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Semester 4: WORLD LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION
Poetry: Dante, Victor Hugo, Khalil Gibran, Pablo Neruda, Alexander Pushkin, Gabriel Okara
Poetry: Dante, Victor Hugo, Khalil Gibran, Pablo Neruda, Alexander Pushkin, Gabriel Okara
Dante Alighieri
Dante is best known for 'The Divine Comedy', a masterpiece that explores themes of morality, redemption, and the human soul. His use of the vernacular Italian made literature accessible to many, and his allegorical approach combines politics, philosophy, and theology.
Victor Hugo
Hugo's works, including 'Les Misérables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame', address social issues such as poverty, justice, and love. He is recognized for his poetic use of imagery and emotional depth, as well as his advocacy for human rights and political reform.
Khalil Gibran
Gibran is celebrated for his philosophical poetry, especially in 'The Prophet'. His work embodies a blend of spirituality and humanism, exploring love, freedom, and self-knowledge. His eloquent style and profound insights resonate with readers across cultures.
Pablo Neruda
Neruda, a Nobel laureate, is known for his passionate and vivid poetry exploring love, nature, and political themes. His collections, such as 'Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair', use sensual imagery and personal experiences to connect with the broader human condition.
Alexander Pushkin
Pushkin is revered as the father of Russian literature, whose works reflect the complexities of Russian society. His poetry, exemplified in 'Eugene Onegin', blends romanticism with realism, addressing themes of love, fate, and the search for identity.
Gabriel Okara
Okara is a prominent Nigerian poet whose works reflect African identity and post-colonial themes. His poetry often explores the conflict between tradition and modernity, with a focus on cultural heritage, spirituality, and the essence of human experience.
Prose: Walter Benjamin, Montaigne
Prose: Walter Benjamin, Montaigne
Walter Benjamin's Perspective on Prose
Walter Benjamin viewed prose as a unique vehicle for exploring the nuances of modern life. He emphasized the significance of language and its relationship to experience, believing that prose captures the complexities of reality. Benjamin's essays often combine critical theory with literature, examining cultural and historical contexts that influence prose writing.
Montaigne's Influence on Prose
Michel de Montaigne is renowned for his development of the essay as a literary form. His introspective style paved the way for prose that reflects personal thought and subjectivity. Montaigne's works emphasize self-exploration, presenting ideas in a conversational manner that invites reader engagement.
Comparative Analysis: Benjamin and Montaigne
While both writers focus on personal experience, Benjamin's prose is often analytical and theoretical, aiming to critique society and culture. In contrast, Montaigne's essays are rooted in personal anecdotes, offering a more intimate, reflective approach to writing. Their differing styles highlight the versatility of prose as a literary form.
Cultural Context in Prose
Both Benjamin and Montaigne wrote during periods of significant cultural change. Benjamin's reflections arise from early 20th-century modernity, while Montaigne's work reflects the Renaissance's humanist ideals. Understanding these contexts enriches our interpretation of their prose.
Legacy of Benjamin and Montaigne in Prose
The contributions of Benjamin and Montaigne have had lasting impacts on modern prose. Their unique approaches to narrative and argument continue to influence contemporary writers. By blending philosophy with personal reflection, they open the door for future explorations in narrative that challenge traditional boundaries.
Drama: Marie Clements (The Unnatural Accidental Women), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot)
Drama: Marie Clements (The Unnatural Accidental Women), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot)
Overview of Each Play
Marie Clements' The Unnatural Accidental Women explores Indigenous identity and the historical complexities surrounding it, while Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot presents a bleak view of existence through two characters waiting for someone who never arrives.
Themes in The Unnatural Accidental Women
Key themes include loss, identity, and systemic injustice faced by Indigenous women. The play emphasizes the importance of recovering history and truth in a world that often seeks to erase it.
Themes in Waiting for Godot
Prominent themes consist of absurdity, existentialism, and the human condition. The waiting symbolizes a lack of purpose, while the dialogue often reveals the absurdity of life and human experiences.
Characters and Their Significance
In The Unnatural Accidental Women, characters represent different facets of Indigenous experience and resilience. In Waiting for Godot, Vladimir and Estragon embody human struggle and the quest for meaning.
Use of Language and Structure
Clements utilizes poetic language and non-linear narratives to reflect the fragmented experiences of her characters. Beckett uses minimalistic dialogue and repetitive structure to enhance the themes of absurdity and existentialism.
Cultural Context and Impact
The Unnatural Accidental Women is situated within the context of Indigenous rights and representation, highlighting contemporary social issues. Waiting for Godot emerged post-World War II, reflecting disillusionment and the search for meaning in a changed world.
Short Fiction: Gabriel Garcia Marquez (A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings), Turgenev (The District Doctor), Antoine de Saint-Exupery (The Little Prince)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
This short story explores themes of isolation, human nature, and the concept of the extraordinary in everyday life. The arrival of an old man with wings challenges the villagers' perceptions and highlights their capacity for both kindness and cruelty. The story can be interpreted as an allegory about human condition and societal indifference.
Ivan Turgenev: The District Doctor
Turgenev's story presents a glimpse into the life of a doctor who grapples with his duty and personal emotions. It delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of care. The juxtaposition of professional obligation and human connection is central to the narrative.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery: The Little Prince
This novella conveys profound philosophical ideas through the innocent perspective of a child. It examines themes of love, loneliness, and the essence of human relationships. The interactions between the Little Prince and various characters serve as reflections on adult society and the importance of seeing beyond the superficial.
