Author: Mukesh Rishit

Hidden away for over 150 years, Hannah Crafts’ “The Bondwoman’s Narrative” emerged in 2001 to reshape what we knew about African American writing. As the earliest novel written by an enslaved woman in America, it offers a rare window into plantation life through the eyes of someone who lived it. From Auction Block to Literary Milestone The story behind the novel’s discovery reads like a mystery. When Henry Louis Gates Jr. spotted an unusual manuscript at auction, he never expected to uncover a missing piece of American literary history. After extensive research and forensic analysis, experts dated the work to…

Eudora Welty’s “A Memory” is a masterful exploration of childhood perception and the transformative power of memory. Published in 1937, this intricate narrative weaves together the delicate threads of innocence, observation, and the harsh realities of growing up, creating a story that continues to resonate with readers across generations. The Art of Remembrance: Understanding Welty’s Narrative Framework At its core, “A Memory” presents a sophisticated dual narrative structure – a young girl’s present moment of lying on a beach and her vivid recollection of a disturbing scene witnessed in a schoolyard. This masterful interweaving of timeframes demonstrates Eudora Welty’s exceptional…

In the landscape of contemporary Asian American literature, Gish Jen’s “In the American Society” stands as a masterful exploration of cultural identity, social class, and the intricate dance of assimilation. Through the lens of the Chang family’s experiences, particularly restaurant owner Ralph Chang, Jen crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with readers while illuminating the complexities of the immigrant experience in America. The Restaurant as a Microcosm: Unraveling Social Hierarchies Ralph Chang’s restaurant emerges as more than a mere setting—it becomes a powerful metaphor for American society itself. Within its walls, the intricate dynamics of power, class, and cultural expectations…

In Alice Munro’s masterful short story “Dance of the Happy Shades,” social prejudices dissolve in the face of unexpected beauty, revealing profound truths about human dignity and connection. Through the lens of a piano recital hosted by the aging Miss Marsalles, Munro crafts a powerful narrative about transformation, perception, and the transcendent power of art. Historical and Literary Context Published in 1968 as part of Alice Munro’s first short story collection, “Dance of the Happy Shades” emerges from a period of significant social change in Canadian society. The story reflects shifting attitudes toward social class, disability, and artistic expression in…

Similes are powerful literary tools that use “like” or “as” to draw illuminating comparisons between different things. In this exploration of simile examples in literature, we’ll examine how authors from Shakespeare to contemporary writers have used these comparisons to transform abstract ideas into vivid imagery, helping readers connect more deeply with both universal experiences and nuanced emotions. From classical works that established enduring patterns to modern innovations that reflect our changing world, similes continue to shape how we understand and express human experience through literature. Simile Examples in Literature The essence of a simile lies in its ability to transform…

You know that moment when you realize life isn’t quite what you thought it would be? That’s exactly where Philip Roth takes us in his 1997 Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, “American Pastoral.” Trust me, if you’ve ever wondered about the gap between our dreams and reality, this novel will speak to your soul. The Rise and Fall of the Swede: Understanding the Novel’s Central Character Let’s talk about Seymour “Swede” Levov – imagine the high school quarterback who seems to have it all figured out, then fast-forward twenty years. A Jewish-American athlete turned successful businessman, married to a former Miss New…

English Summary “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together” is an adventurous tale that chronicles a family’s struggle between life and death. In July 1976, author Gordon Cook, along with his wife Mary and two young children – six-year-old Jonathan and seven-year-old Suzanne, attempts to recreate Captain James Cook’s 200-year-old voyage around the world. Their vessel ‘Wavewalker’ reaches Cape Town safely, where they take on two more crew members – Larry and Herb. However, in January 1977, they encounter a terrible storm in the southern Indian Ocean. A massive wave damages the ship, and the family…

An exploration of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s groundbreaking Aurora Leigh that merged the novel form with epic poetry, creating a masterpiece of feminist literature that resonates across centuries. Introduction: A Revolutionary Work Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Aurora Leigh” (1856) opens with an assertive declaration of poetic purpose: “Of writing many books there is no end; And I who have written much in prose and verse For others’ uses, will write now for mine,— Will write my story for my better self” These lines immediately establish the work’s dual nature as both autobiography and artistic manifesto, setting the stage for what would become…

Matthew Arnold’s “The Study of Poetry” is a significant work in the field of literary criticism. Written in 1880, this essay provides deep insights into the nature of poetry and its role in society. Arnold believed that poetry was not just an art form but a vital part of human experience that could guide us through life’s challenges. In this blog post, we will explore Arnold’s main ideas, the context in which he wrote, and the lasting impact of his work on literary criticism. Historical Context To understand Arnold’s ideas, it is essential to consider the historical context of the…

Securing an Assistant Professor position through the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) requires more than just subject expertise. The interview phase, a crucial component of the selection process, demands a perfect blend of confidence, thorough preparation, and effective communication. Let’s explore how to excel in your RPSC Assistant Professor interview, with insights that will set you apart from other candidates. 1. Understanding the RPSC Interview Structure The RPSC Assistant Professor interview typically evaluates candidates on: What Makes This Interview Unique: 2. Building Confidence: Your First Impression Matters In the RPSC interview setting, confidence can distinguish an excellent candidate from a…