Shruti Sonani

This blog is based on George Orwell's "1984" and this task was assigned by Dilip Barad sir. Video : 1 God is Power | 1984 | George Orwell The video discusses the significance of the quote "God is power" within George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984". It explores the implications of this phrase in the context of the totalitarian regime depicted in the book and the critique of religion that Orwell provides through his narrative. The speaker highlights how the concept of God is invoked sparingly—only eight times throughout the novel—but is central to understanding the oppressive nature of the Party. The discussion focuses on the character O'Brien's assertions regarding power, the nature of authority, and the manipulation of belief systems. It also examines the psychological control exerted by the Party over individuals, where loyalty to Big Brother mimics religious devotion. The overarching theme suggests that the pursuit and maintenance of po...

  Waiting for Godot  This task is based on Waiting for Godot and this task was assigned by Dilip Barad sir. Samuel Beckett's 1953 play Waiting for Godot   features two main characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), who pass the time through various conversations and interactions as they wait for the mysterious Godot—a figure who ultimately never appears. This play is Beckett’s adaptation of his own original French-language work, En attendant Godot , and carries the English subtitle “a tragicomedy in two acts.” It is widely regarded as Beckett's greatest literary achievement. In a public poll held by the British Royal National Theatre in 1998–99, Waiting for Godot was voted “the most significant English-language play of the 20th century.” The original French version was written between 9 October 1948 and 29 January 1949. The play had its premiere under the direction of Roger Blin on 5 January 1953 at the Théâtre de Babylone in Paris. Its English-language debut to...

 This blog is based on  three poems by W.H. Auden,  "September 1, 1939", "In Memory of W.B. Yeats", "Epitaph on a Tyrant" and this task was assigned by Dilip Barad sir. September 1, 1939 Summary The poem serves as a reflection of historical events and their lasting impact on society, particularly focusing on the political landscapes and conflicts that have shaped the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical moments, suggesting that they have profound implications for contemporary life and future generations. Throughout the video, the speaker draws parallels between past and present conflicts, highlighting the cyclical nature of history, the role of leaders, and the experiences of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of political turmoil. The video also touches upon various historical figures and events, including the rise of dictators, wars, and the struggle for power, while encouraging viewers to reflect on the si...

 This blog is based on Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party and this task was assigned by Megha Trivedi ma'am. Pre-Viewing Tasks: The Enigma of Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party : A Study of Comedy of Menace, Silence, and Political Undertones Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party (1957) epitomizes his signature style—enigmatic narratives, unsettling atmospheres, and power struggles. The play falls under the ‘Comedy of Menace,’ blending humor with an underlying sense of threat, psychological intimidation, and ambiguous motives, distinguishing it from the Theatre of the Absurd. Pinter’s pauses and silences heighten tension, conceal unspoken fears, and transform mundane dialogue into a tool for psychological manipulation. This ‘Pinteresque’ style makes the unsaid more potent than the spoken, intensifying the play’s eerie unpredictability. Interpreted as an allegory, protagonist Stanley Webber represents the isolated artist resisting oppressive forces, while Goldberg and McCann s...

This task is based on  Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller and this task was assigned by Prakruti Bhatt ma'am. Discuss the following basic elements of Transcendentalism in the context of Henry David Thoreau's works: 1) Self-Reliance 2) Free Thinking/Individualism 3) Nonconformity/Civil Disobedience 4) Spirituality 5) Importance of Nature 6) Confidence 1) Self-Reliance Thoreau’s life and philosophy were deeply rooted in the concept of self-reliance. Inspired by Emerson’s essay Self-Reliance , he sought to detach himself from societal expectations and material dependence. His two-year experiment at Walden Pond was a direct application of this ideal, where he built his own cabin, grew his food, and lived with minimal expenses. As Madison notes, Thoreau was determined not to let the need for work deprive him of “adequate leisure” and personal freedom​. He believed that true strength came from standing alone, rejecting external support, and relying on one's own intellect and...

Bob Dylan and Robert Frost  This task is based on Bob Dylan and Robert Frost and this task was assigned by Prakruti Bhatt ma'am. Bob Dylan and Robert Frost: Literary Giants Across Genres The 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Bob Dylan sparked a worldwide debate. For the first time, a songwriter received literature’s most prestigious honor, challenging traditional definitions of what constitutes literary art. Dylan’s award raised a fundamental question: Can song lyrics be considered literature? This blog delves into this debate, compares Dylan with the renowned poet Robert Frost, and explores how both use storytelling to convey philosophical and socio-cultural messages. The Debate Around Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize When Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the literary world was divided. Supporters hailed the decision as a recognition of the oral tradition of storytelling, dating back to Homeric epics. Dylan’s lyrics,...