Manasi Joshi's blog

  Blog is given by Prakruti Ma'am  1) Basic Elements of Transcendentalism in the Works of Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individual intuition, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature. His works, particularly Walden and Civil Disobedience, reflect the fundamental principles of Transcendentalism. The following discussion explores six key elements of this philosophical movement in Thoreau’s writings. 1. Self-Reliance Thoreau advocated for self-sufficiency, believing that individuals should depend on their own abilities and inner wisdom rather than societal conventions. In Walden, he demonstrates this philosophy by withdrawing to the woods to live simply and deliberately. He asserts, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life” (Thoreau, Walden). His experiment in living independently underscores the Transcendentalist...

 Blog is given by Barad Sir  Video 1:  The Significance of "God is Power" in Orwell’s 1984 In George Orwell’s 1984, the phrase "God is power" emerges as a crucial element in the Party’s ideological framework, encapsulating its manipulation of faith, authority, and human psychology. Orwell, a well-documented critic of institutionalized religion—particularly Catholicism—crafts a dystopian narrative in which traditional religious structures are supplanted by the totalitarian state. Although explicit references to God are minimal, appearing only eight times in the text, their significance is profound, illustrating the transformation of religious devotion into absolute political allegiance. The Party, through the omnipresent figure of Big Brother, demands an unwavering submission that mirrors traditional religious faith, thus reconfiguring the very nature of belief. This study examines how Orwell intertwines the themes of power and religion, ultimately presenting totalit...

 Blog is given by Megha ma'am. *Modernism and Postmodernism: A Critical Overview*   Modernism:  *Introduction*   Modernism and Postmodernism are two significant intellectual and artistic movements that shaped the cultural, literary, and philosophical landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries. Modernism emerged as a response to the sweeping changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and the horrors of World War I, while Postmodernism arose as a reaction to the perceived limitations and assumptions of Modernist thought. These two movements reflect distinct approaches to literature, art, and philosophy, each with its unique principles, methodologies, and ideological concerns.   This essay explores the definitions, characteristics, and key differences between Modernism and Postmodernism, analyzing their impact on literature, art, and critical thought.    *Definition and Characteristics of Modernism*   Modernism i...

  The transcript’s thematic concerns align closely with the historical, political, and social reflections found in W.H. Auden’s poem September 1, 1939. Auden’s poem, written on the eve of World War II, serves as a meditation on the consequences of authoritarianism, the failures of political institutions, and the moral responsibilities of individuals in times of crisis. The speaker in the transcript similarly engages with these themes, emphasizing the enduring impact of history, the dangers of dictatorship, and the necessity of critical engagement with socio-political realities. 1. Historical Reflection and the Burden of the Past Auden’s poem underscores the cyclical nature of history, describing how past political failures culminated in the outbreak of war. The line “I and the public know / What all schoolchildren learn, / Those to whom evil is done / Do evil in return” suggests that historical grievances and injustices perpetuate cycles of violence. The transcript similarly stress...

Activity is given by Prakruti ma'am. 1) According to Emerson's ideas in Nature, an individual's identity is most closely defined by their behavior and the things they hide from everybody. Behavior: Emerson believes that actions reflect a person's inner character and values. In Nature, he suggests that how a person interacts with the world around them, including how they respond to life's challenges and beauty, reveals their true self. Behavior demonstrates a person's principles, intentions, and integrity, which are at the core of one's identity. The Things They Hide from Everybody: Emerson explores the idea of the inner self and personal reflections that are not visible to others. He discusses how people's private thoughts and spiritual experiences shape their understanding of the world and themselves. These hidden aspects reveal a person's deeper identity because they represent their true beliefs and emotions, unfiltered by social expectations. Whil...

  Blog is given by Megha ma'am. 1) Modernism  Definition of Modernism Modernism is a broad cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional forms, structures, and perspectives. It sought to redefine artistic, literary, and intellectual expressions in response to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the disillusionment brought about by World War I. Modernist thinkers and artists emphasized experimentation, individual perception, and a rejection of established norms in favor of innovation and subjectivity. Founders and Influences Modernism did not have a single founder but was shaped by several key figures across various fields. In literature, figures such as T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Virginia Woolf pioneered stream-of-consciousness techniques and fragmented narratives. In visual arts, Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky revolutionized artistic expression with Cubism and Abstract ...