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Theatre Of The Absurd “Absurdist”

Literature, English Literature, Fiction, Poets, Summary

Introduction

The term “Theatre of The Absurd” was first derived by Albert Camus in an essay, ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’ (1942) in which he derived the philosophy of the absurd. According to Camus, this philosophy says,

“Mom is trying to pursue the
meaning of life and this
pursuance has no meaning
in its own. So the men
quest for the existence and
to derive meaning for life is
meaningless and is of no use.”

Later in 1961, this term was coined by “Martin Esslin” in his book “Theatre of Absurd”. It is a literary movement that began with a group of dramatists around the 1950s and continued till the 1980s. It was the death of Samuel Beckett in 1989 that marked the end of this movement. This literary movement spread across America and Other European countries during the 1950s to 1960s. It is the movement that simply expresses the thought of human existence that has no meaning or purpose. In it, the playwright also discussed the changed behavior of human beings which they saw in their surroundings, because of the impact of World War II.

Definition Of The Theatre of the Absurd

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term as,

“Theatre that seeks to represent
the absurdity of human existence
in a meaningless universe by
bizarre or fantastic means.”

History Of The Theatre of The Absurd

This movement influenced by existentialism, began in the form of experimental theatre in Paris and consequently, the spread of the absurd form in other countries. Absurdist plays were written in French. Absurd elements first came into existence after the rise of Greek Drama in the plays of ‘Aristophanes’ in the form of Wild humor and buffoonery of the old comedy.

Then, morality plays of the Middle Ages can also be called a precursor of ‘The Theatre of the Absurd’. In 19^th century. Ibsen and Strindberg also included some elements of absurd theatre in their plays, but the real precursor of the present Theatre of Absurd is ‘Alfred Jerry’s play ‘Ubu Roi’.

World War II finally brought the Theatre of Absurd to life because the Chaotic atmosphere during that time was compelling them to think about their absurd existence.

Features & Characteristics of the Theatre of the Absurd

Absence of a real story or plot.
No action since all actions are insignificant.
The value of language is reduced, in fact, what happens on the stage transcends and often contradicts, the words spoken by the characters.
Extensive use of pauses, silences, miming, and absurd situations reflect a sense of anguish.
Incoherent babbling makes up the dialogue.

Characteristics and Features in Detail

Following are the chief characteristics of the Theatre of Absurd, but all these characteristic cannot necessarily be found in all the absurdist play because it is not necessary that the playwright must have used all the characteristic of Absurd plays:

1. Questions of Existence

Absurd plays raise some basic questions of existence like why we are alive, why we have to die, and why there is injustice and suffering.

2. Distrust In Language

For the absurdist playwrights, language is only a meaningless communication and stereotyped exchange of Ideas because words fail to express the essence of human existence.

3. Illogical Speeches and Meaningless Plots

Through illogical speeches and meaningless plots, they wish to establish a feeling of freedom to make their own words. Dr. Culik Says,

“Rationalist thought, like language,
Only deals with the superficial
aspects of things, Nonsense,
On the other hand, opens up a
glimpse of the infinite.”

4. Re-establishment of Man’s communion with the Universe

They attempt to restore the importance of myth and rituals in the life of man and make them aware of the ultimate realities of their life.

5. Emphasis on Abstract values of Life

Absurdists force us to look at our abstract values of life like love and family. Thus, we may hope to accept the absurdity of life and try to find values in a world devoid of them.

6. Vagueness about Time, Place, and Character

Absurdists have no time, place, or character in their plays as they feel that there is no past or future, only the repetition of the present.

7. Lack Of communication Amid Characters

Each character lives an egoistic life and attempts to get another character to understand him which results in more alienation.

Playwright of Absurd Drama

Martin Esslin considered four playwrights: – Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, Arthur Adamov, and Jean Genet as leaders of the movement. After some time, ‘Harold Pinter’ was also introduced to this group, as some of the works of Albert Camus, and Edward Albee.

Samuel Beckett

Beckett is an Irish dramatist and novelist, who came from an ‘Anglo-Irish’ Protestant family. Beckett uses formless language deliberately to present the absurdity in his work. Some of his highly popularised fiction novels, originally written in French, Scored success are ‘Murphy’. ‘Molloy’ and ‘Watt’ which also follow his story “More Pricks than Kicks”.

His masterpiece in drama is ‘Waiting For Godot’ which is the English version of the French Play En Attendant Godot’. Beckett also wrote a ‘monologue’. “Krapp’s Last Tape” in which Krapp attempts to recapture the greatness of earlier days by listening to recordings of days when she was young.

Eugene Ionesco

Ionesco is a Rumanian – French dramatist, write in French. Eugene Ionesco is a central figure in this genre and the foremost figure of the French Avant-Grade Theatre. His plays basically focus on criticizing the meaningless existence of human beings while offering a subtle solution to change this situation. In Rhinoceros, Ionesco tries to build hope at the end of the play by making Berenger, the protagonist, stick to his human self and not follow the mass movement.

His famous works are ‘The Bald Prima’, ‘The Lesson’, ‘The Chair’ an absurdist tragic force, ‘The Killer’, ‘Rhinoceros’, ‘The Victim of Duty’, ‘How to Ged Rid of It’, and ‘Macbeth’ written during the cold war. The Chairs and The Lesson are the most notable works of Ionesco.

Arthur Adamov

He was a Russian-born dramatist who lived in France and wrote in French Adamov wrote an autobiographical volume L’Avew, where he for the first expressed the deep sense of alienation, one of the significant features of ‘Theatre of the Absurd’.

Some of his famous plays are ‘La Paradise’, ‘Professor Taranne’, ‘Le Ping-Pong’, and ‘Printemps 71’.

Jean Genet

A famous French novelist, dramatist, and poet. Genet’s contribution can be classified both as an Absurd dramatist and as a follower of Art and in his ritualistic ‘Theatre Of Cruelty’.

His very famous plays are “Deathwatch”, “The Maids”, “The Balcony”, and “The Screens.”

Harold Pinter

Pinter was a great English Playwright screenwriter, Director, Actor, and a Novel Prize winner for literature in 2005. Harold Pinter became the most influential modern British dramatist. His writing career continued for more than 50 years. His early works were described by critics as “Comedy of Menace”.

His first full-length play was ‘The Birthday Party (1958)’, which ran for three nights in London. It later made a strong impression on Television and was successfully re-staged in 1964.

Printer’s other most famous works are “The Room”, “The Homecoming”, and “Betray.”

Some of his one-act plays are ‘The Dumb Waiter’, ‘A Slight Ache’, ‘The Collection, and The Lover’ which have been produced in the theatre.

Albert Camus

Camus was an Algerian and French philosopher. He was the youngest writer who won the Nobel Prize in 1957 in Literature. His philosophical work came out as absurdism. His essay ‘The Rebel’ which treats both the metaphysical and the historical development of rebellion and revolution in societies, especially in Western Europe.

‘The Myth of Sisyphus’ (1942) an essay by Camus, where he described meaningless things happening around him through the concept of ‘absurdism’ and this absurdist concept was first time seen in his work.

Edward Albee

Edward Albee is an American playwright related to the theatre of the Absurd. He is known for his works written as one-act plays such as ‘As Zoo Story’, ‘The Sandbox’, and ‘The American Dream’. His first full-length play, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.”

He won the Pulitzer Prize for three works – ‘A Delicate Balance’, ‘Three Tall Women’, and ‘Seascape’, written in the form of Drama.

Besides these, other playwrights like ‘Tom Stoppard’, ‘Arthur Kopit’, ‘Friedrich Durrenmatt’, ‘Fernando Arrabal’, ‘N. E. Simpson’, and also many dramatists associated with this theatre.

Conclusion

Thus, the Absurdist play or The Theatre of Absurd only demonstrates the absurdity and illogicality of the world in which we live but does not provide any solution to the problem. Through these plays, man is again and again reminded that his existence in the world is in fact absurd and meaningless.

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Literature Notes

Man and Superman Themes, Summary & Analysis G. B. Shaw

Analysis, English Literature, Literature, Summary

Introduction

“Man and Superman” by George Bernard Shaw is regarded as a philosophical play due to its exploration of several philosophical themes. It was first published in 1903. The play is subtitled “A Comedy and a Philosophy” and it reflects Shaw’s views on a wide range of topics, especially on the hypocrisy of Victorian society. It is a four-act play.

The first performance of Man and Superman in 1905 at the Royal Court Theatre in London, did not include the third act. Though subsequent productions have typically omitted the scene, “Don Juan in Hell”, it’s often performed as a separate play. ‘Eric Bentle’ a birth born American theatre critic & playwright called Man and Superman:

“The Supreme triumph of Shaw’s dramaturgical dialects.”

Character of the play

Roebuck Ramsden

Ramsden is a middle-aged gentleman who considers himself as an intellectual pioneer and a progressive thinker.

Octavius Robinson

Octavius is a young, orphaned bachelor in the social circle of the social circle of Ramsdens, the Whitefield, and Jack Tanner.

Ann Whitefield

Ann is the older daughter of Mr. Whitefield, She is based on the Character of Dona Ana.

Jack/ John Tanner

Jack Tanner, a left-wing thinker and author of the book The Revolutionist’s Handbook, is one of the men left in charge of Ann Whitefield after her death.

Violet Robinson

Violet is the sister of Octavius. She becomes pregnant at the beginning of the play and is secretly married to Hector Malone.

Henry Straker, Mendoza, Hector Malone Jr., Hector Malone Sr., Mrs. Whitefield, and Susan Ramsden are more characters, which is present in the play.

About G. B. Shaw

George Bernard Shaw, commonly known as G. B. Shaw was an Irish playwright, Critic, and political activist. After unsuccessful attempts at novel writing, Shaw turned to drama. He wrote over sixty plays in the course of his life, including – “Man and Superman”, Pygmalion, and Saint Joan. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1925. Shaw’s golden period as a dramatist was from 1903 to 1925, the time when he wrote his best and most famous play. Arthun Bingham Walkey praised Shaw as,

“A man who gives us a refined intellectual pleasure.”

Man and Superman as a Comedy or Philosophy

In the sub-title of the play, Shaw himself calls Man and Superman a comedy and a philosophy. We may designate the drama as a biological comedy with spiritual overtones. The central theme of the play is Shaw’s anthropologic myth that woman is the primary mover in the evolutionary process. In Act I, II, and IV we find the ruthless pursuit of Tanner by Ann that constitutes the comedy of the drama. The play is a rich storehouse of Shavian thoughts, but this thought content is treated in the vein of the most light-hearted comedy.

The play contains Shaw’s view on everyday subjects. He expressed his views on love, women, marriage, Sex-relationship, socialism, democracy, etc. In fact, the play is Shaw’s finest statement of his idea of a life force. Shaw’s life force is a spiritual power in the universe. Don Juan says in the play.

“Life is a force which has made innumerable
experiments in organizing itself.”

Shavian Don Juan is the spokesman of Shaw himself in the play. He is a philosophic man with intellect. In conversation with the statue Don Juan says:
“……….. to life, the force behind the Man,
Intellect is a necessity, because without
it he blunders into death.”

On women, in the play, Shaw’s comment is that a woman is not a Poet’s dream. She has to play an important role in the evolutionary process. Shaw thinks that biologically woman is primary and non-secondary in the process of keeping the human race running.

All the philosophical implications of the play have been illustrated through the story of Tanner and Ann with utmost levity and this makes the play comedy as well. Ann Whitefield is a vital genius, Tanner, on the other hand, is a man who does not tolerate women’s company. Tanner avoids Ann and regards her company as dangerous, Ann. On the other side, considers Tanner as “Biologically” preferable.

Thus, we may say that Shaw is logically right to call “Man and Superman” a comedy and a philosophy. Shaw, in the play, expressed his philosophical views on serious subjects but the way he has gone is comical.

Themes of “Man and Superman”

The themes of Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw are:

The conflict between man and Woman

Shaw believed that men and women are fundamentally different creatures, with different goals and desires. In ‘Man and Superman’, this conflict is embodied in the characters of John Tanner and Ann Whitefield. Tanner is a brilliant but impractical idealist, while Ann is a ruthless social climber. Their relationship is a battle of wills, with each trying to manipulate the other to get what they want.

The Nature of the Superman

Superman is Shaw’s ideal of a human being, someone who is intellectually and morally superior to the rest of humanity. Superman is someone who has achieved self-mastery to their own values, regardless of what society expects of them.

The importance of free will

Shaw believed that humans have the power to choose their own destiny. In ‘Man and Superman’, this is represented by the Character of Don Juan. Don Juan is a legendary womanizer who has rejected the conventions of society. He believes that humans should live life to the fullest and experience everything that it has to offer.

The Role of Women in Society

Shaw was a strong advocate for women’s rights. In Man and Superman, he challenges the traditional view of women as being inferior to men. He argues that women are just as capable, as men of intellectual and moral leadership.

The Importance of Education

Shaw believed that education was essential for the improvement of the human race. In Man and Superman, he argues that education should be used to teach people how to think for themselves and question authority.

Analysis & Summary of the Play

The play starts with a dedication, in the form of a letter, addressed to Arthur Bingham Walkley, Shaw’s friend, who according to the letter had once asked Shaw why he did not write a ‘Don Juan’ play.

The play is an example of a comedy of manners that explores the themes of love, marriage, and the nature of “Superman”. The play is divided into four acts. The first three acts are set in the real world, and they follow the story of John Tanner, a womanizing, philosopher and who is determined to marry him. The fourth act is set in Hell and it takes the form of a dream that Tanner has.

When a man named Mr. Whitefield dies, he entrusts the guardianship of his daughter, Ann to two men; the revolutionary young ‘Jack Tanner’ and the stodgy rich ‘Roebuck Ramsden’. Jack, a sworn bachelor, has chosen to devote his life to philosophical pursuits. Meanwhile, Octavius Robinson, who was like a Son to Mr. Whitefield, becomes infatuated with Ann and determined to marry her, unaware that Ann is truly in love with Jack.

In the first three acts, Shaw explores the conflict between Tanner’s intellectual idealism and Ann’s biological determinism. Tanner believes that humans are capable of great things but he also believes that they are often held back by their animal instincts.

In the fourth act, Tanner’s dream takes him on a journey through Hell, where he meets a variety of Characters who are human nature. These characters include ‘Don Juan’ a symbol of the life force, ‘Dona Ana’, a symbol of the intellect, and the Devil, a symbol of evil.

The dream helps Tanner to understand the true nature of the conflict between himself and Ann. He realizes that he cannot escape his biological instincts, but he also realizes that he can use his intellect to control them. The play ends with Tanner and Ann agreeing to marry, but on the condition that they will remain free individuals.

Conclusion

Thus, through the play, Shaw explores the complex relationship between men, women, and the Life force. Some critics have seen it as a pessimistic view of marriage, suggesting that it is a trap that prevents men from achieving their full potential. Others have seen it as an optimistic view, suggesting that marriage can be a positive force for good if it is based on mutual understanding and respect.

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Women Writing In India 600 B.C to Present

“Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present” by Susie Tharu and K. Lalita

Literature, English Literature, Essay, Novel

Introduction

“Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present” is a fascinating book written by Susie Tharu and K. Lalita, that showcases the writings of women in India throughout history. This is Volume 1 of the series, and it presents a diverse collection of literary works spanning a wide range of time periods, languages, and regions in India. It sets the stage for exploring the contributions of women writers and emphasizes the importance of recognizing their voices in the literary landscape. The first volume covers the period from 600 B.C. to the early twentieth century and includes texts from Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali, Prakrit, Persian, Urdu, Bengali, Marathi, and other languages.

The first volume spans from 600 B.C. to the early twentieth century and includes 127 selections from 88 writers. The selections are arranged in nine sections, each covering a different historical period and literary tradition. The sections are:

– The Beginnings: Women’s Writing in India from 600 B.C. to A.D. 600
– The Classical Age: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300
– The Medieval Period: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1300 to A.D. 1800
– The Early Modern Period: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1800 to A.D. 1857
– The Colonial Period: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1857 to A.D. 1900

– The Nationalist Movement: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1900 to A.D. 1920
– The Gandhian Era: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1920 to A.D. 1947
– The Post-Independence Period: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1947 to A.D. 1960
– The Contemporary Period: Women’s Writing in India from A.D. 1960 to A.D. 1990

Critical Analysis Of Women Writing in India Essay

The texts in Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present offer a rich and varied portrait of Indian women’s lives over the centuries. They provide insights into the social, political, and religious forces that have shaped women’s experiences. The texts also reveal the resilience and creativity of Indian women, who have found ways to express themselves and challenge the status quo.

The author shows that emerges from the anthology is the importance of education for women. Many of the writers in the anthology stress the need for women to be educated in order to achieve their full potential. They argue that education will help women to become more independent, to participate more fully in society, and to improve their lives.

The anthology is about the struggle for women’s rights. Many of the writers in the anthology write about the need to end discrimination against women, improve their legal status, and gain access to economic opportunities. They argue that women’s rights are human rights and that all women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

The texts in Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present are a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of Indian women. They offer a glimpse into the lives of women who have faced many challenges, but who have never given up hope. The texts are a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of women in India, and the challenges and opportunities that they face today.

Summary Of Women Writing in India

The anthology is divided into four sections: “Early Writings,” “The Nineteenth Century,” “The Early Twentieth Century,” and “The Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries.”

The first section includes works from the Sanskrit and Prakrit traditions, as well as from the Tamil and Telugu languages. The second section focuses on the nineteenth century, a time of great social and political change in India. The third section covers the early twentieth century, a period of increasing nationalism and women’s activism. The fourth section brings together works from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a time of great literary and cultural ferment.

The anthology includes a wide range of writing, from the religious and philosophical to the erotic and the political. The works are diverse in terms of their subject matter, style, and tone. Some of the works are lyrical and evocative, while others are more didactic or polemical. Some of the works are humorous, while others are deeply serious.

“Women Writing in India” Anthology provides a valuable overview of the history of women’s writing in India. It also offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Indian women over the centuries. The works in the anthology speak to the diversity of Indian culture and the resilience of Indian women.

The following are some of the key themes that emerge from the anthology:

The struggle for women’s rights: Many of the works in the anthology deal with the struggle for women’s rights. These works address issues such as the right to education, the right to work, and the right to equality.

The importance of education for women: Many of the works in the anthology highlight the importance of education for women. These works argue that education is essential for women’s empowerment and for their ability to contribute to society.

The need for social reform: Many of the works in the anthology call for social reform. These works address issues such as child marriage, dowry, and Sati.

The power of the written word: Many of the works in the anthology celebrate the power of the written word. These works argue that writing can be used to challenge injustice, raise awareness, and create change.

The importance of family and community: Many of the works in the anthology emphasize the importance of family and community. These works show how family and community can provide support and strength in times of difficulty.

The beauty of nature: Many of the works in the anthology celebrate the beauty of nature. These works show how nature can provide solace, inspiration, and hope.

The strength of the human spirit: Many of the works in the anthology affirm the strength of the human spirit. These works show how people can overcome adversity and find hope in the face of despair.

Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present is an important anthology that provides a valuable overview of the history of women’s writing in India. The works in the anthology offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Indian women over the centuries. They also speak to the diversity of Indian culture and the resilience of Indian women. The anthology is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Indian literature, history, or women’s studies.

The book is divided into four volumes, each covering a different historical period and theme. The first volume, titled “The Beginnings”, covers the period from 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D., and features writings from ancient and medieval India. The second volume, titled “The Twentieth Century”, covers the period from 1900 to 1980, and features writings from the colonial and postcolonial eras. The third volume, titled “Feminisms”, covers the period from 1980 to 1995, and features writings from the contemporary feminist movement. The fourth volume, titled “In Other Words”, covers the period from 1995 to 2000, and features writings from marginalized and subaltern groups.

The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Indian literature, culture, history, and gender studies. It offers a rich and diverse selection of texts that showcase the creativity and agency of Indian women writers. It also offers a critical analysis of the literary traditions and practices of Indian women, as well as their social and political struggles and achievements. The book is a testament to the power and beauty of women’s voices in IndiaThe anthology includes a wide variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, autobiography, and essays. The writers represented in the anthology come from all over India and write in a variety of languages.

The anthology provides a valuable overview of the history of women’s writing in India. It also offers insights into the lives and experiences of Indian women over the centuries.

Themes Of The Women Writing In India

The Struggle for Women’s Rights

Many of the works in the anthology deal with the struggle for women’s rights. These works address issues such as the right to education, the right to work, and the right to equality.

The importance of education for women

Many of the works in the anthology highlight the importance of education for women. These works argue that education is essential for women’s empowerment and for their ability to contribute to society.

The Need for social reform

Many of the works in the anthology call for social reform. These works address issues such as child marriage, dowry, and Sati.

The power of the written word

Many of the works in the anthology celebrate the power of the written word. These works argue that writing can be used to challenge injustice, raise awareness, and create change.

The importance of family and community

Many of the works in the anthology emphasize the importance of family and community. These works show how family and community can provide support and strength in times of difficulty.

The Beauty Of Nature

Many of the works in the anthology celebrate the beauty of nature. These works show how nature can provide solace, inspiration, and hope.

The strength of the human spirit

Many of the works in the anthology affirm the strength of the human spirit. These works show how people can overcome adversity and find hope in the face of despair.

Conclusion

Women Writing in India: 600 B.C. to the Present is a groundbreaking and comprehensive anthology that celebrates and explores the rich and diverse tradition of women’s writing in India. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in Indian literature, history, culture, feminism, or postcolonial studies.

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Literature Notes

Now I Remain for Myself by Bahinabai Chaudhari

Literature, English Literature, Indian aesthetics, Indian Literature

Introduction

“Now I Remain for Myself” is a collection of Marathi poems written by Bahinabai Chaudhari, a prominent Indian poetess who comes from the state of Maharashtra. Originally composed in the late 19th century, Chaudhari’s verses beautifully express her personal experiences, emotions, and reflections on various aspects of life.

Bahinabai’s poems reflect her life experiences, her observations of nature, her love for her land and culture, and her wisdom and philosophy. She wrote about the joys and sorrows of a farmer’s life, the festivals and rituals of Maharashtra, the beauty and bounty of nature, and the spiritual quest for self-realization. Her poems are simple, spontaneous, lyrical, and profound. They have a universal appeal and resonate with the common people.

One of her most famous poems is “Now I Remain for Myself” (मी आता माझ्यासाठी राहिले), which expresses her sense of liberation and detachment after losing her husband and children. The poem is written in the first person and has four stanzas of four lines each. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme of abcb in each stanza.

About Bahinbai Chaudhari

Bahinabai Chaudhari was born into a poor and illiterate family of farmers. She was married at the age of 13 to Nathuji Khanderao Chaudhari, who was also a farmer and a poet. She had four sons and two daughters, but only one son survived. Her husband died when she was 30 years old, leaving her alone to manage the farm and the household.

Bahinabai Chaudhari learned to read and write from her husband, who encouraged her to compose poems. She wrote about her daily life, her joys and sorrows, her love and devotion for her husband, her struggles and hardships as a farmer, and her observations of nature and society. She also wrote about her spiritual beliefs and her devotion to Lord Vitthal, a form of Vishnu worshipped by the Varkari sect.

Bahinabai Chaudhari’s poems were not written down by herself but were memorized and recited by her son Madhusudan, who later published them in various magazines and books. Her poems became popular among the masses as well as the literary circles, and she received recognition and appreciation from eminent writers and critics such as N.C. Kelkar, V.S. Khandekar, P.K. Atre, and Sane Guruji.

Themes Of Now I Remain For Myself

Nature and Rural Life

Chaudhari’s poems often celebrate the beauty of nature and capture the essence of rural life. She vividly describes the changing seasons, the agricultural activities, and the natural elements surrounding her, reflecting a deep connection to the land and its rhythms.

Feminine Sensibilities

Chaudhari’s poetry portrays women’s experiences, emotions, and struggles in a patriarchal society. She addresses themes such as love, marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations, offering a glimpse into the complex inner world of women during her era.

Spirituality and Devotion

Deeply religious, Chaudhari’s verses frequently convey her devotion to the divine. She explores faith, spirituality, and the pursuit of inner peace, infusing her work with a sense of spiritual transcendence.

Summary Of Now I Remain For Myself

The poem begins with the speaker lamenting the loss of her husband, who was her companion and support in life. She feels like a bird whose nest has been destroyed by a storm. She wonders how she will survive without him, who will take care of her, and who will share her joys and sorrows. She feels like she has lost everything and has no purpose in life.

In the first stanza, the speaker says that she has now remained for herself after losing her husband and children. She says that she has no one to call her own or to care for her. She says that she has become free from all worldly attachments and expectations.

In the second stanza, the speaker says that she has now become indifferent to praise or blame, happiness or sorrow, honor or dishonor. She says that she has transcended all dualities and distinctions. She says that she has attained a state of peace and equanimity.

In the third stanza, the speaker says that she has now realized her true self, which is beyond birth and death, name and form, time and space. She says that she has merged with the supreme reality, which is eternal, blissful, and pure. She says that she has become one with God.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker says she has become free from all desires and fears. She says that she has no need for anything or anyone. She says that she has reached the ultimate goal of life.

Analysis Of Now I Remain For Myself

The poem is a remarkable expression of the poet’s spiritual journey from grief to liberation. The poem shows how the poet transformed her suffering into an opportunity for self-discovery and enlightenment. The verse also shows how the poet embraced the philosophy of Vedanta, which teaches that the true self is identical to Brahman, the supreme reality.

The poem uses simple words and images to convey profound truths. The poet uses metaphors such as “the world’s net” (जगाचा जाळा) to describe the bondage of worldly attachments, “the sky’s limit” (आकाशाचा थोर) to describe the transcendence of time and space, and “the ocean’s shore” (समुद्राचा किनारा) to describe the attainment of bliss and peace.

The poem also uses repetition to emphasize the poet’s transformation. The phrase “now I remain for myself” (मी आता माझ्यासाठी राहिले) is repeated at the beginning of each stanza to mark the contrast between her past and present state. The phrase “now I have” (मला आता) is repeated at the end of each line in the third stanza to show her realization of her true self.

She concludes the poem by saying that now she remains for herself, but not in a selfish or egotistic way. She says that she remains for herself as a part of the whole creation, as a drop of water in the ocean, as a ray of light in the sun, as a flower in the garden. She says that she remains for herself as an expression of God’s beauty and bliss.

The poem is also notable for its feminist perspective that challenges the patriarchal norms and values of Indian society. Bahinabai Chaudhari expresses her autonomy and agency as a woman who has survived many hardships and oppressions. She rejects the roles and duties that are imposed on women by men and society. She claims her right to live according to her own will and desire. She affirms her dignity and worth as a human being who has a unique identity and voice.

Conclusion

The poem is a powerful testimony of Bahinabai Chaudhari‘s courage, wisdom, and spirituality. It shows how she overcame her grief and suffering by finding meaning and joy in herself and in God. It shows how she challenged the norms and expectations of society by asserting her individuality and freedom. It shows how she celebrated her womanhood and humanity by embracing her nature and spirit. The poem is also an inspiration for women who seek to assert their individuality and freedom in a male-dominated world.

“The poem is also an inspiration for anyone who seeks to overcome suffering and find meaning in life.“

Poem Short Version

Now I remain for myself,
No one to blame or praise,
No one to love or hate,
No one to please or displease.

I am my own master,
I am my own guide,
I am my own friend,
I am my own judge.

I am free to choose my own path,
I am free to follow my own dreams,
I am free to be myself.

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Literature Notes

Beau Tibbs By Oliver Goldsmith

Literature, English Literature, Essay

Introduction

The essay “Beau Tibbs” is the most significant collection of essays by Oliver Goldsmith. It is a collection of essays that deal with the character of peculiar persons. It teaches us, peculiar people. It teaches us so many practical lessons for a graceful life.

Goldsmith wants to stress the teaching,

“The company of fools may,
at first, make us smile
but at last, never fails
of rendering us melancholy.”

He also throws light the contemporary English Society. Beau Tibs represents the contemporary English Middle class. The meaning of Beau Tibbs is a showy man.

About Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith was an essayist of The Age of Transition. He wrote both poetry and essays. He contributed to the periodical essays. His essays have extraordinary power, boldness, originality of thoughts, humour, and tenderness. His style is clear and delicate which made him a great essayist. He was one of the most important writers of the Augustan age, otherwise known as the neoclassical age or the age of Reason.

He is noted for his novel, “The Vicar of Wakefield”, his pastoral poem “The Desert Village and his Plays”, “The Good-Natured Man” and “She Stoops to Conquer”, his classic Children’s tale “The History of Little Goody Two Shoes.”

Analysis of The Essay Beau Tibbs

The essay “Beau Tibbs” has portrayed the character of Mr. Tibbs. The essayist calls him a Beau. This word indicates the inherent character of Mr. Tibbs that he was an elderly man who always remained particular to his dress and also pays unnecessary attention to women. So the word Beau has been used sarcastically to show the levity of his character.

Mr. Tibbs was a very poor man but he always tried to conceal it from others, though unsuccessfully. This habit of Mr. Tibbs had made him an eccentric and he had developed a very ridiculous nature. Whenever he meets someone, he boasts of his high Contacts. He was equally peculiar in his dress. When the essayist met him, he noticed that

“His looks were pale, thin, and sharp;
Round his neck, he wore a broad black ribbon
and in his bosom a buckle studded with glass….
and his stockings of silk, through newly washed,
were grown yellow by long service.”

He was habitual of dressing himself peculiarly and variously, sometimes in torn and at other times in beautiful dress.

Mr. Tibbs invites the narrator to his house. Tibbs wants to introduce his wife and daughter to the narrator. He informs that his daughter knows the famous country dance and can play the guitar well. He says that he is designing her for his friend’s son. Mr. Tibbs also informs him about his wife. During his talk, he repeatedly asks the narrator to keep all this information secret. He takes the narrator to his house, not through a straight road, but through many dark and winding ways.

His boastful nature was the greatest weakness of his character. He always tries to impress others that he had very close contacts and familiarity with the Lords and Ladies of high status and often dined with them in the cities and towns privately. He was too proud to admit his poverty and boasted of being on close terms with the aristocracy. He foolishly thought that the people believed whatever he told them about him.

Goldsmith has revealed his character in an extremely humorous but sarcastic manner. When he started talking with Charles, Tibbs told the Lord had granted him the favor of offering five hundred a year and ‘His lordship took me down in his own Chariot yesterday and we had a tete-a tete dinner in the country where we talked of nothing else.

Then at once, as if suddenly reminded, he tells that he had actually dined in town. He was among the select party to dine at Lady Grograms. But after talking so long about his foolish stories, he suddenly comes to his real self. He asked Charles to give him Half-a-Crown(two shillings). Tibbs does this with everybody he meets and thus earns his acquaintances, he tells. He never repaid the borrowed from his friend and they knew the fact very well.

Though this character of Goldsmith has imparted a piece of very useful advice to the young people who depended on the mercy of others but always thought themselves very clever, he advised that such hypocrisy is always damaging and we should save ourselves from such evil.

Conclusion

Thus, Oliver Goldsmith can be said the representative writer of his age. His writings carry almost all the characteristics of the period he belonged to. The essay Beau Tibbs shows the vanity of the middle class of that age through the characters, Beau Tibbs.

Now we can say that through the essay “Beau Tibbs” Oliver Goldsmith satirized the English society.

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Literature Notes