Prajakta Kanegaonkar: Experiences of Human Life - Research Paper Example

Prajakta Kanegaonkar: Experiences of Human Life Abstract: Critical analysis of literature involves multiple factors. While assessing the linguistic beauty of the illustration it is also necessary to look into various factors that led to the writing of the illustration. Many a time reflections of the society are too strong to be ignored in the illustration. Like any other creative work, an artist often thinks ahead of his time and waits patiently for the acceptance of the new thought process. All the three literary illustrations chosen for analysis hold a futuristic thought, a new value and a fresh set of thought given to the society. Literature represents experiences of human life. Although they may be as ordinary desire as to look good in an official party, but take different turn as the story proceeds. Here we clearly see the genius of the writer to turn an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience. Literature could emphasize the value of self respect and search for new ideals which were so common to the 19th European civilization. The same got portrayed in the woman who decides to sever her ties and create her own identity. Representing liberal era a woman’s courage through powerful words and through sheer poetry urges the reader to go ahead with his or her own convictions and live by them. Hence we see from these three illustrations, the beauty of literature through words, conversion of ordinary to extraordinary, reflection of the societal changes and principles, and most importantly setting of new heights and having a vision for the people around. Critical thinking about literature - Prajakta Kanegaonkar It is often argued that literature is a creation of imagination. Many writers have a dilemma whether to agree or not the strong connection of reality with the creations they produce. However it is also true that there indeed is a strong connection between the fiction and the reality. The creativity takes roots from its surroundings. The events, the radical changes that happen in the society, the liberalization of form, thinking, styles and art have often set the creators and artists free. The society reflects in the art and eventually art leads to new changes in the society. The three literary creations to be analyzed all come from the same era. In order to understand the message conveyed by these three forms, an overview of the 18th century Europe is required. During the 19the century Europe was swept by winds of change. These changes took form in every strata of the society. This was the time when colonialism began, although slavery was coming to an end. Advancements in science and technology made communication easier and widespread. Literature was widely read and shaped the minds of the society. Literature also represented prominent events such as industrial revolution, advancements in medical science, urbanization etc. happening in the society. Hence while we understand these three forms of literature, it is necessary to take these changes into account. Literature usually is understood in many perspectives. It could state the wisdom the writer has gathered over a period of time or the “seeing” of the situations of life as they are. Any ordinary experience may teach a different aspect of human nature and psychology to the writer and may create a deep impression. This is especially evident in the three forms of literature chosen for this article. There is one striking similarity in all the three forms of literature selected. All of them have been written in the period 1830 to 1885, which was the turbulent 19th century era for Europe. The revolutionary traits are evident in the poem ‘Much madness is divinest sense’ by Emily Dickinson. This short poem of a few lines reflects a very new thought which has stayed so long. The poem simplistically states that anybody who defies the opinion of the society is instantly declared as insane whereas by choosing a different path the person may be exercising the sanest choice. However when you implement your sense or choice you are heavily punished or chained as the poem suggests. The society around you does not take you being different very kindly. Hence the poetess states that a ‘very discerning eye’ is required. This poem can be fully understood in its correct perspective when we know about Emily Dickinson’s life. Very active in her social life in her young age, she exercised her choice and retired to seclusion choosing art over life and social ties. This decision was very bold during the time and even invoked a lot of criticism from the people around her. Emily Dickinson however did not get into defending her choice in person, but through her literature she provides enough explanation. This is also a classic case of an artist finding solace in his or her own company. Solitude is in the mind of the person and its true worth is realized when a person enjoys his or her own company more than anybody else. It is not withdrawing oneself from the society but establishing a healthy contact with oneself which further boosts creativity. When the society was coming closer due to advancement in technology and communication, this decision was indeed a very unique and bold. Being a female also added another dimension to the issue, where accepting such bold move from a lady would have been difficult for the social circles around. But Emily Dickinson was convinced of her decision and went ahead with it. However the chains she felt around her made their way through her poetry. It is indicated in the way the word “straightway” is used in the last line of the poem. This also means that the society does not bother to rationalize the decision. It is easier to proclaim the person ‘dangerous’ ‘straightway’ than to understand the reasoning behind. This mentality of being unreasonable has carried itself over a period of time and hence all the people in all the faculties of art faced the wrath for defying the structure, the society and going ahead with what they firmly believed in. Emily Dickinson also makes a very important point by saying, assent – you are sane, demur – you are dangerous. As long as you go with the current you will be supported, looked after, taken care off etc. When you swim opposite the tide, you may be left to drown. It also stated that any person who truly believes in his or her own convictions may not necessarily have the courage to defy the society. Rather than being declared as insane, they would prefer to go along with the tide and be called sane. But the fundamental question or dilemma to an artist also makes itself evident in the poem. Every individual faces this dilemma once in a while as to defy the rules or to comply by them. Artists however believe in their own art and convictions, gather strength from them and act accordingly. Hence they are also known as people who think ahead of time. If we look at history of recognition of art, we see that art has always been recognized when it met its time. The above mentioned fundamental holds more than true for Henrik Ibsen. Profound dramatist of his times, Ibsen received recognition at a later stage of his life and for plays which impacted the society for very long time. He is one of the most prominent writers of 19th century Europe. His earlier poverty stricken life led him to do odd jobs before he began his struggle as a dramatist. Not having received a formal training in writing plays, he went to see European theatre. This widened his horizons. However as and when he tried to put his bold perspectives in his plays, at least initially, his writing was critically rejected by the society. A doll’s house came much later after Ibsen got critical acclaim and fame for writing epic plays, satires, dramas and comedies. However the story of A Doll’s House as stated was ahead of its time. It gave a tremendous boost to the feminist movement of the time and then was widely accepted. Again the protagonist of the play Nora takes a very bold decision of leaving her husband and her family behind in search of truth and her own identity. Today the concept may not be registered as a bold one in the society. But considering the social structure of 19th century it would have instantly gratified the status of intelligent and independent women in the society and considered them as equal. It is Nora’s friend who catalyses the change in Nora’s life. Although she can prevent the catastrophe by not letting the fateful agreement pass to Nora’s husband, she doesn’t stop it because she firmly believes that this would change Nora’s life altogether. The prediction is not wrong. The unfortunate incident opens Nora’s eyes and changes her perspectives about her own life drastically. This signifies the importance of catalysts that bring about change in the society or ideals but do not wish to come forward to claim the fame. Every change is fostered by catalysts such as these and one heroic act by the bolder leader sets the new path. This was an era where heroism was identified in new people and most importantly ordinary people. Many writers such as O’ Henry, Jane Austen focused on middle class which was the new societal structure due to industrial revolution. This class was earning modestly, clung to its own set of principles, gave great leaders to the society and acted as catalyst to change. But by and large the life of these middle class people remained unexposed and was looked down upon. Heroism does not lie in fighting great wars and leading from the front. Heroism also lies in the fact for the struggle for everyday life, daily bread winning and all this while not compromising on values of life. Ordinary experiences when viewed differently gave extraordinary stories and characters. This is what is seen in Guy De Maupassant story ‘The Necklace”. The story also very wisely puts across the vanity of the concept of pride and beauty. The wisdom of the writer breezes through the excellently drafted story to emphasize that life’s real values and happiness are often not perceived correctly. Mathilde’s love for herself ends in she being miserable about life, but the one virtue she has of honesty shines throughout. She along with her husband accepts the responsibility of their misgivings and fate without complain and are united in their fight. The story should have ended there. However Maupassant manages to twist the tale only by what is called as a literary twist. The story ends on the confession of Madame Forestier "Oh, my poor Mathilde! But mine was imitation. It was worth at the very most five hundred francs!” This is a point which distinctly leaves an impression on the reader who feels the pang and dull ache of misery even after the story ends. The art of story-telling is at its finest here. The vanity of life, love and beauty is highlighted in the last line of the story and stands out in stark contrast with the beauty of the real virtue of fighting the good fight for honesty. Maupassant cleverly indicates the beauty of real virtues over superficial ones and puts ordinary man’s goodness into a fierce spotlight. All the three forms are separate stories in themselves and yet unite in their backgrounds and their idealism which is projected. Being fearless and courageous for the virtues and values one believes and all the three protagonists are women are the common points in all the three illustrations. In the first poem Emily Dickinson highlights the boldness and courage required to defy the society to walk on the path she feels is right. Just because she takes a different decision she has not taken a wrong decision. With this conviction she carried on in life and which absolutely reflects in this appealing poem although it is hardly a verse. Nora believes in the life she has led sincerely. She believes in all the virtues of love, selflessness and sacrifice. She is deeply moved when she comes face to face with the hypocrisy of the most loved person in her life. She realizes when she makes a confession like this: Nora: "What do you consider my most sacred duties?" Helmer: "[…] your duties to your husband and your children." Nora: "I have other duties just as sacred. […] Duties to myself" She courageously decides to take control of her life and find the truth from her own confusion. She defies the standards set for married women who are expected to have only home making values, who are expected to be husband’s pets, take care of the household, are treated with benevolence rather than respect and meekly follow the rules and regulations laid down. She stands out because she dares. Mathilde courageously accepts the responsibility of her wrong doings and fickle love and courageously fights with life. She does not complain even if her beautiful youth is wasted in repayment of every penny that is borrowed. She stands by the side of her husband and accepts her role without complain. The companionship and camaraderie they form in their fight together is evident in the story. Like a typical middle class couple they do not express their love for each other in words. They express it through their sacrifices for each other. Being heroic was the demand of the era. In the changing times virtues the society clung to were more important. When everything in the society was changing rapidly it was necessary that the art should come forward to reinstate the eternal values of courage, honesty and bravery which come in myriad forms. It was also the time to give and create new values for the society which was undergoing a transformation. Art of the time took the responsibility on its shoulders and many great writers and poets were born to bear the torch. Hence it became a beautiful weave of new and old to create a new fabric altogether. Literature in every society plays a significant role of passing the treasure of values and virtues from one generation to another. This reflects into art and literature and vice versa. Hence when we critically evaluate the literature of its time we notice that it has become timeless and classic in the process. References: 1. The Literature Network - Emily Dickinson - http://www.online-literature.com/dickinson/ 2. Biography Online – Biography Emily Dickinson - http://www.biographyonline.net/poets/emily_dickinson.html 3. Henrik Ibsen (1828 – 1906) - http://kirjasto.sci.fi/ibsen.htm 4. Europe in the 19th Century - http://chestofbooks.com/history/reference/Home-Cyclopedia-Of-History/Europe-in-the-19th-Century.html 5. Guy de Maupassant - The Necklace - http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/Neck.shtml 6. Much Madness is Divinest Sense by emily dickinson 1830–1886 Emily Dickinson http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/182156 Read More