Home/literature/Page 2
- Recent Questions
- Most Answered
- Answers
- No Answers
- Most Visited
- Most Voted
- Random
- Bump Question
- New Questions
- Sticky Questions
- Polls
- Followed Questions
- Favorite Questions
- Recent Questions With Time
- Most Answered With Time
- Answers With Time
- No Answers With Time
- Most Visited With Time
- Most Voted With Time
- Random With Time
- Bump Question With Time
- New Questions With Time
- Sticky Questions With Time
- Polls With Time
- Followed Questions With Time
- Favorite Questions With Time
1) How do postcolonial themes manifest in the works of contemporary African authors, and what impact do these narratives have on our understanding of colonial history and its legacy?
Postcolonialism, as a major theory in the realm of modern literature, has helped in the growth of several narratives that focus on the colonial legacy and history of age-old exploitation of the colonized by colonizers. Themes like imperialism, cross cultural ambiguity, hybrid identity, split selvesRead more
Postcolonialism, as a major theory in the realm of modern literature, has helped in the growth of several narratives that focus on the colonial legacy and history of age-old exploitation of the colonized by colonizers. Themes like imperialism, cross cultural ambiguity, hybrid identity, split selves as well as the assessment of loyalty on parts of both the oppressor and the oppressed are represented through post colonial texts. An apt example of such a postcolonial piece of work is Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart where Achebe has portrayed the picture of the Igbo tribes in detail, describing both their positive as well as negative traits and also drawn a picture of the British exploitation over the African people.
See lessHow 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 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 lessWhat role does personal experience play in shaping one's perspective on art and literature?
Personal experiences acts as a filter through which one perceives art and literature. A person's upbringing, life events and culture shape their beliefs and values which in turn influence how they interpret literature and art. Additionally, our personal challenges can also help us deepen the appreciRead more
Personal experiences acts as a filter through which one perceives art and literature. A person’s upbringing, life events and culture shape their beliefs and values which in turn influence how they interpret literature and art. Additionally, our personal challenges can also help us deepen the appreciation. For instance, someone who has experienced loss might be able to connect to any grief or mourning in a novel.
One might connect to the artist’s emotions by placing themselves in their shoes, being able to bridge the gap there is between an artist and audience. People experience unique life events and emotions which shape how they perceive and decode the symbols and themes in the art or literature, often linking their life to the artist’s or writer’s.
Ultimately, personal experience enriches our interpretation of symbolism and deeper meanings, making our engagement with art and literature a profoundly personal and dynamic process.
See lessWhat is the significance of the setting in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," and how does it enhance the novel's themes?
The setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is crucial to understanding the novel's themes. Set in the 1920s, primarily on Long Island's North Shore and New York City, the setting vividly captures the extravagance and moral decay of the Jazz Age. East Egg and West Egg, fictional communitRead more
The setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is crucial to understanding the novel’s themes. Set in the 1920s, primarily on Long Island’s North Shore and New York City, the setting vividly captures the extravagance and moral decay of the Jazz Age. East Egg and West Egg, fictional communities representing old money and new money respectively, highlight the social divide and the superficial nature of the American Dream.
East Egg, home to Tom and Daisy Buchanan, symbolizes the established aristocracy and its inherited wealth, while West Egg, where Jay Gatsby resides, represents self-made fortunes and the nouveau riche. This geographic distinction underscores the theme of social stratification and the elusive nature of Gatsby’s dream to be accepted by the old money class.
New York City, with its frenetic energy and moral laxity, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ reckless pursuits and infidelities. The valley of ashes, an industrial wasteland between the Eggs and the city, symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth.
The setting in “The Great Gatsby” enhances the novel’s themes by providing a stark contrast between the glittering facades of wealth and the grim realities underneath, thereby critiquing the hollow pursuit of the American Dream and the inherent corruption within.
See lessHow do feminist literary critics approach the works of Virginia Woolf, particularly "A Room of One's Own"?
Feminist literary critics approach Virginia Woolf's works, especially "A Room of One's Own," by examining the text through the lens of gender, power, and identity. They focus on Woolf's exploration of women's lack of financial independence and personal space, which she argues are essential for creatRead more
Feminist literary critics approach Virginia Woolf’s works, especially “A Room of One’s Own,” by examining the text through the lens of gender, power, and identity. They focus on Woolf’s exploration of women’s lack of financial independence and personal space, which she argues are essential for creative and intellectual freedom. Critics highlight Woolf’s critique of patriarchal structures that have historically marginalised women writers and suppressed their voices.
In “A Room of One’s Own,” Woolf’s assertion that a woman must have money and a room of her own to write fiction is seen as a powerful metaphor for women’s broader social and economic liberation. Feminist critics analyse Woolf’s use of fictional and historical narratives to illustrate the systemic inequalities faced by women. They also explore her discussion of androgyny and the fluidity of gender, noting how Woolf challenges traditional gender roles and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of creativity and authorship.
Overall, feminist literary critics view Woolf’s work as a foundational text that not only critiques the historical exclusion of women from literary and intellectual spheres but also calls for radical changes to enable women’s full participation in cultural and artistic life.
See lessIf you could rewrite the ending of any classic novel, which one would it be and how would you change it?
Original Ending: Catherine dies, and Heathcliff, consumed by his obsessive love and desire for revenge, leads a life of torment until his own death. Alternative Ending: An alternative ending could involve a moment of reconciliation between Heathcliff and Catherine before her death. Instead of HeathcRead more
Original Ending: Catherine dies, and Heathcliff, consumed by his obsessive love and desire for revenge, leads a life of torment until his own death.
Alternative Ending: An alternative ending could involve a moment of reconciliation between Heathcliff and Catherine before her death. Instead of Heathcliff continuing his path of vengeance, he might find some peace or redemption by understanding the destructive nature of his actions and seeking forgiveness. This would allow Heathcliff a chance to break free from his torment and offer a more complex resolution to his character arc.
Reason for Change:This revised ending would still retain the novel’s gothic intensity but provide a more emotionally satisfying conclusion for Heathcliff and Catherine’s tumultuous relationship. It would emphasize the themes of forgiveness and redemption, showing that even the most passionate and destructive love can find a moment of clarity and peace. This could give readers a sense of closure and a deeper emotional resonance, while still respecting the novel’s dark and tragic nature.
See lessHow does Charlotte Brontë explore the themes of social class and gender inequality in "Jane Eyre," and how do these themes influence the protagonist's development and relationships throughout the novel?
In "Jane Eyre," Charlotte Brontë intricately explores themes of social class and gender inequality, profoundly influencing the protagonist's development and relationships. Jane Eyre, an orphan of low social status, faces constant discrimination and hardship due to her class and gender. Her struggleRead more
In “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë intricately explores themes of social class and gender inequality, profoundly influencing the protagonist’s development and relationships. Jane Eyre, an orphan of low social status, faces constant discrimination and hardship due to her class and gender. Her struggle for self-respect and independence in a rigid, patriarchal society forms the core of her journey.
Social Class: Jane’s low social standing subjects her to maltreatment from characters like her Aunt Reed and the wealthy students at Lowood School. Despite her intelligence and moral fortitude, her class limits her opportunities, compelling her to work as a governess—a position that isolates her between the servant class and the gentry. Her relationship with Mr. Rochester highlights these class tensions, as she navigates the power imbalance between them. Jane’s insistence on maintaining her dignity and moral principles, despite her love for Rochester, underscores her resistance to being subjugated by class norms.
Gender Inequality: The novel also critiques gender roles and the limited options available to women. Jane’s desire for equality and self-expression challenges the expectations of women in her time. Her interactions with strong female characters like Helen Burns and Miss Temple influence her belief in moral integrity and intellectual equality. Moreover, her rejection of St. John Rivers’ proposal, which demands her submission to his rigid expectations, further emphasizes her quest for autonomy.
Through Jane’s experiences, Brontë advocates for a society where one’s worth is determined by character and intellect rather than social class or gender, ultimately portraying Jane’s development as a testament to personal strength and resilience against societal constraints.
See less