Youth festival

 Youth Festival 

Inaugration Ceremony:

   First was the Inauguration Ceremony in which a prayer was presented by our music group. And only after that the youth festival was started. And by offering prayers with this music group, I had a great experience and learned a lot.

 

Pride and Prejudice

2) Write an illustration of the society of Jane Austen's time.

Society Overview

Class System: Back then, society was all about classes. You had the aristocrats at the top, who were rich and influential. Below them were the gentry, who were also well-off but not quite in the upper echelon. Then there was the working class, who did manual labor and struggled to get by. Moving up the social ladder was tough!

Marriage Matters:
For women, getting married was super important. It was often the main way to secure a good life—financially and socially. Families would arrange marriages to ensure their daughters ended up with the right kind of guy, which shows how little control women had over their own futures.

Gender Expectations:
Women were expected to be polite, submissive, and focused on home life. Their education usually revolved around skills like music and sewing instead of serious academics. Basically, they were trained to be good wives and mothers.

Daily Life

Social Events:
Life revolved around social gatherings like balls and parties, which were key for meeting potential partners. People would dress up and show off, with a lot of pressure to make a good impression. Reading and writing letters were also popular pastimes, especially for women.

Economic Challenges:
Most women relied on their fathers or husbands for financial support. This dependence meant they had to play the marriage game carefully to ensure their security.

Cultural Norms:
Society placed a big emphasis on proper behavior. There were strict rules about how to act in public, and if someone messed up, it could ruin reputations. Scandals were a big deal!

Conclusion

Austen’s novels dig into these themes, showcasing the struggles of her characters as they try to find love and happiness within a society full of expectations. They highlight the clash between personal dreams and societal pressures, making her work relatable even today.






3) What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth never got together? What if Lydia's elopement had a different outcome? Explore the consequences of these changes and write alternative endings to the novel.

Alternative Endings

Ending 1: Darcy and Elizabeth Don't End Up Together

In this version, after Darcy’s awkward first proposal, Elizabeth turns him down, convinced that he’s too proud and arrogant for a happy marriage. Hurt, Darcy leaves Hertfordshire to focus on his responsibilities at Pemberley. Elizabeth decides to visit her aunt in London, where she meets a charming guy who’s totally into her.

As they spend time together, Elizabeth starts to fall for this new guy, who appreciates her independence and encourages her dreams. Meanwhile, Darcy stays heartbroken but throws himself into charity work, becoming a better person over time.

Then, when Lydia runs off with Wickham, there’s no one to save the Bennets from scandal. Their reputation takes a hit, and Mr. Bennet has to sell their house to pay off debts. Elizabeth’s new relationship faces challenges because of her family’s shame.

In the end, Elizabeth marries her new love, finding happiness in a partnership that respects her independence. Darcy remains a bachelor, often reflecting on the love he lost with Elizabeth.



Ending 2: Lydia's Elopement Fails

In this scenario, Lydia’s plan to run away with Wickham backfires. Just before they leave, Wickham has second thoughts and decides to ditch her. Heartbroken, Lydia returns home, facing her family’s anger and social embarrassment.

This turmoil prompts Darcy, who’s been watching from afar, to step in and help. He visits the Bennets and offers to support them during this crisis, which surprises everyone and makes Elizabeth rethink her earlier opinions of him.

As news of Lydia’s failed elopement spreads, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth again, showing that he’s changed and wants to help the Bennet family. Elizabeth is moved by his kindness and agrees to marry him.

Together, they work to restore the family’s reputation. With Darcy’s wealth and social status, they manage to navigate the fallout from Lydia’s actions, leading to a brighter future for everyone.


Consequences of These Changes

1. Reputation:
The Bennet family’s standing changes dramatically. In the first ending, they face long-term disgrace, while in the second, they manage to recover with Darcy’s help.

2.Character Growth:
Darcy becomes a more humble person in both scenarios. In the first, he reflects on his lost love, while in the second, he actively supports the Bennets.

3. Women’s Independence:
Elizabeth’s path differs greatly. In the first ending, she finds love on her own terms. In the second, she gains strength through her partnership with Darcy, blending traditional values with personal empowerment.

4.Family Dynamics:
The Bennet family’s relationships change, too. In the first ending, they fall apart under pressure, but in the second, they come together to face challenges, growing stronger with Darcy’s support.

These alternate endings show how different choices could lead to entirely new paths for the characters, exploring themes of love, reputation, and societal expectations in a fresh way.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 

 1) What are some major differences between the movie and the novel Frankenstein?

- Hear I mention some difference between the movie and the novel Frankenstein

1. Victor Frankenstein:

Book: Victor is more of a thoughtful, guilt-ridden guy obsessed with learning how to cheat death, especially after his mom dies. His drive for knowledge is what messes him up.

Movie: Victor is way more dramatic and emotional. He’s reckless, and the movie highlights his love life with Elizabeth a lot more, which isn’t as big a deal in the book.

2. Creating the Monster:

Book: The Monster’s creation is super vague. Victor just says he brought it to life, but we don’t really know how. It’s mysterious.

Movie: They go all out with the special effects. There’s a full scene where Victor uses electricity and fancy equipment to bring the Monster to life, which is more dramatic and inspired by older Frankenstein movies.

3. Elizabeth’s Death and Revival:

Book: Elizabeth dies after the Monster kills her on her wedding night, and that’s it. There’s no revival attempt.

Movie: Victor tries to bring Elizabeth back to life after she dies, which is a huge change. But it goes horribly wrong, and she ends up killing herself. This adds more tragedy and drama that wasn’t in the original book.

4. The Monster:

Book: The Monster is really smart and learns to speak well. He reads books like Paradise Lost and reflects a lot on life.

Movie: The Monster is still emotional but not as intelligent as in the book. The movie focuses more on his physical suffering and feelings of rejection.

5. The Ending:

Book: Victor chases the Monster to the Arctic and dies there. The Monster disappears, promising to kill himself.

Movie: The Monster is more emotional. He’s sad when Victor dies and carries his body into a fire, choosing to die with him, which makes the ending more symbolic.

-Conclusion 

Overall, the movie amps up the drama, especially around relationships, while the book focuses more on deeper thoughts about life and creation.

2) Who do you think is a real monster?

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, figuring out who the real monster is can be tricky. At first glance, you’d think it’s the Monster because of how he looks and the terrible things he does. But when you dig deeper, it becomes clear that Victor Frankenstein, the guy who created him, might actually be the real monster.

1. Victor’s Actions:

Victor Frankenstein creates the Monster, but instead of taking care of him, he freaks out and abandons him right after he comes to life. He never thinks about how the Monster will feel or what might happen next. Victor acts super selfishly—he's more concerned about his reputation and feelings than the consequences of creating life. This leads the Monster to suffer a lot, which eventually makes him act out violently. So, Victor’s irresponsibility is what causes all the chaos and tragedy in the story.

2. The Monster’s Humanity:

Even though the Monster looks terrifying and ends up doing some pretty violent things, he wasn’t always like that. In the beginning, he’s kind, curious, and just wants to be accepted and loved. But because everyone rejects him, including Victor, he gets more and more bitter and angry. The Monster is actually more relatable than Victor in some ways—he’s just reacting to the cruelty and loneliness he experiences. His violent behavior is a response to being constantly hurt and isolated.

3. Who’s Really the Monster?:

Being a "monster" in this story isn’t just about how you look or even what you do. It’s about your moral choices. Victor’s choice to create life and then totally ditch his responsibility is what makes him the real monster. He causes so much suffering, not just for the Monster, but also for his family and friends, because he’s too selfish to admit his mistakes and take action.

-Conclusion 

In the end, even though the Monster does terrible things, it’s really Victor’s selfishness and lack of responsibility that make him the true villain.

3) Do you think the search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive?

In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the search for knowledge is shown to be both dangerous and destructive. Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with gaining knowledge and pushing scientific boundaries leads to a lot of tragedy, not only for him but for everyone around him.

1. Victor’s Obsession:

At first, Victor’s interest in knowledge seems normal. He’s curious about life, death, and how the world works. But things go wrong when he becomes obsessed with creating life. He doesn’t think about the consequences or if it’s even a good idea—he just wants to prove he can do it. This leads to him creating the Monster, which triggers a chain of horrible events, including the deaths of his loved ones. Victor’s intense thirst for knowledge destroys his own happiness and life.

2. Knowledge Without Responsibility:

One of the biggest lessons in Frankenstein is that gaining knowledge without thinking about the responsibility that comes with it is dangerous. Victor learns how to create life but doesn’t take care of the Monster or think about the results of his actions. He just runs away from the problem, and because of that, the Monster turns violent and causes a lot of destruction. The novel shows that knowledge, when handled irresponsibly, can have seriously bad consequences.

3. Pushing Boundaries:

The book also talks about how some knowledge might be "forbidden" or too dangerous for humans to mess with. Victor tries to play God by controlling life and death, which ends up backfiring. The message is that some things are beyond what humans should try to control. By trying to break those natural boundaries, Victor causes harm to himself and everyone he loves. The novel warns that there are limits to what we should explore.

-Conclusion 

In Frankenstein, it’s clear that the pursuit of knowledge, when taken too far or without responsibility, can lead to destruction. Victor’s story shows the dangers of chasing knowledge without thinking about the consequences, making it a cautionary tale about the risks of pushing limits without caution.

4) Do you think Victor Frankenstein's creature was inherently evil, or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into a monster?

-In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature isn’t born evil. Instead, it’s society’s rejection and mistreatment that turn him into a "monster." At the start, the creature is like a blank slate he just wants to be loved and accepted, but people judge him based on his looks, not his actions.

1. The Creature’s Innocence:

When Victor creates the creature, he doesn’t come out evil. In fact, he’s kind of innocent, like a baby, curious about the world and wanting to connect with people. At first, he tries to help others, like when he secretly gathers firewood for a family in the woods. He watches them and learns how to speak, hoping to one day be a part of their world. All he really wants is to fit in and find companionship.

2. Rejection and Loneliness:

But the creature never gets the chance to fit in. From the moment he’s brought to life, even his creator, Victor, is terrified and disgusted by him. Everywhere he goes, people freak out and attack him just because of how he looks. This constant rejection makes him feel lonely and angry. The more people push him away, the more he starts to feel like he has no place in the world.

3. What Turns Him Violent:

The creature only becomes violent after being rejected over and over. When Victor refuses to create a companion for him, it’s like the final straw. He feels betrayed and sees no hope for happiness. So, he lashes out, killing Victor’s loved ones as a way to get revenge for all the pain he’s been through. His actions are terrible, but they come from the suffering and isolation he’s experienced, not because he’s inherently evil.

-Conclusion 

In the end, the creature isn’t born a monster he’s made into one by how society and even his creator treat him. If he had been shown love or acceptance, he could’ve turned out completely differently. Instead, the lack of compassion is what drives him to become destructive.

5) Should there be limits on scientific exploration? If so, what should those limits be?

In Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the novel makes it clear that there should definitely be limits on scientific exploration. Victor Frankenstein’s story is a warning about what can happen when scientists push too far without thinking about the consequences, especially when it comes to messing with life and death.

1. Victor’s Ambition:

Victor gets obsessed with creating life and making a name for himself. He doesn’t stop to think if he should do it, or what will happen after he brings his creation to life. He’s so focused on achieving something great that he ignores the possible consequences. Once the Monster is born, Victor runs away from his responsibility, leading to a tragic chain of events. His ambition makes him blind to the ethical and moral questions that come with creating life.

2. Taking Responsibility:

One of the biggest lessons in Frankenstein is that scientists need to take responsibility for their work. Victor abandons the creature after he brings it to life, which leads to the Monster’s pain, anger, and violence. This shows that there need to be limits on scientific discovery to ensure that it’s done responsibly. Scientists should think about the long-term effects of what they’re doing, not just whether they can do it. If they don’t, things can go wrong really fast.

3. The Dangers of Playing God:

Shelley’s novel also suggests that some types of knowledge like controlling life and death are too risky for humans. Victor tries to "play God" by creating life, but it goes against the natural order, and the results are disastrous. This shows that science should have limits, especially when it involves things we don’t fully understand, like genetics or artificial life. If we push too far without understanding the risks, it can cause more harm than good.

-Conclusion

Overall, Frankenstein teaches that while exploring science is important, there need to be ethical limits. Scientists should think not just about what they can do, but what they should do, and be ready to take responsibility for the consequences of their discoveries.

Thinking task of Jonathan Swift

A Tale of a Tub

1. Tagline of 'Animal Farm'

 "It’s not just a farm; it’s an animal reality show!"

2.   Analyze "A Tale of a Tub" as a Religious Allegory. Discuss how the narrative of the three brothers as well as the digressions critique the various religious practices and ideologies.

 

Jonathan Swift's 'A Tale of a Tub' is a satirical story that critiques various religious practices and beliefs during the early 18th century through the tale of three brothers: Peter, Martin, and Jack.

-The Three Brothers

1. Peter: 

  Represents the Roman Catholic Church. He is strict, focused on rituals and traditions, which highlights the corruption and hypocrisy Swift saw in the Catholic Church.

2. Martin: 

  Symbolizes the Church of England. He tries to find a middle ground but often appears indecisive. Swift critiques the Anglican Church for being ineffective and not fully committing to reform.

3. Jack:

   Represents radical Protestant dissenters, like Puritans. Jack rejects both Peter and Martin, which shows Swift's concern about the chaos that can come from extreme beliefs. While individual faith is important, Swift warns against the dangers of too much fragmentation.

-The Digressions

Throughout the story, Swift includes digressions that add depth to his critique:

1. Critique of Scholasticism:

   Swift mocks the complicated arguments made by religious scholars, suggesting that such debates make true Christian messages hard to understand for everyday people.

2. Question of Authority: 

  He criticizes people who blindly follow religious leaders without thinking for themselves, echoing the Reformation's call for individual interpretation of faith.

3. Religious Conflicts: 

  The ridiculous arguments among the brothers represent real-life disputes among different Christian groups. Swift uses humor to show the absurdity of these divisions and the need for unity in faith.

-Conclusion

In 'A Tale of a Tub', Swift uses the story of the three brothers to highlight the problems within Christianity, such as corruption, indecision, and extremism. His witty critiques encourage readers to focus on the core values of faith rather than getting lost in divisions and dogmas. The combination of humor and serious themes makes this work a powerful commentary on religion in Swift's time and still relevant today.

3.How has Swift critiqued the contemporary writers, writing practices and critics of his time?

Jonathan Swift’s writings, especially in 'A Tale of a Tub' and 'The Battle of the Books', contain sharp critiques of the writers, writing styles, and critics of his time.

-Critique of Contemporary Writers

1.Overly Complex Language:

   Swift criticizes writers who use complicated words and fancy styles instead of clear communication. He believes writing should be straightforward and easy to understand.

2. Following Trends:

   He mocks authors who write just to fit in with what’s popular, suggesting they lose their originality and integrity. Swift values authentic writing over trendy nonsense.

3. Lack of Moral Substance: 

  He often points out that many writers produce work that lacks depth or moral lessons. Swift advocates for literature that promotes good values and thoughtful ideas.

- Critique of Writing Practices

1. Too Much Digression: 

  Swift criticizes long-winded stories that go off-topic. He argues that writers should get to the point and avoid boring readers with unnecessary details.

2. Ignoring Real Issues: 

   He believes many writers ignore important social problems, choosing instead to write about trivial matters. Swift encourages engagement with real-life struggles.

3. Intellectualism: 

  He thinks that some writing is so complicated that regular people can’t understand it. Swift wants literature to be accessible to everyone.

- Critique of Critics

1. Shallow Reviews: 

  Swift points out that many critics don’t really understand the works they judge. He calls for more thoughtful criticism that looks deeper into literature.

2. Bias:

   He notices that critics often favor certain authors or styles, leading to unfair evaluations. This partisanship can stifle diverse literary voices.

3. Supporting Mediocrity: 

   Swift argues that critics sometimes promote mediocre works instead of focusing on quality. He believes this trend lowers the overall standard of literature.

-Conclusion

Overall, Swift’s critiques highlight the need for clarity, moral integrity, and relevance in writing. He encourages writers and critics to focus on meaningful literature that connects with real-life issues, making his insights still relevant today.

5. How does Swift use satire to mock the reading habits of his audience? 

In 'A Tale of a Tub', Jonathan Swift uses satire to make fun of how people read books in his time. He shows that many readers care more about how something is written rather than what it actually says.

- How Swift Mocks Reading Habits:

1. Focusing on Style Over Substance: 

   Swift makes fun of readers who love fancy, complicated writing but miss the main ideas. The narrator goes on long, silly tangents, showing how people get distracted by style and forget the real message.

2. Following Trends: 

   Swift pokes fun at readers who only read what’s popular. He shows how people jump from one trendy book to another without understanding the deeper meaning behind them.

3. Misinterpreting Ideas: 

   Swift shows how some readers misunderstand complex ideas by presenting confusing arguments that don’t make sense. This reflects how readers can easily misinterpret books without really thinking.

4. Relying on Others' Opinions: 

   He also mocks readers who only follow what critics or others say about a book instead of forming their own opinions. Swift wants readers to think for themselves.

- Conclusion:

Swift’s satire in 'A Tale of a Tub' highlights how people read for style, follow trends, and often misunderstand books. He encourages readers to think more deeply and not just follow what’s popular.

Puritan & Restoration Age

 Puritan Age 

- Historical Background

  The Puritan Age (1620-1660) was marked by religious and political upheaval. Puritans sought to reform the Church of England, clashing with monarchs James I and Charles I, leading to the English Civil War. The Puritan victory brought the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, during which strict moral laws were enforced. Theaters were closed, but literature, especially religious and introspective works like Milton's 'Paradise Lost', flourished. The era ended with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, bringing back more relaxed cultural norms.

- Characteristics of the Age

1. Religious Influence:

Focus on strict morality, simplicity, and a direct relationship with God.

2. Political Conflict:

English Civil War and the rise of Oliver Cromwell.

3. Simple Writing:

Literature was plain and aimed at teaching moral lessons.

4. Religious Themes:

Poets like John Milton focused on God, morality, and human struggle (Paradise Lost).

5. Decline of Drama:

Theaters were closed, as Puritans viewed them as immoral.

6. Bible-Centered:

Writing often reflected biblical themes and teachings.

- The significant writers of the Puritan Age 

1. John Milton

   - Famous Work: 'Paradise Lost' (An epic poem about the fall of man and the rebellion of Satan against God)

   - Other Notable Works: 'Paradise Regained', 'Samson Agonistes'

2. John Bunyan

   - Famous Work: 'The Pilgrim’s Progress' (An allegory about a Christian's journey to salvation)

   - Other Notable Works: 'Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners', 'The Life and Death of Mr. Badman'

- conclusion

The Puritan Age (1620-1660) was a time of religious and political turmoil, marked by the Puritans' quest to reform the Church of England and their influence during the English Civil War. This period emphasized strict morality, simplicity in literature, and religious themes, while drama declined due to Puritan views. Writers like John Milton and John Bunyan produced significant works focused on faith and morality. The age ended with the Restoration of Charles II, leading to more relaxed cultural norms.

 

Restoration Age

Historical Background

  The Restoration Age began in 1660 when King Charles II returned to the throne, ending Puritan rule. This period was a reaction to the strict morality of the Puritans, leading to a revival of fun, arts, and entertainment. Theaters reopened, and literature focused on humor, wit, and criticizing society. The era was also marked by big events like the Great Plague (1665) and the Great Fire of London (1666).

- Characteristics of the Age

1. Revival of Drama:

Theaters came back, and "Restoration comedies" were popular for their wit and sexual humor.

2. Wit and Satire:

Writers used humor and sarcasm to criticize politics and society.

3. Focus on Human Nature:

Literature explored people's behavior in a light, humorous way.

4. Science and Reason:

There was a growing interest in logic and scientific thinking, which influenced literature.

5. Licentiousness:

The court and literature often reflected themes of love, lust, and indulgence.

6. Heroic Poetry and Drama:

Writers created grand characters and moral dilemmas in plays and poems.

- Significant Writers of the Restoration Age

1. John Dryden

   - Famous Work: 'Absalom and Achitophel' (Political satire)

   - Known for satire and drama.

2. William Congreve

   - Famous Work: 'The Way of the World' (A witty comedy about love and society).

- Conclusion

The Restoration Age was a time of fun and witty literature, reacting against the strict Puritan ways. Writers like John Dryden and William Congreve brought back humor, satire, and drama, exploring human behavior in a clever and entertaining way. The era was all about celebrating wit, reason, and society’s complexities.