Literature Notes

Evolution of Drama In English Literature Introduction Drama is a type of literature usually written to be performed. People often make a distinction between drama, which concerns the written text, or script, for the performance, and theatre, which concerns the performance of this script. Many of the most honored and …

What Are Different Types of Poems in English? Poems are collections of words that express an idea or emotion that often use imagery and metaphor. As you are studying literature, you will likely notice that poems come in many, many different forms. As you read and perhaps write your own …

Mary Oliver The Journey: Exploring the Depths of Existence Mary Oliver, one of  most beloved American poets, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with her profound insights into the natural world and the human experience. Among her many celebrated works, “The Journey” stands out as a timeless …

Exploring the Profound Wisdom of Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” In the realm of poetry, certain pieces possess an ineffable quality that transcends the boundaries of words, touching the very core of our existence. Mary Oliver Wild Geese is undeniably one of those timeless creations. Penned with simplicity yet resonating with …

The Misanthrope by Molière The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover is a 17th-century comedy of manners in verse written by Molière. It was first performed on 4 June 1666 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, Paris by the King’s Players. The play satirizes the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society, but it …

A short note on Post-Apocalyptic in literature Introduction: The term ‘apocalypse’ denotes a particular literary type found in the literature of ancient Judaism, characterized by claims to offer visions or other disclosures of divine mysteries concerning a variety of subjects, especially those to do with the future. Post-apocalyptic also a …

Don Quixote Ballet Summary “Don Quixote” is a ballet based on the classic Spanish novel “Don Quixote” written by Miguel de Cervantes. The ballet was originally choreographed by  to the music of Ludwig Minkus and premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1869. Since then, various versions of the …

What is Post Modernism in Literature? Postmodernism in literature refers to a literary movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and continued into the 21st century. It is characterized by a skepticism towards traditional narratives, structures, and concepts of truth. Postmodernist writers often experiment with form, language, and storytelling techniques, …

An Enemy of the People By Henrik Ibsen An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen is a thought-provoking and timeless play that delves into the complexities of truth, power, and the individual’s role in society. Set in a small Norwegian town, the play follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann, a respected …

The cherry orchard by Anton Chekhov “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekhov is a renowned play that delves into the complexities of Russian society at the turn of the 20th century. Set on a fading estate and centered around the impending sale of a cherished cherry orchard, the play explores …

Walt Whitman Nature Poetry Walt Whitman, often regarded as one of  great America’s poets, had a profound connection to nature that permeated much of his work. His poetry celebrated the beauty and power of the natural world, often exploring themes of transcendence, interconnectedness, and the divine in nature. Here’s a …

The Importance of Being Earnest Summary “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a comedic play by Oscar Wilde that follows the lives of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to escape social obligations. Jack invents a fictional brother named Ernest, whom he uses as …

Robert Frost’s Modernist Affinities: Exploring Experimental Form and Language Robert Frost, often associated with traditionalism and rural themes, shared several key practices with his modernist peers despite his reputation as a poet rooted in the past. While Frost’s work may seem conservative at first glance, a deeper examination reveals his …

All Things Bright and Beautiful By Cecil Frances Alexander “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is a hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander in the 19th century. The poem celebrates the beauty of nature and the wonders of creation, attributing them all to God’s handiwork. Each verse highlights different aspects of …

who wrote Anna Karenina? “Anna Karenina” was written by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. Anna Karenina is a classic novel set in 19th-century Russia. It follows the story of Anna Karenina, a married aristocrat who embarks on a scandalous affair with Count Vronsky, a dashing military officer. As their affair …

 Themes In “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a novel set in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the town of Maycomb. The novel revolves around the …

“Waiting for Godot”  by Samuel Beckett Waiting for Godot” is a play by Samuel Beckett that follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait for someone named Godot. They engage in seemingly aimless conversations and activities while contemplating the futility of their existence. Throughout the play, they encounter other …

Is Three Cups of Tea Fiction or Nonfiction? “Three Cups of Tea” is a compelling narrative that has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. Written by Greg Mortenson and journalist David Oliver Relin, the book chronicles Mortenson’s journey to build schools in remote and often dangerous regions of …

A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man Summary and Analysis “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” is a semi-autobiographical novel written by James Joyce and published in 1916. It is considered one of the most influential and important works of modernist literature. The novel follows …

what is comedy of manners? Introduction: Comedy of manners is a literary genre that emerged during the Restoration period in the late 17th century and reached its zenith in the 18th century. This distinctive form of comedy is characterized by its witty and satirical depiction of the manners and social …

The Winter’s Tale Summary  “The Winter’s Tale,” one of William Shakespeare’s later plays, is a captivating blend of tragedy and comedy that unfolds across two distinct halves. First performed in 1611, the play navigates themes of jealousy, redemption, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of Sicily …

what is the role of  Fate in Oedipus The King? The Fate is closely related to the each Human. Man cannot deny this supernatural turn. For the Greeks, `Fate` means the foretelling of what will happen. It is the essential part of Greek tragedies and epics and in the case …

“Oedipus Rex” is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. The play tells the story of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who becomes entangled in a tragic series of events due to a prophecy. Here is a brief overview of the plot:   The Plague in Thebes: The play begins with …

Julius Caesar Literary Analysis Essay “Julius Caesar” is a timeless Shakespearean Tragedy set in ancient Rome. The play revolves around the political and personal turmoil that ensues following the assassination of the charismatic and powerful Julius Caesar. The plot unfolds with a group of conspirators, led by the honorable yet …

  “The Epic of Gilgamesh” Summary Essay “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” an ancient Mesopotamian masterpiece, weaves a tale that transcends time and speaks to the deepest longings of the human soul. Penned anonymously in cuneiform script on clay tablets over 4,000 years ago, this epic poem is a testament to …

Tom Jones by Henry Fielding “Tom Jones” by Henry Fielding involves examining various aspects of the novel, including its narrative structure, characters, themes, and social commentary. Here’s a breakdown: Narrative Structure: Picaresque Elements: “Tom Jones” follows the picaresque tradition, featuring a roguish but likable protagonist who embarks on a series …

“Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare “Twelfth Night” is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. The plot revolves around mistaken identities, love triangles, and the theme of revelry. The main characters include Viola, who disguises herself as Cesario, Duke Orsino, who is in love with Countess Olivia, and Olivia herself, …

Shakespeare Macbeth “Macbeth” is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare. It is believed to have been first performed in 1606. The play tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general, who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become the king of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and …

The scarlet Ibis symbolism “The Scarlet Ibis” is rich with symbolism, and the scarlet ibis itself carries several layers of meaning within the narrative. Here are some key symbols in the story: The Scarlet Ibis: Fragility and Beauty: The scarlet ibis symbolizes fragility and beauty. The bird is described as …

The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst James Hurst, an American author best known for his poignant and evocative short stories, occupies a special place in the realm of American literature. Despite producing a relatively small body of work, Hurst’s stories have left an indelible mark on readers with their exploration …

“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou The poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou begins with the speaker proclaiming her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite being subjected to racism, sexism, and various forms of oppression, the speaker declares that she will rise above it all. The …

Angela Morgan (1875–1957) Angela Morgan (1875–1957) was a Canadian-American poet, essayist, and women’s rights advocate. Born in Rexton, New Brunswick, Canada, Morgan spent much of her life in the United States. She gained recognition for her literary works, particularly her poetry, which often reflected her deep appreciation for nature and …

Romeo and Juliet As Shakespeare’s Tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” is one of William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedies. These tragedies showcase Shakespeare’s profound understanding of human nature, his ability to explore complex psychological depths, and his mastery of language, making them enduring works that continue to be studied and performed worldwide. The …

 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” is a masterful exploration of 19th-century England, addressing the complexities of ambition, morality, and the socio-economic divisions of the time. Through the experiences of the protagonist, Pip, Dickens weaves a compelling narrative that not only captures the personal struggles of an …

Short Summary of History of English Literature: The History of English literature is a vast and diverse tapestry that has evolved over centuries, reflecting the social, cultural, and intellectual changes of the times. It can be divided into several key periods, each marked by distinct characteristics, genres, and influential figures. …

John Stuart Mill John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was an English philosopher, political economist, and political theorist. He was a prominent thinker of the 19th century and made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, political philosophy, and economics. Here’s a brief overview of his life and key ideas: Early Life …

Emily Dickinson “Hope is the thing with Feathers” Analysis Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) was an American poet known for her unique and innovative style. She spent most of her life in seclusion and wrote nearly 1,800 poems, though only a few were published during her lifetime. Dickinson’s work is characterized by …

The Metaphysical Poets by T.S. Eliot The Metaphysical Poets by T.S. Eliot was first published as a review of J.G. Grierson’s edition of Metaphysical Lyrics and Poems of the 17th Century. But the essay is much more than a mere review; it is a critical document of much value and …

How to Analyze a Novel? When you set out to analyze a novel, you have a mighty task ahead of you. This is not a short story, poem, or essay. Rather, it is a lengthy work of fiction, designed to create any number of emotions in you. While most of …

Hamlet by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet, is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare at an uncertain date between 1599 and 1602. Set in Denmark, the play dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, by the …

Poem Analysis “Leaves of Grass”  “Leaves of Grass” is a collection of poetry written by American poet Walt Whitman. First published in 1855, it underwent multiple revisions and expansions throughout Whitman’s life. The collection is considered one of the most influential works in American literature. Here’s a brief summary: “Leaves …

Famous African American poets have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American literature, contributing richly to the cultural tapestry of the nation. From the Harlem Renaissance to the contemporary era, these poets have used their words to illuminate the African American experience, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and …

10 Best American Poets and Their Timeless Contributions to Literature American poetry boasts a rich tapestry of voices that have shaped and reflected the nation’s cultural, social, and emotional landscapes. In this exploration of the 10 best American poets, we delve into the lives and works of literary giants who …