Bridge Course - Tradition and the Individual Talent

 Thinking Activity 

' Bridge Course - Tradition and Individual Talent '

 Hello readers! Here I am going to write down One another blog. This blog is assigned and Inspired by Dr.Dilip barad sir - Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.  This blog is a part of our thinking activity.  In this blog I will deal with some of the important question answers about T.S.Eliot's essay - ' Tradition and Individual Talent' on the basis of my understanding. 

 

  T.S.Eliot ( Thomas Stearns Eliot) Considered one of the 20th century major poets. The 1948 winner of the Nobel prize in literature, T.S.Eliot is highly distinguished as a Poet, literary critic, a dramatist, an editor and a Publisher. His awards and honors include the British order of Merit and the Nobel prize for Literature. Despite his enduring Popularity Eliot and his work have been Criticised as having Prejudiced views, Particularly anti - Semitism.  

  □  Tradition and Individual Talent :- 

 Often hailed as the successor to Poet critics Such as John Dryden, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Matthew Arnold and T.S.Eliot 's literary criticism informs his Poetry just as his experience as a poet shape his critical work. Perhaps his best known essay -  'Tradition and Individual Talent' was first published in the year 1919 and soon after included in The Sacred wood : essays on poetry and Criticism (1920). 

 Eliot attempts to do two things in his essay. He first redefinies tradition by putting  emphasis on the history of writing and understanding poetry. He then argued in his essay that Poetry should be essentially impersonal that is separate and distinct from the personality of its writer. T.S.Eliot's idea of tradition is complex and unusual. This essay - Tradition and Individual talent has had many detractors, especially those who question Eliot's insistence on canonical works as standard of greatness. It is difficult to overemphasize the essay ' s influence. It has shaped generation of poets, critics and theorists and also is a key text in modern literary criticism. 

 

    Now I am going to answer some of the questions as per my understanding which is related to T.S.Eliot's essay - Tradition and Individual talent given by sir. 

  Question 1 :- How would you like to explain Eliot's concept of Tradition? Do you agree with it? 

Answer  :-T.S.Eliot talked about the Concept of Tradition in the very first part of the essay. In literature the term tradition is that ; 

       " Unrecognised element." 

Usually when we say that someone is traditional. What we are trying to say is that he is very old fashioned or he is not someone who will accept the new changes very easily. This is the same case literature also. For ex:- when we say that this writer is traditional. It is about how much that writer is imitating the predecessors. In this part of the essay Eliot challenged the perception that when a writer imitates his predecessors, it means that the writer is lacking originality.  According to Eliot ; 

    " The best parts of a Poet's work are those in which the dead Poets, his ancestors assert their immorality most vigorously. " 

 According to T.S.Eliot Tradition is about reflecting earlier works and not merely copying. It is difficult to agree or disagree with the idea of Eliot's concept of Tradition.  Eliot is not asking us to repeat what already exists and loose our originality.  He says that whenever we create something new we should have a historical sense that is an awareness and understanding of the works that have been written earlier.

  So, that is how T.S.Eliot explained in very detail about the Concept of tradition in the very first part of the essay.

  Question 2 :- What do you understand by Historical sense? 

 Eliot has described in detail that What he means by historical sense. He says that ; 

  " The historical sense involves a Perception , not only of the pastness of the past , but of its Presence."

 Eliot believed that Tradition is not something that can be inherited. It can be obtained only by hard work. To be traditional it not just enough to know that past, the writers should have a historical sense that is along with knowing the past. The writer should also know the importance of the past in the present.

   A poet or writer should be familiar with the distant past. It means that the writer should aware the whole literature of Europe from Homer. This is what creates Historical sense and this makes the writer traditional. 

   Question 3 :- What is the relationship between Tradition and the Individual talent, according to the Poet T.S.Eliot? 

  Answer :-  Eliot is of the Opnion that the writer must have faith in some systems of writing and that a work of art must conform to tradition in such a way that it alters the tradition as much as it is directed by it. According to T.S.Eliot' s thinking and Conception tradition and the Individual talent go together.

  So Individual talent becomes very much important which one cannot sideline when they are learning about literary criticism. Through the essay of Eliot we can come to a point that only historical sense is not enough and require for any literary work. But For that One has to be creative also in his / her own way and Individual talent is also important. 

  Question  4 :- Explain : "Some can absorb knowledge, the more tardy sweat for it. Shakespeare accquired more  essential history from plutarch than most men could from the whole British museum."

 Answer :-  T.S.Eliot uses this lines this lines - " Some can absorb knowledge, the more tardy sweat for it. " in his essay. It means that To become a Creative writer is not an easy. As T.S.Eliot also mentioned that one can not inherent Tradition. But it can be only gain through lots of efforts and hard work by a writer or a poet.

  For a Creative literary work a writer or poet should have a habit of wide reading and vast knowledge not only about the present , but also of the past. Shakespeare accquired so much historical sense about different histories. So from this lines used in the essay we get an idea that the people who are intelligent they can absorb knowledge and the others have to sweat for gaining and accquring vast knowledge. 

  Question  5 :- Explain : " Honest Criticism and Sensitive appreciation is not directed upon the poet but upon the Poetry."

 Answer :-  In the second part of the essay Eliot argues that ; 

   " Honest Criticism and Sensitive appreciation is not directed upon the poet but upon the Poetry." 

  From his Perspective this lines hints at the actual beginning of New Criticism where the focus will shift from an author to text. Eliot here defines the responsibility of a poet. The poet is not supposed to compose poetry which is full of emotions or rather we can say personal emotions. We are consider more a poet rather than his work. But that is not correct. So we have to understand that For an Honest Criticism and Sensitive appreciation it is important and notable that it should be directed upon the Poetry and not the poet.

 Question  6 :- Explain : " Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion. It is not the expression of Personality, but an escape from personality. 

 Answer :-  Through this line we can get an idea that Eliot does not deny Personality or emotion to the Poet. Only he must depersonalize his emotion. There should be an extinction of his personality. This impersonality can be achieved only when the poet surrenders himself completely to the work that is to be done.

  And the poet can know what is to be done only if he acquires a sense of tradition, the historic sense which will make him conscious not only of the present but also the present moment of the past. This is what new critics want from literature. They want to appreciate good Literature and do not want their opinion of the poet to cloud their Judgement. 

 I hope that this blog will be useful to you..

  Thanks for Visiting...

Movements of the 20th century

                   ' Thinking Activity '

      ' Trends and Movements ' 

Hello readers! Here, I am going to write down one another blog about Trends and movements of the early 20th century. This blog is inspired by Yesha Ma'am - Department of English  Bhavnagar University. This blog is a part of our thinking activity. 

  In this blog , I will discuss Surrealism, Dadaism and Expressionism with the ideas of some creative works done by me and my classmates. 

    Introduction :- 

             The early 20th century was marked by rapid industrial , economic, social and cultural change which influenced the worldwide of many and set the stage for new artistic movements. 

          With the outbreak of world war - | in the year 1914 , Art became heavily influenced by the desire to abstract life and escape the horrific Possibilities of the human condition. Artists began to question and play around with themes of reality, Perspective , space and time. One can Understand that the 20th century saw a new era of visual artists who challenged the precedent art styles. 

  Here I will discuss some - isms :- 

  1.  Surrealism

  2.  Dadaism

  3. Expressionism

 Now let us discuss about these in detail with the help of some interesting photographs of classroom activities.

 1. Surrealism :- 

   ■ Definition

   ■ Origins of the Surrealist movement

   ■ key Characteristics of surrealism 

   ■ Major Surrealist artists

   Surrealism is a cultural movement that developed in Europe in the aftermath of world war - l in which artists depicted unnerving, illogical scenes and developed techniques to allow the uncinscious mind to express itself. It Produced works of Painting, writing, theatre, film making, Photography and other media. Works of surrealism feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtaposition.

  The movement represeted a reaction against what its members saw as the destruction wrought by the rationalism that had guided European culture and politics in the horrors of world war- l.

  ☆ Definition of Surrealism :- 

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary of English language ; 

        " surrealism means, the Principles, ideals or Practice of Producing Fantastic or incongrous imagery or effets in art, literature, film or theatre by means of unnatural or irrational Juxtaposition and Combitions." 

☆ Origins of the Surrealist movement:- 

 Surrealist movement originated in the late 1910s and early 20s as a literary movement that experimented with a new mode of expression called automatic writing or automatism, which sought to release the unbridled imagination of the subconscious.

  Officially consecrated in paris in 1924 with the publication of the Menifesto of Surrealism by the poet and critic Andre Breton ( 1896 - 1966). Surrealism became an international intellectual and political movement. 

  ☆ Key Characteristics of  Surrealism:- 

 1. Dream like scenes and symbolic images.

 2. Unexpected, illogical Juxtaposition. 

 3. Automatism and a spirit of Sponataneity.

 4. Personal iconography.

 5. Distorted figures.

 6. Primitive designs.

 - In surrealism, the artists writers down their own thoughts without any stopping or structure. That is called Automatic writing.

 - The Juxtaposition of the forms in a surrealist painting is usually showing imagery to put irrelevant objects together.

 - Surrealists try to put association between the two objects of surrealism.  Using the unconscious and rendering these associations with such Juxtaposition.

 - A key Characteristics of surrealism is that the artist relies on their unconscious, but the reality and the conscious combines together.

 ☆ Major Surrealist artists :- 

 The movement of surrealism became widely popular in literature. Here are the names of the major artists of the movement named surrealism. 

    ● Andre Breton

    ● Salvador Dali

    ● De chirico

   ● Robert Desnos

   ● Marcel Duchamp

  ☆ My Surreal Drawings :- 

  

2. Dadaism :- 

■ Introduction 

■ Definition of Dadaism 

 ■ Historical context

■ Foundings of the movement 

■ Characteristics of Dadaism 

 ■ Dada Artists

 Dada is one of the most unconventional and Avante - garde art and cultural movements of the 20th century.  Prompted by the European social climate following the first world war, Dadaism rejected wartime politics, culture and capitalist economic system. In essence Dadaism offered nihilistic and anti - rationalist critiques. It using non traditional materials, satire. Dada Artists turned the known into the unknown.

 The movement arose as a reaction to the nationalism that many believed resulted in the war. The powerful influence of Dadaism spread quickly throughout Europe and the united states with each city forming its own group. Dadaism found influence in several other avante garde movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

  ◇ Definition of Dadaism  :- 

 According to Merriam Webster Dictionary of English language ; 

   " Dadaism means, A movement in art and literature based on deliberate irrationality and negation of traditional artistic values."

◇ Historical Context of Dadaism :- 

The Dada movement was formally founded in zurich in 1916, by a group of artists and Poets who rejected the violence of the first world war and the absurdity of modern capitalist society, seeking refuge in Switzerland. This movement became international at the end of the war spreading to Germany, France and the united states.

  ◇ Foundings of the movement :- 

   Hago Ball was the the founder of Dadaism movement.  He was a German author, poet and founders of this movement at zurich in 1916.

 

   ◇ Characteristics of Dadaism :-

   The main Characteristics of Dadaism are the following. 

  1. It emerged as a protest against the conventions of the time.

 2. They were characterized by an attitude of mockery and humour and were based on absurd things and on what had no value.

 3. They used ways of expression full of Satire and Ironh and used gestures to incite provocation. 

 4. The poems that emerged from Dadaism were illogical or could not be understood. 

◇ Dada Artists :- 

  ○ Marcel Duchamp 

   ○ Picasso

    ○ Chirico

    ○ Andre Breton 

     ○ Max Ennest 

    ◇ Dada Poem :- 

 As a part of Classroom activities in which yesha Ma'am gave one task to us. So For that I tried my best to create one Dada Poetry with the cuttings of some newspaper. 

 

 Expressionism :- 

 Expressionism is a modernist movement, initially in poetry and painting, originating in Northern Europe around the beginning of the 20th century. Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas. Expressionist artists have sought to express the meaning of emotional experience rather than physical reality.

 Expressionistic art tends to be emotional and unnatural. The warped or twisted images are meant to represent the artist’s feelings, not the external world. 

Expressionism influenced an entire movement of creators. It is most often seen on canvas, but it has also sparked influence in film and literature.

   ◇ Classwork on Expressionism :- 

  ◇ Classroom work on Surrealism :-

  I hope that this blog will be helpful to you..

  Thanks for Visiting..

Orlando - A Biography

    Thinking Activity 

' Orlando - A Biography by Virginia Woolf ' :- 

Hello readers! Here I am going to write down one another blog. This blog is assigned and Inspired by Megha Ma'am- Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University.  This blog is a part of our thinking activity in which we have to answer some of the questions related to Virginia Woolf's novel.

 In this blog I will also analyze two movies :-  'Vita and Virginia' & ' Orlando'. Before going into further discussions first let us have a brief Introduction about the novel and Writer itself.

 ■ Virginia Woolf :- 

 Virginia woolf in full original name Virginia Adeline Woolf  ( 1882 - 1941) was an English writer whose novels through their nonlinear approaches to narrative , exerted a major influence on the genre. 

 

 She Considered one of the most important Modernist writers of the 20th century authors and a Pioneer in the use of Stream of Consciousness as a narrative device. She started writing Professionally in the year 1900. She wrote many famous works. Her best-known works include the novels Mrs Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927) and Orlando (1928). She is also known for her essays, including A Room of One's Own (1929). 

  ■  'Orlando - A Biography' :- 

 

 Orlando: A Biography is a novel by Virginia Woolf, first published on 11 October 1928. The Fanciful Biographical novel Pays homage to the family of Woolf's friend Vita Sackville west from the time of her ancestor Thomas sackville to the family's Country estate at knole. The manuscript of the book, a Present from Woolf to Sackville- west is housed at knole.

  This novel has a very confusing and weird Plot. The story begins with the rule of queen Elizabeth and ends in the reign of queen victoria, the story is of about 300 - 400 Years of life, and the Protagonist Orlando turns to the age of around 30. The plot Satirises various literary writers and critics in his work as well as indicate the changes taking Place in various regimens.

  ◇ ' Orlando' - 1992 Film :- 

 Orlando is a 1992 British Period drama fantasy film based on Virginia Woolf's 1928 novel named - ' Orlando - A Biography'. It was written and directed by Sally Potter who also Co - wrote the score with David Motion. Critics praised the film and Particularly applauded its visual treatment of the setting of Woolf's first novel.

 

  The film Premiered in Competition at the 49th Venice International film festival , and was re - released in select U.S cinemas in the month of August and in the year of 2010.

◇ ' Vita and Virginia' (2018 Film)  :- 

 Vita and Virginia is a 2018 biographical Romantic drama film directed by Chanya Button. The Screenplay written by Button and Eileen Atkins. This film is adapted from the 1992 play Vita and Virginia by Atkins. It is set in the 1920s. Vita and Virginia tells the story of the love affair between Vita Sackville - west and Virginia woolf.

   This film had its world Premiere as a Special Presentation at the Toronto International film festival on 11th September 2018. It was released in the united kingdom on 5th July 2019 and in the United states on 23rd August 2019.

☆ Now let us try to understand more with the help of some question - answers :- 

  Question 1 :- How far do you feel that Orlando is influenced by Vita and Virginia’s love affair? Does it talk only about that or do you find anything else too?

Answer :- It has been said that the Novel Orlando is the longest love letter ever written; a celebration of the bond between women. The relationship between Virginia woolf and vita sackville west is well documented and known to have been intimate. That virginia was passionate and giddy about her relationship with vita is also known and displayed in Orlando. But, Orlando also offers a rare intimate glimpse into the mind of virginia woolf.

  An Unselfconscious work, it reveals her mind, talent at play. Orlando novel offers a rich insights into her mind while keeping the rich Prose that embodies her other great Works as well. Virginia became Fascinated with vita's family history. Vita's family could be traced back to william the Conqueror.

   Vita's ancestry and her own life style differed greatly from Virginia 's. Vita was dramatic, thrilling and exciting. While virginia was mousy, quiet and intellectual. This difference between their personalities and family history captivated virginia.

 But Here one thing we have to remember and understand that this novel does not only talked about a sexual relationship between Vita and Virginia. The novel Orlando talks about the Protagonist Orlando's transformation from man to a woman. One can clearly see the influence of vita and Virginia’s relationship on this novel. But it would be unfair to conclude that this novel only talk and depicts abot their love affair and relationship.

 Question 2 :- What do you think is Confused about their identity vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.

 Answer :- The romantic and Sexual relationship between woolf and Vita west has gotten plenty of attention from literary critics and scholars in recent years. Vita Sackville west and virginia met in the year 1922 and it developed into the deepest relationship. 

  Vita and virginia both were more different than alike; but their differences in social class, sexual orientation and politics were all part of the attraction. Vita was an outsider to Bloomsbury group and disapproved of their literary gatherings. Though the two had different intellectual backgrounds. Virginia felt that vita was ' a real woman.'

 As per my understanding vita was more confused about her gender identity compared to Virginia woolf. She also had a love affairs with several people. So that is how we can understand the identity of both woman and their confusion about it. 

 Question 3 :- What is Society's thought about women and Identity? Do you agree with them? If yes then why? If No then why? 

Answer :- Throughout the history Societies have held various beliefs about women and their identities. In many traditional Societies, women's identities were closely tied to their roles as wives and mothers. Their worth was often judged based on their ability to fulfil these roles and their obedience to male authority figures. Women who sought to pursue careers or participate in public life were often met with resistance and disapproval.

 

 If women will think out of the box than it will not easily excepted or we can say appreciated by others. At the very first everyone will criticise in their own way. Along with that there is also a growing awareness of the diversity of women's identities and experiences.

  But In some ways Societal thoughts about women and their identity is orthodox and traditional in one or the other way. One can not escape the ideal state of society.

 I hope that this blog will be useful to you..

   Thanks for Visiting...

Transcendentalism

                   Thinking Activity

' Transcendentalism' 

Welcome readers! Here, I am going to write down one another blog on the topic of Transcendentalism. This blog is inspired by Megha Ma'am - Department of English, Bhavnagar University. This blog is also a part of our thinking activity. In this blog I am going to share my understanding about the 19th century American movement called - Transcendentalism. 

 • Topic of the Blog :- 

Transendentalism is an American Philosophical movement that influenced American literature at length. So, Megha Ma'am told us to Apply Transendentalism in any movie, novel, poem or song and write views upon that. So Here In this Particular blog of mine I will relate two movies which is based on Transcendentalism. 

• Transcendentalism - An American Philosophy :- 

Transendentalism is a very Formal word that describes a very simple idea. People, mem and women equally have knowledge about themselves and the world around them that  "transcends" or goes beyond what they can see, hear, taste, touch or feel. 

This knowledge comes through intuition and imagination not through logic and senses. People can trust themselves to be their own authority on what is right. 

• ' A TRANSCENDENTALIST is a Person who accepts this ideas not as religious beliefs but as a way of understanding life relationships.' 

• The Key Word for Transcendentalism is Simplicity. 

Transendentalism was a reaction against 18th century Rationalism and Neo - Classicism. The Unity of Human life and God is very Central idea in Transendentalism. Transcendentalism believed that one should directly learn from nature not  from books. Transendentalism lead towards ideas which is - Self reliance and Individualism and they are very much important. Transcendentalism caught the Optimistic mood of America and that is why it became so Popular. 

•  Key Features of Transcendentalism  :- 

Following are the three important main Transcendentalist values or Characteristics.

  1. Idealism

  2. Individualism 

  3. Divinity of Nature 

Let us try to understand in detail about this three major Transcendentalist values or Characteristics.

  1. Idealism :- 

                                 The First main Transcendentalist value or Characteristics is Idealism. The Focus on Idealism comes from Romanticism. As we all know Romanticism - a slightly earlier movement. Instead of valuing of logic and senses,  Transcendentalists put great importance on Imagination , Intuition and Creativity. They wanted to bring back a more ' Ideal ' and enjoyable way of living a life.

2. Individualism :- 

                                          After Idealism Perhaps the most important Transcendentalist value or Characteristics is Individualism. As earlier I have mentioned that Transcendentalism lead towards two important and noticeable ideas and they are - Self reliance and Importance of the individual. They saw the individuals as pure. According to them Human beings are inherently good. 

  Transcendentalists highly valued the concept of thinking for oneself and believed that people were best when they were independent and could think for themselves. So that is how Individualism was at the Central. 

3. Divinity of Nature :- 

                                                   The last and third important Transcendentalist value or Characteristics is Divinity of nature. They did not believe in any organized religion but they were Spiritual. Instead of believing in Divinity of religious figures , they saw nature as divine. They believed that one should directly learn from nature rather than any books.

   Transcendentalists saw nature as Perfect as it was and human beings Should not try to change or improve it. 

 • Major Transcendentalists :- 

  Ralph Waldo Emerson considered as main and centred Transcendentalists. But, Along with that other important Transcendentalists were Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, Lydia Maria child, Amos Bronson Alcott, Fredric Henry Hedge, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, Theodore Parker. This all are the names which we can consider as Important Transcendentalists. But Here we are Only concerned with three major names and their connection with the 19th century movement Transcendentalism. 

                 Ralph Waldo Emerson ( 1803-1882)

   

            Henry David Thoreau ( 1817 - 1862)

          Sarah Margaret Fuller ( 1810 - 1850)

•  Quotes on Transcendentalism

Let us see some of the famous quotes on Transcendentalism. So that we can get more clear idea about this movement. 

 • " The Only Person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. " 

                                          - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

• " The World is but a Canvas to the Imagination. " 

                                    - Henry David Thoreau

• " Nature Provides Exceptions to every rule." 

                   - Sarah Margaret Fuller

• " Lose Yourself in nature and Find Peace." 

                     - Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Movies based on Transcendentalism :- 

Now Let us relate two movies which is based on Transcendentalism. The First one is ; 

  1. ' Eat  Pray  Love ' 

We often arranged movie screening at Department of English - Bhavnagar University. As a part of Classroom studies and better understanding about the 19th century American movement Transcendentalism,  Megha Ma'am also arranged one  movie screening of this movie named - Eat Pray Love which talks about the Concept of Transendentalism. Here are some glimpses of the movie screening. 

           

          

          

  In the movie 'Eat , Pray and Love' the main character Played by Julia Roberts, Embarks on a journey of a self discovery that takes her to Italy, Bali and India. Along the way she meets several spiritual teachers who help her to connect with her innner self and find meaning in her life.

  In Italy, she learns to Embrace Pleasure and Joy in her life, which is very much similar with the concept and idea of Transcendentalism. In India she explores meditation and Spirituality which are also similar to Transcendentalism. It puts Emphasis on Intution and Spiritual connection between humans and Nature.

In Bali she finds love and connection with others, which consistent with the Transcendentalist belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of community. 

 Overall , we can understand that the movie 'Eat, Pray and Love' does not explicitly reference transcendentalism, it explores many of the same theme amd ideas that are central to the movement called Transcendentalism. 

◇ Into the Wild :- 

   Let us discuss one another movie which is also based on the theory and ideas of Transcendentalism.

 ● Release Date :- 21st September 2007

 ● Directed by :- Sean Penn

 ● Story by :- John Krakauer

 ● Adapted from :- Into the Wild

  

◇ Into the Wild & Transcendentalism:- 

Into the wild is author John Krakauer 's 1996 non fiction account of the life of christopher McCandless. In 1990 after graduating from college, Chris McCandless got rid of most of his possessions, left his family and friends and began a two year odyssey across the united states. His journey ended with an attempt to hike the  formidable stampede Trail in Alaska and live off the land. Unable to find food, McCandless died alone in the wilderness in 1992.

 John Krakauer is a mountain Climber who spent time exploring the Alaskan wilderness Alone. In the movie 'Into the wild' he retraces chris McCandless through interviews with his family and the People he met on his journey, attempting to better understand his motivations and the circumstances that led towards his death. As an adventure himself, Krakauer feels a bond with McCandless.  

Both Chris McCandless and John Krakauer were greatly influenced by the philosophy of Transcendentalism - a 19th century movement believed in the goodness of the individual as compared to society and championed a return to nature and Self reliance.  

Many literary critics have argued that this movie named - ' Into the Wild' is a modern example of Transcendentalism which should take place alongside classics such as Self reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. 

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I hope that this blog will be useful to you in understanding the philosophy of Transcendentalism..

Thanks for Visiting...                                    

Paper No. 109 Literary Criticism and Indian Aesthetics

Assignment Writing - Paper No.109

● Name :- Hetal Pathak

● Roll No. :- 09

● Semester :- 2 (Batch 2022 - 2024)

● Enrollment No. :- 4069206420220022

● Paper No. :- 109

● Paper Name :- Literary Theory & Criticism and Indian Aesthetics 

● Topic :- The role of Metaphor in Poetry and literature as discussed by I.A.Richards

● Submitted to :- Smt. S.B.Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University 

● Email Address :- hetalpathak28@gmail.com 

● Date of Submission :- 31st March 2023

' The Role of Metaphor in Poetry and Literature as discussed by I.A.Richards' 

□ Table of Contents:- 

▪︎ Introduction

▪︎ Definition of Metaphor

▪︎ Significance of Metaphor in Poetry and literature 

▪︎ The role of Metaphor in providing Insight

 ▪︎ Final Thoughts on I.A.Richards's Contribution to our understanding of Metaphor 

▪︎ Conclusion

◇ Introduction :- 

British poet and Scholar Ivor Armstrong Richards was born in Cheshire and educated at Cambridge university’s Magdalene College.His Scholarship and research on how Students read Poetry helped shape the Foundations of the New Criticism and its emphasis on Close reading. Richard's Scholarly Work includes his three main works which are given below.

"The Practical Criticism" 

1929

"The Philosophy of Rhetoric"

1936

"The Meaning of Meaning" 

1946

In his Own Poetry, Richards Wove Philosophical arguments with musical turns. Critic Helen Vendler describes his Poetry as ; 

"Gnarled , intellectual , angular and Unsparing." 

With C.K.Ogden, Richards Created the teaching tool Basic English, a simplified Version of the English language that in the interests of clear expression, limited both the number of words and the rules of their usage. He taught at Cambridge University. 

◇ I.A.Richards as a New Critic :- 

I.A.Richards along With T.S.Eliot may be called the founding father of the New Criticism. He has been a constant source of inspiration to the New Critics - more Particularly John Crowe Ransom and William Empson - Whom have used his tools and techniques on an extensive Scale. I.A.Richards differs from the New Critics in one more important respect. While the New Critics rigorously to the Poem under Consideration, I.A.Richards also takes into account its effects on the readers.

 For him ; " The real Value of a Poem lies in the reactions and attitudes it creates, and whether or not it is Conducive to greater emotional balance, equilibrium, Peace and rest in the mind of the readers." 

For him, the value of a work of art lies in its power to harmonise and organise complex and warring human impulses into patterns that are lasting and pleasurable. In the view of New Critics, all such considerations are extrinsic and they come in the way of the appreciation and evaluation of a work of art as it is in itself.

◇ Definition of Metaphor :- 

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary of English language, 

                               " Metaphor means A Figure of Speech in which a word or Phrase literally denoting one kind of Object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them." 

◇ Significance of Metaphor in Poetry and literature :- 

Metaphor has Kong been acknowledged as a Primary tool for the writer. Literature without Metaphor would become less imaginative and Poetry would be so imparted as to become dull and Perhaps even trite. Writers and Critics have rarely denied the utility and activeness of Metaphor for their trade. Although many traditional Philosophers employed magnificent metaphors in their writing. 

  The growing favour that Metaphor has found with Philosophers has inevitably led to attempts to formulate adequate definitions of it and to embed it in the larger context of the Philosophical method. I.A.Richards called the two referents of a Metaphor the ' tenor ' and the ' Vehicle'. The former being associated with the usual Meaning and the latter with the suggestion. Along with that he also noted that it was often very difficult to tell which was the tenor and which was the Vehicle.

 In literature, a root Metaphor may well form the dominant theme or image for the writer. An Interpretation of such a work will depend upon an understanding of the root Metaphor. Northrop Frye emphasis just this understanding when he claims that ; 

   " Literary works must be interpreted according to their internal Meaning." 

◇ The Role of Metaphor in Providing Insight :- 

A metaphor means comparing two things that in reality are not literally the same. This is the foundation of Metaphorical Thinking. By making a metaphorical comparison between a complex problem and a recognisable situation, other people can understand what is meant right away. 

Metaphors are different from regular comparisons, or similes. Both compare different objects, but a metaphorical comparison is more powerful. That is because a metaphorical comparison uses the phrasing “is” instead of “is like”. In this way a metaphorical comparison can be taken to mean that the two objects in the comparison are completely the same in the view in which the metaphor is used. A metaphorical comparison points strongly to the essence of two objects that are the same. 

 A regular comparison compares objects which are only partly the same and therefore similar. A metaphorical and regular comparison can be distinguished based on the objects being the same or merely similar. This is mainly expressed in the phrasing.

A strong metaphor is the base of metaphorical thinking. It can form the base of understanding by explaining a new and unfamiliar concept with the metaphor of a commonly known idea. By substituting parts of the new idea for familiar concepts, metaphorical thinking can assist in explaining and creating understanding.

 ◇ Providing Insight :- 

Metaphorical Thinking might seem strange, but eventually it will lead to more insight. Thinking in metaphors brings other solutions to the surface. Using metaphors encourages creativity. It is a soft thinking technique that connects and compares two different meanings. After all, people tend to look for similarities. That helps them to grasp complex issues.

Trying to understand things through logic alone disrupts the creative process. Metaphorical Thinking is a powerful tool for looking at things in a new way. So that is how We can understand that the use of metaphors and metaphorical thinking in Poetry and literature enhance our knowledge and way of thinking. Along with that, Metaphors also Provides a new Insight to the readers.

◇ Final Thoughts on I.A.Richards's Contribution to our understanding of Metaphor :- 

According to Ivor Armstrong Richards; 

 " A Metaphor is a manifestation / image of thinking that is generally based on Comparison and Categorization. "

In Interaction Conditioned by Context A tenor and Vehicle both Work together. I.A.Richards interaction theory was developed by Max Black. He introduced Concepts of focus on Frame which represents two Co- acting systems of associations of common Phenomena ; from their Co - Occurrence a metaphorical Meaning is formed. 

 The value of art or poetry – and by poetry Richards means all imaginative literature – is that it enables the mind to achieve this poise or system more quickly and completely than it could do otherwise. In art there is a resolution and balancing of impulses. Poetry is a representation of this uniquely ordered state of mind in which the impulses respond to a stimulus in such a manner that the mind has a life’s experience.

 The poet records this happy play of impulses on a particular occasion, though much that goes into the making of a poem is unconsciously done. It is to partake of this experience that the true reader reads poetry. Good poetry arouses the same experience in the reader too. Thus, poetry becomes a means by which we can gain emotional balance, mental equilibrium, peace and rest. Poetry organises our impulses and gives our mind a certain order, renders us happy and makes our minds healthy. What is true of the individual is also true of society. A society in which arts are freely cultivated exhibits better mental and emotional tranquillity than the societies in which arts are not valued. This moral value of art proceeds from the working of the human mind rather than from any ethical base.

 Art or poetry is valuable in that it integrates our activities, resolves our mental conflicts and tensions and leads us to a liberated state. Richards calls this harmonised state, this balancing of conflicting impulses "synaesthesis". It is the simultaneous harmonious experience of diverse sensations and impulses resulting in a fusion of opposites or unification of differences. Synaesthesia is a condition in which one experiences equilibrium of harmonious elements. In the experience of , there is a sense of detachment that is conducive to the formation of a completely coordinated personality. 

The Common idea is about the similarities between two things, two ideas, two People etc. 

  According to I.A.Richards :- 

  □ Metaphor takes an eye for resemblance

  □ It can not be taught it as an added Power

The greatest thing of all by far is to be a master of Metaphor. It is the one thing that cannot be learned from others, and it is also a sign of original genius. Whenever Metaphor is created or it is done. I.A.Richards says that Metaphor can be created or coined by keeping in mind the dissimilarities or the disparities or the ambiguities even if the relation between the two things is not clear, then it can be joined to form a Metaphor. 

 Furthermore, Richards Says that through the history of Rhetoric, Metaphor is treated as an extra trick and that is what is Considered traditionally. But, What Richards says is that Metaphor is the Omnipresent Principle of language. So, he explained that; 

 " Metaphor is not merely a grace or ornament or added Power of language ; it is its Constitutive form." 

 He explains that it is the Omnipresent or Forever Present - a principle of language which is always present in it. In short, Metaphor is something commonly used , hence it is not an extra trick or something which is added.

Thirdly Richards says that when we use Metaphor, we have two Thoughts of different things active together, Supported by Single word or Phrase, meaning results from interaction. There are always two ideas and Thoughts. And from this I.A.Richards concludes that Whenever we use metaphor there are two ideas that are working together and it is the interaction between them that creates the meaning.

According to I.A.Richards thought itself is metaphorical because it is based on the ability to reassemble sense Perceptions in such a way that they are linked to other disparate sense Perceptions forming clusters which are conjured up in the mind forming Thoughts. These thoughts are expressed in language and thus thought and language became relational enterprises giving rise to transference of meanings which Richards refers to as Metaphors.

◇ Conclusion :- 

To Conclude Ivor Armstrong Richards says that Metaphors work for a number of reasons, not simply, due to resemblances, they work due to disparities through ambiguities by creating new forms. He also adds that Poets are continuously engaged in creating new metaphors and if they stop such innovations, then language would be dead. 

[ Words :- 1873]

[ Images :- 01 ] 

 

Works Cited :- 

“I. A. Richards.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/i-a-richards.

“Metaphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphor. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Metaphor and Literature - JSTOR. www.jstor.org/stable/3331393.

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