Assignment Code: BEGC-105/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: BEGC-105

Assignment Name: American Literature

Year: 2023-24

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Section A

Answer with reference to the context:

Qi) Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I with mournful tread.

Walk the deck my captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

Ans) This poem was written in the aftermath of the American Civil War, and it serves as an elegy for President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated shortly after the end of the war. The poem is both a celebration of the Union's victory and a lament for the loss of a beloved leader.

In the context of these lines, the speaker, presumably a ship's captain, is addressing the shores and the bells, calling on them to rejoice and celebrate. However, the speaker's tone is somber and mournful. The reason for this contrasting emotion lies in the second part of the lines: "But I with mournful tread. / Walk the deck my captain lies, / Fallen cold and dead."

The context of these lines is a ship returning to port, with the shores and bells signifying the jubilant welcome of the victorious vessel. The speaker, who is presumably a captain of the ship, is unable to share in this celebration. Instead, he walks the deck with a heavy heart because his captain, referring to President Lincoln, has fallen and died.

The reference to President Lincoln as "my captain" reflects the deep respect and admiration the speaker has for him. Lincoln, in this context, is seen as the captain of the ship, symbolizing the leader of the nation during a tumultuous period. His death is a great loss, and it casts a shadow over the triumph of the Union's victory in the Civil War.

These lines convey a sense of bittersweet victory. While the Union has won the war and preserved the nation, it has come at the cost of the president's life. The speaker's sorrow and the mourning walk on the deck stand in stark contrast to the exultation happening on the shores and the ringing of bells. It is a poignant moment that captures the complex emotions of a nation that has achieved a significant goal but has lost a beloved leader in the process.

Walt Whitman, the poet, wrote this poem as a personal expression of grief and admiration for President Lincoln. It reflects the deep impact of Lincoln's leadership and the profound sense of loss felt by the American people at the time. The poem "O Captain! My Captain!" has since become an enduring elegy, not only for Lincoln but also for leaders and figures who are mourned with a mixture of reverence and sorrow.

Qii) The Crow God as depicted

in all of the reliable Crow bibles

looks exactly like a Crow.

Ans) The quoted lines, "The Crow God as depicted in all of the reliable Crow bibles looks exactly like a Crow," are from Sherman Alexie's work "Crow Testament." These lines are part of a collection of poems and prose pieces that explore the identity, culture, and history of the Native American Crow people, of which the author, Sherman Alexie, is a member.

In the broader context of the poem and the work as a whole, these lines hold significant meaning. They address the portrayal and representation of the Crow God within the cultural and religious context of the Crow people.

The Crow people, like many Native American tribes, have their own religious and spiritual beliefs. These beliefs often include reverence for animals, natural elements, and spiritual entities. The mention of "the Crow God" indicates the central deity or spiritual figure within the Crow religion. This figure is, quite literally, depicted as a crow, the bird, in all the reliable religious texts of the Crow people.

This portrayal has several implications within the context of the poem and Alexie's work:

Cultural and Spiritual Identity: The lines emphasize the deep connection between the Crow people and the natural world. The fact that their God is represented as a crow underscores the cultural and spiritual identity of the Crow people as closely tied to the environment and the creatures around them. It reflects their unique perspective on the divine.

Nonconformity: The lines challenge conventional Western or Judeo-Christian representations of God. In many Western traditions, God is often depicted as a human-like figure. However, the Crow God's representation as a crow defies this convention. It is an assertion of the Crow people's spiritual autonomy and their choice to represent the divine in a way that is authentic and meaningful to them.

The Reliability of Tradition: The reference to "reliable Crow bibles" highlights the importance of preserving and respecting the religious and cultural traditions of the Crow people. It suggests that there may be external influences or misrepresentations that need to be distinguished from the genuine, reliable sources of Crow spirituality.

Celebrating Diversity: The portrayal of the Crow God as a crow underlines the rich diversity of religious beliefs and representations across different cultures and traditions. It serves as a reminder that there is no one universal way to conceive of the divine.

Qiii) They added ridge to valley, brook to pond

And signed for all that bounded their domain;

This suits me for a pasture; that’s my park;

We must have clay, lime, gravel, granite-ledge,

Ans) In this poem, Emerson explores the theme of the relationship between humans and nature, reflecting on the human tendency to assert ownership and dominion over the land.

In "Hamatreya," Emerson vividly describes how people lay claim to the land, adding various features to it, such as ridges, valleys, brooks, and ponds. They mark their territories and declare ownership of the land as their own. The lines emphasize the different purposes people find for the land they claim. Some see it as a pasture, others as a park, and they all require various natural resources like clay, lime, gravel, and granite-ledge to fulfil their needs.

This portion of the poem underscores the idea that humans, in their quest for land ownership and the utilization of its resources, often view the land as a commodity to be exploited for their individual purposes. The emphasis on diverse uses of the land, from pastures to parks, signifies the human desire to shape the natural world according to their preferences and needs. In doing so, they make alterations to the landscape, adding ridges, valleys, brooks, and ponds to suit their vision of the land's potential.

Emerson's "Hamatreya" critiques this human attitude toward nature and the land. He suggests that humans are only temporary inhabitants of the Earth, and their claims of ownership are transient. The poem goes on to assert that, in the grand scope of time, nature outlasts human endeavours, rendering their claims and marks on the land insignificant. The land itself is eternal, and it will eventually reclaim and renew itself.

The larger context of the poem emphasizes the transient nature of human existence in contrast to the enduring power and permanence of nature. Emerson challenges the idea of absolute human dominion over the land and suggests that the land, like the concept of "Hamatreya" itself, is greater than any individual or generation. The poem encourages readers to consider the relationship between humanity and nature, raising questions about human hubris and the lasting impact of human actions on the natural world.

Qiv) We slowly drove-he knew no haste

and I had put away

My labour and leisure too,

for his civility

Ans) The lines "We slowly drove—he knew no haste / And I had put away / My labour and my leisure too, / For his civility" are from Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death." In this poem, the speaker reflects on the nature of death and its inevitability, portraying death as a gentle and patient presence.

Context:

In this poem, the speaker recounts her own journey with death. She personifies death as a kind and courteous suitor who arrives unexpectedly to escort her from the world of the living to the afterlife. The journey is depicted as a carriage ride, and the scene described in these lines is part of that journey.

Analysis:

The lines convey the idea that Death is in no hurry, and the speaker, upon encountering Death, has willingly set aside her worldly concerns and activities to accompany him. The phrase "We slowly drove" suggests a leisurely and unhurried pace, emphasizing the calm and tranquil nature of this journey.

The speaker's willingness to leave behind her "labour and leisure" signifies her readiness to depart from the realm of the living. "Labour" symbolizes her earthly toils and responsibilities, while "leisure" represents her earthly pleasures and pastimes. Both aspects of her life have been set aside, as she recognizes the call of Death and chooses to follow him.

The phrase "For his civility" highlights the personification of Death as a courteous and polite figure. In this portrayal, Death is not a fearsome or malevolent force but rather a patient guide who approaches the speaker with kindness. The idea of "civility" implies that Death is considerate and well-mannered in his approach to the speaker, as if he is there to accompany her on a formal journey.

These lines also reinforce the poem's central theme of the inevitability of death. The speaker's acceptance of Death's arrival, her willingness to leave behind her earthly pursuits, and the unhurried nature of the journey all emphasize the inescapable reality of mortality. The poet conveys the idea that death is an integral part of life and that it should not be feared but accepted with grace and composure.

Section B

Answer the following in about 300 words each.

Q1) Interpret the "Brahma" in terms of Indian thought.

Ans) "Brahma" is a poem written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, philosopher, and poet, and is often associated with Transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century in the United States. While the poem itself is not rooted in Indian thought, its title and some of its themes evoke connections to Hinduism and its concept of Brahma.

In Hinduism, Brahma is considered the ultimate reality, the universal soul, and the creator of the universe. Brahma is part of the Holy Trinity, or Trimurti, along with Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). Brahma's role is to create the world and all living beings within it.

This idea is referenced in Emerson's poem "Brahma," which offers an interpretation of the idea from a transcendentalist perspective. Within the context of the poem, Brahma is portrayed as a potent and all-encompassing entity that exercises control over the entire universe. Emerson investigates the idea that this divine power is immanent in the world, suggesting that all things are connected to and arise from Brahma. He does this by exploring the idea that this divine power is inherent in the universe. This concept is consistent with tenets of Indian philosophy, in particular Advaita Vedanta, which places an emphasis on the unity of all existing things.

The poem explores concepts of creation and destruction, implying that Brahma is both the maker and the destroyer of all things through its characterization of both concepts. This duality brings to mind the Hindu deity Shiva, who is said to be responsible for both destruction and renewal. However, compared to the traditional Hindu understanding of Brahma, Emerson's interpretation of Brahma is considerably more abstract and philosophical.

The poem also makes reference to the concept of divine indifference, suggesting that Brahma is unconcerned by the torment and struggle endured by individual creatures. This idea is reminiscent of the concept of the "unmoved mover" that is found in Indian thought. In this school of thought, the divine is viewed as being transcendent and above the concerns of mortals in the material world.

Q2) Write a critical note on 'Passage to India.

Ans) "Passage to India" is a novel by British author E.M. Forster, first published in 1924. The novel is set in India during the British colonial period and explores themes of cultural clash, imperialism, personal relationships, and the quest for understanding between different cultures. It is considered one of Forster's most significant works and a classic of 20th-century literature.

Exploration of Cultural Clash:

At its foundation, "Passage to India" explores the delicate relationship between British colonisers and native Indians. When two very different worlds collide, Forster depicts the cultural clash and misunderstandings. The novel critiques British imperialism and colonial prejudice and racism.

The Marabar Caves:

One of the most famous elements of the novel is the Marabar Caves, where a pivotal event occurs. The caves symbolize the enigmatic and unknowable aspects of India, as well as the difficulties of communication and understanding between the British and the Indians. The "echo" in the caves serves as a metaphor for the difficulties in comprehending a foreign culture.

Character Exploration:

British and Indian characters populate the storey. The plot revolves around Dr. Aziz, a young Indian doctor who represents Indian dreams. Young British woman Adela Quested embodies British newcomers' curiosity and enthusiasm. Forster explores the human side of colonialism via each well-developed character.

Mystery and Ambiguity:

"Passage to India" is known for its use of ambiguity and open-endedness. Forster leaves many questions unanswered and encourages readers to think deeply about the story's events and characters. The enigmatic nature of the Marabar Caves event leaves a lasting impression and offers ample room for interpretation.

Personal Relationships:

Colonialism and cultural clash dominate the narrative, but it also explores personal connections. It shows how hard it is to connect across cultures and races. Adela Quested's troubled connection with Dr. Aziz illustrates the difficulties of forging trust and friendship in colonial society.

Critique of Imperialism:

"Passage to India" provides a strong critique of British imperialism. Forster does not shy away from exposing the ignorance and arrogance of the British colonizers and the damage their presence inflicts on the Indian population. The novel reflects the inherent problems of colonial rule and its impact on both the colonizers and the colonized.

Narrative Style:

Forster's narrative style in the novel is characterized by a third-person omniscient perspective that allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of various characters. This perspective helps in understanding the complexities of the characters and the colonial context.

Q3) What is the source of Emily Dickinson’s biographical details?

Ans) The primary source of biographical details about the life of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated and enigmatic poets, is a combination of her personal correspondence and various biographical accounts written by friends and family members. Dickinson's life has been the subject of extensive research and scrutiny, and her correspondence offers valuable insights into her character and experiences.

Letters and Correspondence: Emily Dickinson was a prolific letter writer. She exchanged letters with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and these letters have served as a rich source of biographical information. Her correspondence includes letters to friends and mentors like Susan Gilbert Dickinson, her sister-in-law, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson, a literary critic and friend. These letters contain references to her thoughts, emotions, daily life, and her perspectives on literature and poetry. They also provide glimpses into her reclusive lifestyle.

Biographical Accounts by Friends and Family: Biographical narratives and memoirs from Emily Dickinson's friends and family illuminate her life. The best-known are "Emily Dickinson: A Biography" by her niece Martha Dickinson Bianchi and "Emily Dickinson: The Belle of Amherst" by William Luce. These testimonies provide personal details about Emily's character and interactions.

Poems and Manuscripts: Emily Dickinson's poems and manuscripts also provide indirect biographical information. Her poetry often reflects her thoughts, emotions, and observations about life, nature, and the human condition. While her poems are not straightforward autobiographical accounts, they offer insights into her inner world and her preoccupations.

Secondary Biographical Works: The original sources above have been used to write many Emily Dickinson biographies and critical studies. Dickinson's life has been illuminated by Richard B. Sewall, Cynthia Griffin Wolff, and Lyndall Gordon. These biographies incorporate together material to provide a complete picture of her life.

Historical and Contextual Research: Emily Dickinson's life has been placed in its socio-cultural context by substantial historical and contextual research. She studied mid-19th-century New England's social, religious, and political dimensions.

It is important to note that despite the wealth of available information, Emily Dickinson remains a mysterious figure. She was known for her reclusive and introverted lifestyle, and her decision to withdraw from the world and lead a secluded existence has contributed to the enigma surrounding her. Additionally, her unconventional use of language, punctuation, and syntax in her poetry has made her work subject to various interpretations and has added to her mystique.

Q4) Write a critical appreciation of the poem .”Crow Testament.”

Ans) Thematic Depth: "Crow Testament" delves into the complexities of Native American identity and the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in North America. The poem references the historical injustices, the loss of land, and the impact of colonization on Native communities. It also addresses the enduring spirit and resilience of Native Americans.

Unapologetic Tone: The poem's tone is unapologetic and raw, reflecting the poet's determination to confront and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans. Alexie uses strong language and vivid imagery to assert the strength of his cultural identity and the injustices faced by his people.

Cultural Identity: The poem is a celebration of cultural identity. It underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and resisting assimilation. The speaker in the poem asserts, "I am a member of the Spokane Tribe," emphasizing his pride in his cultural heritage and rejecting any attempts to erase it.

Resilience and Survival: The poem speaks to the resilience and survival of Native American communities despite centuries of adversity. It acknowledges the historical trauma while also highlighting the determination to endure and pass on cultural traditions.

Lyrical Language: Alexie's use of language is both lyrical and fierce. The poem is rich in vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. Lines like "I am the mule and the bloodstone. I am" resonate with emotional intensity. The poem's language is a testament to the poet's skill in blending the personal and the political.

Rejection of Stereotypes: "Crow Testament" directly challenges stereotypes about Native Americans. The poem asserts that Native people are not defined by these stereotypes and are more than the simplistic, often negative, portrayals that have persisted in popular culture.

Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of the poem is crucial to appreciating its depth. It reflects the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and recognition, and it is a response to the historical injustices and trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities.

Multilayered Meaning: The poem is rich in symbolism and metaphor, making it open to multiple interpretations. It can be read as a personal declaration, a cultural manifesto, and a call for social justice. Each reading adds to the complexity and depth of the poem.