Teachers Day celebration

Virtual Teachers Day celebration 2024

Hello everyone! This blog is all about the virtual teachers day celebration conducted at the Department of English, M.K.Bhavnagar University. In this activity we the students are dealing with various topics and on that topic we have prepared video which I have uploaded on my YouTube channel and also the Quiz as well as also available on ted.ed platform. Do spare some time and below I'm attaching the links of my various activities.

Below I'm attaching by Presentation of Slideshare platform. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

YouTube channel link.

https://youtu.be/KVB1zeG4q6Q?si=L74vm--svOnKE5On

Link for the Quiz and you'll receive an E-certificate via mail.

https://forms.gle/Qqw54tqxvuqdiMee6

Link of my Ted.ed platform.

https://ed.ted.com/on/KMhLD6MH

Thank you.

Mahesh Dattani's Final Solution

        'Final Solution by Mahesh Dattani'

This blog task is based on the practical experience which I came across, during my academic studies. We the students of English Department, got an opportunity to study the theatrical techniques a bit closer. My Professors Dr.Dilip Barad sir, organized a workshop which was conducted by Alpa Ponda ma'am, who is the research scholar at our Department and currently is pursuing PhD.

 

So this was a great opportunity for us, as a  students to know about the play and it's emotions too closely and we really did at an extent. The workshop was for about a week and during that time it was divided into sections like first two days we were told to do mono acting then ma'am alloted us to perform a small act which we have to perform within a 30 min. And next she taught us about the tone, the 9 Rasas, profile which is very important during any performance, because there are several rules for that as well, like we can't cross the face of the another character and can't even walk in a particular manner and many such which helps in creating a successful frame.

We also had vachikam at the last days of the workshop which helped in knowing more about the characters and it's situations their circumstances throughout the play. The ma'am crafted us into the character so well that we can feel the situation of the characters, their guilt and every emotions so closely.

How does Mahesh Dattani manipulate time and space within the dramatic framework of Final Solutions to create meaning? Explore the interplay of these elements with specific reference to the stagecraft techniques employed by the playwright.

He chooses topics that are usually never spoken about in society. These topics are always debated in various socials situations and are usually seen to be discussed in his plays and exhibition of the stage is quite efficiently. The stage has all the technicalities which take the play to a different level. According to Mahesh Dattani's writing style, he likes to play with lights, and this has different connotations attached to it, which, when one reads, finds it difficult to imagine. There is a difference between a written play and one that is performed on stage or in a theater. 

His choice of make-up and costume designs are always apt to the theme of the particular play that is going to be performed on the stage. Final Solutions is a play that portrays the religion and gender bias in two different eras and the generation gap that is accompanied . The two eras that are shown are the times when India gained independence only recently and the present day.

Examine the complexity of guilt experienced by the characters in the play. How does this emotion shape their actions and relationships?

There are people like Ramnik who take some stand against intolerance towards the minority and openly dislike conservative mindsets like that of Aruna and Hardika. However, people like Daksha, who actually wanted to befriend people from the Muslim community, were not able to do so, either because of outright condemnation or because of a lack of information about the full situation related to Muslims (Zarine’s father’s sweet shop comes to mind). After her father’s murder by a few Muslims, she becomes hateful to the entire community due to her upbringing and lack of education. So, the bottom line here is that not everyone seeking tolerance was able to get it. Some people had to go through a lot more hardships and guilt as compared to others.

Reflect on your journey through Final Solutions as a student of theatre. How did the process of studying, rehearsing, and performing this play shape your understanding and appreciation of theatre?

Talking about theater, I personally don't have much experience about it in this field but, I have done some of the small parts in short film and a skit but this was the very memorable experience of mine because, during this workshop under the guidance of Apla Ponda ma'am we really get to learn a lot about the rules and regulations of the theatre, we could not have covered all but she taught us to her fullest and we enjoyed learning a lot. 

This workshop was divided into different sessions, like first we did discussion about the basics and then moved further to improving our skills on intonation and then did vachikam which was the very important part of the play, and also learnt that how to go with costumes according to the character and situation. 

Conclusion

The workshop on theatrical techniques provided me an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the practical aspects of theater, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through the structured sessions, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity involved in performing, from embodying the complex emotions of characters.

The exploration of Mahesh Dattani's "Final Solutions" not only enhanced my appreciation for stagecraft but also illuminated the powerful ways in which theater can address and reflect societal issues, particularly those related to religion, gender, and guilt. This experience has undoubtedly enriched my understanding of theater, equipping you with the skills and insights necessary to approach dramatic works with greater depth and sensitivity.

The link of our video, I'm attaching below. I hope this would be helpful.

Have a wonderful day,

Thank you.

Lab Activity: DH: MIT Moral Machine and CLiC Dickens Project

This blog task is assigned by my professor Dr. Dilip Barad sir. The main motive is to Browse through activity book by CLiC Project of Birmingham University and shall complete at least two 'thematic' activities. The detalied information is provided HERE 

The social importance of the fire-place : 

This activity aims to make connections between textual patterns in the novels and social or cultural behavious and conventions in the real world. As most texts in CLiC were written in the 19th century, we focus on the cultural context of that period. Section 12 above looked at the role of fire in A Christmas Carol and here we focus on a related topic: the so-called ‘fireplace pose’ in 19th century fiction.

This pose has been identified in literature and other cultural material from the time, such as paintings; Barbara Korte describes this in her book on body language (Korte 1997: 212). Mahlberg (2013) has looked at textual patterns of the fireplace pose in Dickens’s novels and finds that the cluster with his back to the fire is particularly frequent.

In Charles Dickens' novels, the fireplace often serves as a stage for characters to perform their masculinity and assert their authority. This is particularly evident in the "fireplace pose," where characters stand with their backs to the fire.

The fireplace pose suggests a sense of dominance and control. Characters adopting this posture often hold positions of power or authority. Turning one's back to the fire implies a disinterest in domestic matters. This suggests a focus on external concerns or professional life.The fireplace can be seen as a symbol of the unconscious, while the turned back might represent a defense mechanism against deeper emotions or desires. Gazing into the fire can suggest a character's avoidance of eye contact with others, possibly indicating discomfort or a desire to remain detached.

The combination of fire and fog in Dickens' novels adds layers of complexity and confusion. Fog often symbolizes uncertainty or misunderstanding, while the fire represents warmth and comfort. Dickens uses the fireplace here to highlight the superficiality and pretense of the window dressing social circle. So even in the other works reflecting similar kind of the demeanour around the fire place. 

The fire-place pose in 19th century literature : 

Dickens often uses the fireplace to symbolize masculinity and authority, other 19th-century authors explored different meanings associated with this domestic feature.

In other 19th-century works, fire symbolizes different meanings. It echoes similar postures reflected in Dickens' work. The characters are in a confused state of mind. In The Small House in Allington by Anthony Trollope, while facing the fire, a character discusses the past and the cold weather of London. This might suggest that the coldness of the past is burdening the present. 

Eliot's portrayal of Grandcourt's discomfort while looking at a female character is a departure from Dickens' characters, who often feel a sense of foreboding in their surroundings. Grandcourt's emotions, including jealousy and contempt, are revealed through his interactions with the fire.

Eliot's portrayal of Grandcourt's discomfort while looking at a female character is a departure from Dickens' characters, who often feel a sense of foreboding in their surroundings. Grandcourt's emotions, including jealousy and contempt, are revealed through his interactions with the fire.

Hardy's use of the fireplace in Jude the Obscure is significantly different from Dickens' portrayal. Jude's feelings of love for Sue are intensified by the presence of the fire, creating a scene that is far removed from the typical Victorian living room setting. This departure from Victorian conventions positions Hardy as an early modernist writer.

Activity 15: Education, women and governesses in the 19th century

A governess was a female tutor who taught children in their homes, often employed by upper-class families to educate their daughters. She was typically expected to be well-educated, accomplished in various arts like music and dance, and possess strong moral character. Governesses were often seen as a status symbol for families, demonstrating their wealth and social standing.

In 19th-century literature, the governess frequently plays a significant role in the story. She often provides insights into the social and cultural norms of the time, as well as the expectations placed on women and the relationship between class and education. By studying the role of the governess in these novels, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the experiences of women during this period.

Through the activity one can do deep research on any concept that belonged in the 19th century. For instance a governance, how the term is described and represented in the novel as well as in the society represented in the 19th that can be learned through the project. One does not have to read the whole text by merely finding the word one can do the research.

The governess mostly looks after a girl child, in the novel Bleak House(Ch- 30) by Charles Dickens there is a reference of a governess who is  very kind to a child and tries to be a friend of them. In many other examples mostly the governess takes care of a girl child rather than a boy child.

It also has a feature that shows how many times the words are used in the work that goes into the in depth analysis of the research work. And for further reading we get the direct reference in the text that saves lots of our time. Through this activity I learnt to find the context of any particular word in the novels or literary work, through this activity and doing everything practically taught me to think in this manner to do any further research work.

Conclusion

The role of the governess in 19th-century literature is another focal point. Governesses, typically well-educated women employed by upper-class families, are portrayed as significant figures who reflect the social and cultural norms of the time, particularly regarding women's roles and education. These characters provide insight into the historical context and the expectations placed on women during that era.

The activity emphasizes the value of analyzing textual patterns in novels to uncover connections between literary elements and the broader social and cultural behaviors of the time. By examining specific concepts, such as the "fireplace pose" or the role of the governess, one can gain a deeper understanding of the 19th-century context without needing to read entire texts. This approach not only facilitates research but also enhances one's ability to engage with and interpret literary works more effectively.

I hope this would be helpful, 

Thank you.

Laughing Buddha by Pravin Gadhvi

This blog task is assigned by our ma'am Prakruti Bhatt, this task includes discussion of the Poem " Laughing Buddha" by Pravin Gadhvi. So let's get into the poem.

To know more you can visit this page

About the Author 

Pravin Gadhavi, born 13 May 1951, is retired  IAS Officer in the Government of Gujarat. A prolific writer, his collections of poetry are Bayonet (1985), Padchhayo (1996) and Tunir (2002). His short story collections are Pratiksha (1995), Antarvyatha (1995) and Surajpankhi. The last publication was given Govt. of Gujarat Award. He has efited ‘Dalit Kavita’ for Gujarat Sahitya Academy and Svakiya (Anthology of Gujarati Dalit Literature for  Gujarat Sahitya Akademy) along with Harish Mangalam, Dalpat Chauhan.

                     Laughing Buddha 

-Buddha Purnima by Praveen Gadhavi

(Full Moon day of Buddha's birthday)

There was an

Underground atomic blast on

Buddha's birthday-a day of

Full Moon

Buddha laughed!

What a proper time!

What an auspicious day!

Buddha laughed!

At whom ?

There was a laughter on his

Lips and tears in his

Eyes

He was dumb that day.

See,

Buddha laughed!

Background of the poem

Since May 18th 1974, India etched its name indelibly into global nuclear energy. A momentous event unfolded in the desert sands of Rajasthan, at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range. It was there that India conducted its first successful nuclear bomb test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha". The date was May 18, 1974: Buddha Purnima, the date when Siddhartha Gautama was born 2530 years ago.

Q.1 What should be of a higher moral importance for governing bodies, national security or basic needs of its citizens? What do you think is Gadhvi's opinion about this?

Ans- In discussions about moral priorities for governing bodies, the balance between national security and the basic needs of citizens often becomes the topic for debate. National security is crucial for maintaining a safe and stable environment, while meeting the basic needs of citizens is fundamental for their well-being and dignity. 

In Pravin Gadhvi's poem "Laughing Buddha," Gadhvi critiques the neglect of citizens basic needs in favor of superficial or self-serving nationalistic or security concerns. He uses the Laughing Buddha as a symbol of superficial contentment, contrasting it with the harsh realities faced by ordinary people. Gadhvi's opinion seems to be that addressing the basic needs of citizens should take preference over national security concerns, highlighting the importance of genuine, fundamental care for the people rather than symbolic gestures.

Q.2 In light of Henri Bergson's essay titled "Laughter: An Essay On The Meaning Of The Comic" share your thoughts about the possible interpretations of Buddha's laughter in Gadhvi's poem.

Ans- Henri Bergson's "Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic" explores laughter as a social and philosophical phenomenon, suggesting that the comic is often a result of a mechanical rigidity clashing with the fluidity of life. In this context, Buddha's laughter in Gadhvi's poem can be interpreted through several lenses: Buddha's laughter might symbolize a transcendence of rigid, mechanical ways of thinking and being. It reflects an awareness of the fluid and dynamic nature of existence, contrasting with the fixed and rigid structures that often lead to suffering and misunderstanding.

The laughter could embody a sublime irony, where the enlightened perspective sees the absurdity in human concerns and attachments. This perspective aligns with Bergson's view that laughter often highlights the differences and rigidities in human behavior. Buddha's laughter could also represent a profound understanding of the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. In a more social context, the laughter could critique societal norms and behaviors that are overly rigid or mechanical, reflecting a deeper insight into the nature of human existence and the limitations of societal constructs.


Q.3 The rise and fall of significance of a particular moment in history depends on the narrative that is build around it. Discuss this statement with specific reference to Laughing Buddha. Share your interpretation of the lines: "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!"


Ans- The statement about the rise and fall of significance depending on the narrative is a compelling one, especially when applied to historical figures like the Laughing Buddha, also known as Hotei. Hotei is a figure in Chinese folklore who is often depicted as a jolly, rotund monk with a large belly, symbolizing contentment, abundance, and joy. While he was originally a real person, his historical significance and how he's perceived today are shaped largely by the narratives constructed around him.

The Laughing Buddha was a real monk, recognized for his cheerful disposition and generosity. Over time, his image has become more symbolic, representing happiness and prosperity in various cultures. This shift in how he is viewed from a real person to a symbol of joy, demonstrates how narratives can elevate or transform the significance of a historical figure.

In different cultures, the Laughing Buddha is incorporated into various practices and beliefs. For example, in Chinese culture, he is often associated with good fortune and abundance. The narrative of Hotei's cheerfulness and generosity contributes to his role as a symbol of luck and prosperity. This narrative impacts how people view his significance, his image is celebrated and revered due to the stories that surround him.

The lines "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" reflect the idea of celebrating a moment as significant based on the narrative created around it. In the context of the Laughing Buddha, these lines could be interpreted as highlighting the importance of recognizing and embracing moments of joy and contentment as significant. They suggest that the value of these moments is not inherent but is given meaning through the stories and celebrations we are attached to them.

The lines evoke the idea that significance is often a product of the narrative we construct. By celebrating a moment with phrases like "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" we are essentially creating a narrative that enhances the meaning of that moment. 

Conclusion 

The Laughing Buddha's significance has evolved through cultural narratives that emphasize happiness and abundance, thus reinforcing his role as a symbol of these qualities. This perspective highlights how the stories we tell shape our understanding and valuation of both people and events.

For more information you can also visit Here

I hope this would be helpful,

Thank you. 

Comparing Narrative frames of the movie Life of Pi| Slumdog Millionaire | Maharaja by Nithilan Saminathan

Hello readers this blog is a task of the activity assigned by our professor Dr.Dilip Barad sir. This blog is based on the comparative analysis of the narrative frames of the three movies i.e Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire and Maharaja. 

For the more background you can refer Teachers blog . So let's dive into the narrative frames of thise movies. 

Before talking about the narrative frames let's just know what is narrative frame?

'Frame narrative' is a form of storytelling that has never gone out of fashion. The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms describes frame narrative as 'a story in which another story is enclosed or embedded as a 'tale within the tale', or which contains several such tales.'

                                       Life of Pi

Life of Pi was released in 2012, movie by Ang Lee. The film uses a frame narrative where a present-day writer interviews the protagonist, Pi Patel, who recounts his past adventures. This layered storytelling blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The outer story of the film is set in the present, with Pi narrating his past, creating a layered structure. The primary narrative is a flashback of Pi's journey at sea after a sinking of ship. 

The narrative shifts between Pi’s time on the lifeboat and his life before and after the incident talks about the non- linear narrative frame. The structure of the film emphasizes themes of storytelling and belief, with multiple perspectives on truth and reality being central.

When we look at the ending part of the film when the Pi was rescued and transferred to the hospital at that time he was asked about the incident like how he met with an accident and what happened, at that time those two insurance agencies officers wanted something realistic or believable story which they could believe. 

Whereas at that time Pi just changed the names of the animals and replaced them with the names of real life characters or believable characters and created his own story so that those officers could believe him. At that moment we can see the mentality that no one is willing to accept something new like they think that those things which happened with Pi can only happen films but those were the things which were really faced by Pi in the film. 

Slumdog Millionaire 

The Slumdog Millionaire is a movie released in 2008, directed by Danny Boyle. The film uses a non-linear narrative to reveal the protagonist Jamal Malik’s life through flashbacks during his interrogation. Each question in the game show triggers a flashback that connects to a critical moment in his life.

The story unfolds through a fusion of real-time interrogation scenes and flashbacks, creating suspense and strengthen the audience's understanding of Jamal’s motivations and experiences. The structure combines elements of drama, romance, and thriller, with the game show format serving as a framing device for the broader narrative.

When we look at the narrative frames we also observe that how the film opens with the protagonist in the prison is tortured and the very next scene comes of the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Where he is playing the game and while answering each  question there's a flashback technique in narration beginning from the very first flashback scene of his childhood and many more scenes when we look at the movie.

                                       Maharaja 

Maharaja is a movie directed by Nithilan Swaminathan released in 2024. Story begins with the past narration of the life of the protagonist, back in 2009 that how he used to work in the salon and was a middle calss man have a small family and had a daughter, lost his family into an accident and how he takes care of the daughter which was not even his blood though he gave all the love and care as if she was her own daughter.  

Then the movie goes again into the past, a week ago where his daughter is going into the camp amd returns back during that time he is in search of a dustbin which he calls Laxmi. Later while watching the movie and coming ti the end of the movie we are able to analyse that he was not in the search for that dustbin but the victims of her daughter's condition. The whole movie is in the suspense. As the movie progresses and the audience is slowly getting to know about the storyline of the movie and main reason orr motive of the protagonist.

Comparing the narrative frames of all the movies.

Life of Pi incorporates a dual-layer structure, whereas Slumdog Millionaire and Maharaja intertwine flashbacks with real-time events to build narrative depth and suspense. Life of Pi uses its frame to explore themes of belief and storytelling, emphasizing the subjective nature of truth. Slumdog Millionaire uses flashbacks to enhance suspense and provide background to Jamal’s current situation, enriching the narrative through emotional and dramatic layers. Maharaja employs non-linear storytelling to create suspense and engage the audience, gradually revealing the protagonist’s deeper motives.

Conclusion 

The comparative analysis of the narrative frames in Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire, and Maharaja highlights how different storytelling techniques can deeply impact the viewer's experience and thematic interpretation. Life of Pi employs a dual-layered frame narrative to challenge insights of reality and fiction. By embedding Pi's adventure within an interview framework, the film explores the nature of storytelling and belief, inviting viewers to question the truthfulness of its multiple versions of the truth. 

Slumdog Millionaire uses a non-linear structure that interlaces flashbacks with real-time interrogation scenes. This method heightens suspense and enriches the audience's understanding of Jamal Malik's character, as each game show question unveils a critical piece of his past, linking his experiences to his present situation.Maharaja similarly employs non-linear storytelling, but with a focus on suspense and gradual revelation. By shifting between past and present, it maintains an air of mystery and slowly uncovers the protagonist's motives, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued.

I hope this would be helpful,

Thank you.

R.K. Narayan Short Stories

Hello readers this blog is a part oof task assigned by Megha ma'am in which I'll be discussing about the two short stories of R.K.Narayan. For more information visit teachers blog Click here

About the Novelist 

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami  who was born at 10 October 1906 and died on 13 May 2001. He is better known as R. K. Narayan, was an Indian writer and novelist known for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.

Narayan highlights the social context and everyday life of his characters. He has been compared to William Faulkner who created a similar fictional town and likewise explored with humor and compassion the energy of ordinary life. 

In a career of his over sixty years Narayan received many awards and honours including the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, India's second and third highest civilian awards, and in 1994 the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honour of India's National Academy of Letters.

An Astrologers Day 

Pre-Viewing Tasks:

Q. Observe the setting, plot, character, structure, style, theme of the original short story.

Ans:-

Setting

Aatrologer is sitting under a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path running through the Town Hall Park. It was a crowded moving place where there was various vandors. There's no particular time mentioned, the setting just talk about the streets, shops and the interaction throughout. 

Plot

The plot of the story revovels aroumd the astrologer who has been struggling with with his livelihood, faces life challenges and tangles of human life. He was a hard working astrologer whoes most of the work is done on the bases of his powerfull guess work. Unexpectedly there comes his past hin front of him, and a moment comes where he is haunted by his past mistake and somehow manages to tell everyting to his wife and gwts free from the guilt. 

Character

There's only one major charater i.e An Astrologer. Another charater is the stranger, who has came to ask about the one who has tried to kill him in his past life and was still searching him. An Astologers wife and the crowed arund him. 

Structure

The structure of the story is very simple as it begins with the description of an Astrologer. And then later it encounters with an unexpected stranger, which later creates tension and astologer is trying to control over his fear. 

Style

R.K.Narayan deals with very straight forward and easy to understand method of writing, charaterized by various descriptions and internal strugle of an Astologer. Yet the story is rich in its characterisation and description. 

Themes 

There can be noticed various themes, sucha s fate and free will, identity and truth. Around which the story revolves.

While - Viewing Tasks:

Q.The beginning, important Scenes – The encounter with Guru Nayak, the conversation with wife, the market scene,the End,the Climax Scene.

Ans:-

The story begins with the description of an astrologer who is getting ready with an equipment of his work to start his day. Also occurs the description of his looks and the surroundings where he is doing his palm reading job along with the other vendors. When the question arise about the encounter of the Guru Nayak it creates a serious of scenes where an astrologer is haunted by the past mistakes. He faces the flashback in front of his eyes in those seconds when he saw the Guru Nayak and realized that he was the one to whom is has tried to murdered when he was a young boold.

While conversation with his wife, is seen very too the pont and accurately described that how an astrologer is sharing about his past mistakes with his wife and is getting guilt free as he gets to know that, that person is alive. The market scenes gives the story a beautiful effect as it has a very natural things, which readers and can easily relate with their day to day life, also enhances the story line. That market was the place where an astrologer gets his livelihood. The place filled with lot's of interactions with various customers and vendors. 

When talking about the climax of the story for an astrologer looks like facing a great shock when he saw the face of the customer in that dim firestorm light. That was the time when he actually realized that Guru Nayak was the man whom he had tried to murder during his young phase of life in his village.

Then story end with the realization of power of fate that an astrologer had. And the satisfaction he had that the one whom he had tried to murder is alive and gets relief from the guilt. The scenes where collectively effecting the themes such as fate, the consequences of past actions and a thought provoking narrative. 

Post- Viewing task

Q.How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

The short film which we watched, while looking overall it was faithful to the original story. But there are some changes in the scenes. Like the amount of cost he was charging in the story is three pies per question, while looking at the short film it talks about the cost in ruppes it maybe due to the modification and to add the modern version to the film. 

Q. After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

When we look at the characters and the situations that have occured in the short film is almost the similar to the story line and plot of the short story. Though I can definitely say that the short film helped in making the characters and situations more clear.

Q. Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If no, can you explain with reasons?

Definently yes, the very beginning of the story it talks about the beauty of the Indians i.e the market place the groundnut vendors and the surrounding feels so real that it definitely gives ' aesthetic delight'. The more beautiful scene occured at the end of the story i.e when an astrologer accepts his mistake and confronts in front of his wife about his past mistakes and gets free from the gulit of murder. 

Q. Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?

Yes absolutely, it has enhanced the understanding of the short story because it's always an exciting method to watch something happening visually, as it gives more ckear understanding of the concept of the story. 

Q. Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?

The very scene that I felt was perfect, was the time when an astrologer didn't changed his facial expression when he saw Guru Nayak he handled his fear very calmly and aslo the Guru Nayak who was very eager to take revenge of the one who had attacked on him. At that moment an astrologer tackled the situation so well by saying Guru Nayak that the one who attacked has already been died and that made Guru Nayak calm. That scene is very perfect to me.

Q.If you are director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan?

If, I would have given an opportunity to direct, then I would have added some mythical elements which would give spark to the plot of the story, as it creates the suspicious thoughts to the viewers. 

                     Crime and Punishment 

Exploring the dynamic roles of teacher and student.

Typically the very first role which comes after parents is of the teacher who builds the students life in an intellectual as well as builds his moral character. When we talk about the story the teachers expectation is weighing the student, later the time comes when the student misuses the teachers one single mistake and is constantly trying to make things do what he is willing to do.

The students often navigates by teacher. Students are the one who looks at the teacher and spends most of his time observing them and just wants to be the way they do. The students first role models are most of the time thier teachers only. 

            Through the Examples of movies

                         Tare Zamin per

This movie also talks about the teacher and student relationship. It talks about how the teacher is willing to work hard for the student who is lacking in his academic skills and is helping him to learn. Later in the movie we can also observe that how the parents are unable to understand the childs capacity of learning while the teacher was the one to observe it and worked on him so that he can be just like other students do.

                                 Black

One of the movie which talks about the girl who neither hear nor be able to see. His father couldn't even understand her situation and was about to send her to hospital. But somehow her mother manages to find the great tutior for her who taught her how to behave, how to eat, how to feel things and even taught her to survive during her academics. She took almost 10 years to complete her graduation as she was bit different from the normal students still she kept on working hard and achieved his bachelors degree. 

I hope this would be helpful,

Thank you.

Words:- 1,601

Images:- 6 

ThAct: Lab Activity: Poetry and Poststructuralism: An AI Powered Analysis

These blog task is the part of an activity in which we have to use the ChatGPT to generate the poem, also have to deconstruct and analyse respectively. For more detail to dive into the process go through Teachers blog . So lets begin. 

Summer's Love Serenade 

In summer’s warmth, our hearts entwined anew,

Beneath the sky, a boundless azure hue.

Soft whispers danced upon the balmy breeze,

As time stood still beneath the ancient trees.

Our laughter echoed through the golden light,

Two souls united, basking in delight.

The sun’s embrace, a tender, gentle kiss,

In summer's love, we found our boundless bliss.

With every touch, a fire’s tender spark,

Eternal love ignites the summer’s dark.

Analysis of the Poem

Verbal Stage:

These internal contradictions indicate the slipperiness of language, where words do not always convey stable or coherent meanings. "Eternal love ignites the summer’s dark." The juxtaposition of "eternal love" and "summer’s dark" suggests a contradiction, as summer is typically associated with light and warmth, not darkness. "As time stood still beneath the ancient trees." This line suggests the impossibility of time standing still, a literal contradiction. At the verbal stage, we look for paradoxes and contradictions at the purely verbal level. In "Summer's Love Serenade," the following lines present potential contradictions:

Examining Imagery and Contradiction:

The poem creates a vivid imagery of a perfect summer love, but a closer look reveals underlying contradictions and complexities. The line "time stood still" contradicts the natural flow of time, suggesting an impossible stasis within a fleeting moment.

Binary Oppositions:

The poem relies on several binary oppositions such as light/dark, warmth/coolness, and eternal/temporal. "Golden light" and "summer’s dark" set up a light/dark binary. Traditional associations of light with positivity and dark with negativity are complicated by the poem's suggestion that love can ignite even in the dark.

Textual Stage:

At the textual stage, we look for shifts or breaks in the continuity of the poem, revealing instabilities of attitude and a lack of fixed and unified positions: The poem shifts from the present ("our hearts entwined anew") to a timeless, almost mythical past ("beneath the ancient trees"). The tone shifts from the serene ("soft whispers danced") to the more passionate and intense ("with every touch, a fire’s tender spark"). These shifts in focus and tone reveal the poem's instability and lack of a consistent perspective, highlighting the complexities of love and time.

Linguistic Stage:

The linguistic stage involves moments when the adequacy of language as a medium of communication is called into question: The phrase "eternal love" suggests an idealized, perhaps unattainable, concept, calling into question the ability of language to capture the essence of such an emotion. The poem's use of sensory descriptions (e.g., "balmy breeze," "golden light") emphasizes the limitations of language in conveying the full experience of love and summer. These moments highlight the inadequacy and unreliability of language, suggesting that the poem itself is an attempt to express something ultimately inexpressible.

Conclusion:

"Summer's Love Serenade," when analyzed through a deconstructive lens, reveals underlying contradictions and shifts that challenge the coherence and stability of its surface meaning. The poem's verbal contradictions, textual shifts, and linguistic limitations underscore the complexity and fluidity of language and meaning, aligning with deconstruction's aim to uncover the inherent instability within texts. This analysis reveals how the poem, while seemingly unified in its celebration of love and summer, contains fractures and conflicts that destabilize its apparent harmony.

Shadows of Mortality

In twilight's grip, we face the final breath,

Life's fleeting dance gives way to silent death.

The stars, like whispers, fade into the night,

As shadows merge with everlasting light.

A chill descends, the world in stillness keeps,

While hearts left grieving fall to silent weeps.

The echoes of our lives, a distant song,

Remind the living where they still belong.

Through memories, our spirits softly trace,

The fragile line between time and space.

In death's embrace, we find a solemn peace,

An end to pain, a timeless sweet release.

Yet in the darkness, hope’s faint glimmers shine,

Life’s legacy in hearts and dreams divine. 

Analysis of the Poem 

Challenging Binary Oppositions:

The poem sets up several binaries such as life/death, light/dark, and pain/peace. Traditional associations of life with vitality and death with cessation are complicated by the line "In death's embrace, we find a solemn peace," suggesting a peaceful resolution in death rather than sheer finality. Light and dark are traditionally seen as opposing forces, yet "shadows merge with everlasting light," blending the two into a single continuum rather than maintaining their separation.

Interdependence of Subject and Object:

The poem speaks to the interconnectedness of life and death, reflecting poststructuralist ideas that subjectivity and objectivity are intertwined. The line "The echoes of our lives, a distant song" implies that the impact of one's life (subject) reverberates and influences the world (object) even after death.

Multiplicity of Meanings:

The phrase "hope’s faint glimmers shine" in the context of darkness underscores the complexity of hope and despair coexisting. This destabilizes the binary of hope/despair, suggesting that even in dark times, hope can persist. "A timeless sweet release" offers multiple interpretations: it could signify the end of suffering or the transcendence of time through death, challenging the linear progression of life.

Fluidity and Instability of Language:

The imagery of "twilight's grip" and "silent death" highlights the fluid and unstable nature of language. Twilight, a time between day and night, symbolizes the transition between life and death, emphasizing the continuous flux and transformation rather than fixed states.
The poem's language, while aiming to capture the essence of mortality, reveals its own limitations in fully expressing the experience of death and the afterlife.

External Influence on Subjectivity:

Poststructuralism argues that the subject is produced outside itself. In the poem, "Through memories, our spirits softly trace" suggests that identity and subjectivity are shaped by memories and external experiences, reflecting the influence of the external world on the internal self.

Conclusion:

"Shadows of Mortality" exemplifies the principles of deconstruction by revealing the instability and complexity of its central themes. The poem's binaries, language fluidity, and interdependence of subject and object challenge traditional notions of life, death, and meaning. Through this deconstructive lens, the poem invites readers to embrace a multiplicity of interpretations and the continuous interplay between opposites, highlighting the richness and depth of the human experience.

I hope this would be helpfull, 

Thank you.