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Semester 1: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
Introduction to literature and forms: poetry (Sonnet, Ode, Elegy, Lyric, Ballad), prose (Short Story, Novella, Novel), drama (Comedy, Tragedy, Tragi-Comedy)
Introduction to literature
Poetry
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Sonnet
A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often exploring themes of love or nature.
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Ode
A formal and often ceremonious lyric poem that addresses and praises a person, place, or thing.
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Elegy
A reflective poem that laments the loss of someone or something.
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Lyric
A short poem expressing personal feelings and thoughts, usually in a musical style.
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Ballad
A narrative poem that tells a story, often of love, tragedy, or adventure.
Prose
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Short Story
A brief work of fiction that usually features a single incident or character.
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Novella
A written, fictional, prose narrative longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.
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Novel
A relatively long work of fiction that explores complex themes, characters, and plots.
Drama
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Comedy
A genre that aims to amuse and entertain, often featuring humorous characters and situations.
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Tragedy
A genre that deals with serious themes and often ends in catastrophe for the protagonist.
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Tragi-Comedy
A play that blends elements of both tragedy and comedy, often presenting humor in serious situations.
Selected Poems: Michael Drayton, William Shakespeare, John Milton, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Thomas Gray, Robert Frost, Theodore Roethke
Selected Poems by Various Poets
Michael Drayton
Michael Drayton was an English poet known for his sonnets and narrative poems. His works often explored themes of love and nature. Notable writings include 'Ideas Mirrour' and 'The Barons Wars'.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and playwrights in the English language. His sonnets delve into love, time, and mortality, while his plays often reflect the complexities of human nature.
John Milton
John Milton is best known for 'Paradise Lost', an epic poem that explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man. His works are characterized by their grand style and profound philosophical themes.
William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth was a central figure in the Romantic movement, emphasizing the beauty of nature and the importance of personal emotion. His poetry often reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world.
John Keats
John Keats was a key figure in the Romantic movement, known for his sensuous imagery and exploration of beauty and mortality. His major works include 'Ode to a Nightingale' and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn'.
Thomas Gray
Thomas Gray is best known for his poem 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard', which contemplates death and the value of the common man. His works demonstrate a keen observation of nature and human life.
Robert Frost
Robert Frost's poetry often addresses themes of rural life and the human experience. His use of everyday language and deep understanding of nature and emotions are evident in works like 'The Road Not Taken'.
Theodore Roethke
Theodore Roethke was an American poet whose work is characterized by its exploration of nature and the self. His introspective style and emotional depth are highlighted in poems like 'The Waking'.
Drama: J.M. Barrie (The Admirable Crichton), Lady Gregory (The Rising of the Moon)
Drama: J.M. Barrie and Lady Gregory
Overview of J.M. Barrie
J.M. Barrie was a Scottish playwright and author best known for creating Peter Pan. His work often delved into themes of childhood, innocence, and the exploration of identity.
The Admirable Crichton
The Admirable Crichton is a play by J.M. Barrie that premiered in 1902. The play examines class distinctions and gender roles through the story of a shipwreck and the dynamics that ensue among the survivors.
Themes in The Admirable Crichton
Major themes include social class, the nature of civilization versus savagery, and the transformations that characters undergo when stripped of societal norms.
Overview of Lady Gregory
Lady Gregory was an Irish playwright and a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival. She collaborated with William Butler Yeats and contributed significantly to Irish theater.
The Rising of the Moon
The Rising of the Moon is a one-act play by Lady Gregory that deals with themes of nationalism, identity, and the struggle for Irish independence. It highlights the conflict between the English authorities and the Irish people.
Themes in The Rising of the Moon
The play explores themes of patriotism, the impact of oppression, and the moral complexities of loyalty and betrayal within the context of national struggle.
Comparative Analysis
Both plays reflect their authors' cultural backgrounds and views on identity. Barrie's work often critiques social norms while Gregory's reflects the Irish national identity and struggles. They each utilize humor and irony to address serious themes.
Conclusion
The works of J.M. Barrie and Lady Gregory exemplify the diversity of themes in early 20th-century drama. They engage with societal issues, identity, and national consciousness, each in their unique style.
Prose: Manohar Malgonkar (Spy in Amber), Don Quixote (Tilting at the Windmills), Katherine Mansfield (A Dill Pickle, The Escape), Saki (The Open Window), Robert Lynd (Sweet), Jerome K. Jerome (Three Men in a Boat: Packing Episode)
Prose Analysis
Manohar Malgonkar
Spy in Amber
Spy in Amber blends intrigue with historical context, exploring themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the complexities of espionage. The narrative style is gripping, engaging the reader with a fast-paced plot.
Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes
Don Quixote is a seminal work that illustrates the conflict between idealism and reality. The theme of tilting at windmills symbolizes the struggle against the impossible and highlights human folly. The novel's rich characterization and humor contribute to its enduring significance.
Katherine Mansfield
A Dill Pickle
A Dill Pickle delves into themes of memory, love, and disillusionment. Mansfield's use of stream of consciousness provides insight into the characters' inner thoughts, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and longing.
The Escape
The Escape focuses on the themes of entrapment and the desire for freedom. Through vivid imagery and character development, Mansfield portrays the emotional landscape of the protagonist and the societal constraints she faces.
Saki
The Open Window
The Open Window is a masterclass in irony and suspense. It explores themes of deception and the power of storytelling, as the narrative unfolds through a seemingly innocent conversation that takes a surprising turn.
Robert Lynd
Sweet
In Sweet, Lynd uses humor and social commentary to reflect on human behavior and the simple pleasures of life. His observational style adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
Jerome K. Jerome
Three Men in a Boat: Packing Episode
The Packing Episode is a delightful portrayal of the absurdity of packing for a trip. Jerome's comedic approach and attention to detail showcase the quirks of human nature, making the mundane amusing.
