Existentialism

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-      

  Existentialism                                                            

This blog is a part of a thinking activity given by Dilip Barad Sir from The English Department, MKBU, Bhavnagar. Check out Dilip Barad sir's Blog Site (Existentialism :  (FLN)) for more information and knowledge about Existentialism and Flipped Learning and other works.

What is Flipped Learning ?

Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting group pace is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter. (Flipped Learning Network (FLN)

For detailed understanding visit this link  : Flipped Learning Network

Thoughts that I like the most :

VIDEO - 1 

In the first video I am impressed by this thoughts.

What is Existentialism?

The first video explores existentialism, delving into the philosophies of various thinkers. It discusses the concept of "philosophical suicide," which refers to denying the meaninglessness of life, and emphasizes ideas surrounding individuality, passion, and freedom. In simpler terms, it examines the meaning of existence, the importance of personal identity, pursuing what one is passionate about, and the significance of freedom in making choices.

VIDEO - 2 

The core idea of existentialism is the recognition of life's inherent meaninglessness, which may prompt individuals to consider either physical or philosophical suicide to break free from this cycle. However, Camus presents an alternative perspective, suggesting that there are other paths to liberation.

Regarding the second thought, it revolves around three beliefs: the absence of hope, the act of rejection, and a conscious state of dissatisfaction. Together, these attitudes can lead to what is metaphorically termed "philosophical death," signifying a loss of purpose or vitality in one's existence. In simpler terms, when individuals lack hope, reject opportunities, and feel perpetually dissatisfied, they may experience a kind of existential stagnation or decline.

Video-3 

The Notion of Philosophical suicide.

 This video talked about the philosophical suicide and this problem come out from A total absence of hope, A continual rejection and conscious dissatisfaction. From this method people escaped from absurd life. When we kill our self as a philosopher it is called the philosophical suicide. It comes out from human being. If there is no human being, there won’t be any desire. All requirements like a total absence of hope, a continual reflection, conscious dissatisfaction should not be confused with despair, renunciation, immature unrest.

VIDEO - 4

Dadaism and Nihilism might seem similar because they both reject the meaningless values imposed by society. But their main similarity is being fed up with these values. In Dadaism, the focus is on creating things without being bound by others' standards. They believe in making their own values that matter to them. Both Dadaism and Nihilism ignore the values forced upon them by others.

VIDEO - 5 

Making choices is crucial. Everyone should decide for themselves. It's not just about making decisions; it's also about owning up to the responsibilities and consequences that come with those choices. In simpler terms, choosing what to do is important, but it's equally important to take full responsibility for the outcomes that result from those decisions.

VIDEO - 6 

Nihilism is when you feel like you've lost who you are and might even want to end your life. But if you focus on staying positive, it can help you get through tough times. Existentialism says life is about finding your own purpose. So, even when things seem really hard, staying positive and looking for meaning is important for dealing with life's challenges, according to existentialist ideas.

Video-7 

Existentialism ask question of existence that why I am here? what is life? Divine perspective and human perspective. Human were not design by any supernatural power, existentialism see the life from religiously, scientifically and philosophically and raise question about human existence.

Video-8

Nietzsche's take on Existentialism focuses on the idea that humans don't need any higher power to guide their lives since there's no God anymore. He introduced the concept of the "Ubermensch" or superman, which emphasizes freedom. According to him, we're in charge of our own destinies and can make our own rules. Essentially, Nietzsche believed that humans are free to choose without relying on any supernatural authority, asserting that we are the ultimate masters of our lives.

Video-9 

In the this video I am impressed by this thoughts.

Existentialism is a way of life and understand life deeply. Existentialism says about what I am. Eric Dodson said that it is honest and shows reality of life and accept your fault and your abilities.Existentialism is a very broad idea to understand the deeper meaning of life. Existentialism is not apply to the mind but also apply to the heart which is called existential sensibility. It means that as a mind wants to know the meaning of life heart also wants to enjoy or feel it.

Video - 10

The key idea in this video is that we are the ones who decide why we make certain choices. We can also say that sometimes choices don't have a specific reason behind them; they're just choices. Life itself might not have an inherent meaning, but we're the ones who give it meaning by the way we live it. In simpler terms, we're in control of the reasons behind our decisions, and the significance of life comes from the meanings we assign to it.

I LIKE THE MOST THIS THOUGHT

I Like the last video! It emphasizes the importance of creating our own unique identity instead of simply following what others think or do. It teaches us that forging our own path in life is crucial. In simpler terms, the video highlights the value of carving out our own individuality rather than conforming to external influences, showing us the significance of charting our own course in the world.

Learning outcome : 

Doing this activity has helped me understand Existentialism better, and now I have a clearer picture of this philosophy in my mind. In simpler terms, engaging in this activity has improved my understanding of Existentialism and has made the concepts clearer for me.Doing this activity has helped me understand Existentialism better, and now I have a clearer picture of this philosophy in my mind. In simpler terms, engaging in this activity has improved my understanding of Existentialism and has made the concepts clearer for me.

Questions :

video - 1

Que. 1 : Existentialism suggests that we determine our own meaning by making choices. But can we really embrace a world where we have complete freedom? And how much does this idea impact how we live day to day?

Que. 2 : what does Albert Camus mean by "The Leap" in the context of existentialism, as discussed in (video 3 at the 2.43) frame?

Que. 3 : why does existentialism emphasize the importance of confronting life's difficulties instead of avoiding or running away from them?

Que. 4 : Video -4 How does Existentialism explore the notion of values dictated by others?

Que. 5 : what does the concept of Übermensch mean? (Video 8) at the 1:45 timestamp

The great Gatsby

Thinking activity :                                                                                 

                                             The Great Gatsby

This blog is part of thinking activity task of novel The Great Gatsby. In this blog some of the questions discussed regarding the novel

Introduction  : 

Francis Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" is often considered a masterpiece of 20th-century literature.

It tells a tragic tale about chasing the American Dream.

The main character, Jay Gatsby, comes from humble beginnings and becomes incredibly wealthy in order to win back his former love, Daisy Buchanan.

However, his pursuit ends in tragedy when he is killed.

The story shines a light on the superficial and hypocritical lifestyle of the Jazz Age in America. Throughout the book, we see everything unfold through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who narrates the events and observes the people and their actions.

1) Explore https://jstor-mkbu.refread.com/ through MKBU eLibrary. Search JSTOR articles on 'Unreliable Narrator' or 'False Prophet of the American Dream' or any other topic of your choice. Review the articles and write about them.

Unreliable Narrator: Exploring Truth in Stories

The "unreliable narrator" is a storytelling trick where the person telling the story doesn't always tell the truth. They might lie or leave out important details, making readers unsure of what's real. It's like having a friend who exaggerates or forgets things when they tell a story. This technique makes stories more interesting and challenges readers to think about what's true and what's not.

False Prophet of the American Dream: A Warning about Chasing Money

This book is a warning about people who chase money and success too much, even if it means being dishonest or hurting others. It shows how someone might seem successful but be morally bankrupt inside. It's a reminder to think about what's really important in life, like being kind and true to yourself, instead of just trying to get rich.

The American Dream, as articulated by Roger L. Pearson in his article "Gatsby: False Prophet of the American Dream," is a belief deeply rooted in colonial writings. It suggests that every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to pursue and achieve their chosen goals, whether they be political, monetary, or social. Pearson posits that Francis Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby" is a unique expression that lacks the traditional optimism and sense of fulfillment typically associated with it.

In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the American Dream is all about chasing success, money, and happiness. Jay Gatsby, the main character, is a perfect example of someone trying to achieve this dream. He gets rich in the hope of winning back his old love, Daisy. But Fitzgerald also shows us that the pursuit of wealth and success can be misleading. It can lead to corruption and doesn't always bring real happiness.

In the final pages of the novel, the true essence of Gatsby's character is revealed. Despite his grand ambitions and elaborate plans, Gatsby ultimately meets a tragic end. He becomes a victim of his own unrealistic aspirations, idealism, and values. For Gatsby, the American Dream turns out to be more of a nightmare—a pursuit that ultimately leads to his downfall. Despite his efforts and achievements, Gatsby's inability to reconcile his dreams with reality highlights the darker side of the American Dream, where success and happiness remain elusive, and the pursuit itself can become destructive.

(i) Modern Reimagining: Rewrite a key scene from the novel in a modern setting, considering how themes and character motivations might change.

"Echoes of Gatsby: A Modern Retelling"

- Setting: The story unfolds in present-day New York City, reflecting the bustling energy and digital landscape of contemporary society.

- Protagonist: Meet Jamie Gates, driven by a desire to escape his modest beginnings and make a name for himself in the world.

- Themes: Explore themes of ambition, love, and identity against the backdrop of social media and technology.

- Romance: Jamie's journey intertwines with a captivating love affair with Sophia, echoing the complexities of Gatsby and Daisy's relationship.

- Deception: Delve into the blurred lines between reality and illusion as Jamie navigates the pitfalls of wealth and privilege.

- Reflection: Through Jamie's experiences, confront the true cost of the American Dream in today's society and the pursuit of authentic fulfillment.

- Climax: Witness a gripping revelation that challenges Jamie's perceptions and forces him to confront the consequences of his actions.

- Commentary: The novel offers a contemporary commentary on the timeless themes of ambition, love, and morality, inviting readers to reflect on the modern interpretation of the American Dream.

(ii) Symbolism Analysis: Identify and interpret key symbols in the novel, like the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and Gatsby's parties.

The Green Light:

Interpretation: The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, particularly his longing for a reunion with Daisy and the attainment of the American Dream.

The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg: 

Interpretation: The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, looming over the Valley of Ashes, symbolize the moral decay and spiritual emptiness of the Jazz Age society

Gatsby's Parties:

Interpretation: Gatsby's extravagant parties symbolize the superficiality and excess of the Jazz Age lifestyle.

  

 

                                 

(iii) Historical Context Exploration: Research the historical and cultural context of the 1920s and analyze how it influences the plot, characters, and themes.

#Historical Context Exploration: 

Prohibition era : 

During the Prohibition era in the United States from 1920 to 1933, the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were legally banned under the Eighteenth Amendment. This prohibition resulted in the rise of criminal activities like bootlegging.

flapper culture :

In "The Great Gatsby," female characters like Daisy Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and Jordan Baker embody the flapper culture of the 1920s. Flappers were known for challenging social norms by wearing bold makeup, drinking alcohol, smoking openly, driving cars, and embracing a more casual attitude towards sex. These characters reflect the era's emphasis on female independence and the exercise of free will.

Rum-running and Bootlegging : Speakeasy

During the Prohibition era, bootleggers smuggled alcohol into the US, leading to the rise of organized crime. In "The Great Gatsby," Gatsby is involved in bootlegging with the help of Wolfsheim, earning easy money. Tom suspects Gatsby's illicit business, leading to conflict. The novel reaches a climax with rumors of Gatsby's murder. Speakeasies, hidden bars selling illegal alcohol, were common venues for such activities. Gatsby meets Wolfsheim in one such speakeasy, attempting to portray himself as honest.

 Rise of Auto-mobile :

Cars became widespread in America in the early 1900s, thanks to innovators like Henry Ford. Big companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler dominated the market. During World War II, these companies helped with military production. After the war, car manufacturing boomed worldwide. In "The Great Gatsby," cars symbolize both wealth and tragedy. Gatsby and Myrtle's deaths involve cars, highlighting how class differences affect consequences. Despite Gatsby's elite status, his humble origins contrast with Tom and Daisy's indifference to their wrongdoing.

5. Telephonic Conversation :

In the beginning of "The Great Gatsby," a dinner with Nick, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan is interrupted by a phone call. Although Myrtle, Tom's girlfriend, isn't physically present, her call disrupts the gathering, upsetting Daisy and Jordan. This reflects how commonplace and intrusive telephones were in 1922. Similarly, a phone call to Gatsby reveals his hidden business and emotions, shedding light on his private life in a negative way.

6. Jazz Age : 

"The Great Gatsby portrays the Jazz Age through the extravagant parties hosted by Gatsby, complete with live jazz music, which were characteristic of the era. Fitzgerald explores the pursuit of wealth and status, highlighting the materialistic values and the desire to ascend the social hierarchy."

(iv) Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "The Great Gatsby" with another novel, film, or piece of art that explores similar themes.

"Death of a Salesman"

One novel that can be compared and contrasted with "The Great Gatsby" is "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. Both works explore themes of the American Dream, disillusionment, and the pursuit of success in the early to mid-20th century America. Here's a

 comparative analysis:

Exploration of the American Dream: In "The Great Gatsby," the American Dream is depicted as the pursuit of wealth, status, and the attainment of the ideal life. Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy and his lavish parties symbolize his desire to achieve this dream.
In "Death of a Salesman," the American Dream is portrayed through Willy Loman's pursuit of success as a salesman. However, Willy's dream is ultimately shattered as he realizes that his efforts have not led to the success and happiness he envisioned.


Disillusionment and Reality:Both works highlight the theme of disillusionment as characters come to terms with the gap between their aspirations and reality.
In "The Great Gatsby," Gatsby's realization that his idealized version of Daisy and the life he desires may never be attainable reflects the theme of disillusionment.
In "Death of a Salesman," Willy Loman's gradual realization of his failures and the disintegration of his dreams mirrors the theme of disillusionment as he faces the harsh realities of his life.


Critique of Society:Both novels offer a critique of American society during their respective time periods.
"The Great Gatsby" critiques the excesses and moral decay of the Jazz Age, portraying the emptiness and superficiality of the wealthy elite.
"Death of a Salesman" critiques the American capitalist system and the pressure to achieve success at any cost, exposing the flaws and disillusionment inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream.


Characterization:While "The Great Gatsby" focuses on characters from the upper echelons of society like Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom, "Death of a Salesman" portrays the struggles of a middle-class family, particularly Willy Loman and his sons, Biff and Happy.
Both works delve deeply into the psyche of their characters, exploring their hopes, dreams, and inner conflicts.



In summary, while both "The Great Gatsby" and "Death of a Salesman" explore similar themes such as the American Dream and disillusionment, they differ in their portrayal of characters and social contexts, offering distinct perspectives on the challenges and complexities of life in America during the early to mid-20th century.

citation : 

Pearson, Roger L. “Gatsby: False Prophet of the American Dream.” The English Journal, vol. 59, no. 5, 1970, pp. 638–45. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/813939. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.

Martinez, Julia. "The Great Gatsby". Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Great-Gatsby. Accessed 23 February 2024.

OBERG, ARTHUR K. “‘Death of a Salesman’ and Arthur Miller’s Search for Style.” Criticism, vol. 9, no. 4, 1967, pp. 303–11. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23094172. Accessed 23 Feb. 2024.

Vita and Virginia

 Thinking Activity :

 Movie Screening :

This blog is based on thinking activity task. In this blog we will cosider some of the question regarding the movie. 

Vita and Virginia

"Vita & Virginia" is a movie about two famous writers, Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, who fall in love in the 1920s.

Vita is outgoing and different from what people expect, while Virginia is very smart but sometimes feels sad. They help each other write and create stories. But sometimes they feel jealous or worried because of what people think. Even though they face difficulties, their love stays strong. Their story shows how love can be complicated but also inspiring. They teach us that it's okay to be different and love who we want, even if it's hard.

The film, directed by Chanya Button, focuses on a small part of their lives when they lived in London and were part of the art scene.

Who do you think is initiating the relationship, Vita or Virginia? Who do you think is taking advantage of this relationship?  

In the movie, Vita is really interested in Virginia right from the start. She tries her best to meet her at Bloomsbury and observe her. Vita is initially attracted to Virginia because she thinks Virginia is an amazing writer. In one scene, while Virginia is distracted in a greenhouse, Vita finds her and says, "When I read your writing, I feel both sad and hopeful." Virginia asks why, and Vita explains, "Sad, because I know I'll never be able to write like you, but hopeful, because someone else can." This shows how much Vita admires Virginia's talent.

Who do you think is taking advantage of this relationship?  

According to me, Vita was already a well-known writer when she met Virginia, who wasn't as famous at the time. Vita's popularity might have made her feel like she couldn't fully commit to just one person, hence the "candle" analogy. Some might think she used Virginia for her own enjoyment and kept her own life secret. Meanwhile, Virginia writing a biography about Vita helped her become more famous too. It's not easy to say who's right or wrong; it depends on how you look at it. It's a complex situation with different angles to consider.

Who do you think is confused about their identity Vita or Virginia? Explain with illustrations.


Both Vita and Virginia face challenges with understanding who they are, but in different ways.

Vita Sackville-West feels torn between what society expects of her as a woman and her own desires for freedom. She lives a bold life, exploring her bisexuality and having many love affairs, which can be confusing.

Virginia Woolf struggles with mental health issues like depression, which affect how she sees herself. She often feels unsure of her worth and place in the world.

Vita's confusion might be shown in her unconventional relationships, while Virginia's might be seen in her struggles with mental health.

In simple terms, both Vita and Virginia are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in, dealing with different challenges along the way.



What is society’s thought about women and identity? Do you agree with them? If Yes then why? If no then why?

Women's roles in society have changed a lot over time. In the past, they were mainly expected to stay at home and take care of the family. But now, women are making their mark in many different areas, like work and decision-making.

 They've fought for and gained important rights, like the right to vote. People like Virginia Woolf have spoken up for women's independence and identity. While progress has been made, there's still work to do in breaking down old stereotypes and giving women equal opportunities.

   Write a note on your observations of the society during that era.

In the film, the Bloomsbury group is depicted as a forward-thinking community that embraces unconventional relationships and freely discusses sexual matters. 

They accept lesbian and gay relationships openly and view extra-marital affairs as normal. 

However, Vita's mother, Lady Sackville, represents the conservative side, opposing her daughter's radical views and threatening to cut her off from her children. Despite Vita's wealth, she faces limitations due to her gender, forcing her into traditional roles despite her own desires.

Vita and Virginia's relationship is accepted within the Bloomsbury circle, highlighting their modernist ideals. 

Leonard, a loyal friend, supports them through various challenges. The group rallies around Virginia, providing support as she struggles with mental health issues. 

The movie portrays the clash between societal norms and the progressive values of the Bloomsbury group during that time.

Write a note on the direction of the movie. Which symbols and space caught your attention while watching the movie?

The movie depicts Vita as a strong advocate for independence, both in her personal life and relationships. She plays a significant role in empowering Virginia, encouraging her to overcome challenges and explore new aspects of herself. 

One scene, where Vita proposes they travel together, highlights her boldness and its effect on Virginia's emotions. The imagery of plants growing around Virginia symbolizes her inner turmoil and the stirring of desire prompted by Vita's adventurous spirit.

 Overall, Vita's character exemplifies courage and resilience, inspiring Virginia to embrace her own strength and creativity.

 "Vita and Virginia" had to be made into a Bollywood Adaptation, who do you think would be fit for the role of Vita and Virginia ? 

For the role of Vita Sackville- West: 

Kangana Ranaut: Known for her versatility and ability to portray strong and complex characters, Kangana could bring the necessary charisma and depth to the role of Vita Sackville-West.

for Virginia Woolf: Swara Bhaskar: With her acting prowess and ability to portray nuanced characters, Swara Bhaskar could embody the complexities and intellect of Virginia Woolf.

Both actresses have demonstrated their talent in portraying diverse characters and could bring their own interpretations to the roles of Vita and Virginia in a Bollywood adaptation of "Vita and Virginia."

The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot

Thinking Activity :

This blog is written in response to the thinking activity on 'The Waste Land' assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Department of English, MK Bhavnagar University.

The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot

About the T. S. Eliot :

Thomas Stearns Eliot was an English-American poet, playwrite, literary critic and editor. He was born on September 26, 1888 in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. and died on January 4, 1965 in London, England.

He was also leader of the Modernist movement in poetry in his works such as The Waste Land (1922) and Four Quartets (1943). Eliot had a strong influence on Anglo-American culture from the 1920s until late in the century. His experiments in diction, style, and versification revitalized English poetry, and in a series of critical essays he shattered old orthodoxies and erected new ones. The publication of Four Quartets led to his recognition as the greatest living English poet and man of letters, and in 1948 he was awarded both the Order of Merit and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Major works of T. S. Eliot:-

The Waste Land (1922)

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (1915)

Four Quartets (1943)

Murder in the Cathedral

His essay 'Tradition and the Individual Talent' (1919)

"The Waste Land" vividly depicts the breakdown of modern societies. Eliot's innovative style reshaped 20th-century English literature, leaving an enduring impact on poetic aesthetics.The poem is structured into five sections:

1. The Burial of the Dead

2. A Game of Chess

3. The Fire Sermon

4. Death by Water

5. What the Thunder Said

"The Waste Land" is like a dark mirror reflecting the brokenness and emptiness of modern life. It talks about how people seem stuck in routines, disconnected from deeper meaning. Each part of the poem explores different aspects of this bleakness.

In "The Burial of the Dead," April is described as cruel, symbolizing how even the season of rebirth feels harsh and empty. People are going through the motions of life without really feeling alive.

"A Game of Chess" shows relationships falling apart, with love turning into something shallow and selfish. Even when there's a chance for redemption through suffering, it feels like hope is lost in today's world.

"The Fire Sermon" compares the world to a fire burning with desires and hatred. It's like everyone is consumed by these destructive emotions, pulling them further away from finding peace.

"Death by Water" uses water as a symbol of both cleansing and destruction. The death of Phlebas represents how people who chase after worldly things end up with nothing in the end.

Finally, "What the Thunder Said" offers a glimpse of hope, suggesting that there might be a way out of this spiritual emptiness. It talks about finding truth and resurrection, hinting at the possibility of a better, more meaningful life beyond the wasteland of modern existence.

1) What are your views on the following image after reading 'The Waste Land'? Do you think that Eliot is regressive as compared to Nietzsche’s views? or Has Eliot achieved universality of thought by recalling mytho-historical answer to the contemporary malaise?

Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch offers a progressive solution to the crisis of faith and self by advocating individual empowerment and transcendence of traditional morality.

T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" seeks answers to contemporary issues in various religious and philosophical traditions, including Upanishads, Buddhism, and Christianity.

While Nietzsche's ideas may appear more forward-looking compared to Eliot's exploration of ancient texts, it's unfair to label Eliot as regressive.

Eliot, as a poet, achieves universality by drawing upon mytho-historical explanations for contemporary malaise, showing a nuanced understanding of the human condition.

Eliot's engagement with the past isn't merely nostalgic; he considers the consequences of past actions to provide insight into coping with present crises.

Both Nietzsche and Eliot operate within their unique fields of thought, offering distinct perspectives on navigating existential dilemmas and societal challenges.

In their respective works, Nietzsche and Eliot provide valuable insights into the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning. While Nietzsche emphasizes individual empowerment and the transcendence of traditional morality through the Übermensch, Eliot explores the intersection of past and present, drawing upon various religious and philosophical traditions to address contemporary crises. Both thinkers contribute to a deeper understanding of the human condition and offer thought-provoking solutions to existential questions.

2) Prior to the speech, Gustaf Hellström of the Swedish Academy made these remarks: (read in the blog)What are your views regarding these comments? Is it true that giving free vent to the repressed 'primitive instinct' leads us to a happy and satisfied life? Or do you agree with Eliot's view that 'salvation of man lies in the preservation of the cultural tradition'?

• Eliot characterizes Lancelot Andrews as a classicist in literature, a royalist in politics, and Anglo-Catholic in religion.
• Eliot holds traditional views on salvation, linking it to the preservation of cultural traditions.
• He believes adherence to these traditions helps maintain order and provides individuals with a sense of rootedness in their heritage.
• Freud challenges the concept of salvation, suggesting that true contentment comes from liberating repressed instincts rather than conforming to societal or religious expectations.
• Freud's perspective, outlined in 'The Uneasiness in Civilization,' explores the conflict between primal desires (id) and societal norms (superego).
• He warns that an unrestricted pursuit of pleasure could lead to disastrous consequences.
• Eliot, however, emphasizes the importance of cultural traditions in shaping human behavior and providing a framework for achieving happiness.
• He values stability and guidance offered by cultural heritage as a pathway to contentment and fulfillment.

       

      3. Write about allusions to Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. (Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred?)

• In "The Waste Land," T.S. Eliot includes references to Indian thoughts and spirituality.

• One key reference is in the section called "The Fire Sermon," where Eliot alludes to Buddha's teachings about the temporary nature of life and the need to let go of worldly desires.
• The poem also mentions the river Ganges, a sacred river in India, symbolizing purification and spiritual cleansing.
• Throughout the poem, Eliot incorporates Sanskrit chants and Hindu mythology, such as the word "Shantih," which represents peace and tranquility.
• These references add depth to the poem's cultural landscape and reflect Eliot's engagement with diverse philosophical traditions.
• They also explore universal themes like alienation, disillusionment, and the search for spiritual renewal.
• By including Indian thoughts, Eliot shows how different cultures share similar human experiences, enriching the poem's meaning and resonance.

4) Is it possible to read 'The Waste Land' as a Pandemic Poem?

"The Waste Land" as a pandemic poem is entirely plausible, given the thematic resonance and allegorical nature of the poem.

1. Desolation and Isolation: The pervasive sense of desolation and isolation depicted in the poem mirrors the feelings of loneliness and disconnection experienced during a pandemic, particularly during periods of lockdown and quarantine.

2. Disease and Decay:

3. The imagery of disease, decay, and barrenness in the poem can be interpreted as symbolic of the physical and psychological toll of a pandemic, as well as the societal breakdown it can induce.

4. Loss and Grief:

5. Themes of loss, grief, and mourning pervade "The Waste Land," reflecting the profound impact of death and suffering on individuals and communities during a pandemic.

6. Fragmentation and Disintegration:

7. The fragmented structure and disjointed narrative of the poem reflect the disorienting and chaotic nature of a pandemic, where familiar structures and routines may disintegrate.

8. Hope for Renewal:

9. Amidst the bleakness, the poem also hints at the possibility of renewal and regeneration, suggesting that from the ruins of the old, something new may emerge. This can be seen as a metaphor for the resilience and potential for growth that can emerge in the aftermath of a pandemic.

While "The Waste Land" was written before the era of modern pandemics, its themes of despair, alienation, and the search for meaning resonate with the experiences of living through a global health crisis. As such, it can be interpreted as a prophetic exploration of the human condition in times of widespread suffering and uncertainty.

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