Anna Hazare is India

How does the romanticizing of truth and values of a protest against an unethical government influence the youths’ perception and reaction?

Subject: Anna Hazare’s 3 Fold Protest against Indian Government

We all have grown up with the romantic images of Gandhi with his peaceful protests and hunger strikes against injustice and oppression, whether it be, through historical studies, movies or the media at large. Though we were not old enough to witness how he inspired a nation first hand these images stay in our minds and hearts. Today, with the onslaught of the Indian media coverage of the elderly activist dressed in wholesome white, protesting against the corruption in the Indian government we are reminded of these images, and feel we have a second chance to witness the Gandhi phenomenon first hand.

The Youth of India Protests for Anna's Campaign at India Gate, New Delhi
Newton Law’s state that for every action there is a reaction. So in that spirit when we see someone our grandfathers age fasting in peaceful protest we react. But as the youth of today, set up all night candle light vigils, and inundate facebook and twitter to garner support and wear the outdated and not fashion trendy hat as a symbolic gesture of our support, I wonder how much is based on factual knowledge and deductive reasoning, or how much is an emotive response.? The youth tend to love a herd mentality. They will gladly support the latest fashion trend to be cool and be part of the hot and happening crowd. So facebook gladly lends itself by its nature to likes and signing of petitions by way of the domino effect. Everyone jumps on to the bandwagon of support to show unity and groupism. In fact the youth will support any cause whether it be save the tiger, or decrease the legal age of drinking without any real claim or association, to prove they are citizens with a social conscience. Often though, they appear to enjoy rebelling against authority, as they are suppressed by parents, laws, teachers and alike and therefore indulge in the freedom that these protests allow them. In pursuit of removing their shackles they become rebels without a cause.

While the issues that Hazare holds and his values and belief system are very real, I wonder at the depth of knowledge of his young supporters who spend more time watching MTV than politics. Perhaps the youth without experience, or concrete evidence are showing an emotional response to the facts presented to them. This may be based on their trivial experiences such as having to bribe a policeman who caught them speeding. Are they protesting indirectly that they were forced to bribe themselves out of a stick situation, not realizing that revenge is unjustified as they were breaking the law? I am sure a college poll would show that not many protestors have a real grasp or handle of the political issues at hand and at best have amassed a general gist through the media whether it be print or electronic. This romanticizing by the media is further exasperated when popular cine stars suddenly come out of wood work in support little belying the fact their movie is up for release and they could do with the free publicity.

Another aspect is cultural response and ethical values. In India the youth are taught to respect their elders and Hazare, represents everyone’s Uncle or grandfather who should be revered and whose word is god.

In actual fact the youth need to research and study the facts acquire knowledge and see the pros and cons and then offer support based on real knowledge, explanation and interpretation. Any protest against real injustice and oppression is justified and a single voice needs to set an example. But there are lessons to be learnt and one of these important lessons is: love may be blind but support should never be.

Joseph , Bijoy . "The Hindu : Opinion / Open Page : Anna Hazare: the role model for the youth." The Hindu . N.p., 28 Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. .

Route March

The poem is about soldiers marching through hills and vales towards active battle, and more than likely to their death. The narrator rather than being solemn and mourning their death is asking the young gallant soldiers to rejoice. After all over and over he explains to them that they are give giving up their lives for a noble cause. The sacrifice they are making will allow others to enjoy their freedom and they should be joyous at the reward that God will bestow them in heaven.

This overall theme is expressed by 3 main literary devices: imagery, allusion and sound.

Firstly in imagery death is not described as a horrific, painful or bloody gruesome process but is akin to the peace of mind and gentleness of sleep. This enforces a positive image which is not normally associated to the end of ones life. " So be glad when you are sleeping" and " So you may be glad through sleeping". The imagery conjures up comfort and rest that soldiers are usually deprived of. Further, the imagery of Earth, hills and nature again bring up the imagery of soothing nature which belies the reality of the noise and violence of the battle field." Earth that blossomed" and " From the hills and valleys earth" " Earth that was blossomed and was glad". A lot of the imagery is obviously false and given simply to motivate and encourage the young, scared and weary young soldiers.

Secondly allusions are used both of a Greek mythology and biblical theme. Jesus Christ and Barabbas give us religious Christian allusions. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice to die on the cross to save the sins of the world while Pontius Pilate allowed the crowd to set Barabbas free. Here some soldiers in a roulette wheel game of chance may give the ultimate sacrifice of their life or live to fight the next battle." both were found the same day" again shows that fate good or bad will be decided today itself for the soldiers. " Neath the cross that Christ had" shows that all the soldiers have their own cross to bear and drag across the field in the same way Christ dragged his cross to the hill to be crucified. Also, the poet mentions Socrates who in Greek historical reference was tried and convicted as was Jesus and was forced to endure death by drinking the poison hemlock just as the soldiers have been put on trial and given the verdict of death by battle.

The third device used is sound. The rhythmic tone of the poem parallels the marching sounds of the soldiers feet. The rhythm repetitive tone and references to song are all used to motivate soldiers as they march in unison and energise them to victory. This sound is maintained throughout the poem and adds to give the poem not sadness but merriment, joy and gladdened hearts." tramp of feet and lilt of song", " energies men, " On marching men on to the gates of death with song" and, "Wherfore, men marching on the road to death sing" to name a few references to sound.

The poem shows that a person's time on this earth is limited and simply a transition to the real everlasting after life. It is far more noble and productive to have a short but meaningful life than a long but meaningless one.

The Sun Also Rises Allusions

The Sun Also Rises Chapter 11 – 12 Allusions Explored

Basques

The Basques a local ethnic group of people who are a little rough are discussed in the text as they must seem so different to the British and American travelers with their finer culture, education and high class ways. And yet they are likeable to the travelers as they seem such a care free group of people not bound by the shackles of modern society like the expatriate travelers. They act as an allusion of the freedom and care free joviality they are hoping to find on their journey of discovery. “These Basques are swell people.” (110)

Basques Intorudction. “Countries and Their Cultures. Advameg. Inc, 2011.Web.09 Oct 2011. .

Ronceveaux

Jake points out to the town of Ronceveaux high up on the mountains where the Basques had held a famous battle to defeat Roland. This may well be an allusion by Hemingway to signify the battles and conflict they are facing in their lives and they aspiring to be like the Basques want to defeat their own personal conflict or their version of Roland by undertaking this adventurous fishing trip and vacation. The height of the mountain and the severe cold adds to the allusion that victory will not be easy but a painful steep climb and a challenge in their lives.

Hickman, Kennedy. "Battle of Roncevaux Pass - Charlemagne at Roncevaux Pass ." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. http://militaryhistory.about.com>.

Fratellini

The song that Bill sings about irony and pity are explained by him to Jake in comparison of the two Fratellini brothers who were much admired for their circus acts in the 1900’s Paris. In the same way Bill uses this allusion of the circus act and irony and pity as two unlikely partners you would not imagine to be talked about in the same breath. But their unusual and juxtaposed meanings brings delight like a circus act you marvel at. BIill reluctant to get out for bed for an early morning fishing expedition begs Jake to show irony and pity and start setting up worms for the both of them, for the common good so that Bill can get some extra sleep and breakfast in leisure. He obviously feels it would be ironic for Jake to feel pity for Bill.

"Fratellini family - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia."Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .

Primo de Rivera

Over breakfast Bill eggs on Jake to make any ironical remarks to the waitress who brings in the jam. He uses the reference of Primo de Rivera as an example he could use to make an ironical remark, who was a lawyer who campaigned for his father’s political policies and promoted Spain to become a Fascist state. This acts as an allusion as while the group are trying for freedom Bill wants to provoke the waitress on a controversial topic of a man who did not have their Western ideals about democracy. Bill may be telling Jake that he is a dictator in the way he behaves. He takes a dig at him and insults him for being an expatriate a traitor who does not want to live in his own country.
"Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera : Biography." Spartacus Educational. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .
Dred Scott

The black slave in America who was not allowed to sue for his freedom and lost his infamous case, as the court decided that Africans cannot become US citizens. This is used by Bill as an allusion that Jake is a foreigner, slave to the whims of being an expatriate but will never be accepted as a citizen or local of Paris or Europe. He explains that he is fond of Jake but could not tell him in New York as it was unacceptable and would seem gay but here in Spain he has the courage to reveal his feelings of friendship. Jake and the others are desperately trying to find out who they are on this journey and want to no longer be slaves of their own mind.

"Dred Scott." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .

Anti Saloon League

The characters are desperate for their freedom and that involves the freedom to drink to drown their sorrows. The Anti Saloon League was against the freedom of slaves such as Dred Scott (did not become ironically scott free), and lobbied for prohibition which banned alcohol. Forces are working against Jake to deny him of his own rights and freedom. “sex explains it all,” (121) could refer to his impotency getting in the way of him having his true love Brett.

"Anti-Saloon League - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .

AEW Mason

The book that Jake reads by the author AEW Mason as he takes a break from fishing is about a man who climbs the Alps and is frozen for 24 years but his lady love waits for him. This acts as an allusion that Jake in the bitter cold of this high up fishing village is sexually frozen (impotent) and wistfully hopes that Brett will wait years for him until they find a cure to free him from his vegetative state.

William Jennings Bryan

As they eat their lunch Bill makes a quip of the old proverbial saying about whether the chicken or egg comes first. He boldly states that they should eat their egg first and even Bryan would know that. Bryan in fact died yesterday states Jake so in tribute Bill mockingly in his memory and honor changes his mind and rhetorically states that the chicken should be eaten first and then the egg. Bryan was an American politician but was thought of as the ‘Great Commoner ‘, and this is a sarcastic comment to act as an allusion that Bill and Jake are highly bred and not commoners and know the etiquettes of eating their lunch.
"American Experience | Monkey Trial | People & Events." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011.
Mencken

Bill went to school with Mencken the writer who criticized American life and culture and acts as a tongue in chief reference to Bill making fun of religion as he wants to pray and drink and to what society tells you can do or not do. Mencken was controversial and sided with the Germans in the war and acts as an allusion for the way Bill is behaving over lunch, controversial and a character to be ridiculed.

H. L. Mencken - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .

Frankie Fritsch

Bill denies that Frankie Fritsch went to the Holy Cross and insists that this baseball player could not be associated with him but instead attended Fordham University. This acts as an allusion that Bill sees himself as a highly intellectual person who could not associate with sport people known more for their brawn than their brain. Fritsch also came from the Bronx which was in society the wrong side of New York to live in.

"Frankie Frisch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. .

Bishop Manning

Jake explains that he went to Loyola school with Bishop Manning who was a hard living man and hard drinker musician who lived out of juke joints and bars which acts as an allusion to the lifestyle Jake leads. Bishop eventually mended his ways and found religion which may act as a foreshadow of the future of Jake. Bill who is drunk likes and is jealous of Jakes school story and tries to steal it as his own but fails. Bill may be secretly envious of the life Jake leads.

"Bishop Manning Discography."HOME. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2011.

The Sun Sets on Unrequited Love

While on the surface Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises is story about a group of motley disillusioned American and British expatriates, living an aimless hedonistic lifestyle in post war Europe in the 1920’s. The novel follows them as they travel from the gaiety of Paris to Spain on a fishing and bull fighting trip. However, behind the initial façade is a central theme of a love story of unrequited love and betrayal between Jake and Brett. The novel revolves around these two characters and their inter- twined relationships with others they come across.

Brett and Jake love each other but cannot be together as there is one thing pulling them apart. Jake is impotent due to a war injury. Jake almost seems to be on the outside looking in as he haplessly accepts his situation and suffers the silent torture of Brett having affairs under his nose. Brett on the other hand is almost callous in her dealings with men whether it be, her two husbands that she did not love, her affair with Cohn and Pedro and her fiancé Mike. In fact Cohn remarks that she is Circe the sorceress in the Odyssey, who turned men into swine. She teases Jake and flaunts other men in front of Jake and offers stolen kisses but broken promises. However realizing her failings and agreeing her torment over lost love must be payment for her sins she says, “When I think of the hell I’ve put chaps through. I’m paying for it all now “Jake is desperately unhappy and spends much of his time, drowning his sorrows in alcohol, as if to numb the pain of reality. The character of Georgette almost seems to act as a foil for Jakes own personality as she too is unhappy in Paris but does not leave,” Isn’t anywhere else,” (23). When her sarcastically remarks she looks happy she uses the oxymoron “Happy, hell” to describe her state of mind which mirrors his. After all he is happy to see or be close to Brett but it is also hell for him. And when he refuses Georgettes’ physical touch due to sickness of the war, she rhetorically states in a matter of fact way, “ Everybody’s sick. I’m sick too”. Jake while being psychologically disturbed from the war is also battling his sickness of the heart. The writing style that Jake narrates the events are choppy, simple and non descriptive which reflects his characterization of the bitter outsider.

In a conversation between Brett and Jake, he remarks flippantly that his injury is meant to be funny and casually remarks, “Its very funny. And it’s a lot of fun too to be in love,” (35) This is the actual opposite of what he really feels, but Brett disagrees and states, “I think its hell on earth.” The repetition of hell in the novel , “I don’t want to go through that hell again, (34) acts as a symbol of their unhappiness and conjures up religious connotations that they are both paying for their sins by divine retribution.

It is interesting that the title of the novel may act as a metaphor to signify a sexual connotation that only Jake alone is suffering in his impotency and is a bitter sexual reference to his ailment. But it may also serve a dual purpose as a metaphor of hope that while there is unhappiness in their lives, as in the sun setting there is also hope and a new beginning to look forward to. After all, The Sun Also Rises

As You Like It Comic!

Rosalind as Ganymede preaches to her love interest, Orlando, that the concept of love is frivolous and self serving, and has no tangible purpose in life.

Out with the Old, In with the New

My first impression when reading this extract was the immense thought, analysis and interpretation that goes into putting on a performance of Shakespeare's plays. The characterization is so in-depth that the actress playing Rosalind lived in jeans, to feel like a boy. The though process for the set was also elaborate and well thought out. The globe theatre and how the actors dealt with performing in this unique environment bought authenticity to the play as this is how actors performed in Shakespearean times. As pointed out it certainly was ironic that in Elizabethan England all female roles were essayed by boys and therefore Rosalind represented a double whammy of sorts, a boy being a girl pretending to be a boy! Modern day interpretations allow female actors in the role! The reading was certainly an eye-opener of insights for me

As far as interpretation, it was interesting to note the various nuances and how they were justified. Glaringly, was the speculation that Orlando always knew that Ganymede is Rosalind, which lifts his intellectual status as equal to Rosalind making him worthy of her. Shakespeare never actually outright alludes to this and so this interpretation is based on hints and needing to believe that Rosalind could never fall for a weak, duped character. I wonder though how much of this is wishful thinking. Is it not possible that Rosalind can fall in love with a man not worthy of her. Did not Shakespeare use the notion that love is blind and fickle and Cupid strikes his bow to any two unsuspecting characters. Was not Rosalind taken by simply a handsome man who won at wrestling signifying his physical and not mental strength, and further was she not fickle in forgetting the love for her father and the pain of his banishment? I honestly feel that the modern day interpretation wanted to glamorize the aspect of the love story and needed to beef up Orlando, when considering his love spends most of her time as a man. This is similar to Hollywood films interpretation when the hero can beat up a dozen men to win the heart of the damsel in distress.

It was interesting to note the school of thought that Rosalind playing a man was able to assess the true intentions and feelings of Orlando and test his authenticity. But again how can this notion hold true, if indeed Orlando is simply playing a game and knows Rosalind is in disguise.

On a general note of interpretation, adaptation and authenticity: well as the theory of knowledge state, we see things not as they are but as we are. No interpretation can ever be wrong as it is the visual from the viewpoint of the director; it is in effect his vision and not the vision of Shakespeare that the audience sees. The director will interpret in this case As you like it, on his feelings, past experiences and emotional response rather than on pure knowledge, rightly or wrongly in others eyes. In the same way a painting or novel may appeal to one person as a masterpiece but may be not so kindly noted to another. Taste also evolves as we evolve. What is relevant then may hold no value today. Often artists or novelists were not appreciated in their lifetime as their work was misunderstood or ahead of their times. With the passage of time understanding and significance increases since beauty needs a value to define it and it's value may not be discovered till much later. It is up to the director how true to the original he wants to stay, it is about his perception. Writers too have a poetic license not to be authentic to add dimension to their canvas. Their creativity enhances the image created and the story being told. For example, we can question where exactly does a forest have a lion and palm trees in this English of plays which house Dukes? The" aesthetics of beauty", explores what defines beauty to a connoisseur or to a layman. This essay discusses in depth how art is perceived but much of it's analysis can broadly be applied to how we interpret a piece of fiction or a play.

Bitter Sweet Love

An antagonist is a character who opposes the views of the protagonist and does all he can to counter their opinions or plans. Jacques is the antagonist to the love of Orlando and Rosalind and wishes to make light of or sabotage their budding romance.

Jacques is a melancholy traveler in As you Like it. The reasons for his deep rooted and psychological sadness is unclear but references show that he is opposed to the idea and institution of love. In fact he is so accustomed to his melancholy that he wears proudly like a cloak that he actually enjoys being in this condition, revealing a mental disorder of the mind.

We can suppose that Jacques may in fact have been the Orlando in his past, may have fallen head over heels in love, only to face rejection and heart break which left him bitter and cynical. This is epitomized in his conversation with the lovesick Orlando where he, upon hearing the name of Orlando’s object of desire, coldly and emphatically states without rhyme or reason or clear motif.

3.2.246 “I do not like her name”
3.2.251 “The worst fault you have is to be in love”
3.2.264 “By my troth, I was seeking for a fool when I found you”

Though throughout the play Jacques is an insensitive party pooper of sorts full of sarcasm and dry wit that derides others he in fact shows great sympathy and heart by weeping and lamenting over the dying deer in the garden of Arden. He moralizes about the human condition and shows himself to be ahead of his time with great sensitivity and insight in a time when killing animals was socially accepted as a sport of kings. We might infer that the deer, a female may represent the death of his previous relationship. He may cry for the fact his lady love is dead even figuratively speaking and is mourning his heart break for something that once was a fragile beauty that roamed free. In fact love is extremely fragile and can easily be lost in the blink of an eye.

Shakespeare though being revered as the writer of personifying love through his prose and sonnets in fact enjoyed mocking love, even in his greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet. Here he cleverly uses Jacques to jest and ridicule the most passionate of human emotion. This acts a contrast to the intoxicated feelings of Orlando and Rosalind and indirectly is able to highlight their intensity with his opposition that keeps their lofty praises and optimism real and grounded. The reader is then able to grasp their love story in greater depth and appreciation due to the contrast of love and bitterness. After all love is ‘bitter sweet’ and full of pain and sorrow. So the reactions of the lovelorn Orlando strangely are not very different from the bitter Jacques who opposes love.

I agree with the sentiments of Gautam, on the further proof of the insight of Jacques, in “All the worlds a stage” commentary. And yes, that Jacques though harmless in the end despite being a foil and demonstrating open hostility to Rosalind and Orlando, is indeed to be viewed as the antagonist and not just the pessimist. It is possible as Gautam states that Jacques secretly craves to be Touchstone the court jester, but I do not agree that this shows his lighter side. Clowns are often depicted even today with sad faces and tears drawn on them which belies their antics that give rise to laughter and joys to others. In fact Jacques I feel wants to be a clown so that he can mask his own deep rooted sadness to the cruel unsympathetic world in a mask or make up. In this disguise he can make light of the ‘fools’ around him all the while hiding his true feelings. Clowns are essentially lonely people who are never part of the crowd but are removed from it, an outsider that entertains from the sidelines but is never invited into the party as a guest. He does not take part in the wedding celebration, as this celebration represents an event that he was powerless to prevent, and despises the happy ending that his life never had. He decides to be a hermit and stay in the forest which reinforces his isolation.

http://gautamkapur.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/jacques-the-antagonist/