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A Note on Imperialism

'Imperialism' is a theory to denote the attitude of practicing & expanding power over foreign nations by colonising them employing forces like military, economic, diplomatic even cultural. The word Imperialism  has its root in Latin 'imperium' meaning 'superiority' or 'rules. But, it got its present form with the ostentatious policies by British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli & his followers. However, in 1902 in his book  Imperialism: A Study  , John A.Hobson tried to offer a highly influential interpretation of ' Imperialism ' that says free enterprise capitalism had a negative impact on the majority of population. Though it attracted a lot of debates. Many historians , theorists opposed this explanation. But the process never stopped. Many intellectuals tried to develop their own theories. Even some of the Marxist intellectuals picked up Hobsonian theory and compiled it with their own theory. Among all of those the most notable & wid...

Ted Hughes' "Crow's Fall"‐ A Critical Appreciation Unraveling How The Paradox of Black & White Reveals Victory in Defeat

                            "Where white is black and black is white, I won." Of Ted Hughes entire Crow   series " Crow's Fall" stands out as a striking instance of the recurring theme of arrogance leading to defeat. Hughes masterfully envelopes the theme using the paradox of black and white. Written sometimes between 1966 to 1969- this compact, explosive piece included in the landmark collection Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow ,  was first published in 1970. Here, in the poem the Crow is depicted as an once-white mythical creature symbolizing purity who blinded by his overreaching pride dares to assault the sun that ends up in his charred transformation. Yet, at the end, he croaks out- ' I won ' making the poem a perfect microsom of the series' bleaker themes - victory in defeat. As a modern poem " Crow's Fall  " follows no traditional rhythm and meter; it is written in free verse allowing th...

Literary Movements: Part 4

  Metaphysical Poets: Acclaimed English writer and critic Samuel Johnson, in his book " Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" coined the term 'Metaphysical Poets ' to denote a group of 17th century British poets whose poetry explored the philosophical & spiritual world going beyond the physical reality. With the use of complex paradoxes, metaphysical conceits, witty language blending logic and emotion together these poets  truly pushed the limits of poetic expression and despite Johnson's initial criticism the term has become a celebrated label for this group.  Popularly known as 'Metaphysical poetry' ; their works majorly deal with the themes of love, religion, political satire, death  and human experiences, often making comparisons between two seemingly unrelated & far-fetched things that surprise the readers. Prominent members of this group are:             John Donne   :   ' The Good-Morrow' , 'The Sun-  ...

The Hungry Tide: Sundarbans’ ecological Symphony of Humans and Nature

  Amitavo Ghosh's  The Hungry Tide  is an intriguing novel that masterfully unveils Sundarbans’ fragile beauty where nature and humanity collide in a delicate often devastating way.  Set against the tidal landscape’s shifting currents, the novel juxtaposes the personal quests of Piya, a cetologist studying river dolphins, and Kanai, a translator uncovering his uncle’s revolutionary past, with the region’s ecological and socio-political tensions. Ghosh's lyrical prose captures the archipelago's unbridled essence- where merciless strom furies shatter lives, man-eaters prowl the darkness- while exposing the scars of colonialism. Intertwining myth ,like the folklore of Bon Bibi with stark realities of clim ate change Ghosh redefines our understanding of survival, coexistence, and the cycle of life and loss in the world, making  The Hungry Tide  a poignant reflection on humans' fractured relationship with nature. Piyali Roy, the protagonist is an American ceto...

Literary Movements: Part 3

  University Wits : This term coined by George Saintsbury refers to a group of 16th Century playwrights and pamphleteers who were educated at universities, predominantly Oxford or Cambridge with the notable exception of Thomas Kyd who is often associated with this group. Other prominent members of this group are :                  1) Christopher Marlowe: Doctor Faustus              Tamburlain the Great, Edward 2                  2) Robert Greene : Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay  ,   Greene's Groats , Pandosto                 3) Thomas Nashe :    The Unfortunate  Traveller                   4) John Lyly :  'Plays' :: Campaspe , Sapho and paho,  Endymion , Gallathea , Midas                'P...

Literary Movements: Part 2

  Scottish Chaucerian : Originated in the 15 th Century by a group of Scottish poets who were influenced by Geoffrey Chaucer, “ father of English Poetry ”. ·         They were best known for their ‘narrative poetry’, ‘courtly romances’ , ‘dream allegories' , ‘use of long Latinate words,   and Middle Scots’ ·         Popularly cited as ‘makars’, these poets were believed to have introduced Chaucerian style to Scotland during the period of Scottish Renaissance. ·         Most notable of them are :       1.Robert Henryson: a) Testament of Criseyde   b) Orpheus and Eurydice       2. William Dunbar: a) Golden Barge b) Thristle and the Rose       3. Gavin Douglas: a) Palace of Honour       4. Sir David Lyndsay: a) The Fall of Prince    ...

Some Important Writers of ‘Comedy of Humors’& their notable works :

  Ben Jonson:    ‘ Comedy of Humors’ was introduced in English drama by Ben Jonson. His best known works of this genre include- Everyman in His Humour   (1598) , Everyman out of His Humour (1599), Volpone, or the Fox (1605) , Epicoene,or the Silent Woman   (1609) , The Alchemist (1610), Bartholomew Fair (1614) , The New Inn or the Light Heart (1631) , The Magnetic Lady or the Humours Reconciled (1632).   George Chapman: All Fools   (1605)   The Blind Beggar of Alexandria (1596) The Gentleman Usher (1606) May Day (1612) Thomas Middleton: The Family of Love (c 1602) A Trick to Catch the Middle One (c 1604) The Mad World , My Masters (c 1605) Philip Massinger: A New Way to Pay Old Debts (c 1621) The City Madam (c1632) Thomas Shadwell: The Sullen Lovers   (1668) The Squire of Alsatia (1688)                        ...

SPORTS BETTING AND THE SOCIAL PARADIGM:

  Introduction: Sports betting is a hot topic in the sports world. With the contribution of Internet and social media platforms it is now known to everyone. To those who are still unaware it is basically a form of gambling. The idea of making a little profit is the cause. They take a bet on the sport events a or any sports person on specific day. It demands a sheer knowledge of the game and also the conviction to predict its outcome. In the midst of an era where prices of every good and service   is increasing   rapidly and power of money is undeniable the alluring ways of making money beckons the immature mass which adorn the way for cunning   bookies.   Sports betting and Internet: Though there are some betting in sports that are legal but needless to say most of these are illegal. But this does not stop the spurious effect of the betting. Most countries have imposed a ban on betting . But Internet has made it easier for opportunistic as there is no ...

DIGITAL MARKETING : MARKETING STRATEGY OF CONTEMPORARY ERA

  Introduction: In today’s technology- bound world,  digital marketing    is another evolutionary trend for business management. With the advent of newer technologies it remains an efficient tool for organisations and companies for promoting their products or services before a larger population within a wink of an eye. In layman’s terms digitalisation of marketing refers to the entire process of marketing using digital media. It has surely revolutionized the traditional ways of business marketing irrespective to geographical boundaries, different time zones with high efficiency and growing at a faster pace with each passing day.   Accessibility and Importance of Digital Marketing 21 st  century is no doubt a tech-friendly era. As already    mentioned we are living in a technology bound world where science has blessed us with the boon of Internet. Unlike traditional marketing  digital marketing    vastly rely upon Internet. Internet ...

Welcome Note

 Most welcome to all my viewers... I am willing to share some of my creative zeal teamed with Literature, Mythology & Current Events with you... Really hope & pray that these will be fruitful for you all...  Looking forward for your attention, love & blessings for this new journey .                                                         — Advika's                   

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Ted Hughes' "Crow's Fall"‐ A Critical Appreciation Unraveling How The Paradox of Black & White Reveals Victory in Defeat

                            "Where white is black and black is white, I won." Of Ted Hughes entire Crow   series " Crow's Fall" stands out as a striking instance of the recurring theme of arrogance leading to defeat. Hughes masterfully envelopes the theme using the paradox of black and white. Written sometimes between 1966 to 1969- this compact, explosive piece included in the landmark collection Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow ,  was first published in 1970. Here, in the poem the Crow is depicted as an once-white mythical creature symbolizing purity who blinded by his overreaching pride dares to assault the sun that ends up in his charred transformation. Yet, at the end, he croaks out- ' I won ' making the poem a perfect microsom of the series' bleaker themes - victory in defeat. As a modern poem " Crow's Fall  " follows no traditional rhythm and meter; it is written in free verse allowing th...

From Shelfmate to Soulmate: An Enduring Bond Between Books & Readers

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