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…
Author: Mukesh Rishit
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…
In Robbie Arnott’s debut novel “Flames,” the boundaries between reality and magic blur in spectacular fashion. Set against the backdrop of Tasmania’s wild landscape, this extraordinary tale follows two siblings grappling with their mother’s death and subsequent resurrection. The story weaves together multiple narratives, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives touched by grief, love, and the mysterious forces of nature. The Heart of the Story: Plot and Characters At its core, “Flames” centers around Levi and Charlotte McAllister, whose mother returns from the dead briefly before disappearing into ash. This phenomenon isn’t unusual in their world – women of their…
Introduction In her poem “Daddy,” Sylvia Plath takes readers on a harrowing journey through the landscape of personal trauma and the struggle for identity. The poem delves into the complex relationship between Plath and her father, using stark imagery and powerful metaphors to explore themes of oppression, liberation, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Through her raw and unflinching verses, Plath invites readers to confront the often painful process of confronting one’s past and reclaiming one’s identity. The Father Figure as Symbol The central symbol in “Daddy” is the imposing figure of the father, which serves as a metaphor…
The Rattrap by Selma Lagerlöf लेखक परिचय सेल्मा लागरलॉफ (1858-1940) एक स्वीडिश लेखिका थीं जिनकी कहानियां कई भाषाओं में अनुवादित की गई हैं। उनकी सभी कहानियों में एक सार्वभौमिक विषय चलता है – यह विश्वास कि मनुष्य की अंतर्निहित अच्छाई को समझ और प्रेम के माध्यम से जागृत किया जा सकता है। Summary in English The story “The Rattrap” is a philosophical tale about a poor peddler who sells rattraps and sometimes resorts to petty thievery. He develops a worldview that sees the whole world as a giant rattrap, using riches and joys as bait to trap people. After receiving…