Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

• This blog is a response of these eight questions which is based on Samuel Beckett's play 'Waiting for Godot'.

1. Why does Beckett grow a few leaves in Act II on the barren tree - The tree has four or five leaves ?

2 . Can we do any political reading of the play if we see European nations represented by the ' names ' of the characters ( Vladimir - Russia ; Estragon - France ; Pozzo - Italy and Lucky - England ) ? What interpretation can be inferred from the play written just after World War II ? Which country stands for ' Godot ' ?

1.3 . In Act I , in reply to Boy's question :
" BOY : What am I to tell Mr. Godot , Sir ?
VLADIMIR : Tell him ... ( he hesitates ) ... tell him you saw us . ( Pause . ) You did see us , didn't you ?
How does this conversation go in Act II ? What is the significance ?

1.4 . In both Acts , evening falls into night and moon rises . How would you interpret this coming of night and moon ' when actually they are waiting for Godot ?

1.5 . What is the meaning of the terms ' Apathia , Aphasia and Athambia ' in Lucky's speech ? ** . divine apathia divine athambia divine aphasia loves us dearly with some exceptions for reasons unknown ... "

1.6 . A better solution to the tramp's predicament than to wait - is , suicide " . Is it really so ? Why they fail to commit suicide ? ( Pg 36 in the article )

1.7 . Explain : " Godot might become as image of what Sartre calls " Bad Faith " " . ( Pg 39 in the article )

1.8 . Explain : " One hardly feels the absurdity of some things , on the one hand , and the necessity of those other things , on the other , ( for it is rare that feeling of absurdity is not followed by the feeling of necessity ) , when one feels the absurdity of those things of which one had just felt the necessity ( for it is rare that the feeling of necessity is not followed by the feeling of absurdity ) "

TRANCENDENTALISM

TRANCENDENTALISM

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and cultural movement in the late 1820s and 1830s in the US that emphasizes individualism, intuition, spiritualism, and nature. It was influenced by German Romanticism, English and Scottish Enlightenment, and Hindu scriptures. Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.

American transcendentalist

Transcendentalism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emphasizes the inherent goodness of individuals and nature, and encourages individuality, self-reliance, and spiritual development. It values individual experience over reason and tradition, and encourages people to find truth and meaning beyond material reality. In essence, it is a belief in the possibility of a higher reality beyond what is immediately experienced.

Article of JSTOR: Emerson and Indian Philosophy

Transcendentalism was heavily influenced by German Romanticism, which was a cultural and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Germany. Romanticism emphasized emotion, imagination, and individual experience, and celebrated nature, mystery, and the power of the human spirit.

In many ways, Transcendentalism can be seen as an American expression of Romanticism, as it shares many of the same themes and ideas. Both movements celebrate individual experience and intuition, and encourage people to seek truth and meaning beyond material reality. They both emphasize the power of the human spirit and the importance of the natural world, and they both reject the emphasis on reason and tradition that dominated Enlightenment thinking.

the influence of German Romanticism was crucial in shaping the Transcendentalist movement in America, and the two movements had a lasting impact on literature, philosophy, and culture. Transcendentalism and Romanticism continue to inspire and influence individuals and artists who seek to explore the connection between the self, nature, and the divine.

India has influenced Transcendentalism in several ways:

Hindu scriptures: 

Transcendentalists drew inspiration from Hindu philosophy and spirituality, particularly the concepts of karma, dharma, and the idea of the unity of all things.

Eastern spirituality: 

Transcendentalists saw Eastern spirituality as a way to escape the materialism and rationalism of Western culture.

Individualism: 

The Indian concept of the Atman, or individual soul, resonated with Transcendentalist ideas of individualism and self-reliance. They saw it as a way to explore the connection between the self, nature, and the divine, and to seek a deeper understanding of the world and human experience.

Transcendentalism had a significant influence on American literature in the following ways:

Nature writing:

Transcendentalist writers celebrated the beauty and spiritual significance of nature and encouraged people to spend time in the natural world to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

Individualism: 

Transcendentalist writers emphasized the importance of individual experience and encouraged writers to express their own unique perspectives.

Spiritual themes: 

Transcendentalist writers explored spiritual themes, such as the search for meaning, the nature of reality, and the relationship between the self, nature, and the divine.

Emphasis on intuition: 

Transcendentalist writers encouraged writers to trust their instincts and intuition rather than rely solely on reason and tradition.

Notable Transcendentalist writers include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman, who wrote about these themes in essays, poems, and other works. Transcendentalism had a lasting impact on American literature, influencing writers and thinkers for generations to come.

Some Indian literature has touched upon ideas similar to Transcendentalism. For example, Hindu philosophy and spirituality, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, emphasize the importance of individual experience and the pursuit of self-discovery and spiritual growth. These ideas resonate with Transcendentalist themes of individualism, intuition, and spiritualism.

Indian mystic poets such as Kabir, Rumi, and Mirabai emphasized the importance of individual experience and the search for a higher truth, which also align with Transcendentalist ideals.

One example of Indian literature that reflects Transcendentalist ideas is the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture that is considered one of the greatest spiritual texts of all time. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of individual experience and spiritual growth, and encourages individuals to pursue self-discovery and find their own path in life.

In the text, the warrior prince Arjuna is struggling with the moral dilemma of going to battle against his own family. Krishna, a divine being appearing as his charioteer, offers guidance and teachings to help Arjuna understand the nature of reality and his place in the world. Krishna emphasizes the importance of dharma, or one's moral duty, and encourages Arjuna to pursue self-realization and union with the divine.

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the idea that the ultimate goal of life is to attain a state of spiritual enlightenment, and that this can be achieved through individual effort and self-discovery. This idea of self-discovery and spiritual growth is central to Transcendentalism, and the Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire and influence individuals who seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.One example of Indian literature that reflects Transcendentalist ideas is the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture that is considered one of the greatest spiritual texts of all time. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of individual experience and spiritual growth, and encourages individuals to pursue self-discovery and find their own path in life.

Work cited:

Riepe, Dale. “Emerson and Indian Philosophy.” Journal of the History of Ideas, vol. 28, no. 1, 1967, pp. 115–22. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2708485. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls"

This blog contains introduction of author, meaning of title, Critically analyze the end of the novel and embedded video of full movie "For Whom the Bell Tolls".

About author : 

Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist. He was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois, and died on July 2, 1961, in Ketchum, Idaho. Hemingway is considered one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century. He is known for his unique writing style, which is characterized by simple, straightforward prose and an emphasis on dialogue.

Hemingway began his writing career as a journalist and eventually transitioned to writing fiction. He published his first novel, "The Sun Also Rises," in 1926, which was an immediate success and established him as a major literary figure. He followed this with several other novels, including "A Farewell to Arms" (1929), "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (1940), and "The Old Man and the Sea" (1952), which cemented his reputation as a master of American literature.

Hemingway's work is known for its themes of love, war, and the human condition, and for its exploration of the human experience in times of conflict. His writing is considered to be among the most powerful and evocative in American literature, and he has had a profound influence on the development of modern fiction.

Meaning of Title : 

In the context of the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls," the word "toll" is used in reference to the sound of a bell, which symbolizes death and the human cost of war. The tolling of the bell at the end of the novel represents the death of the protagonist Robert Jordan and the countless other soldiers who have died in the war, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the tragic consequences of war.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" is considered a classic of literature for several reasons:

Historical Significance :

The novel is set during the Spanish Civil War, a time of great political and social upheaval in Spain. Hemingway's portrayal of the war and its impact on the individuals caught up in it offers a unique perspective on this historical event.

Writing Style :

Hemingway is known for his sparse, minimalist writing style, and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is considered one of his most accomplished works in this regard. His use of dialogue and description is particularly effective in creating a sense of realism and immediacy.

Themes :

The novel explores themes such as love, sacrifice, and the human cost of war, which are universal and timeless.

Literary Merit :

The novel has been praised by critics for its powerful anti-war message and its emotional intensity. It is considered a masterful work of fiction, and a powerful exploration of the human condition.

Impact : 

The novel has had a significant impact on literature and culture. It has been widely read and studied, and has been adapted into a film and a stage play. It is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" is a critically acclaimed work because it offers a powerful exploration of the human experience in times of war. The novel examines the personal and emotional toll that war takes on individuals, as well as the moral ambiguities and complexities of political causes.

One of the main points of the novel is the exploration of the theme of sacrifice. Robert Jordan, the novel's protagonist, is a volunteer fighting in the Spanish Civil War, and he must make the difficult decision to sacrifice his own life in order to complete his mission and help the Republican cause. Through his character and actions, the novel illustrates the personal sacrifices that individuals make during war and the moral dilemmas they face.

The novel also deals with the theme of love, and how it can survive and thrive in the midst of war. The relationship between Robert and Maria is a powerful example of this, as they find love and happiness despite the chaos and destruction around them.

The novel's style, themes and characters are all crafted in a way that they create a sense of realism and immediacy, which makes the story more impactful.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" is a critically acclaimed work because of its powerful exploration of the human experience in times of war and its ability to convey the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices of individuals caught up in a war.

 End of the Novel : 

The ending of Ernest Hemingway's novel For Whom the Bell Tolls is widely considered to be both powerful and tragic. The novel follows the story of Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting in the Spanish Civil War, and his relationship with Maria, a young Spanish woman.

As the novel comes to a close, Robert and Maria are both aware that their time together is coming to an end. Robert is tasked with blowing up a bridge as part of a larger Republican offensive, and he knows that he will most likely not survive the mission. In their final moments together, Robert and Maria express their love for each other and their regret that they will not be able to spend their lives together.

As Robert makes his way to the bridge, he reflects on the sacrifices he has made for the cause, and the futility of war. He ultimately chooses to sacrifice himself for the mission, and the bridge is successfully destroyed.

The meaning of the ending is that war is a brutal, destructive force that takes a heavy toll on individuals and society. Robert's death is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war, and the sacrifices that individuals make for a cause. The tolling of the bell symbolizes the finality of death and the loss of life that war brings. The ending also implies that war is futile, as it destroys not only lives, but also relationships, love, and the future of individuals.

The ending also highlights the theme of sacrifice, as Robert chooses to sacrifice his own life for the mission and the cause. The novel suggests that sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of war, and it can be a noble and meaningful act, but it is also a tragedy.

In a broader sense, the novel's ending is a powerful anti-war statement, emphasizing the terrible human cost of war and the senselessness of such violence.

The human cost of war and personal sacrifices: This theme is explored through the character of Robert Jordan, the novel's protagonist, who is a volunteer fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Throughout the novel, Robert must make difficult decisions and confront the moral ambiguities of war, ultimately sacrificing his own life to complete his mission and help the Republican cause.

Love and relationships :

The novel also explores the theme of love and relationships, particularly the relationship between Robert and Maria. This serves as a contrast to the brutality of war, showing how love can survive and thrive in the midst of war.

Personal identity and political causes :

The novel explores the theme of personal identity, particularly as it relates to political causes. Robert is initially drawn to the Republican cause because he believes in its ideals, but as he becomes more deeply involved, he begins to question the morality of the war and the motivations of those fighting it.

Futility of war :

The novel also exposes the futility of war, it is a powerful anti-war statement, emphasizing the terrible human cost of war and the senselessness of such violence.

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" is a novel that explores the complexities and moral ambiguities of war and the personal sacrifices that individuals make for a cause. It shows the human cost of war, the impact of war on relationships and love, and the search for personal identity in the face of political ideologies. The novel also implies that war is futile and it destroys not only lives, but also relationships, love, and the future of individuals.

Full Movie "For Whom the Bell Tolls"

(Words 1336, Images 03, Videos 02)

Comedy of Menace

Brief introduction of film 'The Birthday Party' and Characteristics of Comedy of Menace.

Comedy of menace is a term used to describe a type of dark comedy, in which humor is derived from the portrayal of threatening or sinister situations. The term was first coined by playwright Harold Pinter to describe his own work, and it is often associated with his plays, such as "The Birthday Party" and "The Caretaker."

In a comedy of menace, the audience is often made to feel uneasy or uncertain about the motives of the characters and the outcome of the story. The humor is often derived from the characters' attempts to navigate these threatening situations, rather than from traditional punchlines or jokes.

The comedy of menace often explores themes such as power, control, and The human psyche, and it is characterized by its use of ambiguity, subtext, and non-verbal communication. It's a type of comedy that requires a certain level of attention and interpretation from the audience, and it can be seen as a commentary on the human condition.

The term "comedy of menace" is used to describe a specific type of dark comedy, characterized by its exploration of threatening or sinister situations and its use of ambiguity and subtext. Harold Pinter's plays are considered examples of this genre.

The Birthday Party is a film adaptation of Harold Pinter's 1957 play of the same name. The film, directed by William Friedkin in 1968, stays true to the play's original dark and absurdist tone, with a great cast lead by Robert Shaw, Peter Boyle, and Sydne Rome.

The themes of the movie are similar to the play, it explores power dynamics and control, identity, isolation, language and communication, and memory and the past. The film stays true to the play's original dark and absurdist tone and further explores these themes through the use of imagery and symbolism in film.

The film follows the story of a man named Stanley, who is unexpectedly visited by a group of mysterious strangers at his rundown boarding house. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the strangers are not who they seem, and that they have a sinister motive for their visit. The film is a masterful exploration of the themes of power, control, and the human psyche. Pinter's writing is known for its use of ambiguity and subtext, and this film captures that perfectly.

One of the strengths of the film is its talented cast, particularly Robert Shaw and Peter Boyle, who deliver powerful performances that bring Pinter's characters to life. The film's cinematography and production design also deserve recognition for effectively creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the film.

The Birthday Party is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that showcases Pinter's writing at its finest. It's a film that requires a certain level of patience and attention from the viewer, but for those willing to engage with its themes, it offers a rewarding experience.

Its intense atmosphere, powerful performances and the exploration of the human psyche make it an intriguing and memorable film.

Dadaism, Surrealism, Experinissiom - Artistic Movements

This blog is assigned by Yesha Ma'am. It's contains my art upon Dadaism, Surrealism, Expressionism and brief introduction of these three movements.

I also try to make art on these movements and here are the result of it;

(You can give your interpretation in comment section.)

Dadaistic Art : (Photography)

These photos are clicked in Samsung M21, Rear camera, ISO100.

Clicked by Avani Jani in One Plus.

Clicked by Avani Jani in One Plus.

Surrealistic Art :

Expressinisim Art :

Done by group of our class.(Digital art)
(This is a photo of digital view board.)

Dadaism :

Dadaism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the devastation of World War I and the societal changes happening at the time. Dadaists rejected traditional art forms and values, and sought to challenge the audience's perceptions of art. They used a wide range of unconventional materials and techniques, such as collage, photomontage, and found objects, often incorporating elements of chance and humor into their work. Some of the key figures in the Dada movement include Marcel Duchamp, Francis Picabia, and Hannah Höch. Dadaism spread across Europe and later to the United States, and had a significant influence on the development of Surrealism and other avant-garde movements.

Theme :

• Anti-war: Many Dadaists were deeply affected by the devastation of World War I and used their art as a form of protest against the conflict and the societal structures that had led to it.
• Anti-establishment: Dadaists rejected traditional art forms and values and sought to challenge the audience's perceptions of art and the art world.
• Experimentation: Dadaists experimented with a wide range of unconventional materials and techniques, such as collage, photomontage, and found objects, often incorporating elements of chance and humor into their work.
• Absurdity and Surrealism: Dadaists often used elements of absurdity and irrationality in their works, which laid the foundation for Surrealism.
• Political and social commentary: Dadaists used their art as a way to comment on political and social issues of the time, often in a satirical and critical manner.

Dadaistic Artist :

There are many famous artists associated with the Dada movement, here are some notable ones:

• Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968): Considered one of the most important figures in the Dada movement, Duchamp is best known for his ready-mades, ordinary objects that he presented as works of art. He also created a number of influential works, such as the "Fountain" (1917), which is considered to be one of the first pieces of conceptual art.

• Francis Picabia (1879-1953): A French painter and writer, Picabia was a key figure in the Dada movement in Paris. He experimented with various styles, from Impressionism to abstract art, and his works often incorporated elements of satire and irony.

• Hannah Höch (1889-1978): A German artist and photomontage artist, Höch is considered one of the leading figures of the Dada movement in Berlin. Her works often incorporated found images and dealt with themes of gender and societal norms.

• Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948): A German painter, sculptor, and writer, Schwitters was a key figure in the Dada movement in Hanover. He is best known for his collages, which he called Merz art, which often incorporated found materials such as ticket stubs and newspapers.

• George Grosz (1893-1959): A German artist and caricaturist, Grosz was a key figure in the Dada movement in Berlin. His works often dealt with political and social issues of the time, and often incorporated elements of satire and irony.

• Man Ray (1890-1976): An American artist and photographer, Man Ray was associated with the Dada movement in Paris. He is best known for his photographs and his use of photograms, which are photographic images created without a camera.

These artists were active during the World War 1 and after the war until the 1920s,Dadaism was a short lived but influential movement that had a lasting impact on the art world.

Dadaistic Art :

Fountain (Duchamp)

Painting by Marcel Duchamp and Rrose Sélavy

 SURREALISM 

Surrealism is an art and literary movement that started in the 1920s. It is about using the imagination to create something unusual and unexpected. Artists and writers who were part of the Surrealist movement would often use symbols, dream-like imagery and strange combinations of objects in their work. They wanted to show that the world was not always what it seemed and that there was more to reality than what we see in our everyday lives. They also wanted to challenge the traditional ideas and norms of society. In simple words, Surrealism is an art movement that tries to show the world in a different and unusual way, often using images from dreams and the subconscious mind.

Theme :

The theme of Surrealist art is often related to the subconscious mind, dreams, and the irrational. Surrealist artists sought to tap into the unconscious mind and reveal the hidden desires, fears, and thoughts that exist beneath the surface of the conscious mind. They often used symbolism, metaphor, and other techniques to express these hidden thoughts and feelings.

Some common themes in Surrealist art include : 

• The exploration of the human psyche and the inner world of the mind
• The use of symbolism and metaphor to express emotions and ideas
• The use of dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions
• The critique of societal norms and conventions
• The rejection of rationality and logic in favor of the irrational and the unexpected
• The representation of the inner reality, the subconscious and the irrational
• The use of automatism to create art, the artist let his subconscious take over the creation process.

In summary, Surrealist art explores the hidden and irrational aspects of the human mind and consciousness, through the use of symbolism, metaphor, and dream-like imagery, and often critiques societal norms and conventions.

Surrealistic Artists :

• Salvador Dali (1904-1989) : He was a Spanish painter and one of the most famous and influential members of the Surrealist movement. He joined the Surrealist group in 1929, and his works from that period, such as "The Persistence of Memory" (1931) is considered some of his most iconic. He was associated with the movement until the 1940s.
• René Magritte (1898-1967) : He was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his thought-provoking images that often feature unexpected combinations of objects and symbols. He joined the Surrealist group in 1927 and became one of its most prominent members. His works from that period, such as "The Son of Man" (1964) and "The Treachery of Images" (1929) are considered some of his most famous.
• Max Ernst (1891-1976) : He was a German-born artist who was a leading member of the Surrealist movement. He joined the group in 1922 and his works from that period, such as "The Elephant Celebes" (1921) and "Europe After the Rain" (1940) are considered some of his most famous. He was associated with the movement until the 1940s.
• Yves Tanguy (1900-1955) : He was a French painter known for his dream-like landscapes and abstract shapes. He joined the Surrealist group in 1925, and his works from that period, such as "The Empty Mask" (1927) and "The Sun in the Head" (1930) are considered some of his most famous.
• Joan Miró (1893-1983): He was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist who was an important member of the Surrealist movement. He joined the group in 1924 and his works from that period, such as "The Harlequin's Carnival" (1924) and "The Tilled Field" (1923–1924) are considered some of his most famous.
• Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): She was a Mexican painter known for her self-portraits, which often depicted her physical and emotional pain. She was not officially associated with the Surrealist movement, but her works have been recognized as Surrealist. Her most famous works include "The Broken Column" (1944) and "The Two Fridas" (1939).

These artists were some of the most prominent figures in the Surrealist movement, but there were many other talented artists who also contributed to the development of the movement. They were active during the 1920s to 1940s, which is considered the height of the Surrealist movement.

Surrealistic Art :

Philosopher's lamp, 1936 - Rene Magritte

The Persistence of Memory
Year: 1931
Artist: Salvador Dali

 Expressionism : 

Expressionism is an art movement that began in the early 20th century. It is characterized by the use of bold, exaggerated, and often distorted forms, bright colors, and intense emotions. The goal of expressionist art is to express the inner feelings and emotions of the artist, rather than simply depicting reality. Expressionism can be found in various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, and literature. Some famous expressionist artists include Edvard Munch, Vincent van Gogh, and Wassily Kandinsky.

Theme of expressionism :

• Inner emotions and feelings of the artist.
• Depiction of darker, more intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and alienation.
• Social and political critique.
• Rebellion against tradition and the status quo.
• Conveying emotions in a powerful and immediate way.
• Use of distorted forms, bright colors, and energetic brushstrokes.
• Self-exploration and self-discovery.

Expressionism Artists :

• Edvard Munch (1863-1944): Norwegian painter and printmaker known for his Symbolist and Expressionist works, such as "The Scream."

• Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890): Dutch Post-Impressionist painter known for his bold use of color and emotional intensity, particularly in works such as "Starry Night."

• Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944): Russian painter and art theorist who is considered one of the pioneers of abstract art and an important figure in the Expressionist movement.

• Egon Schiele (1890-1918): Austrian painter known for his erotic and emotive figures and portraits.

• Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938): German painter and printmaker who was a founding member of the Expressionist group Die Bruck.

• Max Beckmann (1884-1950): German painter, draftsman, and printmaker, whose works typically featured grotesque, nightmarish imagery.

• Oskar Kokoschka (1886-1980): Austrian painter, poet, and playwright known for his Expressionist portraits and landscapes.

• Emil Nolde (1867-1956): German painter and printmaker, who was one of the first Expressionists.

These are a few famous expressionist artists, They were active mainly between the late 19th century to the mid 20th century.

Expressionist Art :

The Scream

The Starry Night

[Words 1563, Images 18]