Ancient civilizations made several technological advancements that significantly influenced their societies and future generations. Two of the most influential are the invention of the wheel and the development of writing systems.

The Wheel

The wheel, first invented in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE, revolutionized transportation and labor. Initially used for pottery, it soon transformed into a vital component for carts and chariots, facilitating trade and warfare. The wheel’s impact on agriculture, as seen in plow improvements, increased efficiency and productivity. This invention laid the foundation for further advancements in engineering and mechanics.

Writing Systems

The development of writing systems was another groundbreaking advancement. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians created cuneiform around 3200 BCE, while the Egyptians developed hieroglyphics shortly after. Writing allowed for the recording of laws, trade transactions, and historical events, preserving knowledge and enabling complex administration. It also facilitated the spread of ideas and culture, contributing to societal organization and governance.

These advancements in transportation and communication were crucial for the development of ancient civilizations. They enabled more complex societies, trade expansion, and cultural exchange, setting the stage for future technological progress.

Adaptations of literature to film often change the original narrative due to differences in medium and creative interpretation.

The Great Gatsby (2013) Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby adapts F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel by updating the Jazz Age setting with contemporary music and lavish visual effects. The modern soundtrack and CGI amplify the opulence and excess of the era but can overshadow the novel’s subtle social critique. While the visual spectacle enhances the themes of wealth and decadence, it sometimes shifts focus from Fitzgerald’s nuanced prose to the film’s sensory experience. The characters’ portrayals, influenced by the modern aesthetic, reflect the era’s extravagance more vividly, impacting the original narrative’s tone and depth.

Macbeth (2015) Directed by Justin Kurzel

Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth adapts Shakespeare’s tragedy with a gritty, visceral visual style and a dark, brooding atmosphere. Set in a bleak, medieval Scotland, the film emphasizes the brutal and violent aspects of the story. The dialogue is retained, but the visual and auditory elements, such as intense battle scenes and haunting landscapes, enhance the themes of ambition, power, and madness. These changes create a more immersive and intense experience, but the focus on visual spectacle can sometimes overshadow the play’s psychological complexity. The characters’ portrayals, particularly Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, are deeply influenced by the film’s somber tone, affecting the original narrative’s balance between action and introspection.

Romantic Poets

1. Emphasis on Emotion and Individualism:
   • Romantic poets prioritized personal emotion and individual experience.
   • Example: William Wordsworth’s “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” emphasizes introspection and personal memory.
2. Nature as a Central Theme:
   • Nature was seen as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal.
   • Example: Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” explores nature’s power and mystery.
3. Imagination and Creativity:
   • The Romantic period celebrated the imagination as a path to transcendent truths.
   • Example: John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” delves into imaginative escapism.
4. Rebellion Against Industrialization:
   • Poets often critiqued the encroaching industrial society and its impact on human life and nature.
   • Example: William Blake’s “London” critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.
5. Medievalism and the Supernatural:
   • There was a fascination with medieval themes, folklore, and the supernatural.
   • Example: Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” incorporates medieval legends and chivalry.
6. Focus on the Common Man:
   • Romantic poets often wrote about everyday people and their experiences.
   • Example: Robert Burns’ “To a Mouse” highlights the plight of a simple farmer.
7. Innovative Forms and Language:
   • Poets experimented with new forms and used everyday language to make poetry accessible.
   • Example: Wordsworth’s “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” advocates for the use of common speech in poetry.

Romantic poets embraced emotional depth, nature, imagination, and rebellion against societal norms, producing works that continue to resonate with readers today.

The statement that Victorian women were subordinated and imprisoned by patriarchy can be critically examined through Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre”. Both novels vividly depict the constraints and struggles faced by women in the patriarchal society of the Victorian era.

In “Great Expectations”, Dickens portrays several female characters who are marginalized and oppressed by societal norms. Estella, raised by Miss Havisham to break men’s hearts, is manipulated and deprived of autonomy. Miss Havisham herself, abandoned at the altar, leads a life of bitterness, showcasing how women’s lives could be derailed by men’s actions and societal expectations.

Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” explores a woman’s struggle for independence in a patriarchal society. Jane Eyre confronts numerous challenges and oppressive forces, from her harsh treatment by her aunt to the conditions at Lowood School and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Jane’s ultimate assertion of self-worth and refusal to become Mr. Rochester’s mistress demonstrate her resilience and quest for equality.

Both “Great Expectations” and “Jane Eyre” illustrate how Victorian women were subordinated and imprisoned by patriarchy, critiquing rigid gender roles and advocating for a more equitable society.