English Literature: June 2024

Wednesday 26 June 2024

Discuss the Symbolism in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex"

Symbolism in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex":

    Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" a masterpiece of ancient Greek drama, is renowned not only for its compelling plot and engaging characters but also for the extensive use of symbolism. The play is rife with symbols that carry deeper meaning and shed light on the themes, characters, and the human condition itself.

 

Thursday 20 June 2024

Why is "O Captain! My Captain!" Considered an Elegiac Poem?

"O Captain! My Captain!": An Elegiac Tribute to Abraham Lincoln

 

Walt Whitman often called the "Bard of Democracy" is renowned for his innovative and groundbreaking poetry. Among his notable works is "O Captain! My Captain!" a poem written as a eulogy for President Abraham Lincoln following his assassination. While Whitman's poetry typically defies convention, "O Captain! My Captain!" stands out as a traditional elegy.

 

Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of love in “As You Like It”

The Many Facets of Love in Shakespeare's "As You Like It":

 

    William Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It" is a delightful exploration of love in its various forms. Set in the Forest of Arden, the play delves into romantic love, familial love, friendship, and self-love, all while delivering Shakespeare's signature wit and humor. Here we will discuss Shakespeare's treatment of love in "As You Like It" and examine how the play reveals the multifaceted nature of this complex emotion.

 

Wednesday 19 June 2024

How does Shakespeare glorify/immortalize his friend in "Sonnet 18"?

Immortalizing Friendship: An Analysis of How Shakespeare Glorifies His Friend in "Sonnet 18"

 

William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, often known as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" is a masterful and timeless exploration of love and beauty. Written during the late 16th century, this sonnet has captivated readers for centuries with its lyrical brilliance and profound themes.

 

What in the poem "O Captain My Captain" by Walt Whitman seems to recall Lincoln?

Lincoln's Legacy in "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman:

 

    Walt Whitman's poem "O Captain! My Captain!" is a poignant and evocative work that pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Published in 1865, shortly after Lincoln's assassination, the poem serves as both an elegy for the fallen leader and a reflection on the state of the nation during a tumultuous period in American history. The poem's reminiscences of Abraham Lincoln will be examined in this article, along with the themes, images, and feelings that link Whitman's poetry to the President's lasting legacy.

 

Why does Shakespeare Compare the Young Man to a Summer's Day in Sonnet 18?

Shakespeare's Sonnet 18: Comparing the Young Man to a Summer's Day

    Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, one of the most beloved and frequently studied sonnets in the English language, begins with the famous question, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This opening line serves as a powerful and enduring metaphor that captures the essence of the poem. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Shakespeare compares the young man to a summer's day in Sonnet 18.