If you love poetry, you’ve almost certainly encountered the sonnet form. These compact poems, with their strict structure, have been captivating readers for centuries. But where did they come from, and how did they change over time? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of the sonnet. The Birth of the Sonnet Our story begins in 13th-century Italy, where a poet named Giacomo da Lentini is believed to have invented the sonnet. The word “sonnet” itself comes from the Italian word “sonetto,” meaning “little song.” Back then, sonnets were often set to music and were a popular form of courtly love…
Author: Mukesh Rishit
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Cultural studies profoundly impacted literary criticism by analyzing the role of literature within wider systems of meaning, power, and social inequality. This approach examines texts as crystallizations of broader cultural tensions – from hegemony to resistance. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of cultural studies, its interdisciplinary methods, key concepts, and its enduring influence on literary scholarship. The Rise of Cultural Studies Cultural studies coalesced in the 1950s-60s through Marxist-influenced British scholars like Raymond Williams, Richard Hoggart, E.P. Thompson and Stuart Hall. They aimed to understand contemporary culture by connecting textual artifacts to economic, social and political contexts. As…
Charles Dickens’ classic novel Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, an orphan boy who goes from humble beginnings to a life of fortune and status. Yet the journey teaches Pip many valuable lessons that resonate with readers to this day. Often considered Dickens’ finest achievement, Great Expectations is a profound coming-of-age story. Plot Summary Set in the 19th century England, the story follows the life of Pip, a young boy who hails from the humble marshes and finds himself unexpectedly propelled into London’s high society. Pip’s early years are spent in the company of his kind-hearted sister and her…
Poetry often articulates the unspoken depths of our shared humanity. This rings true in Mukesh K Sharma’s evocative collection “War Heroes and Other Observations”, which illuminates the stories of everyday heroes that shape our world. About the Author Mukesh K Sharma, an English lecturer by profession, brings to the fore a compilation that is both profound and moving. Drawing from the grand narratives of literature, Sharma finds inspiration in the everyday, the margins of grand tales, where the real stories of heroism reside. It’s not the decorated war heroes who take center stage here but those clad in the resilience…
Formalism and new criticism were influential literary theories that emerged in the early 20th century. They shifted focus toward the textual artistry of works and close reading aesthetic elements. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the tenets of formalism and new criticism, major thinkers, key concepts like “defamiliarization,” and the lasting impacts these approaches had on literary analysis. What is Formalism? Formalism refers to a school of literary theory that analyzes literature through its formal elements and devices. It focuses intensely on the language, structure, tone, imagery, rhyme schemes, meter, and other compositional tools used in texts. Formalism emerged in…
Feminist literary theory has undergone major developments since Virginia Woolf examined Shakespeare’s imaginary sister. Today, intersectional analysis enriches feminist criticism to account for diverse experiences shaped by race, class, sexuality and more. In this guide, we’ll explore the evolution of feminist literary scholarship, key concepts, and how intersectionality broadens the discourse. What Is Feminist Literary Theory? Feminist literary criticism analyzes literature through a feminist lens, focusing on gender politics, power structures, and the representation of women. It examines how texts construct identity and propagate cultural assumptions regarding gender. Feminist criticism originated as a reaction to patriarchal norms in literature that…
Post-structuralism refers to a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 1960s as a response to structuralism. In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine the origins of post-structuralist theory, its major thinkers and texts, core concepts like deconstruction and différance, and the influence this school of thought has had on contemporary social analysis and criticism. What Is Post-Structuralism? To understand post-structuralism, we first have to take a step back and consider structuralism. Structuralism was an intellectual movement that analyzed human culture, psychology, and society through the lens of underlying structures and systems. Drawing on linguistics and semiotics, structuralists sought to…
Madame Bovary: Patterns of Provincial Life by Gustave Flaubert, a groundbreaking novel published in 1856, continues to captivate readers with its poignant portrayal of the complexities of human desires and societal expectations. Set in rural France, this timeless classic delves into themes such as romanticism, disillusionment, and the yearning for a more fulfilling existence. Through the protagonist Emma Bovary’s quest for passion and luxury, Flaubert weaves a narrative that exposes the harsh realities of provincial life while offering profound insights into human nature. This blog post explores the enduring relevance of Madame Bovary and provides an insightful analysis of its…
“The Return of the King” is the final volume of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel “The Lord of the Rings,” first published in 1955. This timeless classic trilogy continues the enthralling journey through Middle-earth, captivating readers with its richly detailed narrative and unforgettable characters. The trilogy of books delves into the climactic events surrounding the War of the Ring, as well as Frodo Baggins’ quest to destroy the One Ring. With its publication, Tolkien concluded his masterful trilogy, the last book that has since become a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature. Plot Summary Book V Overview In “The Return of…
Structuralism in literary theory, influenced by modern linguistics and cultural studies, delves into the underlying systems that govern narratives and texts, offering a unique perspective on storytelling, communication, and discourse. By dissecting the relationships between elements like characters, symbols, and themes, structuralism provides a framework for understanding the intricate tapestries woven by authors and literary texts. Engaging in rigorous evidence analysis with a clear thesis is pivotal to unraveling the complexities embedded in works of literature through this lens. Understanding Structuralism Key Concepts Structuralism in literary theory delves into underlying structures within texts. It focuses on dissecting language systems and…