The role of John Crowe Ransom in 20th Century American Poetry

                                                                                                                 

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

7. Discuss the role of John Crowe Ransom in 20th Century American Poetry.

American poetry during the early 20th century was marked by a dramatic shift away from the traditional forms and structures of poetry that had dominated the previous century. The poets of this era sought to create a new style of poetry that was more experimental, more complex, and more intellectually challenging. John Crowe Ransom played a central role in this movement, both through his work as a poet and his contributions as a critic and mentor. 

Ransom's ideas about poetry were deeply influenced by the cultural and intellectual currents of his time. He was part of a generation of writers and thinkers who were reacting against the conventions of the Victorian era and seeking to create a new, more modern style of literature. Ransom believed that poetry needed to evolve in order to remain relevant and meaningful in the modern world.

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Harlem Renaissance in the context of early twentieth century American Poetry

                                                                                                                

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

6. Critically examine Harlem Renaissance in the context of early twentieth century American Poetry.

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, New York City. It was a period of significant artistic and intellectual growth among African Americans, who had been marginalized and discriminated against for centuries. During this time, African American poets played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape of America. 

The early twentieth century was a time of great social, political, and cultural upheaval in America. The country was grappling with issues such as racial discrimination, poverty, and inequality. African Americans were particularly affected by these issues, as they had been denied equal rights and opportunities for generations.

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A critical note on Thoreau’s “Walden”

                                                                                                               

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

5. Write a critical note on Thoreau’s “Walden”.

Thoreau’s “Walden” is a critique of modern society, which he views as materialistic, shallow, and unfulfilling. He advocates for a simpler, more authentic way of living, one in which individuals are connected to nature and their own inner selves. Thoreau encourages readers to question the values of mainstream society and to seek out a deeper, more meaningful existence. 

One of the key themes in “Walden” is the idea of self-reliance. Thoreau argues that individuals should be self-sufficient and not rely on the government or society for their needs. He encourages readers to develop their own skills and resources, and to live as independently as possible. Thoreau himself embodies this philosophy, living in a cabin he built himself, growing his own food, and living off the land.

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Major figures of American Enlightenment

                                                                                                              

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

4. Discuss some of the major figures of American Enlightenment.

The American Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and cultural transformation in the 18th century that helped lay the foundation for the American Revolution and the establishment of a new nation. During this time, a number of prominent figures emerged who were instrumental in shaping the ideals and values that came to define American society. One of the most influential figures of the American Enlightenment was Benjamin 

Franklin, a polymath who is often referred to as the "First Citizen of the Republic." Franklin was a prolific writer, inventor, scientist, and statesman, and his contributions to American society were vast and varied. He is perhaps best known for his work as a printer and publisher, and his Poor Richard's Almanack was a popular source of practical advice and wisdom for many Americans. Franklin was also an important diplomat, serving as an envoy to France during the Revolutionary War and helping to secure critical support for the American cause.

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How does Phillis Wheatley raise her black woman’s voice in the poem “On Being Brought from American to America”?

                                                                                                             

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

3. How does Phillis Wheatley raise her black woman’s voice in the poem “On Being Brought from American to America”?

In "On Being Brought from Africa to America," Phillis Wheatley uses her voice as a black woman to subvert the dominant narrative of her time that suggested that Black people were inferior and less deserving of human rights. Wheatley, who was herself an enslaved African brought to America as a child, turns the expectations of her time on their head by asserting her humanity and her worth as an individual.

The poem begins with the line "Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land," which acknowledges the fact that she was brought to America against her will, but also suggests that there was a greater force at work that enabled her to survive and thrive despite the horrors of slavery. Wheatley then goes on to say that being enslaved in America has actually been a positive experience for her, as it has allowed her to learn about Christianity and be saved from her "benighted soul."

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The contributing texts of American Poetry to the canon

                                                                                                            

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

2. Discuss the contributing texts of American Poetry to the canon.

American poetry has a rich history that spans several centuries and has been influenced by various cultural, social, and historical factors. The contributions of American poetry to the literary canon have been significant, and some of the key texts that have made these contributions are discussed below. "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman: Whitman's epic poem "Song of Myself" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American poetry. 

The poem, which was first published in 1855, celebrates the beauty of nature, the diversity of the American people, and the individual self. It broke free from traditional poetic forms and conventions, employing free verse and an unconventional structure. Whitman's style of writing and use of language influenced generations of American poets who followed him

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The history of colonialism in America

                                                                                                           

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-18)

American Novel

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-18

1. Trace the history of colonialism in America.

Colonialism in America refers to the period of European colonization of the Americas, which began in the 15th century and lasted until the late 19th century. This period is marked by the establishment of European colonies and their exploitation of the indigenous populations and resources of the Americas. The following is a brief overview of the history of colonialism in America: 

The Spanish colonization of America began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, who was looking for a new route to India. Columbus landed on an island in the Caribbean, which he named San Salvador. He believed that he had reached the East Indies and called the people he encountered "Indians." The Spanish continued to explore and colonize the Americas, establishing settlements in present-day Mexico, Central America, and South America.

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The technique of Expressionism in American Drama

                                                                                                          

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

7. Discuss the technique of Expressionism in American Drama.

Expressionism is a modernist movement that emerged in Europe in the early 20th century, which sought to express the inner emotional state of the artist rather than to represent reality objectively. Expressionism in American Drama, which emerged in the 1920s, was heavily influenced by this movement, and it is characterized by its use of symbolism, stylized dialogue, and psychological realism to express the inner emotional state of the characters. 

One of the key techniques of Expressionism in American Drama is the use of symbolism. Expressionist playwrights used symbols to represent abstract concepts, such as love, death, or despair, and to express the inner emotional state of the characters. For example, in Eugene O'Neill's "The Hairy Ape," the character of Yank is represented as an animal, which symbolizes his sense of alienation and dislocation in the industrialized world. Similarly, in Elmer Rice's

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Is The Family Reunion a modernist Drama?

                                                                                                         

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ENGLISH (MEG-17)

American Drama

ASSIGNMENT 

Course Code: MEG-17 

6. Is The Family Reunion a modernist Drama? Discuss

"The Family Reunion" is a play written by T.S. Eliot in 1939, and it can be argued that it reflects many of the characteristics of modernist drama. Modernist drama is characterized by its experimental nature, its focus on the inner psychological state of characters, and its fragmented structure. One way in which "The Family Reunion" can be read as a modernist play is through its exploration of the human psyche. 

The play focuses on the character of Harry, who is struggling to come to terms with his past and his present. The play explores Harry's psychological state and his journey towards self-discovery, which is a common theme in modernist literature. Eliot also uses the character of the psychiatrist to analyze and comment on the psychological state of the characters.

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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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