Exploring Early American Literature: Key Themes and Authors
UNIT 1: JOHN SMITH (1580 – 1631) – The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles – Early American Literature to 1900
1. Representation of Violence in His Writings
There are three instances in which Captain Smith feels seriously threatened: 1. When he is attacked by the same bowmen who have killed two of his men and uses his guide as his shield, 2. When he is tied to a tree and is about to be shot with arrows, and 3. When he is dragged before Powhatan, and his head is placed
Read MoreIndianization of English and Reading Techniques
Indianization of English
Indianization of English refers to the adaptation of English to suit Indian usage and applicability. It serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, enabling effective communication across India’s diverse linguistic landscape while preserving regional identities.
This linguistic assimilation is a dynamic exchange that enriches both English and regional languages. English in India has evolved uniquely, incorporating terms from various Indian languages, making it distinct
Read MoreGeoffrey Chaucer: The Life and Works of a Literary Pioneer
Geoffrey Chaucer: A Literary Pioneer
Early Life and Career
Chaucer was born in London in the early 1340s. His father, a wealthy wine merchant, sent him to serve as a page to the Countess of Ulster. Chaucer later served Prince Lionel, son to King Edward III, and fought in the Hundred Years War.
Literary Vision
Around 1378, Chaucer began to develop his vision of an English poetry that would be accessible to all. He wrote in the vernacular, the English spoken in London at the time.
Diplomatic and Administrative
Read MoreThe Alliterative Revival: A Poetic Movement of the Late Middle Ages
Definition
The Alliterative Revival was a poetic movement of the late 14th and 15th centuries that produced a large number of poems written in alliterative form, often unrhymed, but sometimes using rhyme as well as alliteration. At the center of the movement is a group of poems of high literary quality, several of which present historical material, such as the life of Alexander the Great, Jewish history, the Troy story, and the last years of Arthur. There are also poems based on Old Testament stories
Read MoreStructuralism: Understanding Concepts Through Language and Culture
About Structuralism
Structuralism is a theoretical approach that seeks to understand concepts through their relationships with other concepts. It emphasizes the importance of seeing differences between things to fully comprehend them.
Key Concepts
Langue: The overall system of language, including rules of grammar. Parole: An individual instance of language, such as a sentence or poem. Semiology/Semiotics: The structuralist study of culture beyond linguistics and literature.
Ferdinand de Saussure’s Contributions
Ferdinand
Read MoreHow Much Land Does a Man Need? Exploring Greed and Contentment
How Much Land Does a Man Need?
By Tolstoy
- What does Pahom claim is the only thing that troubles a peasant? [Peasants do not have enough land.]
- Why did Pahom leave his first plot of land? [He felt it was too cramped to be comfortable, and he had continuous disputes with fellow Commune members.]
- What deal do the Bashkirs offer Pahom? [For one thousand rubles, he may have as much land as he can walk around in a day.]
Extend the Discussion
Making Predictions:
Using the title of the story and the sisters’
Read More