Hello everyone, I'm going to write my blog on "A Tale Of Tub" by "Jonathan Swift"; task given by Vaidehi Hariyani Ma'am.
Swift’s father, Jonathan Swift the elder, was an Englishman who had settled in Ireland after the Stuart Restoration (1660) and become steward of the King’s Inns, Dublin. In 1664 he married Abigail Erick, who was the daughter of an English clergyman. In the spring of 1667 Jonathan the elder died suddenly, leaving his wife, baby daughter, and an unborn son to the care of his brothers. The younger Jonathan Swift thus grew up fatherless and dependent on the generosity of his uncles. His education was not neglected, however, and at the age of six he was sent to Kilkenny School, then the best in Ireland. In 1682 he entered Trinity College in Dublin, where he was granted his bachelor of arts degree in February 1686 speciali gratia (“by special favour”), his degree being a device often used when a student’s record failed, in some minor respect, to conform to the regulations.
Swift continued in residence at Trinity College as a candidate for his master of arts degree until February 1689. But the Roman Catholic disorders that had begun to spread through Dublin after the Glorious Revolution (1688–89) in Protestant England caused Swift to seek security in England, and he soon became a member of the household of a distant relative of his mother named Sir William Temple, at Moor Park, Surrey. Swift was to remain at Moor Park intermittently until Temple’s death in 1699.
Swift’s intellectual roots lay in the rationalism that was characteristic of late 17th-century England. This rationalism, with its strong moral sense, its emphasis on common sense, and its distrust of emotionalism, gave him the standards by which he appraised human conduct. At the same time, however, he provided a unique description of reason’s weakness and of its use by people to delude themselves. His moral principles are scarcely original; his originality lies rather in the quality of his satiric imagination and his literary art. Swift’s literary tone varies from the humorous to the savage, but each of his satiric compositions is marked by concentrated power and directness of impact. His command of a great variety of prose styles is unfailing, as is his power of inventing imaginary episodes and all their accompanying details. Swift rarely speaks in his own person; almost always he states his views by ironic indiscretion through some imagined character such as Lemuel Gulliver or the morally obtuse citizen of “A Modest Proposal.” Thus Swift’s descriptive passages reflect the minds that are describing just as much as the things described. Pulling in different directions, this irony creates the tensions that are characteristic of Swift’s best work, and reflects his vision of humanity’s ambiguous position between bestiality and reasonableness.
> Video Sources for more biographical information about Jonathan Swift:-
(Documentary on Jonathan Swift)
> Now let's discuss these questions,...
QUE:1 How far do you think digression is necessary?
ANS.
# What is Digression?:-
The act or an instance of leaving the main subject in an extended written or verbal expression of thought : the act or an instance of digressing in a discourse or other usually organized literary work.
"Every place Hamilton, his parents, or his wife visited over a century's time is described at length; everyone he met merits at least a minor biographical digression."----------Willard Sterne Randall
# Necessity of Digression in Jonathan Swift's A Tale Of A Tub:-
The digressions in Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub are essential to the work's overall purpose and effect. On one level, they serve to parody the excesses of contemporary learning and scholarship, which Swift saw as pedantic, pretentious, and ultimately meaningless. The digressions are often stuffed with obscure references, arcane terminology, and illogical arguments, all of which are meant to satirize the tendency of scholars to overvalue their own knowledge and to lose sight of the big picture.
The necessity of digression in Jonathan Swift's A Tale of a Tub is a complex issue that has been debated by scholars for centuries. Some critics have argued that the digressions are gratuitous and serve only to distract the reader from the main narrative. Others have argued that the digressions are essential to Swift's satirical purpose, and that they provide a broader context for his critique of religion, politics, and society.
There are a number of reasons why Swift may have chosen to use digression so extensively in A Tale of a Tub. First, digression was a common literary device in the early 18th century, and it was often used to create a sense of wit and erudition. Second, digression allowed Swift to explore a wide range of topics that would have been difficult to incorporate into the main narrative. Third, digression allowed Swift to distance himself from his narrator and to create a sense of irony.
One of the most important functions of the digressions in A Tale of a Tub is to satirize the over-literalism and pedantry of contemporary scholarship. Swift's narrator is obsessed with finding hidden meanings and allegorical interpretations in everything he reads, and he often goes to absurd lengths to prove his points. The digressions allow Swift to parody this type of scholarship and to expose its absurdities.
Another important function of the digressions is to provide a broader context for Swift's critique of religion. The main narrative of A Tale of a Tub is a satire of the three main branches of Christianity: Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Protestantism. However, the digressions allow Swift to explore other aspects of religion, such as the nature of faith, the role of the clergy, and the relationship between religion and politics.
In addition to their satirical and thematic functions, the digressions in A Tale of a Tub also serve to create a sense of playfulness and wit. Swift's narrator is a brilliant and eccentric character, and his digressions are often full of humor and irony. The digressions also allow Swift to demonstrate his own mastery of language and scholarship.
In short, the digressions in A Tale of a Tub are essential to the work's overall purpose and effect. They serve to parody the excesses of contemporary learning and scholarship, to explore philosophical and religious questions in a more indirect and playful way, and to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty in the reader.
Overall, the digressions in A Tale of a Tub are essential to Swift's satirical purpose. They allow him to explore a wide range of topics, to distance himself from his narrator, and to create a sense of playfulness and wit. Without the digressions, the book would be a much less complex and less interesting work of literature.
> Here are some specific examples of how the digressions in A Tale of a Tub contribute to the work's overall impact:
- The digression on madness helps to undermine the narrator's authority and to suggest that the entire work may be the product of a madman.
- The digression on the original, use, and improvement of madness in a commonwealth satirizes the political and social implications of madness, suggesting that it can be used to justify both tyranny and rebellion.
- The digression on the mechanical operation of the spirit satirizes the overly literal-minded interpretations of religious doctrine that were common in Swift's day.
- The digression on critics mocks the pedantry and pretentiousness of contemporary literary criticism.
- The digression in praise of digressions is a playful and self-reflexive meditation on the nature of storytelling and the relationship between author and reader.
Overall, the digressions in A Tale of a Tub are essential to the work's overall purpose and effect. They serve to parody the excesses of contemporary learning and scholarship, to explore philosophical and religious questions in a more indirect and playful way, and to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty in the readers.
QUE:2 Identify any one movie/web series/song/poem/novel which talks about the sensitive topic like religion. Write in brief about it and explain what kind questions are raised through that work.
ANS.
# INTRODUCTION:-
My Name Is Khan is a 2010 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Karan Johar. It stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles. The film tells the story of Rizwan Khan (Khan), an autistic Muslim man from India who travels to the United States to meet the President after his Hindu wife, Mandira Rathod (Kajol), is killed in a hate crime after the September 11 attacks.
The film was released in India and overseas on 12 February 2010 to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹245 crore (US$31 million) worldwide. My Name Is Khan was nominated for several awards, including Best Film and Best Director at the 56th Filmfare Awards.
# SENSITIVE TOPIC:-
> The film talks about a number of sensitive topics, including:
- Islamophobia
- Discrimination
- Prejudice
- Hate crimes
- Terrorism
- Autism
- Religious tolerance
- Love and acceptance
- Islamophobia: Rizwan's Muslim identity makes him a target of discrimination and prejudice, both in the United States and in India. He is often stereotyped as a terrorist, and he is subjected to verbal and physical abuse.
- Discrimination: Rizwan also faces discrimination because of his autism spectrum disorder. He is often treated as if he is less intelligent or capable than others.
- Prejudice: Rizwan's journey across the United States forces him to confront the deep-seated prejudices that exist in American society. He witnesses racism, sexism, and homophobia, and he experiences these prejudices firsthand.
- Hate crimes: Rizwan is a victim of a hate crime when he is beaten by a group of men who believe he is a terrorist. This experience leaves him traumatized and fearful, but it also strengthens his resolve to stand up for what is right.
- Terrorism: The film also explores the complex issue of terrorism. Rizwan is wrongly accused of being a terrorist, and he is forced to defend himself against these accusations. The film shows that terrorism is not the exclusive domain of any one religion or group, and that it is important to fight against all forms of terrorism.
- Autism: The film also portrays autism spectrum disorder in a sensitive and realistic light. Rizwan's autism is not a burden, but rather a part of who he is. It is what makes him unique and special.
- Religious tolerance: The film promotes religious tolerance and acceptance. It shows that people of all faiths can live together in peace and harmony.
- Love and acceptance: The film also celebrates love and acceptance. Rizwan's love for Mandira is what motivates him to embark on his journey, and it is what sustains him through the difficult times.
My Name Is Khan mainly deals with a sensitive topic of Islamophobia in post-9/11 America. The film shows how Rizwan and other Muslims are subjected to discrimination and violence after the attacks. The film also explores the themes of love, loss, and hope.
Rizwan Khan is a Muslim man with Asperger's syndrome who lives in Mumbai, India. He is a simple and innocent man who believes that all people are good. Rizwan falls in love with Mandira Rathod, a Hindu woman, and they get married. They move to the United States to start a new life together.
After the September 11 attacks, Mandira is killed in a hate crime. Rizwan is devastated and sets out on a journey across the United States to meet the President and deliver a message: "My name is Khan, and I'm not a terrorist."
Along the way, Rizwan faces many challenges, including prejudice, discrimination, and violence. But he also meets many kind and compassionate people who help him along his journey.
In the end, Rizwan is able to meet the President of the United States and deliver his message of peace and tolerance. He also finds closure for the death of his son. The film ends with Rizwan and Mandira reunited, stronger than ever.
# QUESTIONS RAISED BY FILM:-
- What is the impact of Islamophobia and racism on Muslim and immigrant communities?
- How can we bridge the divide between different cultures and religions?
- What role does education play in promoting understanding and tolerance?
- How can we create a more just and equitable society?
No comments:
Post a Comment