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Semester 3: BRITISH LITERATURE-II
Poetry: Tennyson, Browning, T.S.Eliot, W.H.Auden
Poetry: Tennyson, Browning, T.S. Eliot, W.H. Auden
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Tennyson was the Poet Laureate of Great Britain and one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era. His works often explore themes of love, loss, nature, and mythology. Key poems include 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'In Memoriam'. His use of meter and rhyme reflects Victorian ideals.
Robert Browning
Browning is known for his dramatic monologues and psychological depth. His work often delves into the minds and motivations of his characters. Notable poems include 'My Last Duchess' and 'Porphyria's Lover', showcasing his skill in character exploration and narrative techniques.
T.S. Eliot
Eliot was a modernist poet whose works challenged traditional forms and conventions. His poetry reflects the disillusionment of the 20th century. Notable works like 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock' and 'The Waste Land' highlight themes of fragmentation and existential despair.
W.H. Auden
Auden's poetry encompasses a range of themes, including love, politics, and morality. He is known for his diverse styles and incorporation of social issues. Important works include 'Funeral Blues' and 'The Shield of Achilles', which exemplify his mastery of language and form.
Prose: G.K.Chesterton, Charles Lamb, Joseph Addison
Prose: G.K. Chesterton, Charles Lamb, Joseph Addison
G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton was an English writer known for his prolific output in various genres including fiction, essays, and poetry. He is celebrated for his wit, humor, and insightful commentary on contemporary society. His works often explore themes of paradox, religion, and philosophy. A prominent feature of his prose is the ability to blend everyday observations with profound ideas, making his writing both accessible and thought-provoking.
Charles Lamb
Charles Lamb was an English essayist and poet, best known for his collection of essays titled 'Essays of Elia.' His prose is marked by its conversational tone and personal reflection. Lamb's writing often delves into themes of nostalgia, childhood, and the human condition. He writes with warmth and humor, drawing from his own experiences to engage readers on a personal level.
Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison was an English essayist and co-founder of the Spectator magazine. He is well-known for his contributions to early 18th-century English prose through his essays that combined moral reflection with lighthearted storytelling. Addison's style is characterized by clarity, elegance, and a focus on reasoned argument. His essays often address social and political issues, aiming to educate and entertain the public.
Drama: G.B.Shaw (Pygmalion), John Osborne (Look Back in Anger)
Drama: G.B. Shaw (Pygmalion), John Osborne (Look Back in Anger)
Overview of G.B. Shaw and Pygmalion
G.B. Shaw was a prominent playwright of the early 20th century known for his wit and social critique. Pygmalion, written in 1912, explores themes of class distinction, transformation, and identity through the story of Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl who is transformed into a lady by Professor Henry Higgins.
Themes in Pygmalion
Pygmalion addresses several key themes, including social class and the power of language. Shaw critiques the rigid class system of British society and suggests that social status is not inherent but can be shaped by education and speech.
Character Analysis in Pygmalion
Key characters include Eliza Doolittle, who represents the struggle for self-improvement and empowerment; Professor Higgins, who embodies the arrogance of privilege; and Colonel Pickering, who contrasts Higgins with his respectful treatment of Eliza.
Overview of John Osborne and Look Back in Anger
John Osborne was a 20th-century playwright associated with the angry young men movement. Look Back in Anger, written in 1956, captures the frustrations of post-war Britain through the character Jimmy Porter, a working-class man disillusioned with society.
Themes in Look Back in Anger
Look Back in Anger explores themes of class conflict, social disillusionment, and the search for meaning amid chaos. Jimmy's dissatisfaction reflects a broader critique of the British class system and the struggles of the working class.
Character Analysis in Look Back in Anger
The central character, Jimmy Porter, is a complex, angry individual whose frustrations touch those around him. His relationships with his wife Alison and friend Cliff reveal the emotional turmoil of the period, highlighting isolation and the yearning for connection.
Contextual Comparison of Shaw and Osborne
Both Shaw and Osborne examine societal norms and class structures, albeit in different historical contexts. Shaw's work addresses the early 20th-century class system, while Osborne's reflects the disillusionment of the post-war generation, showing how theater serves as a medium for social commentary.
Novels: Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre), Arthur Conan Doyle (Hound of Baskervilles), Agatha Christie (Murder on the Orient Express)
British Literature II
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Explores themes of class, marriage, and social expectations. Follows the character of Elizabeth Bennet and her journey of self-discovery and love. Highlights irony and wit in social commentary.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
A gothic novel that follows the life of an orphaned girl, Jane, who becomes a governess. Addresses themes of morality, feminism, and social criticism. Explores the struggle for independence and personal integrity.
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
A detective novel featuring Sherlock Holmes. Combines mystery with elements of horror and the supernatural. Highlights the importance of logic and reasoning in solving crimes. Critiques Victorian society.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A classic whodunit featuring detective Hercule Poirot. Set on a train where a murder occurs, leading to an intricate investigation. Examines themes of justice, morality, and human psychology. Known for its surprising plot twist.
