The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga

This blog is here as a part of  my classroom activity.

Respected Sir,

Here are my answers of asked questions:

1. How far do you agree with the India represented in the novel 'The White Tiger'?

Before I state my opinions regarding the question, I would say that the representation of ‘India’ in the novel ‘The White Tiger ‘ is the other side, you may consider it as the dark side of the nation; which is bitterly criticized by the writer Arvind Adiga. Adiga represents the second side of the coin (nation). The novel therefore could be considered as the self-critiquing work of the author. Many critics mull over that Adiga has flattered the outsiders’ views for India. As the political Agendas, the religious conspiracies, the educational schemes, democracy, election system, business, doctors, and teachers are bitterly attacked by Adiga’s stanch but sugary coated verdicts for it.
No doubt he has entitled it as ‘The Auto- Biography of a Half-Backed Indian’, which itself signifies not the whole truth. But, whatever he has depicted; I must say not the fully mistruth.
“..And our nation, though it has no drinking water, electricity, sewage system, public transportation, sense of hygiene, discipline, courtesy or punctuality, does have entrepreneurs.”
Adiga through this statement puts forth the darker side of Indian culture, politics and democratic sense in public.
So, I at some extent do agree with his representation of India in this novel. But as the novel correspond to experiences of a half- backed Indian; one cannot fully rely on that.

2. Do you believe that Balram's story is the archetype of all stories of 'rags to riches'?

Yes it somewhat matches to most of the stories about ‘rags to riches’. Like, if we refer to ‘Dhirubhaism’, the story found similar at many extents. The other example we referred during our classroom studies was about ‘Slum dog Millionaire’; in which the slum man could succeed on his travel from rag to become millionaire. This also reflects the truth that their past experiences became the base of their entrepreneurship. He further states,
“Entrepreneurs are made from half- backed clay” – Adiga
He moreover refers of Chicken coop; only that could come out, who could raise its head out of it and succeed to run out of it. And Balram Halwai remains that man who could come out from that chicken coop on time. He could kill his master and could run away with money He therefore creates the middle state of “Morality” – ‘Amoral’ (not immoral, not moral). Here, we found Balram with his own moral codes; who rejects the traditional ideas.

3. Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique, deconstructive criticism aims to show that any text inevitably undermines its own claims to have a determinate meaning, and licences the reader to produce his own meanings out of it by an activity of semantic 'freeplay' (Derrida, 1978, in Lodge, 1988, p. 108) Is it possible to do deconstructive reading of The White Tiger? How?

Yes. It is possible to do the deconstruction of this text. As Balram considers his story of a ‘half-backed Indian’ itself a flaw of language withal he is the only hero of his story; who is a murderer, corrupter, escapist, and having fake identity of his master shows unreliability of the narrator. Furthermore, he at the end states that “I’ll never say I made a mistake that night in Delhi; when I slit my master’s throat.” “..I’ll say it was all worthwhile to know, just for a day, just for an hour; just for a minute.” Which shows his regret for nothing; he did in his past. This gives enough reason to readers to deconstruct the text.

Thank You…

Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (Blog activity)

 

Respected Sir,

1) Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, though he is on a 'constant spiritual journey' himself, and says that his book The Da Vinci Code is simply "an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate" and suggests that the book may be used "as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith."

As Dan Brown says in his interview, at major extent I do agree with him. He simply does not raise his voice against Christianity in his book ‘The Da Vinci Code’. In fact his protagonist Robert Langdon stands in the support of Christianity; even though he comes to know about Sophie’s secret of being a blood line of Jesus Christ; he does not stop believing in his God.

3) (If)You have studied ‘Genesis’ (The Bible), ‘The Paradise Lost’ (John Milton) and ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (Dan Brown). Which of the narrative/s seem/s to be truthful? Whose narrative is convincing to the contemporary young mind?

According to me in comparison to all three: ‘Genesis’, ‘The Paradise Lose’, and ‘The Da Vinci Code’; ‘The Da Vinci Code’ has more convincing tone than the other two. It can convince contemporary minds, because Brown presented the things in more ingenuous way, withal scientific and logical arguments. As well he wonderfully uses the historical documents rather the told myths to move in the particular direction, or else there is no strong proof that those depictions are truth only. As Brown also considers his novel is ‘Theology Fiction’ just for the sake of entertainment.

8) When we do traditional reading of the novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Robert Langdon, Professor of Religious Symbology, Harvard University emerges as protagonist and Sir Leigh Teabing, a British Historian as antagonist. Who will claim the position of protagonist if we do atheist reading of the novel?

Yes, as in traditional reading of the novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Robert Langdon emerges as the protagonist. The same way, if we do the atheist reading of the novel; we find Sir Leigh Teabing challenges the position of Langdon. And Teabing becomes the protagonist; who tries to prove that Jesus was mortal and not divine through Jesus’ blood line in time.
As he said once, “Jesus as a great and powerful man, but a man nevertheless.”
Thank You…

Show less

One Night at the Call Centre by- Chetan Bhagat

One Night at the Call Centre by- Chetan Bhagat

This blog is a response to the questions given below as part of my class room activity. 

Respected Sir,

1 Popular Literature commonly lacks a sustained plot, worked out with close regard to cause and effect.

As it breaks the traditional idea of maintain the plot, many a time it has been replace by flesh- back technique. Chetan Bhagat also took the same way of narrating his novel; the way it begun ‘Chapter: 29’ just after preface and then it starts with chapter: 1. so, basically it doesn’t sustain the plot in traditional manner. 

1 As ‘Self-help’ Book:

A ‘Self-help’ book is one that is written with the intention to instruct its readers on solving personal problems (Wikipedia). This novel also represents the similar idea. Traditionally this term was coined on stage performances as “Deus ex Machina”; which actually involves some superpower on earth (stage); where God as a ‘Messiah’ resolves the plot. Here, Chetan Bhagat also uses the prologue, epilogue for viewers and as in chapter number 29 every characters encounters with God’s call (which later improved into Military Uncle’s words). Here God do not directly comes into the picture, he just gives his advice to all of them; and turn their pessimistic view towards life into optimistic desire. God’s call gives solution of their problems that is also connected with inner call- Voice from the within.

2 Cyberpunk:

Cyberpunk is relates with technology. It is also genre of scientific fiction. In this novel, we find much use of technology like…. Microsoft word, E- mail, F.M. and the call center itself remains for technology. But here in this novel Chetan Bhagat has smartly represented the ‘bug virus’ to threat foreigners. It also taken as plot mover.

3 Anti- American Sentiments:

“Americans may have many things, but they are not the happiest people on the earth by any stretch. Any country obsessed with war can’t be happy.”

Chetan Bhagat has tried to put forth the darker side of America. In today’s India, majority of Indians are engaged with Call center services; where they serve for Americans most of the times. In this novel ‘Vroom’ stands sternly against America. He fluently speaks against America like,

“Meanwhile bad bosses and stupid Americans suck the life blood out of our country’s most productive generation.”

“A thirty-five year old American’s brain and IQ is the same as a ten-years-old Indian’s brain. This will help you to understand your clients. You need to be patient as you are when dealing with a child. Americans are dumb, just accept it.”

“Our government doesn’t realize this, but Americans are using us. We are sacrificing an entire generation to service their call centre.”

This text is much spoken about patriotism and rejected the western culture which is imposed forcefully.

4 Menippean Satire:

Menippean Satire is ‘Seriocomic’ genre in which contemporary issues of any institutions and ideas are criticized. In Chetan Bhagat’s all novels, institutions are target through the use of this satire. Like, in ‘3 Mistakes of my Life’ Chetan Bhagat satires on cricket as wider phenomena. In the present novel he harshly satires on ‘Bossism’ and Bakshi becomes here for specific reasons a central figure; who staunchly criticized by Chetan Bhagat.

Thank You… 

English Literature- An Introduction for Foreign Readers

"English Literature- An Introduction For Foreign Readers", by R. J. Rees, gives wider knowledge from Literary definition to Literary genres and useful for any beginner of English Literature. It creates base crystal clear for foreign learners .   

Online Discussion:5 The Four Psychological Functions of Great Literature

What Books Do for the Human Soul: The Four Psychological Functions of Great Literature

“Writers open our hearts and minds, and give us maps to our own selves.”  - Maria Popova

According to her,

1 Literature Saves You Time!

2 It makes you Nicer!

3 It’s cure for loneliness!

4 It prepares you for failure!

I agree with all the above four, literature truly does this. It saves your time with give you rang of different era, different cultures, languages etc. It makes one nicer with introducing evil and good both the sides and its ultimate goal not to moralize one but it functions such a way that it conveys eventually humanity to mankind. It works as medicine for one who believes in it and cure from the wounds which are not physical but internal. It teaches that failure is not the ultimate destination; you still can rise for your goals. It also develops one’s critical approach. It gives eternal peace of mind and heart.

Most probable function of literature I think is, it absorbs human psyche in each way and reflect it better with more truthful way.

Thank You.            

What is Literature? and How it shaped me?

What is Literature?

And

How it shaped me?

Yet i find myself too modest to define "Literature". But, still with my inadequate knowledge I will try to put forth my ideas about literature. 

If someone asked me the same question “What is Literature?”, before 5 years; let me correct my words before 2 years (when I had just joined my P.G. Studies), I might answered this question according to textual definition of R. J. Rees. Oh! I must admit, I answered it the same when I had been asked this question in my Post Graduation Entrance Exams; and I got first rank too. 

But, at this instant I can differ from that; let me clear you, I do not reject the idea of Rees the way he guided foreign learners into the world of English Literature. But, now I have perhaps built up my own verdict within these two years on this specific subject.

On much grounded require I would rather say, before two years of my P.G. Studies “I just had studied the Literature not imbibed it and now I may say I have experienced it.” 

From Chaucer down to Julian Barnes; ‘Yes’ these remain my five years journey of Literature, and beyond this. Still I must say I know the little only and yet need to go farther. Because, “Literature” is not that cup of tea which everyone can have and probably not in the similar way. Where all the equations, all the sciences ends may literature starts from. If you say it can bound within the criteria I say, you may be are on wrong trip, because it has began beyond the boundaries and yet I found it endless.

I recall my P.G. lectures when our Professor used to deliver his lectures on “literature”; within every literary text he found something “unsaid” (which is more louder) and he used to draw our attention towards absence of the thing rather the displayed image of a particular text. From that onwards I started looking things in the way such.

I came across things like ‘Catharsis’, ‘Tragedies’ – ‘What actually tragedy mean to be’, ‘how far an ‘Evil’ can be sleep inside and ‘Good’ can be performed! These all literature is about.

Let me not stretch it such. ‘Yes’ I do agree that literature has changed my way of living life, the way of witnessing the things,  the way of explaining (you mostly seeing at once), the way of expressing myself or I must say the way of exploring myself.  

Before I experienced it I cried for what I lose yesterday, after experiencing it I started celebrating my achievements of today. One poem analysis on “Seasonal Poem” as task we were given by our Professor. I did not know it will lead me to the great philosophy of living life.

I analysed one poem entitled as “Autumn Blessings”, it seems paradox in the title right? We think how an autumn can be a blessed season. But, it suggest in depth meaning of it. As autumn takes away with her all the old leaves and fruits from tree, it also gives chance to new leaves and fruits to grow fresh. The same thing happens in human lives; when they lose something from past they may have some new-fangled and fresh moment in life for today and tomorrow. It gives ‘One’ chance to move further with new will and new strength.

“A Literary text must be an ice axe to break the sea frozen inside us” – Franz Kafka

I truly agree with Kafka that literature never flatters; it shapes an individual or a society. Furthermore I would say “Literature” makes people nicer and gentle. To conclude I would lastly point out that,

“It taught me to be front and absolutely genuine,

It taught me to questioned the subsist and quest from center to periphery,

It taught me to be neutral, impartial and unbiased,

It prepared me for my failure and rise for the sky,

It makes me stay earthly and touch the clouds while my feet are grounded.

It taught me to rescue my soul from the evils and survive within myself.”

Thank You...

Online Discussion on "Atheism and Morality"

Respected Sir,

          Sumit Paul in his article talks about “Atheism and Morality” in which at the focus he uses the tag line that “Atheists also have a Definite Moral Code”.  

        His article starts with, “Morality has been hijacked by Religion”. To which I truly concur, because it is now our general belief that one; who believes in religion is the only follower of the morality. And for the non-believers of the ‘God’ and ‘Religion’ are known as ‘an Atheist’ or ‘Immoral’; who has no morals and often no hearts. But that is not true at all. Therefore he beautifully gives the various examples of Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus as well the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and writers; who never had believed in pagan gods as well they had rejected the idea of heaven and hell. But, they were though followers of their own morality; which they had never compromised. He further refers Gautam Buddha who also was non-believer of god or any supernatural power.

          It is our usual thinking that those who do not believe in god are immoral at their doings. But sometimes we too find one; who is truly a religious man; who believes in God, but he is a murderer; whom has killed hundreds of people and used to go to chapel or church for confession of his doing and still continues doing on. So isn’t he a immoral? But it is our settled mentality that we consider a man as highly moral at his stand if he goes to temple, mosque or church or is follower of any pop, dharma guru or kazi. But in the current situation we find it as a absurd thing where we in this real world find such cases of fraud and coning people on the name of religion.

            In the other hand I would like to give an example out of one literary text “The Heathen” (Heathen= used for a man who is irreligious or uncivilized; mostly used by colonizers for Negros) by Jack London; who describes in his text how one can being a irreligious or non-believer of God can be the most moral person as the character of Otto is described here; who throughout his life obeyed his master and at the end he sacrifices his life to save his master. So from that onwards my thinking towards this rigid minds has been differs a lot in this particular matter. I ultimately agree to Sumit Paul that “Atheist also have a Definite Moral Code”.

Thank You so much for sharing this article Sir!..

Online Discussion on "Educational System"

 Here i have expressed my views on an Online Discussion, as a part of my department activity.

“The language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique.”

The presented image is deep satire on an education system.  In the present image we find animals and birds are asked to appear in the same competition “Climbing Tree” for the fair selection. But how could a fish, an elephant or dolphin and penguin climb a tree? This shows how education system also works in the similar way. They never focus on individual’s talent or skills but always stress on gradations. Most of the times job placements are also decided on degrees rather than their practical knowledge in particular field. 

Online Discussion on "Post Truth"

As a part of our class room activity; this online discussion has been answered.

‘Post- Truth’

‘Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief, is post truth’ – According to Oxford Dictionary

“Truth”- what is truth? And which is Truth? Truth is at the ideal state; which cannot be measure that easily. And “Post- Truth” can be simplifying as “next to the truth”, but not exactly the truth. As the dictionary meaning emphasis on the emotions and personal belief rather than objective facts, we can say that this term can be fixing to the political agendas and political conspiracies. As a political leader we find them giving fake promises to establish their reign. This can be considered as the post truth. 

Thank You...

The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga

The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga

Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger is the story of a man named Balram Halwai and his journey of redemption from regression and suppression. The writer paints a sardonic and dark picture of India. He ingeniously brings out the truth behind his representation of the nation. Adiga views India as being infested with servitude and swath, where a man born in a  poor family finds his chances of progress being limited and conditions prevailing in India are such that propel the self of an economically deprived individual to justify a crime like murder and become legal as well as social criminal. Adiga has raised many issues in his work and it is a fact beyond contestation that India is being confronted by most of the issues put forth by him. But what conclude his work as an unacceptable representation of India is that he has increased the magnitude of the problems manifold, so that they seems to be the dominant factor in Indian society. It can’t be argued that his work is devoid of reality, but it is indeed the exaggeration of reality, which makes his work liable to criticise and splenetic reaction.       

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is the first and greatest novel of Hawthorne. This novel also has this theme in its essence. Though the witch does not appear physically in the novel, yet the demonise force are always at play. The selfish and domineering intolerance of the judge are embodied in Roger Chillingworth. And Hester Prynne, with her unrepentant sexuality and her rebellious independency of mind and spirit, plays the part of the witch. And Arthur Dimmesdale is an unfortunate character who is trapped between these two evil forces. But this psychological analysis is not the only point of interest. The novel can be appreciated and enjoyed at other levels as well. The special beauty of the Scarlet Letter is derived not from any psychological analysis, but its emotional overtones. On the one side is the small Puritan town of Boston, with its righteous, domineering, intolerant and acquisitive citizens; on the other side is the vast unconquered forest, in which Hester Prynne is condemned to live after her sin has been exposed. This forest is also the house of the devil and a meeting place of the witches and source of all that is wild, chaotic and uncontrolled. Such a setting inspired Hawthorne to do his best work because he was writing, not merely about Hester Prynne, but about the whole American Experience. 

Thank You... 

Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O’Neill

Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O’Neill

Mourning Becomes Electra is a play written by American playwright Eugene O’Neill. This is the only play which has contained both the complexes: Oedipus and Electra complexes.

The story is a retelling of the Oresteia by Aeschylus. The characters parallel characters from the ancient Greek play. For example, Agamemnon from the Oresteia becomes General Ezra Mannon. Clytemnestra becomes Christine, Orestes becomes Orin, Electra becomes Lavinia, Aegisthus becomes Adam Brant, etc. As a Greek tragedy made modern, the play features murder, adultery, incestuous love and revenge, and even a group of townspeople who function as a kind of Greek chorus. Though fate alone guides character’s action in Greek tragedies, O’Neill’s characters’ actions in Greek tragedies, and O’Neill’s motivations grounded in 1930s-era psychological theory as well. The play can easily be read from a Freudian perspective, paying attention to various characters’ Oedipus complexes and Electra complexes.

Mourning Becomes Electra is divided into three plays with themes that correspond to the Oresteia trilogy. Much like Aeschylus’ plays Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers and The Eumenides, these three plays by O’Neil are titled Homecoming, The Hunted, and The Haunted. Each of these plays contains four to five acts, with only the first act of The Haunted being divided into actual scenes, and so Mourning Becomes Electra is astonishingly lengthy for a drama. In production, it is often cut down. Also, because of the large cast size, it is not performed as often as some of O’Neill’s other major plays. (Wikipedia)  

‘Black Skin, White Masks’

Frantz Fanon’s ‘Black Skin, White Masks’

Frantz Omar Fanon born in July 20, 1925 and died in December 6, 1961.

‘Black Skin, White Masks’ remains his prominent work which was published in 1952. It is basically his doctorate thesis on which he achieved his doctorate degree in psychiatry. This is his well admired non-fictional work, which criticises the condition of ‘Blacks’ among ‘Whites’. He more focuses on inferior psychological condition of black people and superiority complex in whites

Fanon divides his hypothesis into several parts.

‘Black Man and the Language’, this part of the hypothesis speaks of how language as a cultural tool works to take control over others.

“When you speak Whiteman’s language, you take on the world and their culture.” (Fanon)

Fanon argues that when you speak language of others directly or indirectly you admire them as well their culture and it began to shape you. Further he says “they start with simple “Hello” and ends it their racist idea. “You speak such perfect French!” that, they never speak to any White from the same university graduate.

‘The woman of colour and the White man’: this part of thesis deals with deep psychology of a black woman or woman of colour and their craving for a white man, not for love but it is for their individual hang-ups.

“I only know his blue eyes, blunt hair and light skin, so that I love him.” (Fanon)

‘The Black Man and the White Woman’:  same way black man also craves for white woman to satisfy their psyche and to beat down a white man’s superiority.

‘The White man and Psychopathology’: this is the foremost part of Fanon’s hypothesis; which speaks of fear in white man’s deep psyche for black man:

   1.  Blacks are less immoral than an animal.

   2.  They will take away white women.

‘Blacks are good in bed’ and they will snatch away white women; this fear always tortures the white men.

   

MOBY DICK by HERMAN MELVILLE

MOBY DICK

                                                    BY HERMAN MELVILLE

The Author of Moby Dick is recognised today as one of America’s greatest writers. He wrote more than ten major novels, based on experiences that he had gone through himself. Some of his adventures in real life were more exciting than the ones he describe in his novels, but none was as strange and thrilling as the story he tells in Moby Dick.

Melville was born in 1819 in New York City. His parents, like many other Americans, were of mixed nationality, being partly English and partly Dutch.

                                       About The Book

Moby Dick is a book with several layers of meaning and can be read at different levels. At one level, it is an exciting tale of adventure. There are many other well known stories of adventures at sea, but what makes Moby Dick special is the fact that it provides a rare glimpse into a particular kind of life____ life on a whaling-ship, or whaler, which Melville knew at first hand.

This is the story of Captain Ahab, the captain of a whaling-ship, the Pequod, and his unending battle against a white whale, to which sailors had given the name Moby Dick. Because of its unusual color and its great size, Moby Dick had become a valued prize for all  whale-hunters. But in case of Captain Ahab, there was an element of personal enmity and a desire for revenge as well. In an earlier meeting with Moby Dick, Ahab had lost one of his legs, which was bitten off by the whale. There- after, he had only one goal in life-to kill the white whale. After months of pursuit through the oceans, the man and the whale came together at last; the battle is resumed.

The story is narrated by a sailor called Ishmale, who becomes a witness to the battle between Ahab and Moby Dick.          

Kim by Rudyard Kipling

Kim by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1937): Nobel Prize winner Poet, short-story writer, journalist and imperialist, Rudyard Kipling’s work remains one of the best account of the British colonial experience in India.

Kim was written twelve years after Kipling had left India, and was first published in 1901. Set in India at the time British Raj, it contrasts, through the relationship between Kim and Lama the exotic Indian land- scape and its colourful people with the colonial experience.

Considered by many to be Kipling’s masterpiece, opinion appears varied about its consideration as children’s literature, concludes “Kim is the apotheosis of the Victorian cult of childhood, but it shines now as bright as ever, long after the Empire’s collapse...” (Wikipedia)

In a reissue of the novel in 1959 by Macmillan, the reviewer opines “Kim is a book worked at three levels. It is a tale of adventure... It is the drama of a boy having entirely his boyhood in his own way... and it is the mystical exegesis of this pattern of behaviour...” This reviewer concludes “Kim will endure because it is a beginning like all masterly ends...” (Wikipedia)

  

Tess of D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Tess of D’Urbervilles

-        by Thomas Hardy

Tess of D’Urbervilles is written by Thomas Hardy and is first published in 1891. The story is set back in Victorian England when sexual and social hypocrisy could be found in the society. The book was very controversial at that time because of the critiques towards the strict moral cords. The novel centres on a young woman, Tess, who struggles to find her place in society. She sent to a noble household, D’Urbervilles to claim kin with them. Instead, she comes back with shame and humiliation. The story continues with how Tess deals with her disappointments in life, struggling against her past and finally defeated by fate.

Tess of D’Urbervilles is a romantic novel. Ironically, hate plays a vital role than the love. Although hope and happiness are also present in some places in the book, but they are overshadowed by the sorrows. In short, it is a dark romance. This is a novel in which Hardy’s protagonist and other characters are confronted by an almost endless array of moral and socially acceptable choices.

Subtitle of the book ‘Tess of D’Urbervilles: A pure woman and it defends his abhorrence or the double standards. Tess’ struggle was one for equality and happiness and in the end she finds neither. In the time period that this novel was written, Thomas Hardy suffered a lot of criticism for publishing such a sexualized book and for challenging the sexual morality of the society he lived within. (bri)

Works Cited

<brightkite.com/essay-on/a-book-revi>.

‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare

‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare

Among Shakespeare’s tragedies, Othello holds a place with Antony and Cleopatra for the beauty of its poetry, while far excelling it in beauty of structure. No other tragedy has its simplicity and swiftness of action: there is no sub plot and no clown age of any space or signification. The play is tied fast to time: from the landings in Cyprus to Othello’s suicide. No character in the play is there simply as a function of the plot. Bradley speaks of it as the ‘most painfully exciting and terrible’ of the tragedies; and Johnson, who could not bear to reread King Lear, until he had to as editor, wrote in similar terms and for the same reason of the last scene of Othello: ‘I am glad I have ended my revisal of this dreadful scenes: it is not to be endured

The peculiar painfulness of the play arises from two main sources: from the especial hatefulness which destroys a world of uncommon beauty and splendour; and, more than this, from the fact that good itself is made the agent of evil in this destruction. No other hero of Shakespeare’s dies such a lonely death as Othello, Who has destroyed his own heaven. The other side Iago’s opportunity lies, as he knows, in the goodness of Othello, who is of a ‘free and open nature’. Only an Iago could see through an Iago. Shakespeare has taken special pains to show that Othello’s truthfulness is not crass stupidity, for no one else in the play knows the real Iago, not even Rodrigo. This is the reason why Iago is the most prolific soliloquist in Shakespeare, and only the audience look into the pit of his mind.   

(Shakespeare)

Works Cited

Shakespeare, The New Clarendon. Othello. Ed. F.C.Horwood and R.E.C.Houghton. New Delhi 110001, India: Oxford University Press, YMCA Library Building, I. Jai Singh Road , 1977.

  

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

All My Sons

All My Sons is a 1948 play by Arthur Miller an American Writer. The play based upon a true story; which described how in 1941-43 the Wright Aeronautical Corporation based in Ohio had conspired with army inspection officers to approve defective aircraft engines destined for military use.

In ‘All My Sons’, Joe Keller remains as the prime figure and his wife Kate Keller having two sons Larry and Chris. Larry, who had been MIA for three years, had disappear due to war period and never come back. His childhood sweetheart Ann Deever now corresponded with his younger brother Chris and wants to get married to him. But, Kate cannot accept that Larry is not alive and thinks yet that Anne is ‘Larry’s girl’.

Apart from this the central event took place is that during World War-2 the shipping of damaged aircraft engine cylinder heads was not done by Steve Deever (father of Ann and George Deever; claimed guilty for the death of 21 pilots, was imprisoned for years) was actually not guilty of this shipping. The decision was taken by Joe Keller and had smartly imposed the crime on Steve; his partner. But, Kate was well-known of this and kept mum for this long as well before Larry’s disappearance his latter to Ann revealed that his death would not be any accident but he will up to crash his plane desperately to commit suicide under the guilt of his father’s wrong deeds. At the end Chris’ love for father turns into hatred. Steve also released from his guilt but Joe shoots himself under the revelation of his crimes.   

Through the play Miller bitterly criticises the American entrepreneurship and the politics which only systematise on the grounds of financial benefits and loses rather than humanity. A father did not come out from his business mindset and his son died for his worst strategies for making money out of 21 soldiers’ death. Before Joe shot himself said “Those all were my sons!” 

The Sense of an Ending

The Sense of an Ending’ (2011) is novel by Julian Barnes, which has recently won the ‘Man Booker Prize’, is a memory novel. Barnes artistically moves in specific direction with historical and literary references.  

Here is the link of given Blog Task:

http://dilipbarad.blogspot.in/2014/02/the-sense-of-ending-julian-barnes.html 

Respected Sir, 

Here is my response to given task:

1 What is the meaning of phrase ‘Blood Money’ in Veronica’s reply email?

The phrase “Blood Money” is reply to Tony’s email for Veronica. In that email he actually asked for why he was given 500 pounds by Sarah Ford; in reply to that he was received this response by Veronica (the phrase- “Blood Money”).

“Blood Money” is actually signifies that the one who is guilty of murdering someone ((or) thinks that they are directly or indirectly responsible after someone’s death) gives some money to the nearest one of the dead; is a kind of ritual of repentance.

Sarah Ford was guilty of her deed that she seduced Adrian and their physical relation caused her pregnancy for what Adrian took the decision of suicide. Therefore, Sarah Ford sent 500 pounds to Tony (as he was the nearest friend of Adrian).    

2 How do you decipher the equation?In both the equations:
   b = s – v x/+ a1 or a2 + v + a1 X s = b?

These equations are found in Adrian's diary; that solves the mystery of his suicide. According to which, 
B stands for “Baby”, S for “Sarah”, V for “Veronica”, a1 for “Adrian” and a2 for “Antony” (Tony).

The first equation does not involve Tony, but second does.  It reflects relation between Adrian and Sarah in absence of Veronica; which somewhere initiated by Tony’s advice for Adrian to meet Sarah Ford before get into a relationship with Veronica. And as the result of this a woman (Sarah Ford) above forty bears a child of Adrian in her womb and Adrian commits suicide. So indirectly Tony also became the cause of this chance and event.   

3 Adrian’s diary is willed to Tony by Sarah Ford. Why did Sarah Ford own it? Why was it in the possession of Veronica?

When Tony got the latter from Mrs. Sarah ford announcing her will according to which Tony will get Adrian’s diary and she also sends some 500 pounds to Tony without mentioning any reason pops up some certain questions like,

How Mrs. Sarah ford owning Adrian’s Diary? It may will obvious if this same latter sent by Veronica Ford instead of her mother. This also keeps Tony into little worry (as we never find him much bothered with these all). Second question now raise is why Mrs. Ford gave it to Veronica then? But till the end these questions desperately covered under some trivial incidents to maintain the curiosity among readers. This has unbelievable and thrilling disclosing of these questions that on the advice of Tony, Adrian met Mrs. Sarah Ford and was seduced by her and moreover Mrs. Ford became pregnant. But it creates more oddity to readers when she wrote in her latter that Adrian was so happy in his last days (how she was so sure about that?). This lastly disclosed with this that Adrian and Sarah Ford then continued into their relationship (not clearly mentioned in the novel) before Adrian commits suicide. And after Sarah Ford’s death (after giving birth to Adrian’s Child) this diary came in to possession of Veronica.

4 Was the mentally retarded middle aged ‘Adrian’, Tony’s friend who did not commit suicide and was suffering from trauma and thus gone mad, and was living with hidden identity?

No. Tony’s friend Adrian had committed suicide at his very early age. But, this middle aged man looks like Adrian; who is mentally retarded is the son of Adrian (one) and Mrs. Sarah Ford. He born mentally ill as he born by a mother above forty (to conceiving a fetus in a womb for a woman who has already crossed 40 years causes deformation in child and also affects its mental capability or creates psychological disorder).  Adrian (junior) is well cared by Veronica and then admitted in particular care center.  

5 How Veronica was related Adrian, the one suffering in care-in-the-community?

It is but obvious for any women to react against a betrayal in love. But the situation here is different with Veronica where her own lover comes into a relationship with her own mother. This is also true that to begin a relation with daughter’s lover was also the prior intention of Mrs. Ford. Veronica though cares for her mother until she died and also took care of her mother and Adrian’s disordered child. This situation seems tough when we discuss; but one who goes under this and still survive is unbelievable. Moreover we came to know by the end that Veronica got that latter, which was sent by Tony to Adrian in which he clearly mentioned that Mrs. Sarah Ford had warned him about Veronica and also congratulated him on their break up. Though, she (Veronica) kept caring for them, so we ultimately can say that it is Veronica the one who suffered in-care-in-the-community.

6 In the light of new revelations, how do you read character of Veronica? (Instinctive, manipulative, calculating, stubborn, haughty, sacrificial, trustworthy, Good Samaritan?)

When in the beginning Tony described about Veronica (his view of looking at her with their personal life experiences) was like she was instinctive, manipulative, calculating, stubborn and haughty; as she didn’t established any physical relation with Tony while they were dating each other. But, when they were up to broke up she readily slept with him; left the derogatory effects on Tony’s mind; which also we found in his latter to Adrian with full of abusive tone for Veronica, up till this Tony’s views for Veronica remains in highlight. But, with the moving further readers came across Veronica’s real face (as we discussed in previous question) she reveals with her sacrifice, trustworthiness and with her Good Samaritan (views build up by readers). Withal we find that she till the end remains single (as there is nothing mentioned regarding her past 40 years life- her husband and children/ nothing) unlike Tony- her first relation with him and got married and having children and family and also unlike Adrian- who cheated her with her mother also became a father of mentally retarded child. These all deconstructs her character which was first described by Tony. And Tony also apologies to Veronica when they meet after this long for his misbehave.

7 Do you see any possible reason in the suicide of Adrian?

       
       Adrian has always left his impact as most scholarly guy and having heightened as well in depth philosophical eyesight. His suicide unlike Robson's suicide which could be consider as immature decision. Adrian was not like him who afraid from problems in life or cannot move on while tackle them smoothly. But he was also unlike Tony and other of his friends; Adrian was too emotional. He was not disturb of break up with Veronica as well according to Mrs. Ford he was so happy in his last days also push us to think what possible reason can be there after his suicide. Here we get back to Old Joe Hunt and history and literature class; where Camus' philosophy is discussed; as Camus said "Suicide was the only true Philosophical question",

 “..He had explain his reasoning: that life is a gift bestowed without anyone asking for it; that the thinking person has a philosophical duty to examine both the nature of life and the conditions it comes with; and that if this person decides to renounce this gift no one ask for, it is a moral and human duty to act on the consequences of their decision.”

Adrian was somewhere in guilt for what he did and this guilt led him to end his life as may be he didn't find any possible reason of his existence. Thus, we can say that it was Adrian's philosophical force which led him to the verge of death. More of his death was desperate and thoughtful act, as he first get into the bath-tub full of hot water and cut his vain (which keeps his body warm and let the blood flow out easier way- ultimately no chance of being rescued).  

8 Do you see any missing block- some dot which is not getting connected with the whole or dot missing to get full sense of the novel- in the plot of this psychological thriller?

To put some puzzles, ambiguity and open questions (which are not answered within the text), is new way of narrating or putting forth the things for post modernist mindsets. Post modernist way of looking towards things or event is different from previous. They never easily put the things in order; they always make their readers to do quest for those missing parts. Sometimes it is left on their individual interpretation. As undoubtedly, this text ‘The Sense of an Ending’ also put into same category and considered as the post- modernist text; having some missing block, some dots which are stopping readers to capture whole picture of any particular incident.

‘The Sense of an Ending’ is a full of trivia. We find many a time Tony (our narrator) tries to postpone the truth under trivial incidents. In between many a thing left incomplete at the beginning and connected at the end. Still many things we find unexplained and incomplete throughout the novel. Like Mrs. Sarah Ford’s real character and her jealousy or disharmony with her own daughter Veronica. Equally her treatment towards Tony and relation with Adrian creates question like, did she want this relation with Tony also? Or her relation with Adrian was only to hurt Veronica or for step out from her unhappy married life. Nothing is clear. Even the last latter by Sarah Ford to Tony also push people to think on Adrian’s Suicide; as she said in her latter that Adrian was too happy in his last days; then why he needed to commit suicide?  These all things according to me remain as the resolvable puzzles.  

9 What do you mean by unreliable Narrator? Is Tony Webster classifiable as Unreliable Narrator?

Up till now we came across the simple narrative techniques. And the Narrator always remains mouth piece of an author. A narrator builds faithful relation between author and readers. But here Julian Barnes introduces us to a totally different style of narration; where for readers it is difficult to rely on the narrator. Barnes introduces his narrator with: “I remember, in no particular order…” thus it from the first creates constant dilemma among readers about his reliability. If we minutely observe then Tony considers himself average and he cannot understand the simple thing. Withal when he meets Veronica; she uses to say him that,

          “You just don’t get it! Do you?

                   You never did, you never will.”

This sentence repeatedly spoken by Veronica and then Bartender that also creates question in readers’ mind, then whatever Tony has shared till yet was better taken by him or not? Barnes’ narrator is not young fellow; who recently passed his university days and sharing his memory of collage days. Antony Webster is 60/62 years old man who hardly tries to recall his past days from his memory and narrates the events the way he remember for this long withal he has lack of evidence and documentation. So, he cannot prove it with accuracy. Thus, it is always remain a question of reliability of a narrator; which also lead readers to doubt on text.    

Thank You…