Author: Mukesh Rishit

Katharine Tynan (1859-1931) wrote “Any Woman” during Ireland’s literary revival. Born in Dublin, she published over 100 novels and numerous poetry collections. Her work often explored themes of Irish nationalism, Catholic faith, and women’s domestic lives. During Tynan’s era, women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere. This context makes “Any Woman” particularly significant as it elevates and celebrates the often invisible work of mothers and wives. The Irish Literary Landscape Tynan belonged to a vibrant Irish literary circle that included W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. While many of her contemporaries focused on political themes, Tynan often turned her…

Bertrand Russell’s essay “Knowledge and Wisdom” is one of the most profound philosophical examinations of the crucial distinction between accumulating information and gaining true understanding. In an era where knowledge is more accessible than ever, Russell’s insights reveal why wisdom remains scarce and desperately needed. Russell begins his essay with a striking observation: “Most people would agree that, although our age far surpasses all previous ages in knowledge, there has been no correlative increase in wisdom.” This opening statement sets the stage for an exploration of what wisdom truly means and how we can cultivate it in modern society. Who…

Introduction Thomas Gray’s 1757 poem “The Progress of Poesy” stands as a celebrated work in the canon of English literature. As a complementary piece to his more famous Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Gray’s “Progress” charts the evolution of poetic inspiration—from classical beginnings through pastoral idylls to the heights of epic and tragic verse. In this post, we’ll explore: Historical Context The Age of Enlightenment and Neo-Classicism Gray’s Life and Milieu Structure and Form Four‐Part Ode Structure Gray employs elegiac quatrains (ABAB rhyme) and iambic pentameter, but allows subtle enjambment for a more fluid, musical progression. Thematic Analysis 1.…

Introduction Thomas Gray’s narrative poem “The Bard” (1757) is one of the most haunting and evocative works of mid-18th-century English literature. Written in blank verse, Gray’s poem dramatizes the fall of the last Welsh prince, Edward II’s bard, as he curses Edward’s conquerors. With its fusion of classical allusion, medieval romance, and prophetic tone, “The Bard” stands apart from Gray’s elegiac odes and heralderizes the Romantic sensibility that would soon flourish in England. In this post, we explore: Historical Context of “The Bard” Gray composed “The Bard” in the summer of 1757 but published it only posthumously in 1775. The…

Thomas Gray’s “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” is one of the most important poems in English literature. Written in 1751, this poem explores death, memory, and lost potential through the setting of a rural graveyard. Students encounter this work across curricula because it masterfully combines emotional depth with technical excellence. This guide breaks down the poem’s structure, themes, literary devices, and meaning. You’ll understand why this elegy has remained relevant for over 270 years and what makes it essential reading for anyone studying 18th-century poetry. About the Poem Gray started writing this elegy in 1742. He spent seven years…

Introduction Robin S Ngangom’s “A Poem for Mother” is one of the most poignant explorations of the mother-son relationship in contemporary Indian poetry. While Ngangom is primarily known for his works on conflict and insurgency in Northeast India, this deeply personal poem shifts focus to the intimate world of familial bonds. Addressed to his mother, Palem Apokpi, the poem weaves a tapestry of childhood memories, adult regrets, and the universal struggle to repay a mother’s unconditional love. Through simple yet evocative language, Ngangom creates a heartfelt confession that resonates with readers across cultural boundaries, making us reflect on our own…

Journey to the Interior is one of Atwood’s most thought-provoking explorations of the human psyche, using the metaphor of a physical journey to represent an inward psychological expedition. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack the rich layers of meaning in “Journey to the Interior,” analyze Atwood’s distinctive poetic techniques, and show you why this poem continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication. The Poetic Landscape of “Journey to the Interior” “Journey to the Interior” appears in Atwood’s poetry collection The Circle Game (1966), establishing her as a major voice in Canadian literature. The poem uses the metaphor of…

Introduction “The Hour of Truth” is one of the most compelling examinations of moral integrity in American one-act plays. Written by Percival Wilde in the early 20th century, this tightly constructed drama places its protagonist at a crucial ethical crossroads, forcing him to choose between financial security and personal integrity. Set against the backdrop of financial corruption, the play resonates with timeless questions about the price of honesty in a world where moral compromise often seems the easier path. Through its masterful character development and tense dramatic structure, “The Hour of Truth” invites audiences to consider how they might respond…

Introduction Charles Lamb’s “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” is one of the most humorous and whimsical essays in English literature. This delightful piece from his famous “Essays of Elia” collection follows the fictitious origin story of roast pork, presenting a fanciful tale about how humans first discovered the delicious taste of cooked meat. Published in the London Magazine in 1822 under the pseudonym Elia, this essay combines historical fiction, humor, and social commentary in Lamb’s distinctively charming prose style, showcasing both his vivid imagination and unique literary voice. Charles Lamb: The Man Behind the Essays Life and Literary Circle Charles…

Introduction Mac Flecknoe is one of the most cutting pieces of literary satire ever penned in English literature. Written by John Dryden around 1678 and published in 1682, this mock-heroic poem delivers a devastating critique of Thomas Shadwell, a contemporary playwright whom Dryden considered an inferior writer. The poem cleverly chronicles the “coronation” of Shadwell (given the name Flecknoe in the poem) as the king of dullness and literary incompetence. What makes this work particularly fascinating is how Dryden skillfully employs elevated heroic couplets to ridicule his target, creating a masterful contrast between the dignified form and the biting content.…