A Raisin in the Sun as a Marxist play

                                                                                                        

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

5. Discuss A Raisin in the Sun as a Marxist play.

"A Raisin in the Sun," written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959, is a play that explores the experiences of a poor African American family living in Chicago's South Side. The play is often read as a Marxist text, as it highlights the economic and social struggles of a working-class family, and the challenges they face in trying to achieve the American Dream. Marxism is a theoretical framework that seeks to analyze society through the lens of economic and class relations. 

Marxism argues that capitalism creates inequality and exploitation, as the ruling class (or bourgeoisie) exploits the labor of the working class (or proletariat) to accumulate wealth and maintain their power. In "A Raisin in the Sun," the characters are all members of the working class, struggling to make ends meet and to achieve a better life for themselves and their families. The play explores the economic and social pressures faced by the Younger family, who are living in a cramped apartment and are struggling to get ahead in life.

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“After Blenheim” is an anti-war text?

                                                                                                       

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

4. Do you agree that “After Blenheim” is an anti-war text? What answer do you give in your defense?

The poem "After Blenheim" is often interpreted as an anti-war text, as it highlights the destructive nature of war and the futility of victory in a conflict. The poem recounts a conversation between a grandfather and his grandchildren about the Battle of Blenheim, which the grandfather had fought in. The grandfather seems to glorify the victory and the bravery of the soldiers, while the children ask innocent questions about the destruction caused by the war. One way to understand the poem is to examine the contrast between the grandfather's perspective and that of the children. 

The grandfather is depicted as a war veteran who sees the Battle of Blenheim as a glorious victory, and who proudly recounts the bravery of the soldiers who fought there. In contrast, the children ask simple and innocent questions about the impact of the war on civilians, and seem confused about why anyone would want to fight in such a destructive conflict.

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The classical background to the study of Musical Theatre

                                                                                                      

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

3. Narrate the classical background to the study of Musical Theatre?

The study of musical theatre has its roots in the classical traditions of music, theatre, and dance. Ancient Greek drama, which dates back to the 5th century BC, was one of the earliest forms of theatre to incorporate music and dance into its performances. Greek drama was divided into two main genres: tragedy and comedy. Tragedies were serious plays that explored themes such as love, death, and fate, while comedies were lighter plays that often featured satire and humor. 

Greek drama was performed in open-air amphitheaters and featured a chorus of singers and dancers who commented on the action of the play. The plays themselves were accompanied by music played on instruments such as the lyre and the aulos, a type of double-reed instrument.

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Black Musical

                                                                                                     

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

2. What is Black Musical?

Black musical, also known as African American musical or simply black music, refers to a genre of music that is deeply rooted in African American culture and history. This genre has its origins in the 19th century, when African slaves brought with them their traditional music, rhythms, and instruments to the United States. Black musical has been heavily influenced by a variety of other musical styles that were popular at the time of its development. 

One of the earliest and most significant influences on black musical was gospel music, which was a religious music genre that emerged in African American churches in the late 19th century. Gospel music provided a means of expression for African Americans who were seeking spiritual comfort and solace in the face of racial discrimination and hardship.

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Eugene O’Neill’s contribution to modern American Drama

                                                                                                    

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

1. Discuss Eugene O’Neill’s contribution to modern American Drama.

Eugene O'Neill is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential playwrights in the history of American drama. He was a master of the art form, creating deeply personal works that explored the human condition with a depth and complexity rarely seen before. His contributions to modern American drama were many and varied, and continue to shape the way we think about theater and storytelling today. Eugene O'Neill's childhood was marked by a series of traumatic events that would have a profound impact on his writing. 

His mother, Mary Ellen Quinlan, was a talented pianist and writer who had a deep love of literature and the arts. However, she suffered from a debilitating addiction to morphine, which ultimately led to her death when O'Neill was just eleven years old. Her death had a profound effect on O'Neill, leaving him with a sense of loss and grief that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

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The folk theatrical forms—Jatra, Kathakali, Tamasha, Nautanki and Pala—with examples of your choice from different Indian regions

                                                                                                   

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

6. Discuss the folk theatrical forms—Jatra, Kathakali, Tamasha, Nautanki and Pala—with examples of your choice from different Indian regions.

Folk theatrical forms have been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries, and continue to be popular in various parts of the country. Jatra is a folk theatre form from Bengal that is known for its high energy performances and colorful costumes. It is often performed during festivals and religious events and typically involves a combination of singing, dancing, and acting. One of the most famous examples of Jatra is the play "Gopal Bharer Jatra," which tells the story of a famous Bengali court jester. 

Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama from Kerala that combines dance, music, and elaborate makeup and costumes. It is known for its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions, and powerful storytelling. Kathakali often draws from Indian mythology and folklore, with performances featuring stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other ancient Indian epics. One of the most famous examples of Kathakali is the play "Kalyanasougandhikam," which tells the story of Lord Krishna and his relationship with the gopis.

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The folk elements in T Shankar Pillai’s novel, Chemmeen

                                                                                                  

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

5. Discuss the folk elements in T Shankar Pillai’s novel, Chemmeen

T. Shankar Pillai's novel "Chemmeen" is a classic in Indian literature, known for its powerful narrative and portrayal of the fishing community in Kerala. The novel is deeply rooted in the folklore and culture of the region, incorporating several folk elements into the story. 

T. Shankar Pillai was a celebrated Indian cartoonist, illustrator, and writer. Born in 1902 in Kerala, Pillai began his career as a journalist, working for various publications in the region. He gained national fame in 1947 when his political cartoon of a cow (symbolizing India) being milked by a British man went viral, becoming one of the most iconic images of India's struggle for independence. His cartoons and illustrations were known for their sharp wit, incisive commentary, and attention to detail.

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The difference between the tribal and folk cultures in any given culture

                                                                                                 

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

4. What is the difference between the tribal and folk cultures in any given culture? Discuss with case studies.

Tribal and folk cultures are two distinct cultural groups within a given society, each with their unique set of customs, beliefs, and practices. While both tribal and folk cultures share similarities in their traditional ways of life, there are some notable differences between the two. 

Tribal cultures are often characterized by a strong sense of community and a shared identity based on kinship and ancestry. They are typically more isolated and have a more distinct cultural identity than folk cultures. Tribes have their languages, customs, and traditions, which are often distinct from the dominant culture. Tribes also often have a formalized system of governance and leadership, with a chief or council that oversees the community's affairs.Tribal cultures are usually characterized by a strong sense of community and a shared identity based on kinship and ancestry

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The seminal contributions of A K Ramanujan to folk literature, especially to folktales.

                                                                                                

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

3. Discuss the seminal contributions of A K Ramanujan to folk literature, especially to folktales.

A.K. Ramanujan is widely regarded as one of the most important scholars of Indian folklore and literature. He made several seminal contributions to the study of folk literature, including folktales, that have had a significant impact on the field. Ramanujan's work on Indian folktales is particularly noteworthy. 

He collected and analyzed folktales from different regions of India and compared them to folktales from other parts of the world. He also explored the relationship between folktales and other forms of Indian literature, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

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The major thematic and narrative concerns in folk literature

                                                                                               

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

2. What are the major thematic and narrative concerns in folk literature?

Folk literature is a form of oral or written tradition that represents the cultural beliefs, values, and customs of a particular community. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, folktales, and ballads. The themes and narrative concerns in folk literature are shaped by the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which they are created and transmitted. In this essay, we will discuss the major thematic and narrative concerns in folk literature.

 Nature and the Supernatural: One of the most common themes in folk literature is nature and the supernatural. Folklore often reflects the relationship between humans and the natural world, which is a fundamental aspect of many traditional cultures. Supernatural elements are also commonly featured in folk literature, including ghosts, demons, witches, and other magical creatures. These supernatural elements are often used to explain the unexplainable, provide moral lessons, and express cultural beliefs and values.

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Identity and Hybridity, Kshetra and Desha vis-à-vis folklore and culture studies in India.

                                                                                              

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-16)

Indian Folk Literature

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-16 

1. Discuss Identity and Hybridity, Kshetra and Desha vis-à-vis folklore and culture studies in India.

Identity and hybridity, kshetra and desha are important concepts in the field of folklore and cultural studies in India. These concepts help to understand the complex nature of cultural traditions and practices in the country. In this essay, we will discuss these concepts and their significance in the study of folklore and culture in India. 

Identity refers to the characteristics that define a particular individual or group of individuals. In the context of cultural studies, identity refers to the cultural identity of a group. This includes their language, customs, traditions, beliefs, and values. Identity is an important concept in the study of folklore as it helps to understand the unique cultural practices of a particular community or group. Folklore is the traditional knowledge, customs, and beliefs of a particular community that are passed down from generation to generation.

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‘magical realism’ with examples from texts/films

                                                                                             

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-15)

Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-15 

5. Explain ‘magical realism’ with examples from texts/films you have read/seen.

Magical realism is a literary genre that blends magical elements with a realistic setting. It is characterized by a blending of the ordinary and the extraordinary, and often involves the use of magical or supernatural elements in a way that is not overtly fantastical or surreal. In magical realism, the magic is often presented as a matter of fact, and is seamlessly integrated into the narrative. One of the most famous examples of magical realism is Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude." 

The novel tells the story of the Buendia family over the course of several generations, and is set in the fictional town of Macondo. The novel is filled with magical elements, including a woman who ascends into heaven, a boy who is born with the tail of a pig, and a character who lives for over 200 years. However, these elements are presented in a matter-of-fact way, and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The novel uses magical realism to explore themes of time, memory, and the cyclical nature of history.

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What is ‘inter-literariness’? Explain with relevant examples

                                                                                            

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-15)

Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-15 

4. What is ‘inter-literariness’? Explain with relevant examples.

Inter-literariness is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of different literary works, and the ways in which they influence and are influenced by one another. It is the idea that all literature is connected, and that literary works are not created in isolation, but are shaped by the literary traditions and cultural contexts that came before them. One of the most prominent examples of inter-literariness is the influence of the Bible on Western literature. 

The Bible has had a profound impact on literature throughout history, and its stories and themes have been adapted and reinterpreted in countless works of fiction and poetry. One of the most famous examples of this is John Milton's "Paradise Lost," which is a retelling of the  biblical story of Adam and Eve. The poem explores themes of sin, temptation, and redemption, and is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. Another example is Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," which draws heavily on Christian symbolism and imagery to explore themes of struggle, perseverance, and sacrifice.

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Select a book/story you have read which has also been turned into a film and see how the change of presentation has affected the work

                                                                                           

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-15)

Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-15 

3. Select a book/story you have read which has also been turned into a film and see how the change of presentation has affected the work.

One of the most well-known examples of a book that has been adapted into a film is "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel was first published in 1925 and has since been adapted into several films, with the most recent being the 2013 adaptation directed by Baz Luhrmann. In this essay, I will examine how the change of presentation from book to film has affected the work and the ways in which the filmmakers have adapted the story for the screen. One of the most significant changes in the film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" is the visual presentation of the story. 

While Fitzgerald's novel is known for its vivid and lyrical prose, Luhrmann's film is characterized by its extravagant and visually stunning set pieces. The film is set in the 1920s, the same time period as the novel, but Luhrmann's version of the story is characterized by its use of modern technology, such as CGI and 3D effects, to create a heightened sense of spectacle. The film's elaborate party scenes, for example, are more extravagant than those described in the novel, with an abundance of glitter, confetti, and fireworks.

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What do you understand by “telling” and “re-telling”? Illustrate

                                                                                          

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-15)

Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-15 

2. What do you understand by “telling” and “re-telling”? Illustrate

Telling and re-telling are two key concepts in the study of literature, and refer to the different ways in which stories can be narrated and retold. Telling refers to the original telling of a story, while re-telling involves the process of revisiting and retelling a story in a different form or from a different perspective. In this essay, I will explore the concepts of telling and re-telling in literature and provide examples of how they can be used to create new meanings and interpretations. 

Telling is the original way in which a story is narrated, and typically refers to the first instance in which a story is put into words. Telling is the act of creating a narrative from scratch and is often associated with the creation of new stories or myths. For example, the original telling of the story of Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey" would be considered the telling of the story, as it was the first time the story was put into writing.

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How does the study of comparative literature affect our understanding of world literature?

                                                                                          

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-15)

Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-15 

1. How does the study of comparative literature affect our understanding of world literature?

The study of comparative literature can significantly enhance our understanding of world literature by enabling us to explore the similarities and differences between literary works across different cultures and languages. Through comparative analysis, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse perspectives and themes that are present in literature from around the world. In this essay, I will discuss how the study of comparative literature can impact our understanding of world literature and contribute to the development of cross-cultural communication. 

To begin, comparative literature offers us the opportunity to explore the ways in which different cultures approach similar themes or ideas. By analyzing how different cultures have represented similar topics in their literature, we can gain insight into the shared human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries. For example, comparing the representation of love and relationships in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Naguib Mahfouz's "Midaq Alley" can reveal how different cultures have approached the theme of romantic love and highlight the nuances and differences in cultural attitudes toward relationships.

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