Archetypal Criticism

 This blog is a part of the thinking activity provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the blog here.

1) What is Archetypal Criticism?

'Archetypal Criticism' is a type of literary analysis that focuses on identifying and interpreting recurring symbols, themes, characters, and narratives—known as archetypes—that appear across cultures and time periods. Rooted in the psychological theories of Carl Jung, archetypal criticism seeks to uncover the universal patterns and motifs that resonate deeply within the human psyche.

Key Concepts:

1. Archetypes: 

These are universal symbols, characters, or themes that recur in myths, stories, and dreams across different cultures. Examples include the Hero, the Mother, the Trickster, the Journey, and the Quest.

2. Collective Unconscious: Jung's concept of a shared, inherited reservoir of memories and experiences that all humans possess. Archetypes emerge from this collective unconscious.

3. Mythic Patterns:

 Archetypal critics often analyze literature by identifying mythic structures, such as the hero's journey (monomyth), which was popularized by Joseph Campbell in 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces'.

 Goals of Archetypal Criticism:

- To explore how literature reflects universal human experiences and emotions.

- To connect individual works to broader cultural and mythological traditions.

- To reveal the deeper, often subconscious, meanings in texts.

 Examples in Literature:

- The Hero Archetype : Characters like Odysseus in The Odyssey or Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's series.

- The Mother Archetype: Figures like Demeter in Greek mythology or Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter.

- The  Journey Archetype: Stories like The Lord of the Rings or The Alchemist.

Prominent Theorists:

- Carl Jung: Introduced the concept of archetypes and the collective unconscious.

- Northrop Frye: Developed archetypal criticism further in his work  Anatomy of Criticism, where he categorized literature into mythoi (modes) based on archetypal patterns.

Archetypal criticism provides a framework for understanding how literature taps into shared human experiences, making it a powerful tool for analyzing the timeless and universal aspects of storytelling.

2) What do archetypal critics do?

Archetypal critics analyze literature by focusing on the recurring patterns, symbols, characters, and themes—known as archetypes—that appear across cultures and time periods. Their work involves uncovering the universal and timeless elements in stories that resonate with the human psyche. Here's a detailed look at what archetypal critics do:

Key Activities of Archetypal Critics:

1. Identify Archetypes:

   - Look for recurring symbols, characters, and themes in literature that reflect universal human experiences.

   - Examples: The Hero, the Mother, the Trickster, the Journey, the Fall, the Flood, etc.

2. Explore Mythic Patterns:

   - Analyze how stories follow universal narrative structures, such as the Hero's Journey (monomyth) popularized by Joseph Campbell.

   - Examine how myths, legends, and folktales influence modern literature.

3. Connect Literature to the Collective Unconscious:

   - Draw on Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious to explain how archetypes emerge from shared human experiences and inherited memories.

   - Show how literature taps into these deep, subconscious patterns.

4. Compare Across Cultures and Time Periods:

   - Study how similar archetypes appear in different cultures and historical contexts.

   - For example, compare the hero archetype in Greek mythology (e.g., Hercules) with modern heroes like Harry Potter or Luke Skywalker.

5. Interpret Symbolism:

   - Decode symbolic elements in texts, such as water (rebirth), darkness (evil or the unknown), or the sun (enlightenment or life).

   - Explain how these symbols evoke universal emotions and ideas.

6. Analyze Character Roles:

   - Examine how characters embody archetypal roles, such as the Mentor (e.g., Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings), the Shadow (e.g., Voldemort in Harry Potter), or the Outcast (e.g., Frankenstein's Monster).

7. Relate Texts to Broader Cultural Myths:

   - Show how individual works of literature reflect or reinterpret larger cultural myths and traditions.

   - For example, analyze how The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot draws on ancient fertility myths.

8. Highlight Universal Themes:

   - Focus on themes like birth, death, love, sacrifice, and redemption, which recur across cultures and resonate with readers on a deep level.

 Examples of Archetypal Criticism in Action:

-The Hero's Journey: Analyzing how stories like The Odyssey, Star Wars, or The Hunger Games follow the monomyth structure.

- The Mother Archetype: Exploring characters like Demeter in Greek mythology or Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter as embodiments of nurturing and protection.

- The Trickster: Examining characters like Loki in Norse mythology or the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland as agents of chaos and change.

Prominent Archetypal Critics:

- Carl Jung: Introduced the concept of archetypes and the collective unconscious.

- Northrop Frye: Developed archetypal criticism further in his work Anatomy of Criticism, categorizing literature into mythoi (modes) based on archetypal patterns.

- Joseph Campbell: Popularized the Hero's Journey in The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

By focusing on these universal elements, archetypal critics reveal how literature connects to the shared human experience, making it a powerful tool for understanding the deeper meanings and enduring appeal of stories.

3) Exemplify how archetypal criticism is done?

Archetypal criticism involves analyzing a text by identifying and interpreting its archetypal elements—universal symbols, characters, and themes that recur across cultures and time periods. To exemplify how this is done, let’s analyze a well-known literary work using archetypal criticism: **William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.

Step-by-Step Archetypal Analysis of Lord of the Flies

1. Identify Archetypal Characters:

   - The Hero (Ralph): Ralph represents the archetypal hero who strives to maintain order and civilization. He embodies leadership, rationality, and hope, but he also struggles with his own flaws and the chaos around him.

   - The Shadow (Jack): Jack embodies the darker, primal side of human nature. He represents savagery, violence, and the desire for power, serving as a foil to Ralph’s heroism.

   - The Wise Old Man (Piggy): Piggy symbolizes wisdom, intellect, and rationality. He acts as an advisor to Ralph, much like the archetypal mentor figure, but his physical weakness makes him vulnerable.

   - The Innocent (Simon): Simon represents purity, spirituality, and a deep connection to nature. He is the Christ-like figure who seeks truth but is ultimately destroyed by the group’s savagery.

2. Analyze Archetypal Symbols:

   - The Island: The island symbolizes a microcosm of the world and the human condition. It is a pristine, Eden-like place at the beginning, but it descends into chaos, reflecting the loss of innocence and the struggle between civilization and savagery.

   - The Conch: The conch shell represents order, democracy, and civilization. Its destruction marks the collapse of societal norms and the triumph of primal instincts.

   - The Beast: The beast symbolizes the inherent evil and darkness within humans. It is a projection of the boys’ fears and their own inner savagery.

   - Fire: Fire has dual symbolism. It represents hope and rescue (the signal fire) but also destruction and chaos (the wildfires set by Jack’s tribe).

3. Explore Archetypal Themes:

   - The Fall from Innocence The boys’ descent into savagery reflects the archetypal theme of the loss of innocence, akin to the biblical Fall of Man.

   - The Struggle Between Civilization and Savagery: This is a central archetypal conflict, representing the eternal battle between order and chaos, reason and instinct.

   - The Hero’s Journey: Ralph’s journey can be seen as a flawed hero’s journey, where he faces trials, confronts the shadow (Jack), and ultimately fails to restore order, reflecting the fragility of civilization.

4. Connect to Broader Myths and Traditions:

   -Allusions: The story echoes biblical themes, such as the Fall (the boys’ descent into savagery) and the sacrifice of Simon, who resembles a Christ-like figure.

   - Mythological Parallels: The island can be compared to mythical lost worlds or paradises that become corrupted, such as Eden or Atlantis.

5. Interpret the Collective Unconscious:

   - The novel taps into the collective unconscious by exploring primal fears (e.g., fear of the dark, fear of the unknown) and universal human tendencies (e.g., the desire for power, the capacity for violence).

   - The characters and events resonate because they reflect fundamental aspects of human nature that are shared across cultures.

Conclusion of the Analysis:

Through archetypal criticism, Lord of the Flies can be seen as a profound exploration of universal human experiences and themes. The characters, symbols, and narrative structure reflect archetypal patterns that resonate deeply with readers, revealing the fragility of civilization and the darkness within the human psyche. By connecting the novel to broader myths, traditions, and psychological theories, archetypal criticism highlights its timeless relevance and universal appeal.

This example demonstrates how archetypal criticism uncovers the deeper, subconscious layers of meaning in a text, connecting it to the shared human experience.

Flipped Class Activity: The Waste Land

 This blog is a part of the study activity provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the blog:here.

The Waste Land is a poem by T. S. Eliot, widely regarded as one of the most important English-language poems of the 20th century and a central work of modernist poetry. Published in 1922, the 434-line poem first appeared in the United Kingdom in the October issue of Eliot's magazine The Criterion and in the United States in the November issue of The Dial. Among its famous phrases are "April is the cruellest month", "I will show you fear in a handful of dust", and "These fragments I have shored against my ruins".

Part- 1

Introduction: Beyond War and Personal Turmoil

T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land is a cornerstone of modernist literature, often viewed through the lens of World War I, cultural collapse, and Eliot’s personal struggles. However, recent scholarship introduces a new perspective: the 1918 influenza pandemic. Elizabeth Outka’s Viral Modernism and her essay "A Waste Land of Influenza" reveal how the pandemic’s devastation shapes the poem’s unease, fragmentation, and imagery.

Cultural Amnesia of Disease

Unlike war, pandemics lack defined conflicts and sacrificial narratives, making them harder to memorialize. Disease is personal, fought within the body, often evoking helplessness and shame. This contributes to its absence in cultural memory and traditional readings of The Waste Land.

Eliot’s Personal Experience

Eliot and his wife Vivien contracted the flu during the pandemic's second wave in 1918. While Eliot’s case was mild, Vivien’s was severe, affecting her nerves and sleep. Eliot described lasting weakness and associated domestic struggles with the flu’s toll. This context situates the pandemic as a critical influence during the poem’s creation.

Delirium and Fragmentation

The poem’s fragmented structure mirrors the delirium of illness. Shifts in time, voice, and subject reflect fevered disorientation. For instance, in The Fire Sermon, lines like “O Lord Thou pluckest me out / burning” evoke the splintered consciousness of a fever dream, blending war trauma with pandemic suffering.

Sensory Overload and Bodily Distress

The poem’s vivid sensory imagery aligns with physical illness. Lines like:
“A woman drew her long black hair out tight…
And crawled head downward down a blackened wall,”
capture distorted perceptions akin to fever-induced hallucinations. Themes of thirst, dryness, and disorientation, such as “Sweat is dry and feet are in the sand,” echo the physical effects of influenza.

Drowning and the Pathogenic Atmosphere

Images of drowning evoke the respiratory distress of the flu, where lungs “drowned” in fluid. Phrases like “Fear death by water” and descriptions of fog and wind convey contagion’s invisible threat. The “wind under the door” symbolizes the paranoia of airborne infection, while tolling bells recall mass deaths during the pandemic.

Death, Resurrection, and Silence

The poem is haunted by death and disrupted burial practices, reflecting pandemic anxieties. Lines like “That corpse you planted last year in your garden, / Has it begun to sprout?” suggest viral recurrence and death’s inescapability. The epigraph and themes of “living death” mirror the pandemic’s toll, while fragmented speech evokes the silence surrounding collective trauma.

Conclusion

Reading The Waste Land through a pandemic lens deepens its resonance, uncovering the hidden imprint of the 1918 flu. The poem becomes a testament not just to war and personal anguish, but also to the unspoken and unmemorialized suffering of disease. Its fragmented language and unsettling imagery serve as a haunting memorial to a forgotten crisis, reminding us of the enduring impact of pandemics on cultural memory.

Part- 2

1. Introduction: Unmasking the Viral Undercurrents of Modernism T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land is often interpreted through war and personal struggles, but the 1918 influenza pandemic also shaped its themes. Elizabeth Outka's Viral Modernism offers a new lens to explore how the pandemic's trauma influenced Eliot’s work, presenting death, exhaustion, and fragmentation as central themes.

1. Unveiling the Pandemic’s Presence

   • Death and Innervated Living Death: Outka argues that The Waste Land reflects both death and "innervated living death." The poem's references to corpses and bones, like the "drowned Phoenician Sailor," often reflect pandemic devastation, not just war casualties. Eliot’s own experience of illness mirrors the poem's exhaustion and "living death."

   • War vs. Pandemic Death: While war death is a national sacrifice, pandemic death is personal and isolated, often without heroism. The pandemic's reach is evident in the poem's depiction of death in domestic spaces, bringing mortality closer to everyday life.

   • Visualizing the Unseen: Outka discusses Alfred Kubin’s artwork "The Spanish Flu," which depicts the overwhelming death toll, paralleling the poem’s grim imagery. The pandemic’s impact is also reflected in disrupted burials and mass graves, emphasizing uncertainty and fear around death.

   • Viral Resurrection: The Waste Land portrays a world infected by death, blurring lines between life and death. Eliot's own struggles with illness informed the poem’s tone of exhaustion, while the Sibyl, a figure of living death, symbolizes the state of being stuck between life and death.

   • Silence, Forgetting, and Erasure: Modernism, including The Waste Land, grapples with the inexpressibility of trauma. The poem's fragmented structure mirrors the cultural silencing of the pandemic, highlighting the breakdown in communication and the erasure of pandemic memory.

2. Conclusion: The Enduring Resonance of a Pandemic Reading Reading The Waste Land through the lens of the 1918 influenza pandemic reveals deeper layers of meaning, including death, enervation, and the erasure of memory. Outka’s analysis underscores the poem’s power to capture the trauma of both visible and invisible crises. This perspective enhances our understanding of the poem’s themes and the historical significance of documenting collective suffering.

References : 

• 1. Barad, Dilip. “Presentations, Quiz and Points to Ponder on T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land.’” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 28 Oct. 2014, blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/10/presentations-on-ts-eliots-waste-land.html. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
• 2. DoE-MKBU. “Reading ‘The Waste Land’ through Pandemic Lens Part 1 | Sem 2 Online Classes | 2021 07 21.” YouTube, 21 July 2021, youtu.be/4pLuqHTNscs. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
• 3 Eliot, T. S. “The Waste Land.” Poetry Foundation, 1922, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47311/the-waste-land.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

 This blog is a part of the Thinking activity provided by Megha Trivedi Ma'am.

1) Critical Analysis of the end of the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls".

Introduction: The Profound Ending of For Whom the Bell Tolls

The ending of For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is a powerful and poignant conclusion that encapsulates the central themes of the novel: sacrifice, the inevitability of death, and the futility of war. The novel, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, follows Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter working with a group of guerilla fighters on a mission to destroy a bridge vital to the enemy’s supply line. As the novel unfolds, it explores the personal and collective struggles of the characters, their reflections on love, duty, and the human condition, ultimately culminating in a tragic and introspective ending.

In the novel’s final moments, Robert Jordan faces certain death after being severely wounded during his mission. This moment reflects the cyclical and seemingly meaningless nature of war. Despite his dedication to the cause and the heroic efforts to complete his mission, Jordan’s death feels disconnected from any ultimate victory or moral resolution. Hemingway’s stark and minimalist prose style heightens the futility of his sacrifice, portraying it as a quiet and inevitable conclusion to his involvement in a senseless and violent conflict. Jordan’s death is not glorified, but rather becomes a symbol of the countless lives lost in war, where individual sacrifice rarely leads to any clear or lasting outcome.

1. Robert Jordan’s Death: A Reflection of War’s Futility

The novel ends with Robert Jordan facing certain death after being severely wounded during his mission to blow up the bridge. This is a critical moment because it underscores the theme of the meaningless and cyclical nature of war. Despite his dedication to the cause and the heroic efforts to carry out the mission, his death seems futile and disconnected from any ultimate victory or moral resolution. His death is not celebrated as a grand heroic gesture, but rather, it’s depicted as a quiet, inevitable conclusion to his involvement in a violent, senseless conflict. Hemingway’s sparse, direct prose style in these moments enhances the starkness of the death, giving the sense that Jordan's sacrifice, like those of countless others, is ultimately insignificant in the broader context of war.

2. The Symbolism of the Bell

The title of the novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, comes from a meditation by John Donne that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings. The novel uses this idea to explore how individual deaths are not isolated events, but part of a larger, collective human experience. As Jordan lies dying, the bell tolls, symbolizing the universal nature of death and the fact that it will eventually come for everyone. The bell also serves as a reminder that the costs of war are borne by all, and that no individual death is purely personal. The bell’s toll throughout the novel, and especially at the end, amplifies the sense of collective loss and the human condition in the face of tragedy.

3. Sacrifice and the Collective Struggle

One of the key themes in For Whom the Bell Tolls is the concept of personal sacrifice for the greater good. Robert Jordan’s decision to stay behind to cover the retreat of his comrades, knowing that he will die, is a moment of ultimate self-sacrifice. Jordan, throughout the novel, constantly wrestles with his individual desires and the larger cause he’s fighting for. His death, though tragic, is presented as a noble act in the sense that he accepts it for the success of the mission and the broader struggle against fascism. However, Hemingway also challenges the romantic notion of sacrifice, highlighting the senselessness of the violence and the randomness of war. Despite his sacrifice, Jordan’s death does not seem to change the course of the war, making his ultimate fate appear tragically futile.

4. The Connection Between Jordan and Maria: A Love Cut Short

Another emotional and thematic element in the novel’s conclusion is the relationship between Robert Jordan and Maria. In the final moments, Jordan’s thoughts are filled with his love for Maria and his hope for a future with her. This love, which has been a source of comfort and joy for Jordan amidst the horrors of war, is ultimately doomed by his impending death. His brief, idyllic vision of a future with Maria highlights the deep human desire for connection and meaning in the face of existential uncertainty. Yet, the war destroys this potential future, reflecting the novel’s central message that personal happiness is often eclipsed by the harsh realities of conflict and loss.

5. The Role of Nature and Time

In his final moments, Robert Jordan experiences a deeper connection with nature, and the natural world becomes a backdrop to his reflections on life and death. As he lies on the ground, he is surrounded by the beauty of the Spanish countryside, a stark contrast to the violence and destruction of the war. This duality—the peaceful natural world and the violent human world—serves as a reminder of the transience of human life in contrast to the enduring, indifferent forces of nature. Time, too, plays an important role, as Jordan reflects on the shortness of his life, knowing that his death is just a moment in the ongoing continuum of history. Hemingway’s portrayal of time as something that stretches, shrinks, and shifts based on the character’s emotional state intensifies the existential mood of the ending.

6. The Existential Reflection on Meaning and Legacy

The novel’s ending leaves readers with an unresolved sense of meaning. While Robert Jordan’s death is portrayed as a noble sacrifice, there is no clear moral or philosophical resolution. The narrative does not provide a comforting answer to the questions of life, death, and the purpose of struggle. Instead, it leaves readers with an unsettling sense of the randomness of death and the futility of war. In his final moments, Jordan has no illusions about his personal legacy or the impact of his actions. This lack of closure reflects the existential themes of the novel, where the individual’s quest for meaning is often met with the harsh reality of life’s impermanence and the overwhelming forces of nature and history.

Conclusion: A Tragic, Reflective End

The ending of For Whom the Bell Tolls is one of quiet tragedy, a sobering reminder of the personal cost of war and the fleeting nature of life. Hemingway’s minimalistic prose and sparse depiction of Jordan’s death capture the emptiness of war, where even the noblest sacrifices are ultimately swallowed by the machine of conflict. The symbolic ringing of the bell and the focus on Jordan’s reflections as he faces death encapsulate the themes of interconnectedness, existential meaning, and the cyclical nature of human suffering. The novel ends without resolution or triumph, leaving a sense of collective loss and an unanswerable question about the true meaning of sacrifice and life in the context of war.

2) In what ways the flashback technique was used in "For Whom the Bell Tolls?

In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemingway uses the flashback technique as a vital narrative device to enrich the story’s psychological depth, particularly that of the protagonist, Robert Jordan. By weaving flashbacks throughout the novel, Hemingway allows readers to explore the protagonist's past experiences, relationships, and internal struggles, while simultaneously delving deeper into the central themes of war, death, sacrifice, and love. These flashbacks offer insight into Robert’s motivations, his sense of duty, and his emotional turmoil as he faces the brutality of the Spanish Civil War. The flashback technique serves to contrast the past and present, highlighting the tension between personal memories and the harsh realities of war. In this way, Hemingway not only develops the character of Robert Jordan but also amplifies the novel's overarching philosophical reflections on the human condition.

1. Robert Jordan’s Personal History

One of the most significant ways the flashback technique is used is to explore Robert Jordan's personal history. Throughout the novel, Robert reflects on past experiences that have shaped his views on life, love, and death. Flashbacks to his family life, particularly memories of his father’s suicide, offer a glimpse into the trauma and emotional weight that Robert carries. These memories allow the reader to understand Robert’s internal conflict as he faces his potential death, adding complexity to his feelings about sacrifice and mortality.

2. Robert’s Father and the Legacy of Death

A key flashback in the novel occurs when Robert recalls the suicide of his father. The memory of his father’s tragic end plays a major role in Robert’s worldview, particularly in relation to death. Robert compares his own decision to potentially sacrifice his life for a cause with his father’s choice to take his life, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his complex feelings about death. This flashback is not only essential for character development but also underscores the thematic exploration of mortality, fate, and the effects of personal loss.

3. The Love Between Robert and Maria

The fleeting love between Robert and Maria is another area in which flashbacks play a crucial role. Their brief but intense relationship is one of the few sources of comfort in Robert’s otherwise harsh life. As Robert faces the realities of war and his possible death, he frequently reflects on the moments he has spent with Maria. These flashbacks highlight the deep emotional bond they share and represent Robert’s longing for love and connection in a world marred by violence. This love, however, is overshadowed by the inevitability of death, which is another important theme in the novel. The juxtaposition of these memories with the war’s ongoing violence emphasizes the fragility of human life.

4. Robert’s Involvement in War

Throughout For Whom the Bell Tolls, Robert Jordan also reflects on his past involvement in wars, which helps contextualize his actions and emotional state in the Spanish Civil War. Flashbacks to Robert’s previous experiences in combat provide insight into his disillusionment with war. These memories serve as a contrast to the idealistic notion of heroism often associated with war, revealing Robert’s cynicism and the deep psychological toll that violence has taken on him. This technique allows Hemingway to explore the futility of war, an overarching theme of the novel, by contrasting Robert’s past experiences with his present situation.

5. Flashbacks as a Window into Themes

Flashbacks in the novel also serve to reinforce the broader themes of the narrative, such as the futility of war, the inevitability of death, and the personal cost of sacrifice. By revisiting Robert’s past, Hemingway emphasizes how the scars of past experiences—both personal and political—shape the decisions and emotions of the characters in the present. The flashbacks provide a backdrop to Robert’s present thoughts and actions, and they underscore the cyclical nature of human suffering, the randomness of death, and the disillusionment that arises from war.

Conclusion:

In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway’s use of flashbacks is not just a narrative technique but a profound tool that deepens the emotional and thematic complexity of the novel. By exploring Robert Jordan’s personal history, relationships, and past experiences with war, Hemingway enhances the reader’s understanding of his internal conflicts and the larger philosophical reflections on war, death, and human suffering. The flashbacks provide a rich context for the protagonist’s choices, highlighting the tension between the past and present, personal desires and larger societal forces, and the fleeting nature of life itself. Through this technique, Hemingway invites readers to reflect on the inevitable impact of history, trauma, and love on individual lives.

3) Explain: Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero.

Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero

Ernest Hemingway's protagonists are renowned for their distinctive traits, which define the archetype of the "Hemingway hero." These characters embody courage, stoicism, and a deeply personal code of honor as they navigate an indifferent and often hostile world. In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter fighting for the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War, epitomizes this archetype. Through his inner conflicts, commitment to duty, and existential awareness, Jordan showcases the qualities of a typical Hemingway hero, making him a compelling figure of resilience and integrity in the face of adversity.

1. Code of Honor and Duty

• Robert Jordan’s dedication to his mission is central to his character. Tasked with blowing up a bridge crucial to the war effort, he approaches the task with unwavering resolve, even when he questions its strategic value. This commitment reflects Hemingway’s emphasis on personal responsibility and living according to a code of honor, regardless of external circumstances or the futility of the endeavor.

2. Courage Under Pressure

• Like other Hemingway heroes, Robert Jordan demonstrates exceptional courage under pressure. He understands the high stakes of his mission and the dangers involved, yet he proceeds with quiet determination. Hemingway’s concept of "grace under pressure" is evident in Jordan’s ability to act decisively and maintain composure in the face of fear and uncertainty.

3. Existential Awareness

• Robert Jordan is deeply aware of life’s impermanence and the inevitability of death. This existential awareness shapes his reflections on love, sacrifice, and the meaning of his actions. His contemplative nature aligns with the Hemingway hero's quest to find purpose in an absurd and indifferent world, making his struggles both personal and universal.

4. Isolation and Loneliness

• Despite working with a group of guerrilla fighters, Robert Jordan remains emotionally and intellectually isolated. His self-reliance and introspection create a sense of detachment that is typical of Hemingway’s protagonists. His brief romance with María provides some emotional respite but does not fully bridge his inner loneliness.

5. Stoicism and Emotional Restraint

• Hemingway heroes are often stoic in their acceptance of suffering, and Robert Jordan is no exception. He suppresses his fears, doubts, and even physical pain to focus on his mission. His pragmatic and restrained demeanor reflects the emotional control that Hemingway valued as a mark of true heroism.

6. Love and Its Redemptive Power

• Jordan’s relationship with María, though brief, highlights another facet of the Hemingway hero: the capacity to experience love as a momentary escape from the chaos of life. For Jordan, love provides a sense of purpose and humanity amidst the brutality of war, reinforcing the theme of finding grace in fleeting moments.

7. Tragic Realism

• Robert Jordan’s story ends with him gravely injured and waiting for death as he covers his comrades' retreat. His calm acceptance of his fate exemplifies the Hemingway hero's ability to face life’s tragic realities with dignity and courage. Rather than despair, he chooses to focus on the greater good, embodying the ideal of self-sacrifice.

Conclusion

Robert Jordan exemplifies the archetype of the Hemingway hero through his stoicism, existential awareness, and adherence to a personal code of honor. His struggles, both internal and external, highlight Hemingway’s exploration of human resilience in the face of life’s uncertainties. Through Robert Jordan, Hemingway not only portrays a deeply human character but also reflects his broader philosophical views on courage, love, and the inevitability of death.

Video:

For a visual representation of Robert Jordan's character and the film's portrayal of Hemingway's narrative, you might find the official trailer insightful:

4) Write your Views on the very brave character Pilar.

Pilar in For Whom the Bell Tolls is indeed a remarkable and complex character who exemplifies bravery on multiple levels. Her bravery isn't confined to mere physical courage, but extends to emotional resilience, moral strength, and the ability to lead in a time of profound crisis.

One of Pilar’s defining traits is her unwavering loyalty to the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War. As a leader in the guerilla group, she is a source of strength for those around her, especially in the face of danger and adversity. Her leadership is not only in her actions but also in her ability to keep hope alive and offer emotional support to others, particularly Robert Jordan. Despite the uncertainty and brutality of war, Pilar maintains a sense of purpose and determination, demonstrating a bravery rooted in conviction.

Pilar's emotional and psychological strength is also a defining feature of her character. She is unafraid to confront difficult truths, such as her past relationship with her former partner, which shows her ability to accept her own flaws and the complexities of human relationships. In her honesty and openness about her history, she reveals a vulnerability that contrasts with her outward toughness, making her a deeply human character.

Additionally, Pilar embodies resilience. Despite her many losses and the brutal conditions of the war, she refuses to be crushed by the weight of tragedy. She fights not just for survival but for a greater purpose, demonstrating a selflessness that defines her bravery.

In sum, Pilar is not just brave in a physical sense; she is a woman of emotional and moral fortitude. Her courage lies in her ability to navigate the complexities of war, leadership, and personal hardship, making her one of the most powerful and memorable characters in Hemingway's novel.

References :

1. “An Analysis of Symblols for Whom the Bell Tolls.pdf.” Google Docs, drive.google.com/file/d/1CTCJaZMvTIxBk6B-N9GVouGk8qn1PyzG/view

2.“For Whom the Bell Tolls .Pdf.” Google Docs, drive.google.com/file/d/10CwLMdNGO8JFeRVQbI5LAgzvhxoHm8w3/view?pli=1.

3.“Hemingwey-for-whom-the-bell-24grammata.compdf.pdf.” Google Docs, drive.google.com/file/d/1S8rv_CEye42p_iVmVnN8KJSGuimgknCa/view

William Butler Yeats - Poems

  This blog is a part of the study activity provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the research article here.

1. Compare the treatment of war in On Being Asked for a War Poem with other war poems by Wilfred Owen or Siegfried Sassoon.

Introduction:

The treatment of war in poetry often varies depending on the poet's personal experiences, ideological stance, and the broader social context in which they write. In W.B. Yeats' On Being Asked for a War Poem, the poet expresses a philosophical detachment from the conflict, suggesting that poets have little to contribute in times of war. He implies that poetry cannot effectively challenge or alter the harsh political realities of war. In contrast, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, both of whom fought in World War I, offer deeply emotional, critical portrayals of war that expose its brutality and the lies surrounding it. While Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est vividly condemns the romanticization of dying for one's country, Sassoon's The Hero critiques the myths of heroism that are often perpetuated by the military and society to comfort the families of fallen soldiers. This essay will compare Yeats' more contemplative, distant treatment of war with Owen and Sassoon's firsthand, visceral critiques, examining how each poet approaches the theme of war, their respective tones, and the emotional or intellectual impact of their work.

1. Yeats' "On Being Asked for a War Poem"

Yeats’ approach to the theme of war is largely abstract and intellectual. The poem reflects his belief that, during times of war, the role of the poet should be one of silence rather than active engagement. He implies that poetry cannot correct the errors or false narratives of statesmen or the broader public. His response to the request for a war poem is skeptical and dismissive, suggesting that poets should not "meddle" in the affairs of the state, nor should they glorify the experiences of war.

Key Points:

• Tone: The tone of Yeats’ poem is contemplative and resigned. He suggests that poets lack the authority to engage in political or social commentary effectively, particularly about war, a theme that is too complex for artistic intervention.
• Philosophical Distance: Yeats distances himself from the romanticization of war or even its critique. He seems to feel that no poetic response could adequately capture or address the situation, choosing instead to remain silent in a time of conflict.
• Role of the Poet: Yeats reflects on the poet’s role in society, suggesting that the poet should retreat from war’s fervor, perhaps because the poet’s words cannot amend the harsh realities of warfare or change the minds of those who are entangled in it.

2. Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est

In stark contrast to Yeats' silence, Wilfred Owen takes a direct, explicit stance against the glorification of war. Dulce et Decorum Est is a graphic and unflinching critique of the idealized notions of warfare, especially the romanticized idea that it is “sweet and fitting” to die for one's country. Owen’s poem describes the brutal realities of trench warfare, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional toll it takes on soldiers.

Key Points:

• Tone: Owen’s tone is angry, bitter, and graphic. His descriptions of war are vivid and horrifying, using stark imagery to convey the true horrors of battle.
• Graphic Imagery: Owen pulls no punches in depicting the gruesome effects of war. The line "As under a green sea, I saw him drowning" portrays a soldier choking to death from poison gas, creating a visceral, haunting image of the futility and cruelty of war.
• Purpose: Owen’s goal is to expose the brutal reality of war and to disabuse any reader of the idealistic, patriotic rhetoric that glorifies death in battle. His poem directly addresses the “old lie” of the patriotic slogan "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."

3. Sassoon’s The Hero

Siegfried Sassoon's The Hero similarly critiques the glorification of war, but it does so in a different way. The poem portrays the interaction between a grieving mother and the officer who must inform her of her son's death. Sassoon exposes the lie of heroic sacrifice by revealing that the young soldier Jack was actually cowardly and tried to avoid combat, which contradicts the myth that he died bravely for his country.

Key Points:

• Tone: The tone of Sassoon’s poem is ironic and critical. The officer tells the mother a series of lies about her son’s bravery, and this hypocrisy is underscored by the mother’s misguided pride.
• Subversion of Heroism: Sassoon critiques the myth of the heroic soldier, revealing the cowardice of Jack and contrasting this with the mother’s misguided joy in her son’s supposed heroism. "Jack fell as he'd have wished" is an ironic and painful line, emphasizing the conflict between the mother’s comforting illusion and the reality of her son's death.
• The Officer's Perspective: The officer’s internal monologue reveals the truth about Jack's actions in battle—he panicked, tried to escape, and ultimately died in a way that was far from heroic. Sassoon’s poem critiques the institutionalized lie of heroism, exposing how society, particularly military leaders, perpetuate such myths to comfort the families of soldiers and uphold morale.

Comparison of the Themes:

1. Glorification vs. Reality of War:

   • Yeats remains distant from the issue of war and does not engage in glorifying or condemning it directly. He leaves the question of the poet’s role in a time of war unresolved, choosing silence as his response.
   • Owen directly critiques the glorification of war, presenting a stark portrayal of its horrors. The poem is not just a depiction of the grim reality of war but also a direct refutation of the "old lie" that dying for one’s country is noble.
   • Sassoon, like Owen, critiques the idea of war heroism but through the lens of personal interaction—showing how the comforting lies told to the grieving mother contrast with the actual cowardice of her son. Sassoon’s poem highlights the emotional manipulation of the families left behind.

2. Role of the Poet:

   • Yeats feels that poets should not involve themselves in political or war-related issues. In On Being Asked for a War Poem, he expresses his belief that poetry cannot change the course of war or affect public sentiment on such matters. He does not consider himself the voice of protest or political commentary in this instance.
   • Owen and Sassoon both use their poetry to bear witness to the truth of war, to expose its futility, and to challenge the narratives created by those who glorify it. They see their role as one of revealing the harsh reality of warfare, using their personal experiences to create art that condemns the violence and propaganda surrounding the conflict.

3. Emotional Impact:

   • Yeats’ poem is reflective and philosophical. It seeks to explore the poet’s disillusionment with the idea of a "war poem" rather than to provoke a visceral response in the reader. The emotional impact is less immediate, as the poem focuses on the futility of war poetry in a time of crisis.
   • Owen creates a deeply emotional and physical reaction through his detailed, disturbing descriptions of death and suffering. The reader feels the horror of the gas attack, the pain of the soldiers, and the devastation of war.
   • Sassoon evokes an emotional reaction through irony and personal tragedy. The reader is forced to confront the gulf between the mother’s idealism and the officer’s truth, producing a sense of anger and disillusionment with the institutionalized lies of wartime.

4. Message about War:

   • Yeats doesn’t offer a direct critique of war itself but rather questions the ability of poetry to address or change the larger political forces at work. He suggests that poets should remain silent in the face of such complex issues.
   • Owen delivers a scathing critique of the glorification of war and aims to dismantle the notion that death for one’s country is noble. His poem serves as a powerful protest against war.
   • Sassoon offers a critique of the ways in which war heroism is often fabricated to comfort the families of the fallen. He critiques the military and societal institutions that perpetuate these lies, undermining the myth of the soldier’s noble sacrifice.

Conclusion

The treatment of war in On Being Asked for a War Poem, Dulce et Decorum Est, and The Hero shows the varying ways in which poets can engage with the subject of war. While Yeats remains detached, contemplating the role of the poet in wartime, Owen and Sassoon directly confront the brutal realities of war, challenging the romanticized view of heroism and sacrifice. Owen’s work is uncompromising in its graphic depiction of the horrors of war, while Sassoon uses irony and personal reflection to critique the comforting lies told to grieving families. Together, these poems represent different approaches to the same central theme: the tension between the reality of war and the myths that society constructs around it.

2. Write a modernist-inspired poem reflecting on a contemporary global crisis, drawing on Yeats’s themes and techniques. [Generate with the help of Gen AIlike ChatGPT or Google Gemini or Meta WhatsApp or Microsoft Co-pilot].

The Silence of Our Time

The voices rise, like smoke, and vanish
Into screens that glow with fractured light.
A child’s face stares from behind the glass,
Eyes wide with questions no one can answer.
The earth trembles beneath the weight
Of half-remembered promises,
A generation adrift in the ruins of a future
They never chose to build.

Wars of words, wars of borders,
While oceans drown the soil of hope.
The world spins faster, chasing itself,
We are moving backwards,
Strangers in a land we've forgotten.

I’ve seen the smoke from my window,
Like a dream of old gods clashing,
And thought: What is the poet’s place
In this age of ruin and decay?
To speak, perhaps, or stand in silence,
For we have no gift to set the state right.

We wait for the answers
That never come.
For the children, the trees, the seas,
All will bear the weight of this grief
While we sit at our screens,
Chasing the ghosts of something
We once called the future.

Explanation:

This modernist-inspired poem draws on Yeats’s themes of silence, detachment, and the disillusionment with the power of poetry to change the course of history. Just as Yeats wrestled with the impact of war and societal upheaval in his time, this poem reflects on a contemporary global crisis — climate change, political instability, and societal fragmentation — through a detached, fragmented lens that is characteristic of modernist writing. The poem emphasizes the feeling of helplessness in the face of these issues, with the speaker questioning the role of the poet in addressing global crises. The references to "smoke," "ruins," and "chasing ghosts" evoke a sense of collapse and loss, while the recurring motif of "silence" hints at the disillusionment Yeats often expressed, suggesting that perhaps silence is the only truthful response in a world too far gone to be fixed.

3. Do you agree with Yeats’s assertion in 'On Being Asked for a War Poem' that poetry should remain apolitical? Why or why not?

W.B. Yeats's poem "On Being Asked for a War Poem" reflects his belief that poetry should remain apolitical. He writes, "I think it better that in times like these / A poet's mouth be silent, for in truth / We have no gift to set a statesman right." 

Yeats suggests that poets lack the influence to guide political decisions and should focus on personal or aesthetic subjects instead.

However, the role of poetry in politics is a subject of ongoing debate. Many poets and scholars argue that poetry can serve as a powerful medium for political expression and social critique. For instance, political poetry has been used to discuss societal inequities and challenge injustices.

Additionally, poetry has been employed in political activism, with poets using their work to protest against wars and oppressive regimes. For example, Russian poets have published their anger and dismay online against political situations in their country.

In conclusion, while Yeats preferred to keep poetry separate from politics, many believe that poetry can and should engage with political themes to reflect societal issues and inspire change. The decision to incorporate politics into poetry ultimately depends on the individual poet's perspective and the purpose they believe their art should serve.

For a deeper understanding of Yeats's perspective, you might find this reading of "On Being Asked for a War Poem" insightful:

4.  How does Yeats use imagery to convey a sense of disintegration in 'The Second Coming'?

In "The Second Coming," W.B. Yeats employs vivid and unsettling imagery to convey a profound sense of disintegration and chaos. Written in 1919, the poem reflects the turmoil of the post-World War I era and the onset of the Irish War of Independence, capturing the fragmentation of societal and spiritual structures.

1. The Gyre and Spiraling Chaos:

Yeats opens with the image of a falcon spiraling beyond the falconer's control:

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre"

This "widening gyre" symbolizes a world spinning into chaos, with traditional structures losing their coherence. The falcon's increasing distance from the falconer suggests a breakdown in communication and order, reflecting societal disintegration. 

2. Collapse of Order and Innocence:

The poem continues with stark declarations:

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;  

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world"

These lines depict the collapse of central authority and the unleashing of chaos. The phrase "the ceremony of innocence is drowned" further emphasizes the loss of purity and moral integrity, suggesting that societal norms and virtues are being overwhelmed by disorder. 

3. The Apocalyptic Vision:

Yeats introduces a disturbing prophetic image:

"A shape with lion body and the head of a man,  A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun"

This monstrous figure, reminiscent of the Sphinx, embodies the emergence of a new, ominous era. Its "blank and pitiless" gaze suggests an indifferent force, heralding a future marked by further disintegration and moral ambiguity. 

4. The Rough Beast's Approach:

The poem culminates with the image of this creature:

"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,  

Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"

The "rough beast" symbolizes the impending birth of a new epoch, one that emerges from the ruins of the old. Its slow, deliberate movement towards Bethlehem—a place symbolically associated with birth and renewal—suggests an inevitable, albeit ominous, transformation. 

Through these potent images, Yeats conveys a world in the throes of disintegration, where established orders collapse, and a foreboding future looms. The poem encapsulates the anxiety and uncertainty of an era witnessing the end of one age and the unsettling birth of another.

Conclusion

W.B. Yeats's The Second Coming vividly captures the disintegration and chaos of the post-World War I era, symbolizing a world in crisis. Through striking images such as the spiraling falcon, the collapse of order, and the ominous "rough beast," Yeats presents a prophetic vision of a world in transition—one that is losing its traditional values and facing the emergence of a new, darker era. The poem’s unsettling imagery underscores the anxiety of an age marked by uncertainty, destruction, and the birth of an unknown, potentially threatening future. Yeats’s exploration of cyclical time and historical disintegration serves as a powerful meditation on the fragility of civilization and the unsettling forces shaping the future.

References :

Barad, Dilip. I.A. Richards: Figurative Language. blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/12/ia-richards-figurative-language.html.

Barad, Dilip and Bhavnagar University. “W.B. Yeats’s Poems: The Second Coming - and - On Being Asked for a War Poem.” Dilip Barad, 2025, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17299.18720.