Novel

The First Century after Beatrice

The First Century After Beatrice Summary And Analysis

Literature, Analysis, Critical Analysis, Critical Appreciation, Novel, Summary
The First Century after Beatrice
The First Century after Beatrice

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

The Hound Of The Baskervilles By Arthur Conan Doyle

Literature, English Literature, Fiction, Novel
The Hound Of The Baskervilles
The Hound Of The Baskervilles By Arthur Conan Doyle

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.

The novel shows the power of superstition and legend, the impact of inheritance and family legacy, and the triumph of reason and logic over fear and deception. It also highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, as they navigate the complexities of human nature and the consequences of their actions. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is a timeless classic that shows us its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and rich themes.

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Ice Candy Man Cracking India

Ice Candy Man By Bapsi Sidhwa | Cracking India Summary

Literature, English Literature, Indian Literature, Novel
Ice Candy Man Cracking India
Ice Candy Man Cracking India

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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Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

Frankenstein By Mary Shelley Summary and Themes

Literature, English Literature, Novel
Frankenstein By Mary Shelley
Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

Introduction

“Frankenstein” is a classic novel written by Mary Shelley. It was first published in 1818. Frankenstein’s other title is The Modern Prometheus and it is a combination of Gothic horror story and science fiction. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in his laboratory using various scientific methods. However, the creature turns out to be a monstrous being with an insatiable thirst for revenge.

Shelley wrote the novel as a part of a friendly competition to see who could write the best scary story. Mary’s husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, and romantic poet Lord Byron were the other authors included in the competition. Shelley’s novel is by far the most famous piece of writing to come from that composition.

About the Author

 Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin commonly known as Mary Shelley was a British novelist, short story writer, and dramatist. She was the daughter of political philosophers William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet, and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Mary Shelley’s most famous work, “Frankenstein,” was written when she was just 18 years old, and she went on to become a prominent figure in the literary world. Her works often explored themes of science, morality, and the human condition.

Themes Of The Frankenstein Story

 “Frankenstein” touches on various themes that continue to be relevant in modern times. Some of the key themes explored in the novel include Birth and Creation, Nature versus Nurture, Isolation and Alienation, Family, Dangerous Knowledge, and Ambition.

Birth and Creation

Frankenstein succeeds in creating a human life frame very much as god does.

Nature vs. Nurture

The novel raises questions about the role of nature versus nurture in shaping an individual’s identity and behavior. The creature, despite its monstrous appearance, is initially innocent and docile, but it becomes vengeful and violent due to the rejection and mistreatment it experiences from society. In the end, Victor is destroyed for his evil attempt to manipulate the power of nature.

Isolation and Alienation

 Both Victor Frankenstein and his creature experience profound isolation and alienation throughout the novel. Victor becomes consumed by his work, distancing himself from family and friends, while the creature is rejected by society due to its monstrous appearance.

Family

Frankenstein presents the value of the domestic circle. It demonstrates that a lack of connection to the entire family or society leads to murder tragedy and despair.

Dangerous Knowledge

 It is an insane pursuit of knowledge that proves to be dangerous. Victor’s act of creation results in the destruction of everyone dear to him.

Ambition

Frankenstein shows that human beings are deeply ambitious. Victor dream of transforming society and of bringing glory to themselves through their scientific achievements. However, their actions are profoundly flawed and bring misfortune to all.

Story Of Frankenstein

Frankenstein consists of four main parts: an introductory letter from Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer, to his sister Margaret Saville; three volumes narrated by Victor Frankenstein; and a concluding letter from Walton to Saville.

Robert Walton the captain of the ship bound for the north pole, writes a letter to his sister Margaret Saville saying that his crew members recently discovered a man adrift at sea. The man Victor Frankenstein tells Walton his story.

Victor Frrankestine has a perfect t childhood in Switzerland with a loving family including the beautiful Elizabeth who soon becomes Victor’s closest friend and love. Victor also has a caring and wonderful best friend Henry Clerval. Just before Victor turns 17 and goes to study at the university at Ingolstadt, his mother dies. At Ingolstadt, Victor drives into natural philosophy, with a passion for studying the secret of life. He soon rises to the top of his field and suddenly, one night he discovers the secret of life. But when he animates his first creature, its appearance is so horrifying. Victor abandons it and hopes that the monster has disappeared forever.

The creature, abandoned and rejected by his creator, wandered the countryside, trying to understand his existence and find companionship. He learned to speak and read by observing a family of cottagers, but they also rejected him when he revealed himself to them. He encountered Frankenstein’s younger brother William in the woods and strangled him out of anger and despair. Justine Moritz another adoptee in his family has been accused based on the crime. She is convicted and executed. Victor is consumed by guilt because he knows it is the did of the Monster.

To escape its tragedy, Frankenstein goes on vacation. The creature confronted Frankenstein on a glacier and demanded that he create a female companion for him. Frankenstein agreed reluctantly and traveled to Scotland to work on his second creation. However, he changed his mind at the last moment and destroyed it. The creature swore revenge and killed Frankenstein’s best friend Henry Clerval and his bride Elizabeth on their wedding night.

Frankenstein vowed to pursue and destroy his creation. He chased him across Europe and into the Arctic, where Walton found him. Frankenstein died shortly after finishing his story. Walton then saw the creature mourning over his body. The creature told Walton that he regretted his actions and that he planned to kill himself by burning himself on a funeral pyre. He then departed into the darkness.

The novel concludes with Walton’s final letter to his sister Margaret Saville. He expresses his admiration for Frankenstein’s noble spirit and his sympathy for his tragic fate. He also reflects on the lessons he learned from Frankenstein’s story and decides to abandon his dangerous quest for the North Pole. He hopes to return safely to England and reunite with his sister.

Conclusion

“Frankenstein” is a novel that explores the consequences of scientific experimentation and the themes of responsibility, morality, and humanity. The novel is also a warning against the use of science and technology. The play is also a reminder of accepting those who are different.

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Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Summary, Themes, and Analysis

Literature, English Literature, Novel
Alice In Wonderland
Alice In Wonderland

Introduction

“Alice In Wonderland” is a renowned literary work written by Lewis Carroll. The Real title of “Alice in Wonderland” is “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, which is one of the most successful children’s books of all time. It was first published in 1865 and has since become a beloved classic of children’s literature. Alie In Wonderland is also known for its imaginative and nonsensical elements.

About Author

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (27 January 1832 – 14 January 1898), better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English author, poet, and mathematician. His most notable works are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass (1871). He was noted for his facility with wordplay, logic, and fantasy. His poems Jabberwocky (1871) and The Hunting of the Snark (1876) are classified in the genre of literary nonsense.

 Lewis Carroll was a British author, mathematician, and photographer. He was known for his unique writing style that combined elements of fantasy, satire, and wordplay. He had a deep passion for storytelling and creating imaginary worlds that captured the imagination of readers.

Alice In Wonderland Story

Alice In Wonderland’s story starts with, Alice sitting with her sister in a garden when she watches a White Rabbit with a pocket watch, who was saying that he was late, to see his pocket watch. She was Fascinated by sight, she follows the rabbit. The rabbit goes down the rabbit hole. She also jumped, She falls for a long time and found herself in a long hallway full of doors. There is a key on the table, which unlocks a tiny door; through this door, she spies a beautiful garden.

She longs to get there, but the door is too small. Soon, she finds a drink with a note that asks her to drink it. There is later a cake with a note that tells her to eat; Alice uses both, but she cannot seem to get a handle on things and is always either too large to get through the door or too small to reach the key.

While she is tiny, she slips and falls into a pool of water. She realizes that this little sea is made of tears she cried while a giant. She swims to shore with a number of animals, most notably a sensitive mouse, but manages to offend everyone by talking about her cat’s ability to catch birds and mice. Left alone, she goes on through the wood and runs into the White Rabbit. He mistakes her for his maid and sends her to bring his groves and fan from his house.

While in the White Rabbit’s home, she drinks another potion and becomes too huge and her body got trapped in the Rabbit’s home. All animals are worried because of her large size, and they threw stones at her, and that stone converts into cakes, She eventually finds a little cake which, when eaten, makes her small again. Then she runs away from the rabbit’s home.

In the wood again, she comes across a Caterpillar sitting on a mushroom. He gives her some valuable advice, that the two sides of the mushroom, which can make Alice grow larger and smaller as she wishes. The first time she uses them, she stretches her body out tremendously. While stretched out, she pokes her head into the branches of a tree and meets a Pigeon. The Pigeon is convinced that Alice is a serpent, and though Alice tries to reason with her the Pigeon tells her to be off.

Alice gets herself down to normal proportions and continues her travel through the woods. In a clearing, she comes across a little house and shrinks herself down enough to get inside. It is the house of the Duchess; the Duchess and the Cook are battling fiercely, and they seem unconcerned about the safety of the baby that the Duchess is nursing. Alice takes the baby with her, but the child turns into a pig and trots off into the woods.

Alice next meets the Cheshire cat (who was sitting in the Duchess’s house but said nothing). The Cheshire cat helps her to find her way through the woods, but he warns her that everyone she meets will be mad.

Alice goes to the March Hare’s house, where she is treated to a Mad Tea Party. The March Hare, the Hatter, and the Dormouse were present there. Ever since Time stopped working for the Hatter, it has always been six o’clock; it is therefore always teatime. She asks them to sit, but both March Hare and Hatter refuse to sit there. They ask Alice puzzle-type questions.

She didn’t know the answers and told Hatter, can you answer those questions but they refuse to answer because they didn’t know. They laughed at Alice, and Now, she was annoyed by their behavior. The creatures of the Mad Tea Party are some of the most argumentative in all of Wonderland.

Alice leaves them and finds a tree with a door in it: when she looks through the door, she spies the door-lined hallway from the beginning of her adventures. This time, she is prepared, and she manages to get to the lovely garden that she saw earlier. She walks on through and finds herself in the garden of the Queen of Hearts. Their gardeners (with bodies shaped like playing cards) are painting the roses red. If the Queen finds out that they planted white roses, she’ll have them beheaded. The Queen herself soon arrives, and she does order their execution; Alice helps to hide them in a large flower pot.

The Queen invites Alice to play croquet, which is a very difficult game in Wonderland, as the balls and mallets are live animals. The game is interrupted by the appearance of the Cheshire cat, whom the King of Hearts immediately dislikes.

The Queen takes Alice to the Gryphon, who in turn takes Alice to the Mock Turtle. The Gryphon and the Mock Turtle tell Alice bizarre stories about their school under the sea. The Mock Turtles sing a melancholy song about turtle soup, and soon afterward the Gryphon drags Alice off to see the trial of the Knave of Hearts.

The Knave of Hearts has been accused of stealing the tarts of the Queen of Hearts, but the evidence against him is very bad. Alice is appalled by the ridiculous proceedings. She also begins to grow larger. She is soon called to the witness stand; by this time she has grown to a giant size. She refuses to be intimidated by the bad logic of the court and the bluster of the King and Queen of Hearts. Suddenly, the cards all rise up and attack her, at which point she wakes up.

Alice’s sister wakes her up from a dream, brushing what turns out to be some leaves from Alice’s face. Alice leaves her sister on the bank to imagine all the curious happenings for herself. Her adventures in Wonderland have all been fantastic dreams.

Analysis Of Alice In Wonderland

Wonderland is a whimsical and surreal world that Alice enters upon falling down a rabbit hole. From the moment Alice arrives in Wonderland, she is confronted with a series of puzzling situations and encounters a variety of eccentric characters who challenge her perception of reality.

One of the first things Alice notices about Wonderland is its peculiar geography. She finds herself in a room with doors that are too small for her to pass through, and a tiny door catches her attention. A Key is on the table for the small door.

Alice opens the door with the key, and she saw a beautiful garden outside the door. She was too large for that tiny Door. Alice consumes a potion that causes her to shrink in size, allowing her to enter the small door and venture into a curious world where everything is in proportion to her reduced size. This change in scale is not only physical but also symbolic, representing Alice’s loss of control and sense of identity in this strange new environment.

As Alice explores Wonderland, she meets a diverse cast of characters who often defy the laws of logic and reason. She encounters talking animals, such as the White Rabbit who is always in a hurry, the Cheshire Cat who can disappear and reappear at will, and the March Hare and the Dormouse who engage in a never-ending tea party that defies conventional etiquette.

Alice also encounters human-like characters, such as the Mad Hatter, who is obsessed with tea time and engages in bizarre and nonsensical conversations, and the Queen of Hearts, who rules over Wonderland with a tyrannical and irrational demeanor, constantly ordering executions for trivial reasons. These characters challenge Alice’s understanding of social norms, authority, and rationality, forcing her to question the rules and expectations of the world she thought she knew.

In addition to the talking animals and eccentric characters, Alice encounters a variety of surreal and illogical situations. She experiences rapid changes in size, from being too tall to fit in a house to become too small to be seen by others. She encounters doors that lead to unexpected places, and landscapes that change and shift in perplexing ways. These nonsensical and unpredictable elements add to the dream-like quality of Wonderland, blurring the line between reality and imagination.

Throughout her journey in Wonderland, Alice often struggles to make sense of the absurdity and contradictions she encounters. She grapples with questions of identity and self-perception, as her size and shapes constantly change, and her sense of self becomes fluid and unstable. She also faces challenges to her beliefs and assumptions, as the characters she meets often challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms.

Despite the confusion and chaos of Wonderland, Alice gradually develops resilience, adaptability, and assertiveness. She learns to navigate the challenges of this strange world, using her wit and resourcefulness to find her way and assert her independence. She becomes more self-reliant, learning to trust her instincts and make decisions based on her own judgment rather than relying on external authority.

As Alice’s journey progresses, she also becomes increasingly skeptical of the authority figures in Wonderland, such as the Queen of Hearts, who represent the flaws of authoritarian rule. Through her interactions with the Queen, Alice realizes the arbitrary and irrational nature of power and authority, and she challenges the unjust rules and orders of the Queen, asserting her own agency and questioning the validity of oppressive systems.

Towards the end of the story, Alice finds herself in a trial scene where she confronts the Queen of Hearts in a courageous and assertive manner. She challenges the Queen’s authority and defies her irrational commands, declaring her independence and asserting her right to make her own choices. This climactic scene serves as a culmination of Alice’s character development and her growth from a confused and passive observer to a confident and assertive individual.

In the end, Alice wakes up from her dream and realizes her journey in Wonderland.

Main themes of Alice In Wonderland

Imagination and Curiosity

Alice is a curious and imaginative child who is bored with her ordinary life. She follows a white rabbit into a wonderland where nothing is as it seems and where she can explore her own identity and creativity. She encounters many bizarre characters and situations that challenge her perception of reality and logic. She also learns to adapt to the changing rules and expectations of the wonderland, such as growing and shrinking in size, changing her appearance, and playing games with different meanings.

Identity and Growth

 Alice’s journey in Wonderland is also a journey of self-discovery and maturation. She constantly asks herself “Who in the world am I?” as she tries to make sense of her surroundings and herself. She faces many dilemmas and conflicts that test her courage, intelligence, morality, and sense of humor. She also undergoes physical transformations that reflect her emotional and psychological changes. By the end of the book, she has gained more confidence, wisdom, and independence.

Language and logic

Alice in Wonderland is full of linguistic humor and paradoxes that play with the meaning and structure of language. Carroll was a skilled wordsmith who invented new words, puns, rhymes, riddles, jokes, and poems that delight and puzzle the reader. He also used language to mock the conventions and authority of his Victorian society, such as education, religion, law, politics, and social norms. He showed how language can be manipulated, distorted, or misunderstood to create confusion or absurdity.

Fantasy and reality

Alice in Wonderland blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The book is influenced by Carroll’s own dreams, childhood memories, personal experiences, and interests. It also draws from various literary genres and traditions, such as fairy tales, folklore, mythology, poetry, satire, parody, allegory, and science fiction. The book invites the reader to question their own assumptions and beliefs about reality and to embrace the power of imagination.

Conclusion

The story climaxes with a trial scene where Alice stands up to the Queen of Hearts, asserting her independence and challenging the unjust rules of Wonderland. As chaos ensues, Alice wakes up from her dream, realizing that her journey in Wonderland was a figment of her imagination. The story concludes with Alice reflecting on her experiences and the lessons she has learned, leaving readers to ponder the profound themes of identity, authority, and imagination presented in the story.

In “Alice in Wonderland” is a captivating tale that invites readers to explore a fantastical world through the eyes of a curious and resilient protagonist. Carroll‘s unique blend of fantasy, satire, and wordplay in “Alice in Wonderland” has made it a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages.

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