The language used in the novel encompasses many things including the type of language, the literary devices used and how the author displays meaning in the novel. In the novel "Clear Light of Day' by Anita Desai the use of proper english language is evident. The use of this language is done by the author in order to appeal to both educated and well educaed people. By using this language the author makes the readers feel that they are on the same level. This language also helps to build the vocabulary of students who may have to look up words in the dictionary. In doing so they are learning the meaning of the words as well as the use of the words. The author also uses proper english so that the readers can clearly understand what is being said in the novel without getting lost in the different slangs or dialects of the language, she uses straight forward, clear cut language and it helps the readers to both get through and peoperly understand the novel.
Additionally, in the authors use of language she uses literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, similies, motifs and symbols. These devices are all used to enhance the novel and entertain and engage the audience in thought. For exaample the author uses imagery as one of the main literary devices. The author gives vivid, clear descriptions throughout the novel so that the reader can picture clearly the setting and atmosphere of the novel. The reader does not have to second guess and wonder what India, Old and New Dehli are like, the author describes with great detail, the house, the rosewalk, Old Dehli and New Dehli. She describes all aspects of India to the readers so that they have a clear understanding of the novel and it's background and backdrop. The author uses metaphors and similies to enhance the literary quality of the book. She uses them both to entertain and also to provoke thought in the minds of the readers. They are used also to help decribe what is going through the minds of the characters at a given time. It helps the readers get a better idea of what the author is talking about with the use of metaphors and similies. For example, Chapter 1, page 12, "A part of her was sinking languildly down into the passive pleasure of having ...- why did it not keep up with her?" The author compares Tara to a pebble sinking in a murky pond. This metaphor helps the reader to both understand and maybe even relate to what is happening at that time in the novel.
Furthurmore, the authors use of motifs and symbols throughout the novel are very apparent. These again help the readers to properly understand the novel and also to provie a sort of entertainment for them. For example, the motif of the rosewalk is ever present in the novel. It is there to remind the readers how the house and the garden have remined unchanged over the years. Even through the war, the decay and the time, the garden and the rosewalk remain the same through all of it.
Additionally, symbols are also present in this novel. For example, the well. It is a symbol of death for the children after the cow drowns in it. Because of the cows death the children become afraid of the well because they believe that anyone that goes near it will die as well. Also the readers see this symbol because as Aunt Mira goes crazy she keeps referring to the well where she wants to drown herself which shows the strength of the symbol as well.In addition, The author displays meaning in the novel by using the various literary devices. These devices show the readers the meaning of what the author is trying to express.In the novel "Clear Light of Day" there is a certain structure which the author employs.
The novel is written in four parts or chapters. The chapters all show different stages in the novel and the different times and events in India. All these parts in the novel connect in a non-conventional way, which keeps the readers captivated and helps them understand what is happening in the novel. The point of view used in the novel is an omnicient one. This is where the the narrator knows all of the facts about the characters and the story. In this novel the narrator continuously changes the aspects from which the story is told. Sometimes told to reveal Tara's thoughts and sometimes to reveal Bim's thought for example. This interchanges with all the main characters in the novel. This all knowing point of view helps the readers to fully grasp the concept of the characters their attitudes, motives and the entire novel in general.
Finally, the style of the novel prose fiction meaning that the story is imaginary and it is continuous writing. The author uses both dialogue and ordinary speech to show the readers the different aspects of the novel whether about the atmosphere, plot or characters. In doing this, the readers are both directly told and able to infer different meanings and charactersations throughout the novel. In Conclusion, the author uses specific language techniques and a specific structure throughout the novel to help the readers to be both entertained and thought provoked during the novel and this is all due to the excellent writing of Anita Desai.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Reflections on King Lear
- He is a tragic character because the play eventaully ends in his demise. He also posses the the three qualities power, has tragis flaws, and a downfall.
- In my opinion King Lear will become tragic because he is so nieve and blinded to the evil that is around him. He feels that as long as he is pleased, everyone else is as well and that they all enjoy pleasing him. He loves to bask in his own glory, and he loves to be flattered and complimented. Because everyone is always praising him, he is ignorant to the fact that they might be plotting against him which eventually happens. King Lear also does not want to listen to anyone. He s quite content making his own decisions and at times his ignorance, anger and pride get the better of him and cloud his judgement. He then makes the wrong decisions. He does things to please himself and no one else and rebukes, or becomes angry with anyone who says or does other than he wishes.
- King Lears tragis flaws are:
- His pride
- His anger
- Ignorance
- Gluttonouness - because he wants all praise, glory and flattery
- Unfairness
- Stubborness
- Arrongance
- Misjudgements
Questions answered
1. The two nobles in the opening scene are Kent and Gloucester and they are talking about how King Lear is going to divide the kingdom, which Duke the king likes more and finally, Gloucester introduces his bastard son to Kent.
2. Edmund must be feeling embarrassed and angry because his father is mocking his bastard status.
3. King Lear plans to divide his kingdom between his two daughters. He proposes that his daughters tell him how much they love him in return for the biggest part of the kingdom.
4. Goneril answers her father with great flattery. She claims to love him more than anything in the world. Regan also answers with great flattery, but uses her sister’s answer and adds more effect by saying that her sister did not cover the amount of love she had.
5. Cordelia answers by saying nothing at first but then continues to say that she “cannot heave her heart into her mouth” therefore saying that she cannot just produce the love that he wants to hear about. Also, she says that she loves him as any daughter should and that her sisters cannot love their husbands if they love him so much. Her reference to nothing suggests that sometimes things are there that because of pride or ignorance just cannot be seen and this continues throughout the play.
6. No, I think that Cordelia is very right with her answer. She should not be expected to just confess all the love she has for her father on the spot and for a competition.
7. Lear becomes outraged by Cordelia’s response and banishes her from the kingdom and his family. Lord Kent reacts to Lear’s response by telling him that Cordelia is the only honest daughter and the other two are lying only to get what they want from him.
8. The references to sight and blindness become important for the rest of the play because Lear and Gloucester are continually blinded by the lies of their children and also Gloucester eventually physically lost his sight by the end of the play.
9. Burgandy reacts to the news about Cordelia not receiving a dowry by withdrawing his proposal to marry her. This tells the audience that he did not really love her but was greedy and only wanted her for her wealth and status. France reacts by being enlightened and gaining admiration for Cordelia and how she handles the situation which reveals that he does love her and he values honesty and courage.
10. When Cordelia says “I know you what you are” she meant that she knew what type of people her sisters were and what devious things they were up to. Near the end of the scene the sisters say that their father is becoming old and weak and that they must quickly act to try and gain their kingdom.
11. The two views of nature contrasted in this scene are that at first nature is seen as beautiful, a helper and nurturer and then suddenly it is seen as evil and helps evil thoughts.
12. The parallels between this scene and the first are: in the first seen it starts as a happy occasion with no harm intended but this scene starts with Edmund intending to harm his father and falsely tricking his father into believing that Edgar wants to. Therefore from the start there is intent of evil.
13. Goneril is bothered and annoyed by her father because all he does is patronize with his gentlemen and also because he has claimed to give her power over the kingdom and business but still manages them. She tells Oswald to tell her father that she is sick so as not to speak to him and also she tells him to let her father’s knights somewhat dislike him.
14. Kent wishes to serve Lear because he loves him and wants to be loyal, honourable and protecting of him. He discerns in Lear’s countenance by disguising himself as a beggar to be allowed back in Lear’s court to serve him. This is ironic because Lear banished him for foolish reasons and now he accepts him as kind as he is but disguised.
15. Kent sends the servant away in reaction to what he did to Lear.
16. This is important because the audience sees that someone appreciated and is distressed because of the leave of Cordelia. The fool is the one who knows most and says it all without restraint but no one knows.
17. The fool’s function in this part of the play is to offer truth to King Lear as well as comic relief. Examples of these are: “take my coxcomb; why this fellow banished two on’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will, if thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb. “ “Truth’s a dog must to kennel, he must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th’ fire and stink.” “Then ‘tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer, you gave me nothing for’t, can you make no use of nothing nuncle?”
18. Edmund makes his brother believe that his father is hunting him and had found out where he is hidden and therefore tricks him into feeling for his own safety.
19. Kent’s actions with Oswald characterise him thus because he seems nice and caring but when alone with him he becomes insulting and mean. So he is plain on the outside but had hidden thoughts.
20. “Nothing almost seems miracles/ but misery” this can serve as a motto for the play because miracles never happen throughout the play only misery. Therefore misery must be the miracle of the men. No matter what they do misery comes of it therefore it is obviously inevitable all throughout the play.
21. Edgar’s disguise is an example of social criticism in the play because it suggests the poor are not favoured but rather pitied. Once one is a beggar the treatment is completely different. This statement is important because since Edgar had fled the kingdom he becomes nothing and of no importance anymore. This is important to the meaning of the play because it seems as though once something is no longer in sight its importance vanishes.
22. Lear is angry because he loves his servant Kent and he is upset that he must be put in the stocks with the two people that have mistreated him while he stayed with them.
23. Her first response is “I pray you sir, take patience, I have hope.”
2. Edmund must be feeling embarrassed and angry because his father is mocking his bastard status.
3. King Lear plans to divide his kingdom between his two daughters. He proposes that his daughters tell him how much they love him in return for the biggest part of the kingdom.
4. Goneril answers her father with great flattery. She claims to love him more than anything in the world. Regan also answers with great flattery, but uses her sister’s answer and adds more effect by saying that her sister did not cover the amount of love she had.
5. Cordelia answers by saying nothing at first but then continues to say that she “cannot heave her heart into her mouth” therefore saying that she cannot just produce the love that he wants to hear about. Also, she says that she loves him as any daughter should and that her sisters cannot love their husbands if they love him so much. Her reference to nothing suggests that sometimes things are there that because of pride or ignorance just cannot be seen and this continues throughout the play.
6. No, I think that Cordelia is very right with her answer. She should not be expected to just confess all the love she has for her father on the spot and for a competition.
7. Lear becomes outraged by Cordelia’s response and banishes her from the kingdom and his family. Lord Kent reacts to Lear’s response by telling him that Cordelia is the only honest daughter and the other two are lying only to get what they want from him.
8. The references to sight and blindness become important for the rest of the play because Lear and Gloucester are continually blinded by the lies of their children and also Gloucester eventually physically lost his sight by the end of the play.
9. Burgandy reacts to the news about Cordelia not receiving a dowry by withdrawing his proposal to marry her. This tells the audience that he did not really love her but was greedy and only wanted her for her wealth and status. France reacts by being enlightened and gaining admiration for Cordelia and how she handles the situation which reveals that he does love her and he values honesty and courage.
10. When Cordelia says “I know you what you are” she meant that she knew what type of people her sisters were and what devious things they were up to. Near the end of the scene the sisters say that their father is becoming old and weak and that they must quickly act to try and gain their kingdom.
11. The two views of nature contrasted in this scene are that at first nature is seen as beautiful, a helper and nurturer and then suddenly it is seen as evil and helps evil thoughts.
12. The parallels between this scene and the first are: in the first seen it starts as a happy occasion with no harm intended but this scene starts with Edmund intending to harm his father and falsely tricking his father into believing that Edgar wants to. Therefore from the start there is intent of evil.
13. Goneril is bothered and annoyed by her father because all he does is patronize with his gentlemen and also because he has claimed to give her power over the kingdom and business but still manages them. She tells Oswald to tell her father that she is sick so as not to speak to him and also she tells him to let her father’s knights somewhat dislike him.
14. Kent wishes to serve Lear because he loves him and wants to be loyal, honourable and protecting of him. He discerns in Lear’s countenance by disguising himself as a beggar to be allowed back in Lear’s court to serve him. This is ironic because Lear banished him for foolish reasons and now he accepts him as kind as he is but disguised.
15. Kent sends the servant away in reaction to what he did to Lear.
16. This is important because the audience sees that someone appreciated and is distressed because of the leave of Cordelia. The fool is the one who knows most and says it all without restraint but no one knows.
17. The fool’s function in this part of the play is to offer truth to King Lear as well as comic relief. Examples of these are: “take my coxcomb; why this fellow banished two on’s daughters, and did the third a blessing against his will, if thou follow him, thou must needs wear my coxcomb. “ “Truth’s a dog must to kennel, he must be whipped out, when Lady Brach may stand by th’ fire and stink.” “Then ‘tis like the breath of an unfee’d lawyer, you gave me nothing for’t, can you make no use of nothing nuncle?”
18. Edmund makes his brother believe that his father is hunting him and had found out where he is hidden and therefore tricks him into feeling for his own safety.
19. Kent’s actions with Oswald characterise him thus because he seems nice and caring but when alone with him he becomes insulting and mean. So he is plain on the outside but had hidden thoughts.
20. “Nothing almost seems miracles/ but misery” this can serve as a motto for the play because miracles never happen throughout the play only misery. Therefore misery must be the miracle of the men. No matter what they do misery comes of it therefore it is obviously inevitable all throughout the play.
21. Edgar’s disguise is an example of social criticism in the play because it suggests the poor are not favoured but rather pitied. Once one is a beggar the treatment is completely different. This statement is important because since Edgar had fled the kingdom he becomes nothing and of no importance anymore. This is important to the meaning of the play because it seems as though once something is no longer in sight its importance vanishes.
22. Lear is angry because he loves his servant Kent and he is upset that he must be put in the stocks with the two people that have mistreated him while he stayed with them.
23. Her first response is “I pray you sir, take patience, I have hope.”
Monday, October 26, 2009
William Shakespeare
The life and times of William Shakespeare is very fascinating and intriguing to the common man. He was born in April 1564 to Mr. and Mrs. John Shakespeare.
William's childhood was like any other. He went to the Stratford Grammar School in England between the ages of 6 and 13, there he enjoyed reading stories written by Latin authors and it was there he developed his love for literature. He also enjoyed learning English while he was in school. During his childhood he also spent time working for a butcher. As Shakespeare grew older, he fell in love with and eventually married Miss Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was an orphan growing up and became preganant a year later with their first child when she was 26 years old. In 1583 beautiful Susanna was born and they were overjoyed. As their marriage progressed, William and Anne, two years later in 1585, had a set of twins, named Hamnet and Judith who unfortunately died in 1596.
William had a very boisterous career, but like all writers and artistes there was a time when others blossomed. So called the "Lost Years".These were divided into two periods namely 1578-1582 and 1585-1592. After aquiring skills as an actor and playwright during these years he was ready again. In his productive years William had a career as an actor and poet in London. He went on to be a famous playwright writing Hamlet in 1602 and accumulating vast amounts of wealth. Finally William Shakespeare had much to offer in his life through his work and family, and because he was so great he will forever be remembered.
William's childhood was like any other. He went to the Stratford Grammar School in England between the ages of 6 and 13, there he enjoyed reading stories written by Latin authors and it was there he developed his love for literature. He also enjoyed learning English while he was in school. During his childhood he also spent time working for a butcher. As Shakespeare grew older, he fell in love with and eventually married Miss Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was an orphan growing up and became preganant a year later with their first child when she was 26 years old. In 1583 beautiful Susanna was born and they were overjoyed. As their marriage progressed, William and Anne, two years later in 1585, had a set of twins, named Hamnet and Judith who unfortunately died in 1596.
William had a very boisterous career, but like all writers and artistes there was a time when others blossomed. So called the "Lost Years".These were divided into two periods namely 1578-1582 and 1585-1592. After aquiring skills as an actor and playwright during these years he was ready again. In his productive years William had a career as an actor and poet in London. He went on to be a famous playwright writing Hamlet in 1602 and accumulating vast amounts of wealth. Finally William Shakespeare had much to offer in his life through his work and family, and because he was so great he will forever be remembered.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Aunt Mira and Her significance in the novel
Aunt Mira played a very crucial role in the children's upbringing. She came to the family invited by Mrs Das to take care of Baba. But as she was there she did much more than that. She not only took care of and raised Baba she raised all of the other children as well. She was the mother figure which they needed in their life and very much lacked. She taught them things, read to them, played with them and spent the most time with them. She was the closest thing the children had to a mother even though they did not know it. Aunt Mira basically mothered Baba as well she taught him everything he knew without her he would be incapable of anything.
Also, the children provided a very special thing for Aunt Mira.They were the family and children and life that she never got the oppurtunity to have. They were the little ones that she couls care for, love, teach things and raise. Also in the case of Tara, they were people that could want her, need her and love her. All of these things she was lacking.
The children contributed to her downfall because she loved them and needed them and in the end they left her. Tara, the child she adored the most left her first without acknowldgement. She never turned back and even wrote to Mira Masi. Because of this sudden neglect Aunt Mira went into a state of shock and thus began to turn crazy.
Also, the children provided a very special thing for Aunt Mira.They were the family and children and life that she never got the oppurtunity to have. They were the little ones that she couls care for, love, teach things and raise. Also in the case of Tara, they were people that could want her, need her and love her. All of these things she was lacking.
The children contributed to her downfall because she loved them and needed them and in the end they left her. Tara, the child she adored the most left her first without acknowldgement. She never turned back and even wrote to Mira Masi. Because of this sudden neglect Aunt Mira went into a state of shock and thus began to turn crazy.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Character of Baba Das
- Baba's character somewhat restricted Bim from realising her full potential. He prevented her from leaving home because she felt that she had to stay, devote her life and take care of him.
- Baba also gave Bim an excuse to continue being the unconventinal woman because he life's resposibilty was to take care of him and no-one expected her to get married or have children nor did she want to do any of those things.
- Baba was a character who did not change, he conplements the unchange of the Old Dehli and the house. He always does the same thing repeatedly. He represents the monotony of Old Dehli and what Tara had left behind.
- Baba was also a mentally challenged, quiet, young man. The youngest child of the Das family. He was the most neglected by his mother because he needed the most attention growing up therefore his mother sent for Aunt Mira who taught and raised him.
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