Introduction to the Poem “Kubla Khan” is a renowned poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published in 1816. The poem describes the magnificent palace built by Mongol emperor Kubla Khan in Xanadu. Coleridge claimed he composed the poem during an opium-influenced dream but was interrupted while writing it down, giving it the subtitle “A Vision in a Dream: A Fragment.” About the Poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was a major English Romantic poet and literary critic. Along with William Wordsworth, he helped launch the Romantic movement in England with their joint publication “Lyrical Ballads” (1798). Coleridge is known for his supernatural…
Author: Mukesh Rishit
Mukesh Rishit
About Me I’m a passionate English literature enthusiast with years of experience teaching competitive exams like UGC NET. As the author of 35+ books and a recipient of this year’s Fulbright Distinguished Award for International Teachers, I strive to make literature accessible to all. Currently, I’m a Lecturer in English with the Government of Rajasthan and love sharing my insights through blogs on literature and learning.
Introduction to Manju Kapur: Are you preparing for the RPSC Second Grade English exam and feeling overwhelmed by the vast syllabus? Don’t worry! This comprehensive guide focuses on one of the most significant authors in contemporary Indian English literature: Manju Kapur. We’ll explore her literary contributions, analyze key themes, and provide you with essential tips for acing your exam. Let’s dive into the world of Manju Kapur and boost your RPSC exam preparation! Manju Kapur Biography: Understanding the Author’s Journey Manju Kapur, born in Amritsar, Punjab, has emerged as a prominent voice in Indian English literature. Her journey as an…
Arundhati Roy’s journey from architect to Booker Prize-winning author is a testament to her versatility and talent. Her impact on Indian literature and society makes her a crucial figure for RPSC Second Grade examination candidates to study. This comprehensive guide delves into Roy’s life, works, and significance, providing valuable insights for exam preparation. Who is Arundhati Roy? Understanding Her Impact on Indian Literature Who is Arundhati Roy? She is a voice for the voiceless, challenging societal norms through her powerful prose. Born on November 24, 1961, in Shillong, Meghalaya, Roy’s early life was marked by diverse experiences that would later…
What Is Literature Study? Literature study is the analysis of written works. It involves reading texts, finding themes, and making sense of what writers try to say. It goes beyond just reading for entertainment. When you study literature, you look at the writer’s choices. You ask why they used certain words or created specific characters. You connect texts to their time periods and cultural contexts. Literature study builds critical thinking. It helps you see beyond the surface of a text. You learn to find deeper meanings and make connections between different works. This approach to reading enriches your understanding of…
Queer theory emerged as a groundbreaking academic framework in the early 1990s, when Teresa de Lauretis organized the first conference dedicated to this field of study. Since then, it has transformed how scholars and society understand gender and sexuality. Rather than accepting traditional assumptions about identity and sexuality, queer theory questions what society considers “normal.” This academic approach, developed through the work of influential thinkers like Michel Foucault and Judith Butler, examines how society defines and regulates concepts of gender and sexual orientation. This guide breaks down the key concepts of queer theory in simple terms. Readers will learn about…
The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond captures the essence of nurturing life and witnessing its growth through the simple yet profound story of a cherry tree’s journey from seed to maturity . Plot Summary The story describes the author’s experience planting a cherry seed and watching it grow over eight years . Initially, the author waters the seed once and then forgets about it, but nature takes its course. The young tree faces multiple challenges: Despite these setbacks, the tree perseveres, sending up new shoots and eventually growing to six feet tall with blossoms and berries . Timeline of the…
Welcome to our comprehensive “What the Thunder Said quiz”, exploring the powerful final section of T.S. Eliot’s revolutionary poem, “The Waste Land.” This collection of 20 carefully crafted multiple-choice questions will test and expand your understanding of this climactic conclusion to Eliot’s modernist masterpiece. “What the Thunder Said” represents the culmination of Eliot’s poetic journey through the spiritual wasteland of modern civilization. This section builds to an apocalyptic vision before offering a glimpse of potential renewal through ancient wisdom. Though complex, it contains some of the most striking imagery and profound insights in the entire poem. This quiz is particularly…
The sort of thing I love about The Jungle Book characters is how a wolf family raised Mowgli, a human child nicknamed “Little Frog.” Shere Khan, the fierce tiger, had taken him from his village. The story’s characters each bring something special to the tale. Mother Wolf’s protective instincts and Bagheera’s practical wisdom shine through at the time he trades a fresh boar kill to ensure Mowgli’s place in the pack. Baloo teaches Mowgli everything in the jungle, and Kaa the python becomes an unexpected friend who saves the boy’s life several times. The story weaves together an array of…
R.K. Narayan’s “Engine Trouble” is one of the most humorous and ironic short stories in Indo-Anglian literature. This story from his famous “Malgudi Days” collection follows the misadventures of the Talkative Man who wins a road engine in a lottery, only to discover that his “prize” becomes his greatest burden . A Story of Unfortunate Fortune The story begins when a showman arrives in Malgudi and sets up an amusement park called “Gaiety Land” on the Gymkhana grounds. The narrator, referred to as the Talkative Man, wins a road engine as a lottery prize at this fair . Initially excited…
Introduction to Animal Farm Allegory: Animal Farm, George Orwell’s powerful novella, serves as one of literature’s most effective allegories. This work uses farm animals to represent key figures and classes from the Russian Revolution and Soviet era, creating a story that remains relevant today. The Revolutionary Framework of Animal Farm Animal Farm’s allegorical structure provides a comprehensive critique of revolutionary politics through its animal characters. The novella explores themes of power and corruption, revolution and oppression, and the nature of human society 1. By using farm animals as stand-ins for historical figures and social classes, Orwell creates a framework that makes…
