Assignment Code: MEG-07/TMA/2023-2024

Course Code: MEG-07

Assignment Name: Indian English Literature

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Q1a) Write short note on Message of Sri Aurobindo in ‘Life and Death’.

Ans) Sri Aurobindo's message in "Life and Death" encompasses profound spiritual insights and a holistic perspective on the nature of existence. In this essay, he explores the interconnectedness of life and death and their roles in the larger context of spiritual evolution:

Life and Death as Complementary: Sri Aurobindo emphasizes that life and death are not opposing forces but integral aspects of the same cosmic process. Life is a continuous journey that includes birth, growth, and eventual dissolution through death. This cycle is essential for the soul's evolution.

Death as a Transition: Sri Aurobindo views death as a transition rather than an endpoint. He suggests that death is a passage to a different state of existence, where the soul continues its journey, learns, and evolves. It is not an annihilation but a transformation.

The Pursuit of Immortality: Sri Aurobindo believes in the pursuit of spiritual immortality, where the individual transcends the cycle of birth and death. He posits that through spiritual growth and realization, one can attain a state of consciousness beyond death, achieving liberation from the limitations of mortality.

Integral Yoga: Sri Aurobindo's message encourages individuals to embark on an integral yoga, a path that combines spiritual practices with everyday life. By integrating the spiritual into daily existence, one can move closer to a state of consciousness where life and death lose their hold over the soul.

Q1. b) Write short note on Ruskin Bond’s Art of story Telling.

Ans) Ruskin Bond, a celebrated Indian author, is renowned for his exceptional storytelling skills.

Simplicity and Clarity: Bond's stories are known for their simplicity and clarity. He often uses straightforward language and concise descriptions, making his narratives accessible and relatable to readers of all ages.

Emphasis on Nature: Nature plays a prominent role in Bond's storytelling. He vividly describes the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and the serene landscapes of India. His deep connection with nature adds a unique charm to his stories.

Character Development: Bond excels in creating memorable characters. His protagonists, often children or young adults, are relatable and endearing. Readers can easily connect with their experiences and emotions.

Themes of Childhood and Innocence: Many of Bond's stories revolve around the themes of childhood and innocence. He captures the wonder, curiosity, and adventures of youth, evoking nostalgia in readers.

Blend of Realism and Fantasy: Bond's storytelling often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. He seamlessly weaves magical elements into everyday life, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Short Story Mastery: Bond is particularly known for his mastery of the short story format. He can create a complete and engaging narrative within a limited word count, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

Sense of Belonging: Through his stories, Bond installs a sense of belonging to the Indian landscape and culture. He portrays the warmth of human relationships and the simplicity of rural life in India.

Universal Themes: While rooted in Indian settings, Bond's stories explore universal themes of love, friendship, loneliness, and the human condition. This universality makes his works resonate with readers worldwide.

Q1. c) Write short note on Narrative techniques in Gajar Halwa.

Ans) "Gajar Halwa" is a short story written by O. Henry, known for his clever narrative techniques.

Irony: O. Henry is famous for his use of situational irony. In "Gajar Halwa," he sets up a scenario where the protagonist, Horace, receives a dubious gift from his friend, Harvey. The irony lies in Horace's initial disdain for the gift, only to later realize its true value.

Misdirection: O. Henry skilfully leads readers to believe that the story is about Horace's unappreciated gift, the jar of gajar halwa. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn when Horace's focus shifts from the dessert to a hidden treasure, adding an element of surprise.

Humour: O. Henry often uses humour to entertain readers. In "Gajar Halwa," the humour arises from Horace's reactions to the gift and his subsequent antics as he searches for the treasure.

Twist Ending: O. Henry is renowned for his twist endings, and this story is no exception. The revelation of the treasure's location, right under Horace's nose, is unexpected and adds a delightful twist to the narrative.

Dialogue: O. Henry's use of witty and natural dialogue contributes to the story's charm. The banter between Horace and Harvey adds depth to their characters and keeps the narrative engaging.

Characterization: Though "Gajar Halwa" is a short story, O. Henry effectively establishes the personalities of the main characters, making them relatable and memorable.

Economy of Language: O. Henry's concise yet descriptive writing style allows him to pack a lot of information and emotion into a short space, making his stories accessible and enjoyable.

Q1. d) Write short note on Central theme of poem ‘My Grandmother’s House by Kamala Das.

Ans) The central theme of Kamala Das’s poem "My Grandmother's House" is a powerful exploration of the poet's deep longing for a return to her ancestral home and the nostalgia associated with her grandmother's house.

Nostalgia and Memory: The poem is suffused with a sense of nostalgia as the poet fondly reminisces about her grandmother's house. It is a place filled with cherished memories, and the poet yearns to relive those moments.

Sense of Belonging: Kamala Das expresses a strong emotional attachment to her grandmother's house. It is a place where she felt a deep sense of belonging and comfort. The house symbolizes her roots and heritage.

Loss and Disconnection: The poem also conveys a profound sense of loss and disconnection. The house is described as "dead" and "empty," highlighting the absence of her grandmother and the changes that have occurred over time.

Search for Identity: Kamala Das uses the house as a metaphor for her own identity and roots. She longs to rediscover a sense of self and connection to her cultural and familial heritage.

Conflict between Past and Present: The poem delves into the conflict between the past, represented by the grandmother's house, and the present, where the poet feels like a stranger. This conflict reflects the broader theme of cultural and personal identity in a changing world.

Yearning for Comfort: The poem reflects a yearning for the comfort and security associated with the past. The poet seeks solace in the memories of her grandmother's house in a world that has become unfamiliar and unsettling.

Q2) Comment on the problems and challenges faced by the Post 1930s Novelists.

Ans) Post-1930s novelists faced a multitude of problems and challenges as they navigated the literary landscape of the 20th century. This period was marked by significant shifts in society, politics, technology, and culture, all of which had a profound impact on the themes, styles, and concerns of novelists.

World War II and Its Aftermath: The shadow of World War II loomed large over post-1930s novelists. Many writers had witnessed the horrors of war, and they grappled with how to depict and respond to this unprecedented violence and trauma in their works. The war also brought about a deep sense of disillusionment and existential questioning, which found its way into their narratives.

Social and Political Upheaval: The mid-20th century saw significant social and political changes, including the civil rights movement, the women's liberation movement, the decolonization of countries, and the Cold War. Novelists were tasked with addressing issues of racial inequality, gender discrimination, colonialism, and the threat of nuclear annihilation in their writings.

Technological Advancements: The post-1930s era witnessed rapid technological advancements, particularly in communication and transportation. The advent of television and the increased accessibility of air travel reshaped society and posed challenges to the traditional forms of storytelling. Writers needed to grapple with the impact of these changes on human relationships and communication.

Existentialism and Absurdism: Existentialist and absurdist philosophies gained prominence in this period, with writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus exploring themes of existential angst and the inherent meaninglessness of life. Novelists were influenced by these philosophical ideas and sought to incorporate them into their narratives, often creating characters who grappled with existential dilemmas.

Censorship and Controversy: Many post-1930s novelists faced censorship and controversy due to their willingness to address taboo subjects such as sexuality, mental illness, and political dissent. Works like D.H. Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" faced legal challenges and moral objections.

Changing Literary Forms and Styles: Novelists of this period experimented with narrative forms and styles. Modernist techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness writing and nonlinear storytelling, continued to influence writers, but they also sought new ways to capture the complexity of human thought and experience.

Market Pressures: The publishing industry evolved, with increased commercialization and the growing influence of market forces. Writers often grappled with the pressure to produce commercially successful works while also addressing their artistic and intellectual ambitions.

Globalization: The world became more interconnected through globalization, and novelists were challenged to represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives. This included the incorporation of diverse cultures and languages into their narratives and addressing the consequences of globalization on societies and individuals.

Environmental Concerns: As the environmental movement gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, novelists began to grapple with issues of ecological sustainability and the impact of human activities on the natural world. Environmental themes became increasingly prevalent in literature.

Legacy of Literary Modernism: Novelists had to contend with the legacy of literary modernism, which had set a high bar for experimentation and innovation in literature. Some writers embraced modernist techniques, while others sought to break away from them in pursuit of new narrative approaches.

Q3) Attempt a character sketch of the Astrologer. How does this story evoke sympathy/anger?

Ans) The character of the Astrologer in R.K. Narayan's short story "An Astrologer's Day" is a fascinating and multifaceted individual. As the central character of the story, he undergoes a transformation that evokes both sympathy and, to some extent, anger from the readers.

Character Sketch of the Astrologer:

Mysterious and Enigmatic: The Astrologer is introduced as a mysterious and enigmatic figure who sets up his shop on the outskirts of a bustling market town. His occupation is based on the belief in the influence of celestial bodies on human lives.

Resourceful and Opportunistic: The Astrologer is resourceful and opportunistic. He capitalizes on people's superstitions and vulnerabilities to make a living. His success relies on his ability to provide answers that people want to hear, even if they are not entirely accurate.

Cunning and Manipulative: He is a shrewd and cunning individual. He uses his knowledge of astrology to manipulate people's emotions and actions. He carefully observes his clients, extracts information from them, and tailors his predictions to their desires.

Lack of Ethics: The Astrologer operates without a strong moral compass. He takes advantage of the fear and anxiety of his clients, especially those who seek his guidance for serious matters like life and death. His willingness to profit from their suffering raises ethical questions.

Haunted by His Past: Throughout the story, the Astrologer is haunted by a traumatic event from his past. He had left his village after a near-fatal altercation with a stranger, whom he believed he had killed. This incident has left him deeply scarred and fearful of retribution.

Transformation and Redemption: The turning point in the story comes when a stranger approaches the Astrologer for a reading and reveals himself to be the man the Astrologer thought he had killed. This revelation shakes him to his core, and he experiences a transformation. He realizes the extent of his guilt and the burden he has been carrying all these years.

Vulnerable and Fearful: After the encounter with the stranger, the Astrologer becomes vulnerable and fearful. He confesses his past crime to his wife and decides to leave behind his deceptive practices and start anew, embracing a life of honesty and integrity.

Eliciting Sympathy and Anger:

The story "An Astrologer's Day" skilfully evokes sympathy and, to some extent, anger from readers through various narrative elements:

Sympathy:

His Traumatic Past: The revelation of the Astrologer's traumatic past engenders sympathy. Readers can empathize with the burden of guilt and fear he has carried for years. The fact that he has been haunted by the thought of having killed someone tugs at the reader's emotions.

His Desire for Redemption: The Astrologer's decision to confess his past and reform elicits sympathy. His desire for redemption and the courage to confront his past actions show a glimmer of humanity beneath his manipulative exterior.

Anger:

Exploitative Practices: The Astrologer's exploitative and deceitful practices anger readers. He preys on people's fears and superstitions, often providing false hope or inaccurate predictions for personal gain. This manipulation is ethically questionable and can frustrate readers.

Lack of Moral Conscience: His lack of moral conscience and disregard for the emotional well-being of his clients can also be infuriating. He shows little empathy for their genuine concerns and misleads them without hesitation.

Q4) Examine the treatment of time in ‘Clear Light of Day’.

Ans) In Anita Desai's novel "Clear Light of Day," the treatment of time is a central and intricate element of the narrative. The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with past and present intertwined, as the characters grapple with memories, regrets, and the passage of time.

Temporal Layers: "Clear Light of Day" is structured in temporal layers, with the past and present coexisting and often blurring together. The narrative switches between the characters' memories of their childhood in Old Delhi and their current lives in New Delhi. This layering creates a complex and textured portrayal of time.

Nostalgia and Memory: The novel is suffused with nostalgia, as the characters revisit their childhood memories and the past. Bim is deeply attached to her memories of the house in Old Delhi and her deceased brother Raja. The house itself becomes a symbol of her nostalgia and longing for a simpler, happier time.

Temporal Fluidity: Time in the novel is not rigid or linear but rather fluid. The characters' memories and thoughts flow seamlessly between the past and the present. This fluidity reflects the characters' struggle to reconcile their current lives with the ghosts of their past.

The House as a Time Capsule: The house in Old Delhi is a powerful symbol of time. It is both a repository of memories and a physical representation of the past. The characters' return to the house triggers a flood of memories, highlighting the inextricable connection between place and time.

Rituals and Routine: The novel also explores the cyclical nature of time through daily rituals and routines. Bim's teaching job and Aunt Mira's household chores provide a sense of continuity, even as they yearn for a break from the monotony.

Regret and Missed Opportunities: The characters grapple with regret over missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. Bim regrets not pursuing her own ambitions, while Raja's sudden death leaves a void that haunts the family. These regrets are a testament to the irreversible nature of time and the paths not taken.

Change and Decay: Time is portrayed as a force of change and decay. The once-grand house in Old Delhi is now in a state of disrepair, mirroring the characters' own aging and changing circumstances. The decay of the physical environment underscores the inevitable passage of time.

Cultural Shifts: The novel also reflects the changing times in India. The characters' memories of pre-independence India contrast with the post-independence era in which they find themselves. This shift is especially evident in Tara's modern, Westernized lifestyle, which differs significantly from her childhood experiences.

Time's Effect on Relationships: The treatment of time in the novel also extends to the dynamics of family relationships. The characters' interactions and conflicts are shaped by their shared history and the passage of time. Bim's resentment towards her siblings and Aunt Mira's role as a surrogate mother are examples of how time has influenced their relationships.

Climactic Reckoning: The climax of the novel brings the treatment of time to a head. Bim confronts her memories and the reality of her family's fractured state, leading to a moment of profound self-awareness and reconciliation with the past.

Q5) Trace the origin of Indian English Poetry.

Ans) The origin of Indian English poetry can be traced back to the colonial period when British rule in India had a significant impact on the country's literary landscape. Indian English poetry emerged as a distinct literary tradition with its own unique voice and themes.

Early Influences (17th to 18th Century):

The earliest recorded instance of English poetry in India can be found in the works of European travellers and missionaries who visited the subcontinent. They often authored poems that described their experiences in India, its culture, and its people. Sir Thomas Roe, an English diplomat, authored poems during his visit to the Mughal court in the early 17th century.

Beginnings of Literary Activity (Late 18th Century to Early 19th Century):

Sir William Jones, a British judge and philologist, is considered a pivotal figure in the early development of Indian English poetry. His appreciation for Indian literature and languages influenced his own poetry, which often drew inspiration from Indian themes and imagery.

Bengal Renaissance (Late 18th to 19th Century):

The Bengal Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement in Bengal that played an important part in the development of Indian English literature, especially poetry. This growth may be traced back to the time period of the Bengal Renaissance. During this time period, notable poets such as Henry Derozio and Michael Madhusudan Dutt came to prominence. Reflecting the spirit of the times in which they were written, Derozio's poetry frequently investigated concepts such as nationalism, liberty, and social reform.

Victorian Influence (19th Century):

The Victorian era had a significant impact on the literary forms and styles used by Indian English poets writing during the 19th century. They used classic English poetic forms, but their subject matter frequently focused on Indian culture and society, as well as the tension between Eastern and Western ethical standards. Toru Dutt, who is commonly regarded as one of the pioneers of Indian English poetry, penned poems that were inspired by Indian mythology and history, highlighting a blend of Western and Indian ideas. His poems are often cited as an example of this blending of Western and Indian influences.

Post-Independence Era (20th Century):

The years immediately following India's independence were marked by the flowering of Indian English poetry. Nissim Ezekiel, A.K. Ramanujan, and Kamala Das are just a few of the prominent poets that rose to popularity during this time. The poetry of Nissim Ezekiel represented the intricacies of current Indian life, while the work of A.K. Ramanujan frequently explored Indian culture, mythologies, and the linguistic diversity of the country. Kamala Das, who also goes by the name Kamala Surayya, is a poet who is well-known for writing poetry that is brazen and candid and that focuses on love, sexuality, and the female experience.

Contemporary Indian English Poetry (Late 20th Century to Present):

The social, political, and cultural landscape of India is constantly shifting, and Indian English poetry has continued to develop as a reflection of these shifts. Arundhathi Subramaniam, Vikram Seth, and Jeet Thayil are among the poets who have achieved widespread acclaim on a global scale.

The themes that are explored in contemporary Indian English poetry are varied and cover a wide variety of topics. Some of these topics include globalisation and urbanisation, identity and gender, the environment, and even politics.

Indian English poets writing today frequently experiment with many forms and styles, drawing inspiration from a variety of literary traditions, including Western and Indian.

Diaspora and International Influence:

Indian English poetry has also been strengthened by the contributions of poets from the Indian diaspora, such as Meena Alexander and Sujata Bhatt, who have provided the genre with their own distinct points of view.

In addition, Indian English poets have participated in and been influenced by worldwide literary trends, which has contributed to the diversity and richness of the poets' body of work.