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What is the relevance of aestheticism in E. W. Hornung's A. J. Raffles series?
The relevance of aestheticism in E.W. Hornung's A.J. Raffles series is primarily manifested through the character of Raffles himself and the thematic exploration of art, beauty, and the pursuit of sensual pleasures. Raffles as an Aesthetic Figure: Raffles, the gentleman thief protagonist of the seriRead more
The relevance of aestheticism in E.W. Hornung’s A.J. Raffles series is primarily manifested through the character of Raffles himself and the thematic exploration of art, beauty, and the pursuit of sensual pleasures.
- Raffles as an Aesthetic Figure:
- Raffles, the gentleman thief protagonist of the series, is depicted as a cultivated and refined individual who values aesthetics and the finer things in life.
- His appreciation for art, music, and fine living is a central aspect of his character, reflecting the principles of the aesthetic movement that emerged in the late 19th century.
- Raffles’ attention to detail, his love of beautiful objects, and his pursuit of sensual experiences align him with the aesthetic ideals of “art for art’s sake” and the emphasis on the intrinsic value of beauty.
- The Aesthetics of Crime:
- Hornung’s portrayal of Raffles’ criminal activities often highlights the aesthetic dimension of his thefts and burglaries.
- Raffles approaches his criminal exploits with a sense of artistry, meticulously planning and executing his heists in a way that showcases his skill and appreciation for the beauty of the objects he steals.
- The series explores the notion of the “aesthetics of crime,” where Raffles’ criminal actions are imbued with a certain elegance and refinement, challenging traditional moral boundaries.
- The Tension between Aestheticism and Morality:
- The Raffles series often presents a tension between Raffles’ aesthetic sensibilities and the moral implications of his criminal activities.
- Hornung’s portrayal of Raffles as a likable and charming protagonist creates a sympathetic figure, despite his transgressions, inviting readers to engage with the complexities of ethical considerations.
- This tension reflects the broader debates within the aesthetic movement, where the pursuit of beauty and sensual pleasures was sometimes seen as conflicting with traditional moral values.
- The Influence of Oscar Wilde’s Aestheticism:
- Hornung’s depiction of Raffles and the thematic exploration of aestheticism in the series can be seen as influenced by the ideas and writings of Oscar Wilde, a prominent figure in the aesthetic movement.
- Wilde’s emphasis on the primacy of art and beauty over moral considerations is reflected in the Raffles series, where Raffles’ criminal activities are often justified or romanticized through his appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of his targets.
See lessDiscuss the inconsistencies throughout Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes works from Doylist and Watsonian perspectives.
Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories exhibit various inconsistencies, which can be analyzed from two perspectives: Doylist Perspective 1. Authorial Oversight: Doyle wrote over decades, often without revisiting previous stories, causing inconsistencies. For instance, Watson’s war wound movesRead more
Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories exhibit various inconsistencies, which can be analyzed from two perspectives:
Doylist Perspective
1. Authorial Oversight: Doyle wrote over decades, often without revisiting previous stories, causing inconsistencies. For instance, Watson’s war wound moves from shoulder in “A Study in Scarlet” to leg in “The Sign of Four.”
2. Publication Order vs. Internal Chronology: Stories were published non-sequentially, leading to chronological issues.
3. Character Details: Watson’s marital status fluctuates without clear explanation, reflecting Doyle’s evolving storytelling.
4. Literary Trends: Doyle adapted to audience tastes, resulting in shifting story styles and details.
Watsonian Perspective
1. Human Error: Watson, as the narrator, might misremember or misrecord details.
2. Deliberate Obfuscation: Watson could alter facts to protect clients or himself.
3. Holmes’ Manipulations: Holmes might mislead Watson or encourage altering details for secrecy.
4. Fragmentary Documentation: Watson’s accounts are based on incomplete notes, leading to inconsistencies.
Example: Watson’s shifting wound location (shoulder to leg) can be seen as either Doyle’s oversight (Doylist) or Watson’s error (Watsonian). These perspectives provide a richer understanding of the beloved but imperfect canon.
See lessHow is "The Way of the World" by William Congreve a Restoration Comedy?
One of the best examples of Restoration comedy, known alternatively as “comedy of manners”, is William Congreve's "The Way of the World," which was originally presented in 1700. The play, which was written during the Restoration era (1660–1710), captures the focus of the time on class relations, socRead more
One of the best examples of Restoration comedy, known alternatively as “comedy of manners”, is William Congreve’s “The Way of the World,” which was originally presented in 1700. The play, which was written during the Restoration era (1660–1710), captures the focus of the time on class relations, social mores, and the literary and dramatic effects of the restoration of the monarchy. The Puritanical constraints of the Interregnum gave rise to the Restoration comedy genre, which embraced themes of hedonism, wit, and subtle social satire.
Restoration comedies frequently parody the manners and morals of modern society, especially that of the upper classes. “The Way of the World” examines the social morals and actions of the era, focussing on the hypocrisy and conceit of the affluent. The drama highlights the ridiculousness of relationships and social norms with a keen sense of wit and comedy. Play’s stock characters include the clever and resourceful hero (Mirabell), the endearing and self-reliant heroine (Millamant), the silly and meddling elderly guardians (Fainall and Mrs. Fainall), and the humorous servants (like Waitwell) that are typical of Restoration comedy. For comedic effect, these characters frequently represent and exaggerate society stereotypes.
Central to “The Way of the World” is the theme of courtship and marriage, which is a common focus in Restoration comedy. The courtship of the main characters, Mirabell and Millamant, is at the core of “The Way of the World”‘s intricate story, which is layered with misdirection, misunderstanding, and intrigue. The play explores the intricacies of romantic relationships, including the social and financial considerations that influence marriage. The resolution involves the successful courtship of Mirabell and Millamant, highlighting the comedic conventions surrounding marriage and matchmaking.
The Way of the World” is a prime example of Restoration comedy because of its witty dialogue, complex plot and subplots, satirical portrayal of modern society, use of stock characters, and examination of courtship and marriage against the backdrop of the social and cultural context of the Restoration era.
See lessLiterature
Edward Said's 'Orientalism' is among the most important books of the previous decade. It gave rise to a new kind of discourse around colonialism. Said's groundbreaking work explores how the West has represented the Middle East for ages. Said begins by talking about various myths that were attached tRead more
Edward Said’s ‘Orientalism’ is among the most important books of the previous decade. It gave rise to a new kind of discourse around colonialism. Said’s groundbreaking work explores how the West has represented the Middle East for ages. Said begins by talking about various myths that were attached to the Orients or the people living in the Middle East, whatever knowledge the West has acquired about them is from age-old literature filled in Western libraries and they continue to define the West’s perspective on Occidental people considering them as exotic or savage people.
See lessSaid himself was a Palestinian Arab living in America given that he had a first-person point of view of Orientalists. In his work Said targeted many famous Western writers and historians upon their biased portrayal of Orientals. The West created Occident and Orient binaries for ‘Self’ and the ‘Other’.
This othering helped Westerners in their imperial motives through which they sought to ‘Civilise’ the world.
Since the publication of Said’s work, several post-colonial and anti-imperialism debates took shape that aimed to undo the Western agenda, and undercurrents of those beliefs could be felt to date.
India’s External Affairs Minister Mr. S Jaishankar in an interview highlighted Europe’s tendency to consider its problem as the world’s problem and not vice versa. We see that even after several technological advances, the West has failed to understand the culture of other parts of the world. The binaries created centuries back still operate in the way Western media portrays the world. This is one of the primary reasons why racism continues to be one of the biggest issues in Western countries.
It’s time that people and the media of the West invest their time and energy in understanding the culture of other countries rather than believing in age-old pictures drawn and presented to them.
How to write poems which people might find appealing to read?
Hello,my name is Varun Hotwani,and I'm here to help answer your questions,so let's set started :) So first of all,stick to the basics...pick a topic that you want to write about,it could be something that happened in your daily life or during the day,something you saw in a movie,a way you feeRead more
Hello,my name is Varun Hotwani,and I’m here to help answer your questions,so let’s set started 🙂
So first of all,stick to the basics…pick a topic that you want to write about,it could be something that happened in your daily life or during the day,something you saw in a movie,a way you feel at the moment,etc there are many things to write about, but what is important is you write based on something that you are highly knowledgeable and informative about, so that you produce the best work possible as poem is like writing lyrics of a song,it comes from the inside, something you can feel and relate to.
The second step is to brainstorm a list of potential things you could write about that topic…take your time and think about it deeply, and remember this step continues throught the poem writing process.
The 3rd step is to eliminate the unnecessary things that you first wrote down that you realise may not fit in the vibe and the poem. This is important as it helps you keep the poem catchy and stops you from going off-topic.
The 4th step is to dictate how long you want the poem to be…remember 3 things
1. It shouldn’t be so long it feels like a stretch and makes the viewer bored and neither should it be so short it feels like you haven’t expressed yourself fully and the viewer feels like they haven’t gotten the best experience they read about it in your poem.
2. A poem is either free written (meaning it isn’t necessary to rhyme words) or can be rhyme based..pick the type according to your convenience.
3. A poem has a:-
1. Pre chorus:- part before chorus (optional)
2. Chorus:- repetition part (compulsory)
3. Verse: body of poem (compulsory)
4. Bridge:- part after chorus but before verse (optional)
Write in format of
pre-chorus,chorus,verse,bridge,2nd verse (if there),chorus.
The 5th step: Write along
Express the topic you have picked to write about in the best way possible,don’t complicate the language which makes it harder for readers to understand and don’t make it so dull it feels boring and way too simple. Write down all your feelings with no hesitations, this is one of the main reasons why I mentioned carefully selecting the topic, and write fully so it doesn’t feel you have left information out.
And go over it once again, make the necessary improvements and then remember-it doesn’t have to be perfect, you should be satisfied with what you have,that is the main point.
And remember,reviews are subjective, some people will find it attractive and will like it and others vice versa, so take criticisms as a way you can improve your work, not as a discouraging factor.
That is all!
Thank you and Happy Writing!
See lessWhat defines the distinction between "good" and "bad" art?
The distinction between "good" and "bad" art is inherently subjective and multifaceted, often varying based on cultural context, personal taste, and the prevailing norms of the time. Historically, works that are initially criticized or unpopular may later be reevaluated and recognized as groundbreakRead more
The distinction between “good” and “bad” art is inherently subjective and multifaceted, often varying based on cultural context, personal taste, and the prevailing norms of the time. Historically, works that are initially criticized or unpopular may later be reevaluated and recognized as groundbreaking or influential. For instance, Alexander Pope’s works, initially criticized in their time, are now revered for their wit, satire, and literary craftsmanship, demonstrating how critical and public reception can evolve over centuries.
Similarly, contemporary examples like hyperpop music (e.g., Charli XCX’s work) highlight how art can polarize critics and audiences. What one critic dismisses as lacking in traditional merit may be celebrated by others for its innovation, experimental nature, or its ability to challenge conventions. In such cases, the “goodness” of art often hinges on its ability to provoke thought, evoke emotions, or push boundaries, rather than conforming to established norms.
Ultimately, the distinction between “good” and “bad” art is fluid and contextual, shaped by individual perspectives, societal values, and the evolving nature of artistic expression. It underscores the diversity of human creativity and the ongoing dialogue between creators, critics, and audiences that shapes our understanding and appreciation of art across time and genres.
See lessWhy art is so expensive?
Art becomes expensive due to a complex interplay of factors that contribute to its market value. Firstly, scarcity plays a significant role; artworks are often unique or produced in limited editions, which increases their value among collectors. The reputation and historical significance of the artiRead more
Art becomes expensive due to a complex interplay of factors that contribute to its market value. Firstly, scarcity plays a significant role; artworks are often unique or produced in limited editions, which increases their value among collectors. The reputation and historical significance of the artist also heavily influence prices. Established artists with a notable body of work or those considered groundbreaking in their styles fetch higher prices due to their cultural impact and rarity.
Additionally, art’s value is subjective and heavily influenced by trends, taste, and the perception of potential buyers. Auction houses and galleries play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining these values through their marketing efforts and the prestige associated with their sales.
Furthermore, the cost of producing and promoting art can be substantial, especially for large-scale or technically intricate pieces. Materials, studio costs, labor, and marketing all factor into the final price tag. Moreover, speculation and investment in art as an asset class further drive prices upward, as investors seek to diversify portfolios and capitalize on potential appreciation.
In essence, the high cost of art is a reflection of its cultural significance, rarity, market dynamics, and the subjective perceptions of its value within the global art market.
See lessHow does Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" address the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies?
Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" vividly portrays the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies through the lens of the Igbo community in Nigeria. The novel captures the cultural disintegration and societal upheaval wrought by European colonial influence. Achebe explores how colonialRead more
Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” vividly portrays the impact of colonialism on traditional African societies through the lens of the Igbo community in Nigeria. The novel captures the cultural disintegration and societal upheaval wrought by European colonial influence. Achebe explores how colonialism undermines indigenous traditions and customs by introducing foreign governance, religion, and education.
The arrival of Christian missionaries in Umuofia disrupts the community’s social fabric. They challenge the Igbo belief system, leading to a significant shift in societal values. Converts to Christianity, like Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, symbolize the erosion of traditional beliefs as the younger generation becomes alienated from their cultural roots. This religious infiltration creates internal conflicts within families and the broader community.
Additionally, the imposition of colonial rule strips the Igbo people of their autonomy and self-governance. The introduction of European legal systems diminishes traditional justice practices, weakening the clan’s cohesion and authority. Achebe illustrates how colonialism exploits existing tensions, deepening divisions and facilitating European dominance.
Through Okonkwo’s tragic downfall, Achebe emphasizes the devastating personal and communal consequences of colonial intrusion. Ultimately, *Things Fall Apart* serves as a poignant critique of colonialism, highlighting its role in dismantling African societies and cultures.
See lessHow does Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things explore casteism, societal norms, and family dynamics in South Asia?
Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things delves deeply into the complexities of casteism, societal norms, and family dynamics in South Asia. The novel highlights the rigid caste system through the tragic love affair between Ammu, a Syrian Christian woman, and Velutha, a lower-caste man. This relationRead more
Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things delves deeply into the complexities of casteism, societal norms, and family dynamics in South Asia. The novel highlights the rigid caste system through the tragic love affair between Ammu, a Syrian Christian woman, and Velutha, a lower-caste man. This relationship exposes the harsh punishments meted out to those who defy societal boundaries. Societal norms are portrayed through the characters’ struggles against traditional expectations, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups. Family dynamics are central to the narrative, showing how personal histories, secrets, and traumas shape the characters’ lives and interactions. Roy’s exploration is a poignant critique of the oppressive social structures in South Asian society.
See lessHow can we understand the phenomenon of artists, writers, and musicians, such as Van Gogh, Dickinson, and Kafka, being underrecognized during their lifetimes?
The phenomenon of underappreciated artists, writers and musicians during their lifetimes like Van Gogh, Dickinson, or Kafka can be understood by several factors. Being Ahead of Their Time: Many of these artists produced works that were innovative and ahead of time in terms of culture and aesthetics.Read more
The phenomenon of underappreciated artists, writers and musicians during their lifetimes like Van Gogh, Dickinson, or Kafka can be understood by several factors.
Being Ahead of Their Time: Many of these artists produced works that were innovative and ahead of time in terms of culture and aesthetics. It is possible that their peers could not stand this unique style, approach to work or themes they chose. For example, it was only later that the art world fully recognized the import of Van Gogh’s bold usage of color as well as emotional intensity in his paintings.
Restricted reach and exposure: Such artists had limited channels for disseminating information about their works during their lifetimes. For instance Emily Dickinson only published few poems while alive and lived a secluded life which limited her audience.
Personal Circumstances: Personal hardships and mental problems also contributed to this situation. Many artists were faced with financial constraints, suffered from mental illness or societal pressure made it difficult for many to self-promote as an artist. For instance Franz Kafka had self-doubt such that he wanted all unpublished manuscripts burnt on his demise.
See less