Thursday, October 31, 2024
Youth festival 2024
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
The importance of being Earnest.
This blog is crafted in response to Megha Ma'am. This task was given by her. This blog is about Oscar Wilde and his work The Importance of Being Earnest.
What is the difference between the two subtitles “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” :-
Oscar Wilde’s decision to change the subtitle of The Importance of Being Earnest from “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” reflects a shift in how he intended the audience to perceive the play’s themes, tone, and characters. Both subtitles reveal different layers of Wilde’s satire, humor, and social critique, but the shift emphasizes different aspects of his intent.
1) A Serious Comedy for Trivial People (The original subtitle) :-
This version suggests that the play addresses serious, weighty themes but is aimed at an audience or characters who are trivial or superficial in their concerns. The focus would be on the contrast between serious subjects (such as marriage, identity, morality, and social conventions) and the light, almost frivolous behavior of the characters in the play.
Serious Comedy :-
Implies that while the play is humorous, it tackles important issues. Wilde might have been indicating that the comedy comes from the treatment of significant themes like marriage, honesty, or social standing, but in a way that is far from moralistic or instructive.
Trivial People :-
This suggests that the characters or perhaps even the audience themselves are engaged with life’s trivialities rather than deeper issues. Wilde’s characters (especially Algernon and Jack) are more concerned with appearances, social expectations, and amusing wordplay than moral or philosophical reflection. In this reading, the characters in the play represent the idle, upper-class society of Wilde's time, which Wilde often satirized for being shallow and frivolous in their priorities.
The original subtitle could have hinted at a biting satire of the superficiality of society, especially the aristocracy, who often treated significant matters, like marriage, in trivial ways much as the characters in the play do.
Which of the female characters is the most attractive :-
Among the female characters in The Importance of Being Earnest, Cecily Cardew is the most attractive character because of her mix of innocence, imagination, and playful personality. Here's why she stands out, explained in detail but in simple language:
1) Youthful and Innocent :-
Cecily is young, innocent, and carefree. She doesn’t worry much about what society expects, unlike Lady Bracknell or Gwendolen. Her innocence makes her refreshing and easy to like because she’s not caught up in all the serious rules of Victorian society.
2) Romantic and Imaginative :-
Cecily has a big imagination, especially when it comes to romance. She creates a whole love story in her mind with "Ernest" (even before meeting him), writing herself letters and pretending they are engaged. This dreamy, romantic side of her makes her playful and fun.
3) Clever and Playful :-
Cecily may seem innocent, but she’s also clever and witty. Her conversations with Algernon show that she can be smart and playful at the same time. She surprises people with her quick thinking and enjoys teasing Algernon, which makes her lively and engaging.
4) Rebellious and Fun :-
Cecily doesn’t always follow the rules. For example, when Algernon arrives, she spends time with him even though she should wait for permission. This small rebellious side makes her more interesting because she enjoys life and isn’t afraid to break a few rules for fun.
Contrast with Other Female Characters :-
(Cecily )Lady Bracknell: -
Lady Bracknell represents the strict, high-society standards of Victorian England. She is more concerned with social status, wealth, and class than with personal happiness. While she is a humorous character because of her bluntness and strong opinions, her rigid adherence to societal norms makes her less appealing. She’s too focused on maintaining control and power, which makes her less warm and relatable compared to Cecily.
Gwendolen Fairfax: -
Gwendolen is witty and confident, but she is also a bit more superficial than Cecily. Her obsession with marrying a man named "Ernest" shows that she cares more about appearances and the idea of what a perfect man should be, rather than true love. Gwendolen is also more concerned with social status and propriety, making her less free-spirited and more concerned with society’s rules than Cecily.
Miss Prism: -
Miss Prism, Cecily’s governess, is well-meaning but strict and somewhat serious. She is dedicated to teaching Cecily and instilling proper values in her, but this makes her less playful and more focused on following rules. While Miss Prism is comical in her own way, her seriousness and lack of imagination make her less attractive compared to Cecily’s youthful and carefree nature.
The play repeatedly mocks Victorian traditions and social customs, marriage, and the pursuit of love in particular:-
In The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde makes fun of Victorian society’s rules, especially about marriage, love, and social status.
1) Marriage and Engagement :-
Lady Bracknell:-
Lady Bracknell cares more about money and family background than love when it comes to marriage. She asks Jack lots of questions about his wealth and family before she’ll let him marry Gwendolen. This shows how marriage was seen as more of a business deal than a romantic choice in Victorian society.
Gwendolen and Cecily’s Love for the Name "Ernest": Both Gwendolen and Cecily want to marry someone named "Ernest," even though they don’t care about who the person really is. Wilde uses this to show how silly and shallow love can be when people focus on unimportant things like a name.
2) Being "Earnest" (Serious) :-
Jack and Algernon’s Lies: Jack and Algernon both pretend to be people they’re not. Jack pretends to have a brother named "Ernest" so he can escape to the city, and Algernon pretends to be "Ernest" to meet Cecily. Even though being "earnest" means being honest and serious, these characters are the opposite. Wilde makes fun of how people can act serious but actually live dishonest lives.
3) Courtship and Love :-
Gwendolen and Jack’s Relationship:-
Gwendolen loves Jack because she thinks his name is "Ernest." When she finds out his real name, she’s shocked. This shows that her love is based on something silly, like a name, instead of real feelings. Wilde uses this to show how shallow love can be.
Cecily’s Dreamy Engagement:-
Cecily imagines that she’s engaged to "Ernest" (before meeting Algernon, who is pretending to be "Ernest"). She even writes fake love letters to herself. This makes fun of how people sometimes create romantic fantasies that aren’t based on reality.
4) Social Status and Class:-
Lady Bracknell’s Obsession with Jack’s Background: Lady Bracknell doesn’t want Gwendolen to marry Jack because he doesn’t know who his parents are (he was found in a handbag). Even though Jack is rich, Lady Bracknell judges him based on his family background. Wilde makes fun of how important social class was in Victorian society, even when it doesn’t really matter.
5) Pretending and Appearances :-
Jack and Algernon’s Fake Lives:-
Both Jack and Algernon lie about who they are to avoid responsibilities and have fun. Jack pretends to be "Ernest" in the city, and Algernon pretends to be "Ernest" to win over Cecily. Wilde is showing how people care more about appearances and fake identities than being true to themselves in Victorian society.
"flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire" Do you agree with this observation? Give your arguments to justify your stance :-
Yes, I agree with the observation made by queer scholars that The Importance of Being Earnest reflects Oscar Wilde’s homosexuality through themes of duplicity, ambivalence, and hidden desire. Here are some arguments to support this view:
1) Living Double Lives:-
The characters in the play, especially Jack and Algernon, live double lives, which can be seen as a metaphor for the secret lives many homosexual men, including Wilde, had to lead in Victorian society. Jack pretends to be "Ernest" in the city, while Algernon creates an imaginary friend "Bunbury" to escape social obligations. This duplicity reflects the way gay men had to hide their true identities and desires, conforming to society’s rules while secretly living another life.
Connection to Wilde:
Wilde himself led a double life, publicly married with children while privately engaging in homosexual relationships, which were illegal and socially condemned at the time.
2) Subversion of Marriage and Gender Roles :-
Marriage is treated lightly in the play, with characters such as Lady Bracknell valuing wealth and status over love. Gwendolen and Cecily’s obsession with the name "Ernest" shows how superficial marriage can be. This mockery of traditional marriage could be seen as Wilde’s critique of the institution, especially since same-sex relationships were not recognized or allowed. Furthermore, the reversal of traditional gender roles in the play where the women take the lead in pursuing relationships challenges the norms of the time, suggesting Wilde’s own desire to subvert societal expectations.
Connection to Wilde’s Life:
Wilde himself challenged conventional views on marriage and gender roles through his relationships and literary works, often portraying women as more dominant and men as more vulnerable or deceptive.
3) Ambiguity and Identity :-
The characters in the play often hide who they really are, playing with their identities. This can be seen as a reflection of how Wilde had to hide his true self in a society that didn’t accept him. The play’s humor and wit cover up deeper issues, just like Wilde’s public life covered up his private struggles.
various movie and radio adaptations of this play:-
Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest has been adapted in various formats, each adding a unique flavor to the play.
1) 1952 Movie:-
This version stays very close to the original play. The actors perform as if they were on stage, and the focus is on Wilde’s witty dialogue. It’s simple and classical.
2) 2002 Movie:-
This one is more modern and visually attractive. It focuses a lot on the love story and the romantic parts, which some feel takes away from the sharp, clever humor of Wilde’s writing.
3) Radio Adaptations:-
In radio versions, the actors only use their voices to perform, so all the humor comes from how they speak the lines. Without visuals, some of the physical comedy is missing, but the focus is more on Wilde’s clever words.
Conclusion :-
The change in the subtitle from "A Serious Comedy for Trivial People" to "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" shows how even serious people can laugh at small, silly things. Cecily Cardew is the most attractive character because of her playful yet strong personality. The play makes fun of Victorian society, especially how marriage and social status are more important than love. I agree with the idea that the play reflects Wilde’s own hidden struggles with identity and desires, making it both funny and meaningful.
Thank you...!!
Reference:-
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Movie review: Frenkestain & Pride and prejudice.
This blog is crafted in response to Megha ma'am. This task assigned by her. This blog is about the movie review Frenkestain and Pride and Prejudices.
Frenkestain
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a science fiction horror film based on Mary Shelley's famous 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The movie tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life, leading him to build and bring to life a creature made from dead body parts. However, after bringing the Creature to life, Victor is horrified by it and abandons it. The Creature, hurt and rejected by Victor and society, seeks revenge, leading to a tragic story of destruction.
Plot and Themes
The film closely follows the plot of the novel. Victor, played by Branagh, creates the Creature using science, but when it comes to life, he regrets his decision and leaves the Creature to fend for itself. The Creature, played by Robert De Niro, is not just a monster but also a being who longs for love, friendship, and understanding. When it cannot find these things because of its appearance, it turns to violence, seeking revenge on Victor for making it suffer.
Robert De Niro as Creature
The movie highlights important themes like the dangers of playing with life and death, the responsibilities that come with creation, and the loneliness of being different. It shows both Victor's obsession and the Creature's pain, making the story a mix of horror and tragedy.
Differences from the Book
While the movie stays close to the novel in many ways, it does add some changes. For example, in the movie, after the Creature kills Victor’s wife, Elizabeth (played by Helena Bonham Carter), Victor tries to bring her back to life, which does not happen in the book. This adds to the drama and horror of the movie.
Also, the movie focuses more on showing the process of how Victor brings the Creature to life. The reanimation scene, with lightning and machines, is very dramatic and shows the scientific horror that the novel only briefly describes.
Performances and Visuals
Kenneth as FrenkestainKenneth Branagh, who plays Victor, gives an intense performance, showing Victor's passion, guilt, and madness. Robert De Niro as the Creature is emotional and tragic. He plays the role in a way that makes the audience feel sympathy for the Creature, showing his sadness and loneliness rather than just his monstrous side.
The movie’s visuals are also impressive, with dark, gothic settings that give the film a strong horror atmosphere. The scenes in Victor’s lab, especially when he brings the Creature to life, are visually striking and full of energy.
Reception
When the movie was released, it received mixed reviews. Some people praised the performances, especially De Niro as the Creature, and the film's visual style. However, others felt that the movie was too dramatic or over-the-top in some parts. Branagh's directing, especially during emotional scenes, was seen by some as too exaggerated.
Despite these criticisms, the film is still considered one of the more faithful adaptations of Mary Shelley’s novel, especially in how it focuses on the relationship between Victor and the Creature and the moral questions about creating life.
Legacy
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein remains important for its attempt to stay true to the original novel and its deep exploration of both Victor and the Creature’s emotions. While it may not have been loved by everyone, it is respected for its ambition and for bringing out the tragedy and humanity in both characters. De Niro’s portrayal of the Creature, in particular, is often remembered as one of the highlights of the film.
Pride and Prejudice:-
Pride and Prejudice (2005) movie Directed by Joe Wright, "Pride & Prejudice" is a film adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. It stars Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy. The movie is set in 19th century England and follows the story of Elizabeth, a smart and independent young woman, and her complex relationship with the wealthy and reserved Mr. Darcy.
Plot:-
( Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth)
The story is set in the early 1800s in England and focuses on the Bennet family. Mrs. Bennet wants her five daughters to marry rich men.
Mr. Bingley, a wealthy young man, moves to the nearby estate, and he quickly likes the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane. Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy, is rich too, but he seems proud and rude, especially to Elizabeth, the second eldest daughter.
( Mr. Bingley & Jane )Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy clash a lot at first, but slowly, they start to understand each other. Mr. Darcy even helps fix a big problem in Elizabeth's family when her younger sister, Lydia, runs away with a bad guy named Mr. Wickham.
In the end, after many misunderstandings and challenges, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth realize they love each other and decide to get married. Mr. Bingley and Jane also end up together. It’s a story about love, family, and overcoming first impressions.
Differences Between the "Pride & Prejudice" Novel and the 2005 Movie:-
1) Mr. Darcy’s Proposal :
Novel :
Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth inside Mr. Collins' house. They have a heated conversation where Elizabeth rejects him.
Movie:
The proposal happens outside in the rain. The scene is more dramatic with intense emotions and the rain adding to the tension.
2) Mr. Darcy's Letter :
Novel:
The morning after the proposal, Mr. Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter explaining his actions. She reads it alone, and we learn about it through her thoughts.
Movie:
Elizabeth reads the letter while walking outside. The film uses flashbacks to show what Mr. Darcy is explaining, making it more visually engaging.
3) Netherfield Ball :
Novel :
The ball is described with lots of detail about the social interactions and conversations.
Movie:
The ball is visually grand with beautiful costumes and dances. The focus is on the tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, especially during their dance.
4) Ending:
Novel:
The story ends with a focus on the characters' future. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy get married, and we learn about their lives afterward.
Movie:
Adds an extra romantic scene where Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are together, sharing their feelings openly, which is not in the book.
5) Character Depth:
Novel :
The characters' thoughts and feelings are detailed through internal monologues and long conversations.
Movie:
The characters' emotions are shown through their actions, facial expressions, and visual storytelling.
6) Mrs. Bennet:
Novel:
Mrs. Bennet is often shown as silly and overly concerned with marrying off her daughters.
Movie :
She is still concerned with marriage but is portrayed with more depth and sympathy, making her less of a comic character.
Conclusion :-
Frankenstein (1994) and Pride & Prejudice (2005) are both important movie adaptations of classic books that explore deep themes about human nature and society. Frankenstein looks at the dangers of ambition and the consequences of trying to create life, focusing on the complicated relationship between the creator, Victor Frankenstein, and his creature. On the other hand, Pride & Prejudice centers on love, social class, and the search for happiness, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself in a society with strict rules.
While the two films have different styles Frankenstein is a dark horror story, and Pride & Prejudice is a romantic drama they both connect with audiences through their rich characters and their struggles. Together, these movies show how the themes in Mary Shelley's and Jane Austen's stories are still relevant and engaging for viewers today.
Thank you..!!
Reference:-
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Pride & Prejudice comparison between movie and novel
This blog was assigned by Megha Ma'am. The task is to compare the movie adaptation and the novel Pride and Prejudice.
1 )Compare the narrative strategy of the novel and movie:-
1) Depth of Internal Thoughts:-
Novel:
Jane Austen's writing allows readers to get inside the characters' heads, especially Elizabeth Bennet's. We understand her thoughts, feelings, and prejudices deeply because Austen uses a technique called free indirect discourse. This means we get to see Elizabeth's inner thoughts as if they are part of the narrative.
Movie :
In the film, we can't hear the characters' thoughts directly. Instead, the movie shows their emotions through their actions, facial expressions, and dialogue. Sometimes, the film uses voice-overs to give us a glimpse of what a character is thinking, but it's not as detailed as in the book.
Pacing and Structure :-
Novel:
The book takes its time to explore the story. It includes many conversations, letters, and social events that help us understand the characters and their world. The pacing is slower, allowing for a detailed look at the social norms and relationships of the time.
Movie:
The film has to fit the story into about two hours, so it moves faster. Some parts of the book are shortened or left out to keep the movie's pace quick and engaging. The focus is mainly on the romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, with less time spent on side stories and minor characters.
3) Sensory Experience :-
Novel:
Austen uses descriptive language to paint a picture of the settings and characters. Readers use their imagination to visualize the scenes, based on the detailed descriptions provided by the author.
Movie :-
The film uses visuals and sounds to create an immersive experience. Beautiful cinematography, costumes, and music help bring the story to life. For example, the 2005 movie is known for its stunning portrayal of the English countryside and the elegant costumes of the characters.
4) Character Portrayal :-
Novel:
Characters are developed through their actions, dialogue, and inner thoughts. Elizabeth Bennet's intelligence and wit are highlighted through her conversations and reflections.
Movie :
In the film, actors bring the characters to life through their performances. Keira Knightley's portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet shows her as more spirited and passionate, which is a slightly modern take on the character compared to the book.
5) Show vs. Tell :-
Novel:
Austen often "tells" readers about the characters' backgrounds, motivations, and societal norms through detailed exposition and dialogue.
Movie:
The film must "show" rather than "tell" because it is a visual medium. This means the story is told through what we see and hear, such as actions, expressions, and visual metaphors. For example, a character's feelings might be shown through a lingering look or a dramatic setting.
2) Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time :-
1) Social Classes :-
Upper Class:
This included the aristocracy and the gentry. They were the wealthiest people, owning large estates and having a lot of influence. They didn't need to work for a living.
Middle Class:
This group was growing and included professionals like doctors, lawyers, and merchants. They were educated and often aspired to move up the social ladder.
Lower Class:
These were the working people, including servants and laborers. They had fewer opportunities and often depended on the upper classes for jobs.
2) Roles of Men and Women :-
Men:
Men had more freedom and opportunities. They could own property, work in various professions, and had a say in political matters.
Women :
Women's main role was to manage the household and raise children. They were expected to marry well to secure their future. Education for women was limited to skills like music, drawing, and sewing.
3) Importance of Marriage :-
Marriage:
Marriage was crucial for women, as it determined their social and financial status. Marriages were often arranged or influenced by family and wealth considerations.
Dowries:
Families often provided a dowry, a sum of money or property, to help their daughters marry well.
4) Social Etiquette :-
Manners:
Good manners and proper behavior were very important. People followed strict rules of politeness and decorum.
Social Events:
Balls, dinners, and other gatherings were common. These events were opportunities to socialize, find potential marriage partners, and display one's social skills.
5) Economic Concerns:-
inheritance:
Property and wealth were usually passed down to male heirs. This left many women dependent on marriage for financial security.
Wealth :
Having money was a key factor in determining one's social status. Characters in Austen's novels often deal with issues related to money and marriage.
6) Life in the Countryside and Cities:-
Countryside:-
Much of Austen's work is set in rural areas, reflecting the importance of the countryside in the lives of the gentry. Life was slower and communities were close-knit.
Cities:
Cities like London were centers of fashion and culture. They offered more opportunities but also posed challenges like maintaining one's reputation.
7) Education and Literature :-
Education:
Formal education for women was limited, but there was a growing emphasis on reading and self-education. Men often attended universities or received private tutoring.
Literature:
Novels became very popular during this time. Jane Austen's own works contributed significantly to the development of the novel as a literary form.
3) What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome?
1) If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Never Got Together:-
What would happen:
Elizabeth’s rejection of Mr. Darcy’s proposal would remain final. Without Darcy’s help, the Bennet family would not have the financial and social stability that Darcy could offer.
Mr. Darcy wouldn’t experience the personal growth that happens through his interactions with Elizabeth. His pride and aloof nature would remain unchanged.
A corrected new ending:
After Elizabeth turns down Darcy's proposal, she returns home and doesn’t hear from him again. She remains strong in her independence and decides not to marry simply for financial security. She finds happiness in her own intellect and a simple life, but her family’s situation worsens.
Darcy, unable to change without Elizabeth’s influence, remains distant. He eventually marries someone like Miss Bingley, but the marriage lacks any real affection or growth. The Bennet family struggles financially, and Elizabeth’s sisters face limited prospects for good marriages.
In this ending, Elizabeth remains single but content, while Darcy lives with regret, knowing he missed out on a deeper connection that could have changed him for the better.
2) If Lydia’s Elopement Ended in Scandal (No Marriage):-
What would happen:
Lydia’s scandal with Wickham would have destroyed the Bennet family’s reputation. Wickham doesn’t marry her, leaving her socially disgraced.
Without Darcy’s intervention, none of the sisters would have any hope for respectable marriages.
A corrected new ending:
Wickham abandons Lydia after the elopement, and she becomes a social outcast. The scandal ruins the Bennet family’s standing in society, making it impossible for Jane, Elizabeth, or any of the other sisters to marry well.
Elizabeth, heartbroken and ashamed of her family’s disgrace, decides to focus on taking care of her parents and younger sisters. She accepts that her chances of a happy marriage are gone. Jane, too, gives up on love, while Mr. Bingley never returns to Netherfield. The Bennet's live a modest, quiet life, but without the joy or opportunities that could have come with Darcy’s and Bingley’s marriages.
Mr. Darcy, though he still loves Elizabeth, can’t overcome the scandal. He never marries, and Pemberley remains empty of the warmth Elizabeth would have brought. This ending highlights how one event, like Lydia’s mistake, can ruin many lives.
3) If Lydia and Wickham’s Marriage Was Miserable:-
What would happen:
Wickham marries Lydia, but only because Darcy pays him off. Lydia, still immature, is blind to Wickham’s true nature until after the wedding. Their marriage quickly turns sour, and Lydia realizes she made a mistake.
A corrected new ending:
Lydia marries Wickham, but their marriage is a disaster. Wickham, who only married her for money, continues his reckless lifestyle, wasting their resources. Lydia’s immaturity and Wickham’s irresponsibility lead them into a life of debt and constant arguments. The Bennet family is forced to help Lydia financially, putting strain on everyone.
Elizabeth, still shocked by her sister’s poor choices, refuses to let her family’s troubles hold her back. Mr. Darcy, seeing the Bennet’s struggles, still cares for Elizabeth and proposes again—this time with more humility. Elizabeth accepts, and together, they help keep Lydia and Wickham afloat, although the couple remains unhappy.
This ends with Elizabeth and Darcy together, but the consequences of Lydia’s actions create a more challenging future for the Bennet family.
Conclusion :-
In Pride and Prejudice, the novel focuses on Elizabeth Bennet’s thoughts and feelings, while movies use visuals, like facial expressions and scenery, to show emotions quickly. In Jane Austen’s time, society cared a lot about class, money, and marriage. Women were expected to marry well for security, and people were judged based on their family and fortune. If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth didn’t end up together or if Lydia’s elopement caused a big scandal, the Bennet family would face money problems and shame. The story would lose its happy ending, with love and chances missed.
Thank you..!!
Reference:
Flipped Class Activity: The Waste Land
This blog is assigned by Dr. Dilip Sir Barad. It is written about this video on 'The Waste Land' as a pandemic poem. For further inf...
-
Hello everyone this blog i write about my own experience in virtual teacher's day. Your link :- https://youtu.be/8PaKL3WZdrg?s...
-
👉 This blog was crafted in response to an assignment by Dr. Dilip sir Barad. In this blog have comparative analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer,...
-
In this blog I'm write my classroom task which has been given by our professor . Here is a comparison of movie life o...