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Showing posts from September, 2025

“When Desire Becomes a Curse: Hardy’s Prophetic Vision in Jude the Obscure"

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Introduction  This blog is written as part of an assignment given by Dr. Prof. Dilip Barad , whose guidance always pushes us to read literature with both a critical eye and a reflective mind. In this piece, I take up Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure , focusing on its powerful epigraphs“The letter killeth” and “Many have run out of their wits for women…” and the way Hardy uses them with irony to critique Victorian institutions of education, marriage, and religion. By connecting these ideas with the myth of Bhasmasur and modern existential questions, I explore how Hardy’s so-called “pessimistic” novel actually anticipates timeless struggles of meaning, desire, and human freedom. Blog Link :- Click Here  Presentation Link :- Click Here   The Letters That Kill, the Desires That Burn: Hardy’s Prophetic Vision in Jude the Obscure Thomas Hardy begins Jude the Obscure with two striking biblical epigraphs—one from 2 Corinthians, “The letter killeth,” and another from Esdras, “Man...

“Just Because We Can, Should We? Lessons from Victor Frankenstein”

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"Oh, Frankenstein! generous and self-devoted being! What does it avail that I now ask thee to pardon me? " Introduction The tale of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley continues to spark debate even centuries after its publication, exploring themes that remain deeply relevant today—science, morality, identity, and the very nature of humanity. As part of the literary exploration assigned by Megha Trevedi ma’am , this blog delves into some thought-provoking questions surrounding both the novel and its cinematic adaptations. From analyzing the differences between the book and the film versions to questioning who the “real” monster truly is, we also reflect on the dangers of unrestrained knowledge, the creature’s moral compass, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration. This discussion not only bridges literature and philosophy but also challenges us to reconsider the human pursuit of progress and its unintended consequences. Blog link :- Click Here   Presentation Link :- ...

"Mocking Quills and Misread Minds: Swift’s Satirical World in A Tale of a Tub"

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Introduction  Assigned by Prakruti Bhatt  ma'am , this blog explores Jonathan Swift’s A Tale of a Tub as a religious allegory , a satire on contemporary writers and critics , and a mockery of superficial reading habits . Through chapters like 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 , Swift exposes religious corruption, the vanity of authors, the pedantry of critics, and the intellectual shallowness of readers in his age. His sharp wit, ironic style, and moral seriousness reflect the marked sincerity and concentrated passion that set him apart from his contemporaries. Together, these discussions highlight A Tale of a Tub as both biting satire and cultural criticism.   Q.1 Analyze “A Tale of a Tub” as a Religious Allegory.                                            A Tale of a Tub as a Religious Allegory 1. The Surface Allegory (Conventional Reading) Three Brothers → Peter (Cat...

“Unveiling ‘Jude the Obscure’: Structure, Themes, Symbolic Christianity, and the Enigmatic Sue Bridehead”

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  Assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad, this blog delves into Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure , one of English literature’s most provocative and complex novels. Through this exploration, we examine the novel’s intricate structure , its profound thematic concerns , and Hardy’s symbolic critique of Christianity as analyzed by Norman Holland Jr. Additionally, we consider the novel as a bildungsroman , following insights from Frank R. Giordano Jr., and offer a close character study of Sue Bridehead , one of literature’s most enigmatic and intellectually compelling figures. By weaving together these perspectives, this blog aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Hardy’s masterpiece, making it accessible and thought-provoking for readers. Blog Link - Click here 1. Structure of the Novel 'Jude the Obscure'    Refined Summary The lecture examines the structural design of Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure , highlighting how the reversal of beliefs and relationships shapes the novel’...