Movie Screening of 12th Fail

There was movie screening of 12th Fail in our college. And now as the part of task assigned I'll analyze the film with specific discourse.

      Comparative study of the film 12th Fail 

Nowadays education is getting too much wide spread and awareness regarding to it is also seen thorough the various campaigns and social media and OTT Service and platforms through movies and all. The main motive is to spread awareness for the education and that motive is very effectively explained in the movie 12th Fail.

Overview of the movie

12th Fail," directed by the acclaimed Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is a 2023 Indian drama film that tackles the unconventional tale. Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man from Chambal, falls short of his childhood dream of becoming an IPS officer by failing the 12th grade exams. Years later, haunted by regret and societal pressure, he makes a bold decision: restart his academic journey and conquer the notoriously difficult UPSC exam at the age of 25. The film explores themes of resilience, second chances, defying societal expectations, and the quest for self-realization. It challenges conventional notions of success and celebrates the courage to pursue one's dreams, even after facing setbacks.

Cast: Vikrant Massey delivers a powerful performance as Manoj, with supporting roles from Medha Shankar, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanka Chaturvedi.

Theoretical study of framework

There are various scenes through which we can depict the deep meaning incorporated in the frames. This gives an individual the perspective to look upon the things in various critical as well as in analytic way.

So here, when we look at these frame the agnle of the frame which is take from the top which suggests that there is a very small village where the protagonist belonged to. At the very beginning of the film we cannot see any seriousness in Manoj (Protagonist) like he use to cheat during his exams for passing during his academics. Here we can see the authenticity of village in a way we can see the animals and the sound of vehicles. Overall this film deals with the technical journey of Manoj and the theme of education against the societial norms. 

Looking upon the above frame we can get to know that something very dark by the color itself an individual can get to know that some trauma is face by Manoj. Yes it is true when I saw the film at that time there was the scene where he was travelling to the city for his further studies at time his luggage is being stolen and he was sitting out of the coaching class with the shock and trauma he was going through. He was completely clueless about his next step but due to his great determination he sticked to his ambition. 

These scene from the film states that the exam of UPSC is the type of a snake and ladder game. And he finds thorough his journey very supportive friends which helped him to restart his game again. There are very few candidates who get selected every year among the lakhs of candidates.

The above frame looks like the jail which originally is the gate where the candidates are waiting for it to open and they look like a prison waiting for their future with uncertainty. 

In this scene, Manoj is dressed in the uniform of an IPS officer in front of his real inspiration, Digvijaysingh. He reflects on his past mistakes and expresses gratitude for Digvijaysingh's encouragement, which motivated him to become an IPS officer.

The movie, the camera takes us inside the important Union Public Service Commission. It shows the unfairness in the system, especially against candidates who come from local backgrounds. There were some officers who use took interview of Manoj and there in one of the officer I found that there was a language issue he found in Manoj and stated him that you don't even know how to speak English properly and at that time he said that language is just a medium of conveying message it can be in any form. 

The whole cast, especially Medha, who shows grace and warmth, supports him well. The music in the background is simple but powerful, matching the genuine performances that fill the heart touching story. 

Further I found the symbol of struggle and the love which helped him to reach towards his goal. 

The love and support Manoj hot from his mother and grandmother who helped him by giving all the money she saved from the pension she used to get. This love helped him to step out from his village and from their he went to city their during his studies he met his lover she also motivated and helped him to achieve his goal.

Hugs in the movie express different feelings like satisfaction, misery and inspiration. 

Struggle is found in his every phase of life throughout his educational journey. He first worked in a library and also cleaned the bathrooms he use to sleep for the 3 to 4 hours and rest of the time he used to work and study. He also worked in the Atta chakki i.e gristmill that also symbolizes that how difficult is these exam to crack and it also gives inspiration to others. 

Contextualization 

If we observe the changing scenario of the education system, education is becoming less about knowledge and more about entrance tests and material rewards. For the middle class and lower middle class, education is the primary means for financial gains and power. In the movie, a boy belonging to the lower class uses education as a pathway to a better social life and standing.

Education rules should balance making money with being a good person. Smart people warn us not to focus only on practical education. We're busy with exams and jobs, but education is about more - it's about being wise, kind, and living well. Real life needs skills, but learning should also be about being creative, doing the right thing, and helping others.

Thematic Study

Importance of education, the pressure of societal expectations, and importance of family and friends. moreover, it also showcases caste system, and lacking of education system. While belonging from lower class family Manoj goes through many adversities like working in library, work of grindmil, and family responsibilities. The youth of nowadays know that there's no other option then working hard. He is from a rural background. Hindi is the only language he can understand and speak.

Corruption in Government system

The movie pays tribute to a few honest civil servant who resist corruption, even when it's tempting to go along with a system that encourages dishonesty and compromise. The story begins with the focus on Manoj's father, Ramveer. He loses his simple government job because he stands up against a corrupt official and a tricky local lawmaker who misuses his power without any consequences. While the father goes to Gwalior to seek legal help for his unfair dismissal, the son, armed with his grandmother's savings and travels to Delhi to pursue his goals. The main idea is simple: India requires honest civil servants and policemen, just as much as it needs anything else to keep the country going.

Comparative Analysis 

"Super 30" film released in 2019 in Hindi-language is a Biographical drama and is one the similar movie having the same themes of societial culture and education and passion towards their goal. The Anand kumar the protagonist of the movie Super 30 is also belonging to the lower-class family who was good and passionate towards his studies. So here when we see that the character of Anand Kumar is quiet similar to the Manoj Kumar when it comes to struggle and hustle against the life challenging situations. 

Feminist discussion 

The great mythological character of Sita in modern perspective we can see the character of  Shraddha who came from the very settled family yet wanted to be became civil servant instead of opting medical studies which she left it incomplete and changed her mindset after one incident she saw during his medical practice and thought that she want's to cure the societal constraints and wanted to bring some change in the society. 

In contrast, Manoj's mother handles things differently. Though Manoj's father was honest, he chooses to leave home, leaving family responsibilities behind. Under these circumstances, Manoj's mother takes charge of fulfilling family needs on her own without complaining.

Conclusion 

Such motivating movies can bring a lot of positivity among the struggling youth and the concept of Restart brings hope amongst the candidates opting for such a complicated exams. 

There is nothing easy in this life to achieve something you have to do extra or we can say to shine like a star an individual have to be something out of the box. Here I would like to quote a beautiful message that,' Strength and Growth can only come through continuous efforts and Struggles.'

References 

• Barad, Dilip, and Saurabh Khanna. “(PDF) The Changing Priorities of Education in India: A Worrisome Shift Mirrored in Popular Films and Fictions.” ResearchGate, 16 November 2023, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375641812

• Kumar, Anuj. “'12th Fail' movie review: Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivers yet another hug of hope that is more earnest than magical.” The Hindu, 26 October 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/12th-fail-movie

Thank you, 

Happy learning

I.A.Richards Practical Criticism

      Practical Criticism by I.A. Richards

I'm writing this blog as a task assigned by our professor, on I.A. Richard Prcatical Criticism and examining the poem while problematizing it and focusing on the metaphors and pictures within it. I'm going to discuss about the poem of W.H.Auden which includes the concept of Practical Criticism.

MUSÉE DES BEAUX ARTS

by W.H. Auden

About suffering they were never wrong,

The Old Masters: how well they understood

Its human position; how it takes place 

While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along;

How, when the aged are reverently, passionately waiting

For the miraculous birth, there always must be 

Children who did not specially want it to happen, skating 

On a pond at the edge of the wood:

They never forgot That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course 

Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot 

Where the dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturer's horse 

Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.

In Breughel's Icarus, for instance: how everything turns away

Quite leisurely from the disaster; the ploughman may 

Have heard the splash, the forsaken cry, 

But for him it was not an important failure; the sun shone 

As it had to on the white legs disappearing into the green 

Water; and the expensive delicate ship that must have seen 

Something amazing, a boy falling out of the sky, 

Had somewhere to get to and sailed calmly on.

Examining the problematic questions:-

W. H. Auden, analyzed through the lens of New Criticism, focuses on the theme of indifference towards suffering and tragedy. The poem scrutinizes the way people often overlook human struggles depicted in art, emphasizing the detached perspective of the world. Through meticulous examination of the imagery and language, one can unravel the layers of meaning and explore how Auden challenges the reader to confront the callousness inherent in human nature. New Criticism encourages delving into the intricacies of the text, emphasizing the self-contained nature of the poem and the significance of every word and image chosen by the poet.

1.How does Auden navigate the tension between the public's indifference to human suffering?

2.In what ways does the poem challenge the traditional role of art as a vehicle for empathy and understanding?

3.Can the indifferent viewpoint portrayed in the poem be seen as a commentary on broader societal attitudes towards suffering?

4.How does the choice of the certain paintings mentioned in the poem contribute to Auden's evalution of indifference?

5.Is there an intended doubtfulness in Auden's language, and if so, how does it impact the interpretation of the poem in the context of New Criticism?

These questions aim to provoke deeper analysis and observation of the problematic aspects within "Musee des Beaux Arts" while considering the principles of New Criticism

Here are some metaphors identified in the Poem:-

"While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along" - Metaphorically describing the indifference or obliviousness of others to human suffering.

"When the aged are reverently, passionately waiting for the miraculous birth" - Metaphorically depicting the anticipation and reverence for a significant event.

"Children who did not specially want it to happen, skating on a pond at the edge of the wood" - Metaphorically suggesting the nonchalant attitude of some towards important events, using the image of children skating.

"Even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot" - Metaphorically portraying the inevitability and often overlooked nature of suffering.

"Where the dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturer's horse scratches its innocent behind on a tree" - Metaphorically illustrating the continuation of everyday activities even in the presence of profound suffering.

"In Breughel's Icarus, for instance: how everything turns away quite leisurely from the disaster" - Metaphorically conveying the world's indifference to significant events, using the example of Breughel's painting.

"The ploughman may have heard the splash, the forsaken cry, but for him, it was not an important failure" - Metaphorically representing the lack of impact or significance for some individuals in the face of tragic events.

"The sun shone as it had to on the white legs disappearing into the green water" - Metaphorically describing the natural continuation of life, even when faced with tragedy.

"The expensive delicate ship that must have seen something amazing, a boy falling out of the sky, had somewhere to get to and sailed calmly on" - Metaphorically highlighting the detachment of certain elements, like the ship, from the profound moments of human experience.

These metaphors contribute to the poem's exploration of the human condition and the world's indifferent response to suffering.

I hope you found it helpfull. 

Thank you🌻

Frame Study of The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

Unveiling the Zeitgeist: Charlie Chaplin's Cinematic Reflections on the 20th Century

This blog is prepared as the thinking activity task. I'll be preparing the other blog also and in this blog I'll discuss about the 20th century film of Charlie Chaplin ' Modern Times ' in 1936, which talks about the major characteristics of the 20th century. 

Overview of the Modern Times:

Modern Times" is a 1936 film of Charlie Chaplin. It's a silent comedy that critiques industrialization and its impact on society. Chaplin's character was vagrant who struggles with the dehumanizing effects of mechanization. The Tramp was usually the victim of circumstances and coincidences, but sometimes the results work in his favour. In Modern Times, he picks up a red flag that falls off a truck and starts to wave it at the truck in an attempt to return it, and by doing so, unknowingly and accidentally becomes the leader of the protesting group of workers, and ends up in jail because of it. The film is a blend of humor and social commentary on the challenges of the modern era.

Frame Study:

Frame  study analysis how people translate information by surveying to build understanding of events or matters. It explores the framing of ideas in conveying and shaping individuals conception of reality through dialect, sign and conditions, influencing Frame of mind and activity. 

Motorization of humans in the context of industrialization:

The watch is used as a central motif, this frame contains the movie's storyline, themes, and character essence. It symbolizes how individuals are confined by time, depicting the repetitive nature of industrial life and highlighting their metaphorical enslavement to the clock—a potent image echoing the mechanical, industrialized essence of the 20th century.

The frame shows ships on one side and humans on the other, emphasizes a parallel between the two. Just as the ships move mechanically, the humans seem to follow a routine with a sense of inertia, reflecting a unexciting existence. This visual comparison illustrates how industrialization and routine have mechanized human life, equating the rhythm of mechanical objects with the repetitive, lackluster routine experienced by individuals in the industrial world.

Mechanization of Humanity in the Industrial Age:

Chaplin's 'Modern Times' eloquently captures the dehumanizing impact of industrialization. The relentless machinery symbolizes the mechanization of human beings, stripping away individuality in the pursuit of efficiency. The assembly line, a hallmark of industrial progress, becomes a metaphor for the erosion of craftsmanship, highlighting the harsh realities of mass production overshadowing the artistry of human labor.

This frame portrays where workers perform repetitive tasks, stuck in a monotonous routine. The workers are so engrossed in their work that they can't even stop to remove a bee from their colleague's face. It shows how the workers are bound by their work, unable to break away from the tedious cycle. The scene emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of such work, where individuals are trapped in a mechanical rhythm, losing touch with their surroundings and even their own instincts or reactions.

Rich-Poor Divide and Capitalist Promises:

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, 'Modern Times' artfully explores the widening rich-poor gap. Chaplin, through his iconic Tramp character, exposes the fallacy of capitalist promises to provide equal opportunities. The film serves as a poignant critique of a system that perpetuates the impoverishment of the poor while elevating the wealthy, laying bare the inherent flaws of unchecked capitalism.

Struggles for Basic Amenities and Human Rights:

Chaplin's lens extends beyond borders, capturing the universal struggle for basic amenities amid the growing richness of nations. Whether it's the fight for food, shelter, or clothing, his films resonate with the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. 'Modern Times' becomes a mirror reflecting the hardships of everyday life, transcending temporal boundaries.

Joblessness:

 

Charlie Chaplin is conveying the message over here is unemployment due to the factory getting shut off leading them to their protest. The major concern of the 20th century was the basic needs of the humans such as job security which was not at all fixed. 

The above scene in which the muscular prisoners are shown doing knitting, typically considered women's work. It reflects the shift in the modern age, where traditional Victorian ideas were deemed outdated and hypocritical. The new generation embraced contrasting values. Additionally, the portrayal of prisoners engaging in traditionally feminine tasks like knitting, milling, and cleaning aimed to diminish their masculine image. It's challenging societal perceptions of gendered work.

This scene conveys that a worker being shot by the police during a protest. It's not just about one person dying, it symbolizes the loss of craftsmanship and jobs.

In this scene, the policeman hands him a recommendation letter, a symbol of hope for a job. Today, a simple recommendation letter can still be crucial for job opportunities. In the modern context, even with various degrees, unemployment remains a challenge for many, highlighting the struggle to secure jobs despite higher qualifications.

This frame depicts the Mall Culture, a place where people find happiness and freedom to do what they want. It's a space where dreams and desires come true, reflecting the context of the modern age where people can fulfill their wishes and desires.

The movie concludes with an open road, symbolizing the enduring need for hope despite life's challenges. It's a timeless and significant frame that encourages optimism after facing adversity, a message relevant then, now, and always. Amidst life's hurdles, this expansive road represents Charlie Chaplin's belief in persevering and finding hope, a sentiment mirrored in his own life and ideals.

Conclusion:

Charlie Chaplin's cinematic masterpieces serve as more than mere entertainment; they are profound reflections on the zeitgeist of the first fifty years of the 20th century. Through his lens, we witness the echoes of industrialization, the stark realities of the rich-poor divide, the menace of dictatorial regimes, and the timeless struggles for basic human rights. As we delve into these cinematic gems, we not only understand the past but also find poignant lessons for navigating the complexities of the present.

Below there's a video of the film which would help you to understand the frames more precisely. 

Happy learning🌻

Frame study of the Great Dictators by Charlie Chaplin.

"Chaplin's Political Canvas: Analyzing The Great Dictator's Artistry"

Introduction: 

Embarking on a cinematic journey with Charlie Chaplin unveils a profound exploration of the socio-economic and political tapestry that defined the 20th century. Within the frames of "Modern Times" and "The Great Dictator," Chaplin's genius becomes a portal to understanding the intricate nuances of an era marked by industrialization, rich-poor divides, and the ominous rise of dictators.

This blog is prepared as a part of a thinking activity to understand the Zeitgeist of the 20th Century: From Modern Times to the Era of Great Dictators. In this blog I am going to discuss major characteristics of the 20ty century and its emergence  'The Great Dictator'.

Click here for the more clear concept. 

About the Film:

The Great Dictator is a 1940 American anti-war political satire black comedy film written, directed and produced by British comedian Charlie Chaplin, following the tradition of many of his other films. Having been the only Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, Chaplin made this his first true sound film.

In the film, scenes of Hynkel featuring the dictator, are narrated like a radio commentary. This style mimics real-life political broadcasts, satirizing the bombastic nature of leaders' speeches and their control over public perception through mass media.

War:

The big war weapon in a scene symbolize the destructive power or impact of war, the imbalance of power between conflicting sides, or the escalation of conflict to a more significant and dangerous level. It might also represent the technological advancements in warfare or the threat posed by such weaponry.

In this frame the scene with debris flying after a blast unequivocally symbolizes the chaos, destruction, and immediate impact of violence and conflict. It represents the devastating consequences of war on both the environment and people's lives.

Hynkel's Hymn to Authoritarianism: The Great Dictator

In the shadow of rising dictators, "The Great Dictator" stands as a satirical masterpiece. Chaplin's portrayal of Adenoid Hynkel is a mirror reflecting the behavioral patterns of authoritarian leaders. The film, daring and insightful, confronts the allure of unchecked power, unraveling the consequences of autocracy in a world spiraling towards conflict.

Dissecting Disparity: Rich-Poor Struggles and Broken Promises

Chaplin's lens widens to capture the chasm between the privileged and the struggling masses. The films serve as cautionary tales, unraveling the complexities of the rich-poor divide and the unfulfilled promises of capitalism. With keen social commentary, Chaplin paints a vivid picture of an era grappling with socio-economic imbalances.

This frame shows the police attacking the Jewish person from all sides symbolizes persecution faced by certain community. Thise image may highlight the historical or contemporary instances of injustice and violence of force against marginalized groups. 

The above shown frames signifies that there is the large dictatorial house of Hykel. There is a tiny creature like sign on the concrete wall. The next frame shows that is doesn't respect the artist and believe in advertisement, which shows the exhibitionism. 

 

This frame showcases the chaos or disaster or the loss of control, which represent the moment of crisis, upheaval or dramatic shift from stability to turmoil. 

Dictators and Propaganda: 'The Great Dictator'

Chaplin's audacious foray into political satire with 'The Great Dictator' tackles the rising dictatorial regimes of the time. The film's portrayal of Adenoid Hynkel, a thinly veiled Adolf Hitler, exposes the absurdity of egotistical leadership leading to mass atrocities. Chaplin uses biting humor to unveil the dangerous allure of propaganda, emphasizing the power of words to manipulate and blind the masses.

The above frame focuses on the main headlines of the newspaper. 

The depiction of Hynkel playing with the world using dictatorial ideas symbolizes the manipulative and domineering nature of authoritarian leaders. It signifies the dangerous impact of dictatorial ideologies on a global scale, portraying how such leaders wield power and influence to control or manipulate events and people for their own agendas, often at the expense of others' freedoms and well-being.

The frame depicts love birds trapped in a cage due to societal oppression, political pressure, and imposed ideologies. It symbolizes the confinement and suppression of personal freedoms, showcasing how external influences restrict individuals' ability to freely express love and live authentically.

The imagery of individuals carrying heavy luggage while moving to another city symbolizes their displacement, hardship, and sense of being marginalized within their own country. It depicts the burden of leaving behind familiar surroundings due to despair or adverse circumstances, often forced by social, economic, or political factors.

Conclusion:

The films of Charlie Chaplin stand as more than mere entertainment; they are profound reflections on the human condition. "Modern Times" and "The Great Dictator" are not just snapshots of a bygone era but timeless mirrors, inviting audiences to contemplate the past, draw connections to the present, and navigate the complexities of the human journey.

For more details you can visit the vidoe given below and can get more clear concept about the blog.

Thank you, 

Have a happy learning🌻

T. S. Eliot- Criticism- Tradition and The Individual Talent.

"Essays Unveiled: Navigating the Landscape of Criticism, Tradition, and  Individual Talent"

Thise is a blog task assigned by our professor dr.Dilip Barad. In thise blog I'll go through first the introduction and then there are several questions which I'll discuss.

T. S. Eliot (1888 - 1965):

      

               Thomas Stearns Eliot was a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic and editor. He is considered to be one of the 20th century's greatest poets, as well as a central figure in English-language Modernist poetry. His trials in language, writing style, and verse structure stimulated English poetry. He is also noted for his critical essays, which often reevaluated long-held cultural beliefs.

Poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" from 1914 to 1915, which, at the time of its publication, was considered outlandish. It was followed by The Waste Land (1922), "The Hollow Men" (1925), "Ash Wednesday" (1930), and Four Quartets (1943). He was also known for seven plays, particularly Murder in the Cathedral (1935) and The Cocktail Party (1949). He was awarded the 1948 Nobel Prize in Literature, "for his outstanding, pioneer contribution to present-day poetry".

Brief overview of the essay:

Eliot states that the word traditional is rarely talked about in terms of writing, except in a derogatory sense. At least, the word is seldom used to praise writers, either living or dead ones. This is because readers often look for the way a writer stands out from their predecessors before appreciating their work. Eliot seeks to remove this prejudice, claiming that the best parts of a poem are actually the ones that are alive with the past.

However, by “following tradition,” Eliot does not mean imitating one’s most recent ancestors. Instead, he means that a traditional poet has a “historical sense” which makes them conscious of the whole past as if it were the present. Together, all poetry makes up a simultaneous whole that is changed by new poetry and guided by old poetry. Eliot goes on to claim that a critic cannot value contemporary poetry without setting it in relation to poetry of the past. The past and the present works measure each other, the new conforming to the old and the old adjusting itself to include the new.

Eliot states that the traditional poet is aware of the entire flow of time, which is always developing but never abandoning anything or improving. Art never improves but only develops. The present is only different from the past in that it understands the past in a way that the past can’t understand itself. The immature poet won’t understand this.

Eliot next addresses some objections that say his vision of poetry involves too much learning that gets in the way of a poet’s intuition and spontaneity. Eliot explains that it doesn’t matter how much material the poet uses to obtain their knowledge, only that the poet develops a consciousness of the past throughout their life. In this process, the poet surrenders constantly to the greater value of their work.

Eliot claims that the poet is not remarkable because of their own personal experiences. In fact, the poet may even have a boring life while still being a good poet. What’s more, seeking new experiences does not help the poet enrich their poetry because artistic emotion is of an entirely different form than personal emotion. Poetry is not an expression of emotion and personality, but rather an escape from both.

Now let's discuss some of the questions based on the Eliot's Essay ' Tradition and the Individual Talent.' 

Q. How would you like to explain Eliot's concept of Tradition? Do you agree with it? What do you understand by Historical Sense?  "The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence." This historical sense, which is a sense of the timeless as well as of the temporal, and of the timeless and of the temporal together, is what makes a writer traditional.

Ans:-T.S.Eliot's concept of Tradition, as expounded in his essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," is a complex exploration of the relationship between the past and the present in the context of literary creation. Eliot challenges the standard view that artistic innovation results from the great intellect of an individual, proposing instead a more fine understanding of tradition.

The quote "The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past but of its presence" underscores Eliot's emphasis on perceiving the past not as a distant entity but as an ever-present force shaping the current moment. Eliot argues that the historical sense is a crucial aspect of tradition, requiring an awareness of both the timeless and temporal dimensions of culture.

In Eliot's view, tradition is not a mere repetition of the past but a dynamic process where each new work contributes to the evolving cultural heritage. The writer, through the historical sense, engages with tradition by blending the enduring elements of the timeless with the specificities of the temporal. This integration of the timeless and temporal is what distinguishes a writer as traditional in Eliot's framework.

The essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" proposes that the poet's creative process involves a dissociation of sensibility, where the poet transcends personal emotions to capture universal and timeless experiences. Eliot argues that the poet's work becomes a part of a larger literary tradition, and the individual talent is only valuable in its ability to contribute to and enrich this ongoing tradition.

Eliot's concept of tradition challenges the notion of complete originality, suggesting that true innovation arises from a deep engagement with and transformation of existing cultural and literary forms. While I don't hold personal opinions, Eliot's ideas have significantly influenced literary criticism by encouraging a broader understanding of the interplay between individual creativity and the cultural continuum of tradition.

Q. What is the relationship between "tradition" and "individual talent," according to the poet T. S. Eliot?

Ans:- He suggests that the poet should be aware of the literary tradition and view their work as part of a larger, ongoing conversation. The poet, according to Eliot, becomes a medium through which the entire tradition expresses itself, and the past influences and shapes the present.

Eliot emphasizes the importance of an artist's openness to tradition, stating that an individual's talent is best showcased when it interacts with the existing body of work. He encourages a fusion of the old and the new, where the artist transforms the tradition through a personal and original expression.

Eliot's perspective on the relationship between tradition and individual talent revolves around the idea that creative innovation emerges from a deep understanding and engagement with the cultural and literary heritage, rather than a complete departure from it.

Q. Explain: "Some can absorb knowledge; the more tardy must sweat for it. Shakespeare acquired more essential history from Plutarch than most men could from the whole British Museum".

Ans:-This quote refers to the varying abilities people have to acquire knowledge. Shakespeare is praised for absorbing essential history from Plutarch, contrasting with the idea that others might need to exert more effort, symbolized by sweating, to gain the same knowledge. In the context of T.S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," this highlights the diverse ways of artists to engage with tradition. Some, like Shakespeare, effortlessly absorb it, while others might need more laborious efforts to draw from the cultural reservoir, emphasizing the complex relationship between tradition and individual creativity.

Q. Explain: "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation are directed not upon the poet but upon the poetry." 

Ans:-In T.S. Eliot's essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent," the quote emphasizes the importance of separating the poet from their work. "Honest criticism and sensitive appreciation" should focus on the poetry itself rather than the personal qualities or intentions of the poet. This concept suggests that understanding and evaluating poetry should be based on the intrinsic qualities of the work, its form, language, and artistic merit, rather than subjective opinions about the poet's character or background. Eliot encourages readers to engage with the the poem independently, considering its artistic value rather than being swayed by external factors related to the poet.

Q. How would you like to explain Eliot's theory of depersonalization? You can explain this with the help of a chemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst agent, platinum. 

Ans:-T.S. Eliot's theory of depersonalization, as outlined in "Tradition and the Individual Talent," draws parallels with a chemical reaction where the poet acts as a catalyst. In this metaphor, the poet's role is to transform raw emotions and personal experiences into a poetic work. Much like platinum in a chemical reaction, the poet remains unaffected and separate from the transformative process, allowing the poem to emerge as a combination of tradition and the individual talent.

Eliot argues that effective poetry results from the depersonalization of the poet, as they channel their emotions through a medium that go beyond their individual identity. This concept range with the idea that genuine artistic creation involves a synthesis of personal expression and adherence to literary tradition. The poet, like a catalyst, facilitates this synthesis without becoming consumed by personal subjectivity, contributing to the continuity and evolution of literary tradition.

Q. Explain: "Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality." "Write two points on which one can write a critique of 'T.S. Eliot as a critic'.

Ans:- According to T. S. Eliot, the poet's task is to reshape and rejuvenate existing literary conventions, contributing to the ongoing evolution of artistic expression. In this way, Eliot encourages a more objective and timeless approach to poetry, challenging the notion of poetry solely as a subjective outpouring of personal feelings.

Convolution and Elitism: Some critics argue that T.S. Eliot's criticism, particularly in works like "The Sacred Wood" and "Tradition and the Individual Talent," can be overly complex and elitist. His emphasis on a literary tradition and his sometimes obscure references may alienate readers who are not well-versed in classical literature or intellectual history, potentially limiting the accessibility of his critical insights.

Neglect of Social and Political Context: Another point of critique revolves around Eliot's perceived neglect of social and political context in his literary analysis. Critics argue that his focus on the individual talent and tradition may downplay the importance of considering broader societal issues in literature. Some assert that Eliot's criticism could be criticized for its apparent detachment from the socio-political realities of the time, as it tends to prioritize the artistic and intellectual aspects of literature over its potential societal impact.

Below are several videos which will give solution to all the questions.

Thank you🌻.

Photography Workshop

 On 17th August 2023, the Department of English (MKBU) organised a photography workshop for the students. Famous wildlife photographer, Mr. Kaushik Ghelani was invited to teach the students. Students from the Life Science Department (MKBU) also joined in for this workshop. The event was hosted by Trushali Dodiya. I would like to take this moment to thank Megha Ma’am, Vaidehi Ma’am and Dilip Barad Sir for this amazing workshop. It was a wonderful opportunity where students had fun and learned a lot. Unfortunately due to some reason I couldn't attend these session, luckily due to my friends and classmates support I could able to collect their experiences and gain some information. So here I'm sharing it all with you. 

One of the first things that sir taught in this workshop was that photos should narrate stories. By just seeing your photos, your audience should understand the story. It is not merely clicking pictures. Photography is showing the world through your vision. 

Expensive equipment or technical knowledge are not as important as your vision. Camera is just a medium through which you have to execute your vision. If you have a different perspective on life, then you should try to reflect that in your photos. You should not click pictures simply for the sake of likes on social media. You should click pictures for artistic fulfillment. 

When you pursue photography, you indirectly learn about other things as well. Kaushik Geelani sir learned about Geography, Wildlife, Zoology, all when he was pursuing Photography. That is why he said, “Photography is the exploration of life”.

The above shown pictures are Clicked by my seniors Avni Jani and Drashti Joshi. In break, the students were given the task of capturing photos using the rules. Students roamed around the campus and captured some amazing clicks. 

One of my friend bhumiba also got the opportunity to give feedback on the workshop. I mentioned that it was fun and educational. It was truly amazing to learn all these from a Professional Photographer.

Overall it was a very valuable session. I never had a this much interest in photography but after listening all these things I really felt like learning this skill. As it gives a type of satisfaction when we capture some beautiful pictures.