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The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Introduction

The Handmaid’s Tale is a futuristic dystopian novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. This novel was published in 1985. It is set in a near-future New England in a patriarchal, totalitarian economic state known as The Republic of Gilead, which has overthrown the United States government. The Handmaid’s Tale” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and the oppression of women.

In this novel, Offred is the main character and narrator Of the Novel. She is one of the “handmaids”, women who are forcibly assigned to produce children for the “commanders”, who are the ruling class in Gilead. In the Novel, W

omen are stripped of all their rights and freedoms and forced to serve as reproductive slaves for the ruling elite.

About The Author

Margaret Atwood is one of the most celebrated and influential writers of our time. She was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1939, and grew up in various parts of Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. She studied at the University of Toronto and Radcliffe College and has taught at several universities in Canada and abroad. She has written more than 50 books of fiction, poetry, essays, and criticism, covering a wide range of genres and topics.

Some of her most notable works include The Edible Woman, Surfacing, The Handmaid’s Tale, Cat’s Eye, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and Crake, The Testaments, and The MaddAddam Trilogy. She has won numerous awards and honors for her literary achievements, such as the Booker Prize, the Governor General’s Award, the Giller Prize, the PEN Pinter Prize, and the Franz Kafka Prize. She is also a prominent activist and advocate for environmental, feminist, and human rights causes.

Themes Of “The Handmaid’s Tale”

“The Handmaid’s Tale” addresses several thought-provoking themes, including gender oppression, religious extremism, totalitarianism, and the importance of individual autonomy. The novel explores the consequences of extreme ideologies and the ways in which they can strip away human rights and dignity. It also delves into the power dynamics between men and women, and the subjugation of women’s bodies for reproductive purposes. Atwood’s portrayal of a patriarchal society and the dehumanization of women raises important questions about gender roles, identity, and feminism.

Summary Of “The Handmaid’s Tale”

The novel is narrated by Offred, one of the “handmaids” in Gilead. Handmaids are fertile women who are assigned to elite men called “commanders” to bear children for them. Offred serves Commander Fred Waterford and his wife Serena Joy, a former gospel singer and advocate for traditional values. She is barren due to widespread infertility caused by environmental pollution and disease.

Offred’s name means “of Fred”, indicating her lack of identity and autonomy. She lives in a strict regime where she has to follow rules and rituals that are based on a twisted interpretation of some Old Testament verses. She has to wear a red dress and a white bonnet that covers her face. Offred lives in constant fear of being punished or killed for any sign of disobedience or rebellion.

She has no access to education, information, or entertainment and is not allowed to read, write, or speak freely. She can only leave the house for shopping trips with another Handmaid, Ofglen. She has to endure monthly “ceremonies” where she is raped by the Commander. She also has to visit a doctor regularly to check her health and fertility.

Offred remembers her life before Gilead when she was a librarian, a wife, and a mother. She had a husband named Luke and a daughter named Hannah. She also had a best friend named Moira, who was a rebellious feminist. After a staged terrorist attack that killed the president and most of Congress, a radical group called the Sons of Jacob seized power and suspended the Constitution.

They blamed the declining birth rate on environmental pollution, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, contraception, and women’s liberation. They banned women from working, owning property, having money, or accessing education. They also divided women into rigid classes based on their reproductive status: Wives (the spouses of commanders), Marthas (the domestic servants), Aunts (the indoctrinators and enforcers of handmaids), Econowives (the wives of lower-class men), Jezebels (the prostitutes), Unwomen (the rebels and outcasts), and Handmaids.

Offred tried to escape with Luke and Hannah to Canada, but they were caught by the border guards. Offred was separated from her family and sent to a reeducation center called the Red Center, where she was trained by Aunts to become a handmaid. There she met Moira again, who had been captured after trying to join an underground resistance group. Moira managed to escape from the Red Center by stealing an Aunt’s uniform and faking her identity.

Despite repeated Ceremonies, Offred is still not pregnant, and it is suggesting that the Commander is infertile. Therefore, Serena, the Commander’s wife tells Offred that she should sleep with Nick, their chauffeur, and gardener. Serena promises to give Offred a picture of her daughter in return for doing so. That same night, the Commander takes Offred to Jezebels, a club for Commanders who want to sleep with prostitutes. There, she finds her friend Moira who tried to escape from Gilead while they were in the Red Center together. This is the last time she ever sees her friend. Offred and the Commander sleep together while there, an experience that Offred has to pretend to enjoy.

As soon as Offred returns with the Commander from the club, she sleeps with Nick. Offered and Nick develop a genuine connection, and they begin to meet without anyone’s knowledge. Around this time, Ofglen, a member of Mayday whom she has befriended, commits suicide in order to escape torture at the hands of Gilead’s secret police. Serena finds evidence of the relationship between Offred and the Commander, which results in Offred contemplating suicide.

Offred goes out shopping, and a new Ofglen meets her. This new woman is not part of Mayday, and she tells Offred that the old Ofglen hanged herself when she saw the secret police coming for her. At home, Serena has found out about Offred’s trip to Jezebel’s, and she sends her to her room, promising punishment. Offred waits there, and she sees a black van from the Eyes approach. Then Nick comes in and tells her that the Eyes are really Mayday members who have come to save her. Offred leaves with them, over the Commander’s futile objections, on her way either to prison or to freedom—she does not know which.

The novel closes with an epilogue from 2195, after Gilead has fallen, written in the form of a lecture by Professor Pieixoto. It describes the discovery of Offred’s narrative on cassette tapes in Maine, suggesting that the Eyes that took her were part of the Resistance, as Nick claimed. It is revealed that researchers may have discovered who the Commander was, but no one knows what happened to Offred.

Conclusion

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a haunting and impactful novel that continues to be relevant in contemporary society. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of oppressive regimes, the erosion of human rights, and the consequences of unchecked power. In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” Atwood’s powerful prose and compelling storytelling shed light on important social and political issues, reflect on the value of individual freedom, and the need for equality and justice in society.

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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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The First Century After Beatrice Summary And Analysis

Literature, Analysis, Critical Analysis, Critical Appreciation, Novel, Summary

Introduction

The First Century After Beatrice is a thought-provoking novel by the Lebanese-French writer Amin Maalouf. It was published in 1992. This Novel is written in French Language but it is translated in English by Dorothy S. Blair. The story is set in the near future, where a pharmacological company, tries to make a drug, by which parents can choose to only have sons.

The novel explores the consequences of a world where that bean can ensure the birth of a male infant. This drug led to a drastic decline in the female population. The story is told from the first-person point of view of an entomologist. This novel explores the potential consequences of our choices. It is a warning about the dangers of gender bias and the importance of gender equality.

About Amin Maalouf

Amin Maalouf was born in Beirut, Lebanon on February 25, 1949. He is a renowned author and journalist who has gained international recognition for his works. Although his native language is Arabic, he writes in French, and his works have been translated into over 40 languages. Maalouf’s writing often reflects his multicultural background, addressing themes of identity, displacement, and the clash of cultures.

He wrote various Fiction and Non-Fiction Books. His famous Fiction books are Leo Africanus, Samarkand, The Gardens of Light, The First Century after Beatrice, The Rock of Tanios, and Ports of Call, etc. Of his several works of nonfiction, The Crusades Through Arab Eyes is probably the best known. He received the Prix Goncourt in 1993 for his novel The Rock of Tanios, as well as the 2010 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature.

Summary and Analysis Of The First Century after Beatrice

The narrator was a young French Entomologist. He discovers a Scarab Beans. It is claimed the beans, derived from the scarab beetle, have magic powers; specifically, the power to guarantee the birth of a male infant. He discovers the incidence of female birth has become increasingly rare. He is left with no doubt that the world has entered into a critical phase of its history. He is trying to understand the consequences of the bean, which has led to a drastic imbalance in the male-to-female birth ratio.

Entomologists came from Cairo (the Capital Of Egypt). Clarence was a young beautiful Journalist who visit Entomologist for an interview about Egyptologists. He likes Clarence after the first meeting. After some meetings, they quickly realized that they had a lot in common. They both loved nature and they were both passionate about their work. They started dating and soon fell in love. They got married.

They trying to have a child. They have been trying for years, but Clarence has been unable to conceive. The drug is said to help women conceive, and it is especially effective for women who have been unable to conceive in the past.

Entomologists and Clarence decide to try the drug, and they are thrilled when Anne becomes pregnant. They name their daughter Beatrice.

Beatrice grows up to be a bright and beautiful young woman. She is also very intelligent, and she is determined to make a difference in the world. She studies hard in school, and she eventually goes on to become a scientist.

Beatrice’s work as a scientist leads her to study the effects of the drug that leads to born male infants. She learns that the drug has had a devastating impact on society. The male-to-female birth ratio has become so imbalanced that there are now only a few women for every man. This has led to a society that is dominated by men, and it has had a negative impact on women’s rights.

Beatrice is determined to change things. She starts a movement to raise awareness of the dangers of the drug, and she works to promote gender equality. She eventually succeeds in getting the drug banned, and she helps to create a more just and equitable society.

As the narrator’s daughter, Beatrice becomes increasingly concerned about the future of humanity. He sees how the drug has led to the rise of a society that is dominated by men, and he fears that this will ultimately lead to the destruction of the planet.

“The First Century after Beatrice” novel is set in the near future, but it is not too far removed from our own reality. The technology that is used in the novel is already being developed, and the social and political issues that are explored are already present in our world.

The novel is told from the first-person point of view of the Entomologist. This gives the reader a unique perspective on the events of the novel. Entomologist is a complex and sympathetic character, and his journey is one that is both personal and research about Scarab Bean.

The novel is a warning about the dangers of gender bias. It shows how gender bias can lead to inequality, injustice, and even violence. The novel is a call for action, and it urges readers to work to create a more just and equitable world.

Maalouf’s novel explores the consequences of a world where female births become rare due to a mysterious drug. The people want to bear male infants because they think that man’s working capacity and power maintain the generation of the future. Females got kidnapped because of the male population rise and decreased population of girls.

The story follows the narrator, a French entomologist, and his lover, Beatrice, an English historian, as they witness the social, political, and ecological upheavals caused by the gender imbalance.

The novel is a compelling blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and romance, as it portrays the personal and global effects of a dystopian scenario.

“The First Century after Beatrice” novel raises important questions about the value of human life, the role of women in society, the ethics of biotechnology, and the impact of environmental degradation. The author uses his background as a Lebanese-French journalist and historian to create a realistic and diverse setting, spanning from Paris to Cairo, and from India to Brazil. The novel also shows violence because of the increase in gender inequality.

The novel is written in a clear and elegant style, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogues. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and dilemmas. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep us hooked until the end.

Conclusion

“The First Century after Beatrice” has received critical acclaim for its thematic depth, masterful storytelling, and exploration of complex existential questions. Amin Maalouf‘s ability to seamlessly blend history, philosophy, and personal introspection, along with his elegant prose style, has made this novel compelling and thought-provoking.

Thus we can say that “The First Century after Beatrice” novel spans several decades, from the late 20th century to the early 22nd century. It depicts a dystopian scenario where women are reduced to a minority and subjected to violence, exploitation, and oppression. The novel also explores the themes of gender, identity, culture, religion, and history. It raises questions about the value of human life, the importance of males and females in society, the role of science and technology, and the responsibility of individuals and nations in shaping the future of humanity.

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The Hound Of The Baskervilles By Arthur Conan Doyle

Literature, English Literature, Fiction, Novel

Introduction

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a “Sherlock Holmes” novel written by his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is a popular detective and Gothic fiction novel. The Novel was Published in 1902. It is the story of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson. They investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. It is also about a ghostly dog that has haunted the Baskerville family for hundreds of years. a

The story revolves around the curse that haunts the Baskerville family and the investigation conducted by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to unravel the mystery. The novel is filled with suspense, mystery, and atmospheric settings that add to the overall sense of foreboding. Doyle use of skillful red herrings, false leads, and unexpected twists. Conan Doyle keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” remains a beloved classic in the detective fiction genre.

About Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish author and physician, best known for creating the iconic world-famous character of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle’s works have had a significant influence on the detective fiction genre, and his writing style is characterized by keen observation, logical deduction, and vivid descriptions of settings and characters.

His notable works are The Hound of The Baskervilles, The Sign of The Four, A Study in Scarlet, The Adventures of Sherlock Homes, “Stories of Sherlock Holmes” and “The Lost World”. His writing Genres are Detective Fiction, Fantasy, Science-Fiction, and Historical Novels.

The Hound of The Baskervilles As A Detective Fiction

The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the most famous and influential works of detective fiction ever written. The novel features the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted friend Dr. John Watson as they investigate a mysterious death and the legend of a monstrous hound that haunts the Baskerville family.

The novel combines elements of the detective genre that is creating a thrilling and suspenseful story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The detective genre is characterized by a plot that revolves around a crime, usually a murder, that is solved by a clever and rational detective using clues and logic.

The novel delves into the impact of family curses and legacies. The Baskervilles are haunted by a curse that has been passed down through generations, and the characters struggle with their family history and the expectations placed upon them. It shows the character of Sir Henry, who must confront his family’s dark past and come to terms with his inheritance.

As the investigation progresses, the novel masterfully builds suspense through vivid descriptions of the wild and desolate moorland, creating a Dreadful atmosphere. The characters of Sir Henry Baskerville, the last surviving heir of the Baskerville estate. Jack Stapleton, a suspicious neighbor, is introduced, adding complexity to the mystery. Holmes’s keen observation skills and deductive reasoning are showcased as he unravels the clues and evidence.

Sherlock Holmes detect the real crime reason that was Jack Stapleton who planned to kill everyone on mysteriously Baskervilles estate’s member with the help of a trained hound.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterpiece of detective fiction that demonstrates how Arthur Conan Doyle skillfully blended detective and gothic genres to create a captivating and memorable story. It also showcases how Sherlock Holmes is one of the most brilliant and charismatic detectives in literature, who can solve any case with his logic and wit.

Narrative Technique Of The Novel

The novel employs various narrative techniques to create a captivating and atmospheric story that explores rationalism versus superstition, nature versus civilization, and family inheritance.

One of the main narrative techniques used in the novel is the first-person narration by Dr. Watson, Holmes’s loyal friend, and assistant. Watson acts as a narrator who reports the events of the story to the reader, as well as a character who participates in the action and interacts with other characters. Watson’s narration allows the reader to follow his perspective and share his curiosity, confusion, and admiration for Holmes.

Watson also serves as a contrast to Holmes, highlighting the latter’s superior intellect and skills. For example, in Chapter 3, Watson is amazed by Holmes’s ability to deduce that Dr. Mortimer has a dog from his walking stick, while Watson himself could not notice any clues on the stick. Watson’s narration also creates suspense and mystery by withholding some information from the reader until Holmes reveals it at the end. For example, in Chapter 12, Watson does not know that Holmes has been secretly investigating the case on the moor until he sees him disguised as an old man.

Another narrative technique used in the novel is the use of Gothic elements to create a dark and dreadful setting that enhances the mood and theme of the story. The novel is set in Dartmoor, a remote and desolate region of England that is known for its wild and rugged landscape. The moor is described as a place of danger and mystery, where supernatural forces seem to lurk.

For example, in Chapter 6, Watson describes his first impression of the moor: “Over the green squares of fields and low curves of woods there rose in the distance a grey melancholy hill with a strange jagged summit dim and vague in the distance like some fantastic landscape in a dream.”

The moor is also associated with the legend of the hound of the Baskervilles, a monstrous creature that is said to haunt and kill the members of the Baskerville family. The hound represents the Gothic element of horror and terror that challenges the rational and scientific approach of Holmes. The novel also uses other Gothic elements such as an ancestral curse, a ruined abbey, a mysterious portrait, and a villainous schemer.

A third narrative technique used in the novel is the use of red herrings to mislead and confuse both Watson and the reader. Red herrings are false clues or suspects that divert attention from the real solution. The novel contains several red herrings that make the case more complicated and interesting. For example, one red herring is Barrymore, the servant of Baskerville Hall, who acts suspiciously and secretly at night.

Watson initially suspects that he might be involved in Sir Charles’s death or Sir Henry’s danger. However, it turns out that Barrymore is actually helping his wife’s brother escape from prison. Another red herring is Stapleton’s wife Beryl, who appears to be his sister at first. Watson thinks that she might be an accomplice or a victim of Stapleton’s plot. However, it turns out that she is actually his wife who was forced to help him by pretending to be his sister.

These narrative techniques make The Hound of the Baskervilles an engaging and memorable work of detective fiction that showcases Conan Doyle’s mastery of storytelling and character creation.

Summary And Analysis Of The Hound of The Baskervilles

Dr. Mortimer and the new heir to the Baskerville title come to London to hire Sherlock Holmes to investigate a suspicious murder. Their concerns are based on a generations-old legend about the family and Hall that includes a curse of a supernatural hound. Mortimer suspects that Sir Charles was frightened to death by the horror hound, and asks Holmes to help protect his heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, who has just arrived from Canada. The doctor has suspicions that the hound is real but needs the efforts of a detective to look into the possibility.

Holmes agrees to take the case, but he is too busy with other matters to go to Dartmoor himself. He sends Dr. John Watson instead, with instructions to observe and report everything that happens there. Watson meets Sir Henry and accompanies him to Baskerville Hall, where they encounter a number of suspicious characters and events. They also hear the terrifying howl of the hound at night and see a mysterious figure lurking on the moor.

Meanwhile, Holmes secretly follows them to Dartmoor and conducts his own investigation. He reveals himself to Watson and tells him that he has discovered the identity of the culprit behind the murder of Sir Charles and the plot against Sir Henry. It is none other than Jack Stapleton, a neighbour who is actually a distant relative of the Baskervilles. He has trained a ferocious dog to look like the legendary hound and has used it to scare and kill his relatives in order to inherit their fortune. He also has an accomplice, his sister Beryl, who is actually his wife.

As the investigation progresses, Holmes and Watson uncover the truth behind the mystery of the Baskerville curse and the monstrous hound. Stapleton is revealed to be the culprit, using the legend of the hound to cover up his crimes.

Holmes and Watson manage to save Sir Henry from being attacked by the hound and confront Stapleton at his house. Stapleton escapes into the moor, where he is presumably killed by his own hound or by sinking into a bog. Beryl is rescued and confesses everything to Holmes and Watson. The novel ends with Holmes explaining how he solved the mystery using his powers of observation and deduction.

The novel explores the contrast between superstition and science. The belief in the supernatural ghostly hound and the curse that haunts the Baskerville family is contrasted with Holmes’ rational and logical approach to solving the mystery. Doyle challenges the prevalent beliefs of the time and highlights the power of reason and science in solving mysteries.

The novel also reflects the societal and cultural norms of the Victorian era. The stark contrast between the wild and untamed moorland and the civilized world of Victorian England is portrayed through the setting and characters. The characters’ actions and beliefs are influenced by the social structure and expectations of the time, providing insights into the social and cultural context of the era.

Conclusion

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a masterpiece of detective fiction that showcases Arthur Canon Doyle‘s skillful storytelling, unique narrative technique, and rich analysis of various themes. The novel challenges superstition with reason explores the impact of family curses and legacies, and reflects the societal norms of the Victorian era.

The novel showcases Doyle’s masterful intricate plot, and vivid descriptions of the moorlands, which create a sense of atmosphere and suspense. The characters, particularly Holmes and Watson, are well-drawn and showcase the dynamics of their unique partnership. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is a captivating tale of mystery, intrigue, and detective work.

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Literature Notes

Ice Candy Man By Bapsi Sidhwa | Cracking India Summary

Literature, English Literature, Indian Literature, Novel

Introduction

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa is a historical fiction first published in India in 1988. It was translated into English under its new title ‘Cracking India’ in 1991. The events of the novel are based on the 1947 partition of India that created the majority-Muslim country Pakistan. It is set in Lahore, a city in Punjab that suffered many riots and violence among Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs and that finally became part of Pakistan. The Partition forced all non-Muslim people to migrate to other cities or to convert to Islam. The partition of India is regarded as the largest mass migration in human history and its brutality is even compared to that of the Holocaust.

The Political and Social upheaval engendered by independence and partition included religious intolerance that led to mass violence, killings mutilations, rapes, dismemberment, and therefore the wholesale slaughter of infants, Children men, and women.

About Bapsi Sidhwa

Bapsi Sidhwa is a Pakistani American novelist and women’s rights activist. She has produced four novels in English that reflect her personal experience of the Indian Sub-continent partition, abuse against women, immigration to the US, and membership in the Parsi community. She was born in Karachi and witnessed the bloody partition of the Indian subcontinent as a young child in 1947. Her first and second novels The Bride and The Crow Eater received countless rejections. But after she has received numerous awards and honorary professionals for these two works and her two most recent novels, Cracking India (Ice-Candy-Man) and An American Brat which have been translated and published in several languages.

Justification of The Title

The title of the novel Ice Candy Man seems to be contradictory. Because the story of this novel revolves around the bloody partition of the Indian subcontinent during the late 1940s. Moreover, the novel focuses on feminism. However, the title Ice-Candy-Man holds great significance.

Ice Candy Man in a broader sense refers to every man of the Indian Sub-continent. The men are as sweet as candy before the partition. There exists communal harmony among the people belonging to different communities. The masseur, the gardener, the Ice-Candy-Man, etc. all belong to different faiths yet they sit in one group cracking jokes and talking about trending issues. But this situation vanishes with the breaking of violence of partition. Ice-Candy-Man is seen celebrating the vista of Lahore burning in flames and feels excited about the death of the masseur. All this show how fake is the sweetness of man.

The other perspective of vindicating the significance of the title is to narrate the story of Ice-Candy-Man. He is a good person having a humorous nature when we meet him in the beginning. But when the partition takes place, he changes into a villain. He helps the Muslim mob locate Ayah’s hiding, who drags her out of the house and takes her to Kotha, where she is gang raped and forced to become a prostitute. But again he finds a transformation in his character and he repents his actions and marries Ayah. He also becomes a poet. He tries to convince Ayah about his true love but she leaves for Amritsar.

This shows the complex nature of a human being that cannot be judged. Hence the title Ice-Candy-Man of the novel carries a great and profound significance both in terms of humanity as well as the individual.

Themes of The Novel

Partition

Partition is one of the main themes of Ice-Candy-Man. Lenny an eight-year-old child is the protagonist of the novel. She is innocent and unaware of the bitter differences among different communities. But as the novel develops, her innocence withers away and the bloody experience of the partition takes its place. She gradually becomes aware of the dark realities of life. She witnesses the city of Lahore burning into flames. She also becomes aware of the violence that happens. Males are butchered and women are raped.

Such incidents of violence bother Lenny very much in the beginning, but with the development of the novel, she becomes used to it. Burning flames, fights, Slogans, rapes, mass killings, etc. become the incidents of every day. In most of the novels dealing with partition, leaders like Master Tara Singh, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Jinnah, and Gandhi are represented as heroes. But in Ice-Candy-Man we find them represented as Culprits of violence in the views of Lenny.

According to Bapsi Sidhwa, the unnecessary bloodshed to gain a separate country will always haunt the minds of those who lost their families, friends, and close ones.

Feminism

Bapsi Sidhwa is entirely a feminist. In this novel, she describes the theme of marriage and the problems of women regarding different aspects of their lives. Writing from the perspective of feminism, there is also an issue of early marriages. Society limits women by bounding them into marriage and making them responsible before time. Women shouldn’t curse, lie, and steal but men can do all this. Lenny is not comfortable with all restrictions and complains by saying:

“It’s okay if cousin swears
but if I curse or lie
I am told it does not
Suit the shape of my
mouth. Or my personality
and something.”

Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in the novel. The country of India betrays its own people whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian or Parsee by enforcing a hasty, Ill-conceived plan of moving millions of refugees from one country to another.

Religious Intolerance

Throughout the novel, Character’s desire for power or influence over others mirrors the desire for political power that fuels religious intolerance, Religious intolerance erupts into violence. Lenny witnesses many acts of killing, maiming, and death. Religious intolerance also becomes a way for men to subjugate women.

Politics and Leaders

In the novel, Sidhwa presents her own opinions and beliefs about the personalities and characters of Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah through the narration by Lenny. The writer has compared Nehru with Jinnah. In the comparison, she criticizes Nehru and favors Jinnah. There are various instances in the Novel where the writer defends Jinnah. Sidhwa herself once considered the book as a defense of Jinnah.

Configuration Of Love

Ice Candy Man is a novel that tells us about the different shades of love. The cruel, pitiless, and obsessive form of love is exhibited in the Ayah and Ice-Candy-Man relationship. The unconditional love between Lenny and Ayah is the purest form of Love.

Narrative

Ice Candy Man is the only novel of Bapsi Sidhwa in which she used child narration. It has been narrated by a polio-stricken Child named Lenny, a daughter of a Parsi family in Lahore that reminds the reader of the Childhood of the writer herself. The first-person narration technique used by the author in the novel makes readers feel as if they were reading the autobiography of the writer.

Through Lenny’s narrative, Sidhwa has raised some gender-related issues too. Her narration begins in her fifth year and finishes after her eighth birthday. Violence bothers Lenny very much in the beginning but with the development of the novel she becomes used to it. According to Lenny leaders like Tara Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, J. L. Nehru, and Jinnah are represented as the Culprit of Violence.

Thus, the device of the child narrator has been very successfully used by Sidhwa in Ice Candy Man.

Sidhwa’s observation on Nehru

Bapsi Sidhwa has compared Nehru with Jinnah. In the comparison, she criticizes Nehru and favors Jinnah. The writer shows Nehru as Lady Mountbatten’s lover. According to Bapsi the British government has done injustice to Jinnah and favoured Nehru.

Analysis Of The “Ice Candy Man” Novel

The novel is about the partition of India. The plot starts with Lenny, a 4-year-old Parse girl who recounts her childhood memories after she is struck by polio in her infancy. She spends most of her time with Ayah (Shanto) an 18-year-old Hindu girl from Amritsar and she learns a lot about adult relationships. Ayah is so beautiful that everyone from the shopkeeper to the beggar stares at her in the street. She has a number of suitors including Masseur, Sharbat Khan, and Ice-Candy-Man. Every evening, Lenny is taken out to the garden or the zoo, or to other such places by Ayah.

Col Bharucha, Lenn’s surgeon had put a plaster over their leg to correct it. When he is taking away the plaster, Lenny is apprehensive that the fault might have been corrected Col Bharucha Consoles Leny’s mom, saying,

“If anyone’s to blame, blame
the British! There was
no polio in India till
they brought it.”

The Ice Candy Man is presented as a lovable rascal, who knows how to trick both the English and Ayah. However, his dark side is hinted at when he dangles Lenny’s brother Adi from his arms and threatens to drop him unless Ayah goes to the cinema with him.

Another critical incident was Lenny accompanying Imam Dinto his native village Pin Pindo, where, unlike Lahore. Hindu Muslims and Sikhs live peacefully. Iman Din was the sixty-two-year cook of Sethi’s family (Mr. and Mrs. Sethi, Lenny’s mother). Lenny meets Imam Din’s ground children Ranna, Khatija, and Praveen. The village Chaudhary the Mullah, the granthi, and other villagers strongly express, their Solidarity and couch to protect each other, asserting that the city’s madness will not infect the villages. Slowly and gradually Lenny starts witnessing the change in her.

Lenny sees people around her belong to separate religious communities. Ayah and the family gardener Hari are Hindus. Imam Din, the odd–job man yourself the Ice Candy Man and, the Massear, are all Muslims. The Zookeeper Sher Singh is Sikh. She notes how each group has its own way of dressing, eating, and worshipping. As the relations between these communities get worse, Lenny becomes more and more aware of their differences.

When Master Tara Singh, a Sikh political and religious leader visits the city and threatens the Muslims there violence breaks out. People start fighting fires and killing each other. This period also sees a growing intimacy between Ayah and the Masseur with the Jealous Ice-Candy-Man constantly staking and observing them.

The news of Partition gets confirmed by April of 1947. The overnight new nation of Pakistan. Lenny remarks. I am Pakistani. Just like that, the political situations beings to be serious. While Hindus and Sikhs are leaving Pakistan for India, some of the Muslims in India are behaving for Pakistan.

One day, a train comes carrying Muslim refugees from India. Ice Candy Man finds that his female relatives traveling on the train have all been murdered and mutilated. In revenge, he joins the mobs attacking Hindus and Sikhs or robbing their properties out of fear, the gardener Hari converts to Islam.

Ranna, Imam Din’s great-grandson, escapes with his life when groups of Sikhs enter Pir Pindo, massacre everyone in the village, and rapes the women. Rahna, once he reaches his grandfather, shares his terrible story with everyone, including Lenny.

The story reaches its Climax when a Muslim mob comes to Lenny’s house. From their name, this mob assumes that they are Hindus. Imam Din comes out to protect the house and tells that this is a Parsee household. Yet the group wants to know what happened to the Hindu nanny Ayah. Ice Candy Man comes up to Lenny to ask where she is hiding. Lenny thinks she can trust the Ice Candy Man and disclose the truth. Ayah is dragged out of her hiding place. Lenny, shocked repents her trust in Ice Candy Man. Ayah is taken to Hira Mandi and is managed as a prostitute thereby Ice Candy Man. Lenny feels guilt-stricken.

When Godmother tries to locate Ayah she comes to know that the Ice Candy Man has married her after keeping her as a prostitute. Godmother plans to visit to see Ayah, now Mumtaz after her marriage. Lenny insists on going with her to Hira Mandi. Lenny is shocked to see the sadness in Ayah’s eyes.

Ayah, who is not Mumtaz pleads to Godmother to send her back to her relatives at Amritsar. Godmother assures her that she will be rescued. Thereafter Godmother’s contact helps Ayah to get free from Hira Mandi and Ice Candy Man. She is lodged in a recovered Women’s camp on Warrish Road.

Ice Candy Man tries to meet her but is beaten up by the guards. He now becomes a dejected lover, reciting love songs, searching for her lost love. One day Lenny comes to know that Ayah with other Hindu women, has been shifted to Amritsar to her family. She also gets the news that Ice Candy Man has also followed her across the Wagah Border into India.

Conclusion

Thus, in the Novel Ice Candy Man, we learned the social-political impact of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent through the point of view of a minor disabled girl, Lenny from the Parsee community. Khushwant Singh an Indian author and politician says,

“Ice Candy Man deserves to be ranked as amongst the most
authentic and best on the Partition of India…
Sidhwa has blossomed into Pakistani’s best
writer of fiction in English.

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Literature Notes