rape of the Lock' This blog is assigned by Prakruti Bhatt ma'am as a part of thinking activity. Introduction Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock is a masterful work of social satire that critiques the trivial concerns and excesses of 18th-century British high society. Through the use of the mock-heroic form, Pope transforms a petty personal incident—the theft of a lock of hair—into an epic battle, exposing the absurdity of aristocratic values. The poem satirizes issues of gender, vanity, morality, and religion, offering a scathing commentary on the moral and social fabric of his time. Analyze Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" as a Social Satire. The Rape of the Lock truly shows Pope's genius for satirical poetry. This poem exposes in a witty manner the follies and absurdities of the high society of the times. All the recognised weapons of satire have been employed by Pope in a most effective manner. The principal targets...