Smruti's Blog

1984: Vid eo Understanding This blog resonates with my understanding of video lectures focusing on its critique of power and religion from George Orwell's novel "Nineteen Eighty Four", assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad Sir. The first video examines the phrase "God is power," illustrating how the Party replaces traditional religious belief with absolute political authority. The second video presents 1984 as a critique of organized religion, highlighting parallels between the Party’s control mechanisms and religious institutions. Together, these discussions shed light on Orwell’s warning against blind faith- whether in a political regime or religious doctrine and the dangers of absolute power. VIDEO- 1: "God is Power"- 1984 In 1984, George Orwell explores the phrase " God is power", demonstrating how the Party replaces traditional religious beliefs with the worship of absolute authority. The novel critiques both totalitarian control and the nature ...

Exploring Expressionism, Surrealism and Dada Movement This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Megha Trivedi ma'am. Expressionism Definition and Origins: Expressionism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Germany, as a reaction against the prevailing norms of realism and naturalism. It sought to convey emotional experience rather than physical reality, emphasizing the subjective perspective of the artist. The movement spanned various forms of art, including painting, literature, theater, music, and film. Historical Context: Expressionism arose during a time of significant social, political, and technological upheaval. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the aftermath of World War I. These changes led to feelings of alienation, anxiety, and disillusionment among individuals. Artists and writers sought to express these feelings through their work, often reflecti...

Auden's Poems This blog highlights Auden’s enduring influence and the continued significance of his insights in today’s world, It's assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad sir as a part of thinking activity, For background reading and more information visit  W.H. Auden’s poetry remains profoundly relevant in understanding the complexities of human nature, politics, and art. His works, written during times of great historical turmoil, reflect on war, totalitarianism, morality, and the role of poetry in shaping society. Through poems like " September 1, 1939" , " In Memory of W.B. Yeats" , and " Epitaph on a Tyrant" , Auden critiques authoritarianism, explores the power and limitations of poetry, and contemplates the fragility of civilization.

Exploring Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" This blog is assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad Sir as a thinking activity, for background visit- Learn with Gen-AI . It focuses on enhancing our understanding of Samuel Beckett’s "Waiting for Godot" by exploring its themes, characters, and symbols. The blog will be discussing on concepts such as hope, absurdity, and human relationships, while also examining the role of generative AI in literary analysis. This exploration aims to provide deeper insights into Beckett’s work and its reflections on the human experience. The Sheep and The Goat: Waiting for Godot This exploration delves into the biblical reference of the sheep and goats from the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on its implications for judgment, morality, and the human perception of divine punishment versus love. The themes discussed resonate within the context of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot," prompting a deeper reflection on faith and the compl...

Robert Frost & Bob Dylan This blog is assigned thinking activity by Prakruti Bhatt ma'am. What is the debate surrounding Bob Dylan's achievement of the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016)? Can we consider his works literary and poetic in nature? Discuss.   Introduction The debate surrounding Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize in Literature (2016) centers on whether his songwriting qualifies as "literature" in the traditional sense. His award was both praised and criticized, reflecting broader discussions about the boundaries of literary art. Arguments in Favor of Dylan’s Prize: 1. Oral Tradition and Lyricism: Dylan’s lyrics align with literary traditions such as balladry and poetic storytelling, much like Robert Frost’s poetry, which often employs accessible language and rhythm akin to folk narratives. Dylan’s work continues the lineage of oral storytelling, a significant aspect of literary history. 2. Lyrical Depth and Thematic Complexity: His songs explore themes of social ju...

Existentialism  This blog is part of flipped-learning task assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad Sir. Visit Existentialism for more details. What is Flipped Learning? Flipped learning is a pedagogical approach that shifts instruction outside the classroom, allowing students to engage in discussions and critical thinking during class time. Instead of teachers delivering direct instruction, students prepare beforehand using videos and resources, arriving with their own questions. This method fosters active participation, deeper understanding, and student-led inquiry, making learning more interactive and collaborative. Selected Thoughts from the Videos: Video-1:  What is Existentialism? "It's only after realizing the absurdity of life or living in despair that you can fully devote yourself to God and understand Him." One thought that resonates with me from this video is the idea that true understanding emerges from confronting life’s absurdities rather than relying on external beli...