'M. P. Ajmera' a short story.

 

    'M. P. Ajmera' is a short story written by Mahendrasinh Parmar and published in 2016. This story is a part of Short Story Collection named 'Polytechnic.' The genre of the story can be categorized as a Black Comedy. This tale follows Third person narrative technique with an omniscient view.


      Narendrakumar Ajmera ( M. A. Sanskrit )  is the protagonist of this story. By designation he is a primary teacher but dreams to be a University Professor. In the beginning of the story he shows the vexation of primary teachers. which is being load on them by government.  ( According to Narrator!  ) For Ajmera , his degree is in a vain as he remains busy in census survey, polio immunization campaign,  family planning,  literacy campaign and etc. He considers these all things as a donkey work.
     However, as he is an onus teacher,  this time he gets work as an Election Officer.  It is his first duty as an election officer, here things becomes more comic as he gets his duty in super sensitive booth. For him this is like an important duty to fulfill.

      Here, an interesting thing starts.  He reaches at the booth.  ( EVM machines were not developed ! ) People from village invites him for a dinner but he denies to go as he considers this as a bribe / trap !
        Now Narendrakumar seems more serious,  responsible and faithful to the democracy.  He remains hungry for a whole night. On the other hand we see poor condition of primary school. The same narration we find in 'The White Tiger' - novel by Arvind Adiga. Even he doesn't sleep at night.  When he goes for ' Morning Work', he carries all the voting papers / Ballot with him. But he leftover as he sees foxes and dogs - doesn't cast his 'morning' vote...! On the other side policeman enjoys the treat given by villagers, especially by Power. On the day of voting Ajmera sees a man with big moustache. Who again invites him for the lunch.  But suddenly he finds issues regarding bogus voting. People just gathered around booth. Albeit of the risk of his life,  he warns a herd.  At the same time he doesn't find policeman ! He just threatened by that herd but he replied that I will not let die the democracy of a nation.

        At the end of the day,  he submits the Ballots,  but the voting percentage are lower compared to other booth.  He says : It is because of his integrity. After 3days's labour he reaches at home and finishes his
'Morning Work.' Now,  Narendrakumar seems totally exhausted.  
 
        After three months again he gets notice from collector to work in an election.  But nobody becomes ready to work in that super sensitive booth.  Here , we see that suddenly Narendrakumar gets selected for University Professor. Thus , some how some questions raises in our mind that how Narendrakumar makes himself free from the duty of an election officer...!? Is he withdrawals his name by giving money...?  But we know that he is a man of integrity.

     But the last conundrum is, how he gets name of M. P.  ...!? ( For that you can read story...!)

     By concluding this review I can say that writer has used a comic tone to show the hardship of teachers.  At the same time we see two nation : Nation of light - darkness.  Also the satire on Police system and etc.
 

   
     
      

Language Lab Programme Review

 

   So many times we think to introduce language software in our education system.  But it seems, for that we need some good training.  Though,  we have tried to do practical with this language lab software.  To know more about the task,  click here...

     What is language lab... ?

     In general we can say that it is introduced in the classrooms to teach English language. For that this programme needs various computers, along with appropriate software.  Which provides some other features like,  video,  audio,  writing task and etc. Including all,  it is like an information technology based learning where you needs net connection with computers.

      History of Language Lab...

      The first recorded language lab was established at the University of Grenoble in 1908 Frank Chalfant brought the concept to the United States establishing a 'phonetics lab' at Washington State University in 1911 or 1912. 
       
     Advantages : 

•  Helps in enhancing four basic skills.  
• It provides Test,  So,  learner can evaluate themselves.
• As it has a feature of phonetics, Lerner can develop pronunciation skills. 
• This software, perfectly fits in primary schools. 
• Different levels helps in displaying the standard of students. 

      

     Disadvantages : 

• Take much time to start. 
• Seems quite an old software.  
• It has lots of stuff.
• It is difficult to carry out in all the classes. 
• It should be affordable.       

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

         The Bluest Eye is novella written by Toni Morrison.  Which was first published in 1970.
              At its core, The Bluest Eye is a story about the oppression of women. The novel's women not only suffer the horrors of racial oppression, but also the tyranny and violation brought upon them by the men in their lives. The novel depicts several phases of a woman's development into womanhood. Pecola, Frieda, andClaudia, the novel's youngest female characters, possess a limited and idealistic view of what it means to be a woman. 

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

      Heart of darkness is a novella written by Joseph Conrad and it was published in 1899. The main themes of the novella is about colonialism. The character of Kurtz mainly remains in the center.  

     The narrator of the novella is Marlow. Who tells the whole story.  It criticises the so called idea of civilization.  For that writer has used the symbols of river Thames and Congo. 
       It seems that they are so civilized but it is not so,  as we have seen in the novel that how cruel and cunning Kurtz is.  At the end we can see the situation becomes that much worst that he couldn't get out from the "station." The last words of Kurtz suggest a deep meaning..." The Horror,  The Horror! 

Major Themes 

Here’s a brief explanation of each theme from Heart of Darkness with examples:

1. Alienation and Loneliness: Marlow’s journey into the Congo leads to his emotional and physical isolation. He feels cut off from both his fellow Europeans and the indigenous people, which represents the alienation of the modern individual. Kurtz, at the end of his life, is completely isolated both physically and mentally, lost in his own madness.

2. Deception: The European mission in Africa is presented as a noble endeavor to bring civilization to the "savages," but this is a lie. The real aim is exploitation for profit. Kurtz himself deceives others by promising ideals of progress while engaging in brutal and savage acts.

3. Doubt and Ambiguity: Marlow constantly questions the meaning of his journey and the truth about Kurtz. Conrad’s narrative style, with its layers of stories within stories, creates ambiguity. The novel never fully reveals the truth about what Kurtz has done or the true nature of the "darkness" Marlow encounters.

4. Race and Racism: The novel reflects the racist attitudes of European colonizers, who view the African people as inferior and dehumanized. However, it also critiques this racism by highlighting the brutal exploitation of the Africans, showing that the supposed "civilized" Europeans are the true savages.

5. Order and Disorder: The European presence in Africa, symbolizing order and civilization, quickly unravels into chaos. The further Marlow travels into the jungle, the more he encounters disorder, both in the environment and within human nature, exemplified by Kurtz’s descent into madness.

6. Sanity and Insanity: The Congo serves as a metaphorical test of sanity, where the darkness of the jungle and the moral corruption of colonialism drive people mad. Kurtz embodies the ultimate loss of sanity, becoming unhinged in the lawless wilderness, with his infamous final words, “The horror! The horror!”

7. Duty and Responsibility: Marlow initially feels a sense of duty to fulfill his role as a sailor and bring Kurtz back. However, the novel questions the meaning of duty in the face of moral corruption, as Marlow becomes complicit in the horrors of colonialism despite his growing disillusionment.

8. Violence and Cruelty: The violence and cruelty of European colonialism are central to the novel. The exploitation and brutal treatment of the African people, including the atrocities committed by Kurtz, reveal the dark heart of European imperialism under the guise of civilization.

Each of these themes reinforces the novel’s exploration of the dark side of human nature and the moral corruption at the heart of colonialism.

Online Test 

Heart of Darkness  (Click on it)

Thinking Activity 

1. Explain the title Heart of Darkness in your own words. 

2. What is your understanding of the themes of alienation and loneliness? 

 

Works Cited 

ChatGPT. "Themes in Heart of Darkness." OpenAI, 19 Sept. 2024.

Harry Potter : Web Quest Activity

             Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels written by British author J. K.  Rowling. After an enlightened discussion on the novels/ movies, it is up-to the students to show their learning. For further details related to the task click here... 

                 Many time we question about Children Literature. But it has so many hidden points to tell. As we have studied various approaches/ theories, that we can put into practice through these series of novels. These are the some points which we can discuss in this series.

1 Feminist reading of Hermione's character in Harry Potter.  

 
    The character of Hermione Granger is very well captured in the novel through feminist angle. She plays passive and active role throughout the novel.  As she represents the group of Witch - Here, the meaning of the word 'Witch' gives derogatory meaning compared to Wizard. There are so many scenes which shows the intellectual side of her. ( Compared to Harry and Ron ) However she represents lower status, most of the time she rescues Harry.  It means she represents caring nature, which is highly problematic from feminist angle.  She has all girlishness - emotional,  jealousy, envy and etc.  Which lacks in the characters of Harry and Ron.

2 Discourse on the purity of blood and Harry Potter. 

       In a whole novel we find an identity crisis of the lower.  They all suffers from inside pain.  The concept of pure blood remains present during whole novel. Characters like,  Malfoy,  Snape, Umbridge constantly abuses half blood or rather we can say to mudblood.  The character of Hermione represents Muggle Blood, Harry categorized as a half blood. Where's the character of Malfoy indicates pure blood.  

         This whole concept prevails even today in society too. But here it is in the forms of casteism and  racism. It is the fear of loosing power irritates them. ( To  "Pure Blood ") Which turns into a violence. That's what we see in the character of Malfoy, who has a fear of Harry and Hermione. However,  we can't deny that Malfoy needs proper nourishment and atmosphere to overcome from these types of ill mindset.  Nonetheless,  politics also plays negative role in driving the emotions of people.  

3 Confronting reality by reading fantasy :

     Through this technique( Fantasy) of narration writer satires on the society.  It has not  a fantasy elements only. But it includes human behavior in depth.  Like, Birth and Death, Love and Hatred, Good and Evil.  There are almost all the character portrayed as a coin,  which has both sides good as well as bad.  From the beginning of the novel we see Harry's Parents as dying, Harry as a chosen one, Harry feels loneliness, mistreated by his uncle and aunt. Which shows the nature of them. Which is completely different from his parents. Moreover,  the character of Hermione and Ron have bitter sweet relationship. Where's Harry and Ginny has quite mature relationship.  Which shows their collaboration and understanding. Dumbledore teaches morality where's Umbridge has evil qualities as a master.  There are other examples which shows reality also. There are people who constantly keep fighting with their own self. Like,  Voldemort,  Snape. Thus,  we can say that all the characters represents real life.  

4 The discourse of power and politics in Harry Potter : 

    The whole education system is an example of power and politics.  We can see those who knows more magic they are on superiority where's those who don't know, they are at lower level.  There are some professors like Snape who makes discrimination in students.  Who creates others to be on a power position . After passing time we find that Umbridge becomes the main master of the school / Hogwarts.  Who changes all the rules. Even media and news paper are in her/ power's control.  So,  we can see how power dynamic works in society. 

     

5 Children's Literature and Harry Potter : 

     Most of the time we avoid Children's literature as it has so many fantastic elements. But it has so many hidden points for adults too. There are some children literature which is difficult to understand for children and adults. Harry Potter is one of it. Though, it is very important in cultivating imagination power.  Children can learn beyond the limitations.  

         "Children's Literature studies has traditionally treated comics fitfully and superficially despite the importance of comics as a global phenomenon associated with children" ( Wikipedia)  This definition is quite right.  In Harry Potter,  we find magical elements, growing children, fantastic elements, behavior of children,  likes and dislikes of children, animals as a friends and foes and at last moral lessons.  So these all inventive ideas we can see in this novel.  There are some other stuff like wand, idea of reward,  tasks,  games,  victory and defeat, which strengthen the idea of children's literature.  

6 Speculative Literature and Harry Potter :

       The Speculative literature is a kind of an umbrella term. Which includes some other literary devices.  But the main motif  is- it uses the elements which are in not real world.  There are some other types also. Like,  fantasy,  science fiction,  horror,  utopian,  dystopian,  alternate history,  apocalyptic,  super hero,  and supernatural. 

          The novel Harry Potter completely fits in the category of Speculative Literature.  As it Includes elements and beings originating from or inspired by traditional stories, such as mythical creatures(dragons, elvesand fairies, for example), magic, witchcraft, potions, etc.

7 Self help culture and Harry Potter : 

       Before we move further in this topic, first we should define what is self help culture...? A self-help book is one that is written with the intention to instruct its readers on solving personal problems. The whole Harry Potter series stands in the category of a self help culture.  Because almost all the events are connected with problem- solving method.  All characters thinks that if they wants to solve a problem then they should be as strong as they can.  Another characteristic is that most of the time person struggles a lot in life and as a repercussion of it he /she always remains in the search of prove themselves.  In Harry Potter we see these all things in 'Harry.' We can compare this story as a from rags to riches. The another great example we can use is every characters have their own personal choices, it is up-to them what they choose. Like,  Harry and Malfoy both represents a significant characters. One is on the side of good,  and one is on the side of evil.  In addition,  there will be no one to help you in crucial situation.  So, one needs to be flexible and brave enough to make his/ her own way.  

8  Christianity and Harry Potter : 

      During whole novel we never find any direct connection of Christianity.  Even we can consider it as an anti- Christian novel. Not even a single character pray to God.  But yes there are some Christmas celebration which may be seen as a sign of Christianity. Apart from these all,  we can say that the whole idea of morality is connected with Christianity. It also satires on the superstitions which prevails in English tradition.    

9 Theme of Love and Death : 

      

      The concept of Love and Death remains in the center.  If we look from starting point,  Death of Harry's parents. It shows that because of Harry's safety they dies. In other sense we can say that it is his mother's love/ sacrifice saves him.  There are some other characters also which indicates the theme of love and death. Professor Dumbledore's love for Harry/ students. And also his death,  which seems unavoidable as two chosen person can't live. Harry's love for his friends. Love relationship between Hermione and Ron. Similarly,  another relationship is between Harry and Ginny. 

           One can not under estimate the character of Snape. It was his love leads him towards death.  In conclusion we can say that for the betterment of society one needs do lot of sacrifice, even some time they can be die in that process.  

10 Theme of Choice and Chance : 

    In this novel,  Harry and Malfoy gets same opportunities. But because of their choices , audience remembers them differently.  But yes,  the idea of Choice and Chance strengthen the idea of self help culture.  As it shows the success of a winner. Moreover,  everything is up to the person's choice, almost all gets same opportunities. If person is on the right path then there will be somebody to help. The character of Shape is an example of poor choice making. 

But yes, one should be ready to take risk. 

11 Moral and Philosophical reading :

    Normally,  children's literature has the characteristics of a didactical story.  The ultimate aim is to reflect positive side of human life and negative side as something to banish.  The novel Harry Potter is one of them. There are characters like Dumbledore,  Harry, Ron,  Hermione,  Luna,  Neville and etc, represents the morally correct path. They all have philosophical reasons also to do the things.  In the end we see that character like Malfoy needs to change his morality.  Not only morality but philosophy too. Yes,  for that he needs good philosopher which he lacks. In contrast,  Harry knows this all things quickly.

12 What is your opinion on this : 

     

   

       One should learn how to ask a question to an authority.  Because normally power gives selfish information.  They never think about commons.  The another thing is that those who are great like Harry , they always stays away from religion/ or an idea of God.  Many time power makes misuse of that idea for political support.  

         

     Click here to see web quest worksheet.

           Click here to see Rubric Evaluation 

                                                            Thank you.

Thinking Activity : The Da Vinci Code

            ' The Da Vinci Code' represents truth related to the Holy Grail. In addition it shows symbolism used in the novel.  Which in a way helps students to cultivate critical power.  Similarly,  we got thinking activity, for further details related to the task click here... 

  1 - Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, though he is on a 'constant spiritual journey' himself, and says that his book The Da Vinci Code is simply "an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate" and suggests that the book may be used "as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith."

      

      It seems that Brown tries to put himself in the category of a pagan. But we can't deny that what he represents is quite true.  Yes,  there are so many elements which portrays his novels as An anti - Christian. As per my personal view what Brown represents is very much needed.  Because as ' Religion' it self is a problematic thing to think.  Because to live such a life we doesn't need any religion. We can live spiritual life without any suppression.  But before that again one question arises in our mind that : What is spiritual...!? So, our ideas related to faith gets broken.  Ultimately we can say that what religion gives you is not quite true.  

2 -  “Although it is obvious that much of what Brown presented in his novel as absolutely true and accurate is neither of those, some of that material is of course essential to the intrigue, and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman has retained the novel's core, the Grail-related material: the sacred feminine, Mary Magdalene's marriage, the Priory of Sion, certain aspects of Leonardo's art, and so on[1].” How far do you agree with this observation of Norris J. Lacy?

    Obviously yes,  Almost most of the elements are true and accurate. To create some effects, intrigue becomes necessary. Which makes this novel more interesting. Same way Akiva Goldsman plays his role wisely by screenwriting. This thing we can find through the mysterious elements.  Moreover,    they have shown factual information related to Mary Magdalene and Holy Grail.  

3 - You have studied ‘Genesis’ (The Bible), ‘The Paradise Lost’ (John Milton) and ‘The Da Vinci Code’ (Dan Brown). Which of the narrative/s seem/s to be truthful? Whose narrative is convincing to the contemporary young mind?

        Yes,  in Genesis larger narrative gives wrong judgements. When we see from  gender discourse, it has so many loose tone.  There are so many examples like,  Eve's birth, the fall of men is because of the women and mainly the whole concept of God and etc. These all ideas fail in larger context or rather we can say in this scientific world. In The Paradise Lost Milton narrates the ideas are more convincing. We find Adam and eve has more power, they both remains in the center. Where's God stands on the periphery. When we read The Da Vinci code that time we find wrong representation of the painting, relationship between Jesus and Mary, and much more. As we have seen that reality and science has more power to convince the reader. So,  in conclusion we can say that What Milton represents is quite true.

4 - What harm has been done to humanity by the biblical narration or that of Milton’s in The Paradise Lose? What sort of damage does narrative like ‘The Vinci Code’ do to humanity?

    Many time person accepts literary narration as a fact.  Which creates problem in living. Similarly, so many new things is being portrayed in the Paradise Lost and in The Da Vinci Code. In the characters of The Paradise Lost,  we find more positive interpretation.  Adam and Eve have a more power, how God is partial, character of Satan and etc.  Most of the narrative is human centric,  which provides human to think independently. Same way in The Da Vinci code,  we see representation of Jesus, his marital life,  his family background,  and etc.  When reader reads this kind of work they assumes that it is the right representation of Jesus.  But they fails in assuming that it is a literary work. So,  we can say that it has both pros and cons on human life.

5 - What difference do you see in the portrayal of 'Ophelia' (Kate Winslet) in Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet, 'Elizabeth' (Helena Bonham Carter) in Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or 'Hester Prynne' (Demi Moore) in Roland Joffé's The Scarlet Letter' or David Yates's 'Harmione Granger' (Emma Watson) in last four Harry Potter films - and 'Sophie Neuve' (Audrey Tautau) in Ron Howard's The Da Vinci Code? How would justify your answer?

       It is a vital question to think on it.  Because, representation of women in literary works tells so many hidden points. The character of Ophelia is ruled by male dominant society. Like she can't do anything without the permission of her father and brother. In her relationship with Hamlet also she is shown as just a tool. The representation of the character Elizabeth is also the same as Ophelia.  Most of the time she remains inferior in the whole story.  She is portrayed as a girl who always thinks about marriage life. Hester has some good qualities as she rebels against the society but there are so many intimate scenes,  which shows how women's body becomes more serious than her mind.  Compared to these all above character she is more intelligent,  but she is shown as an emotional, jealous,  which indicates women identity. But when we see the character of Sophie Neuve,  she represents more intellectual things,  even not a single time we find her as a male gazing.  She is portrayed as a rational thinker,  who always remains in the search of knowledge.  Thus,  we can see the difference in women characters. 

6/7  - Do novel / film lead us into critical (deconstructive) thinking about your religion? Can we think of such conspiracy theory about Hindu religious symbols / myths? Have you come across any similar book/movie, which tries to deconstruct accepted notions about Hindu religion or culture and by dismantling it, attempts to reconstruct another possible interpretation of truth?

    Yes, there are so many books which tries to show what is religion.  And we can't deny that it helps reader to deconstruct the suppressed notion of religion.  By reading such a literary text we can look into religion from critical angle.  As we all know that the idea of religion is not at all reliable.  It leads people into darkness.  There should be books on the religion,  as how people can be fooled by the name of religion.  In Indian web series called The Sacred Games,  we find clear cut definition of religion. That how religion becomes the tool for separating people.  There are so many scenes which shows that there is nothing like God,  it is kinds of a group who uses religion as their selfish motives.  

8 -  When we do traditional reading of the novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Robert Langdon, Professor of Religious Symbology, Harvard University emerges asprotagonist and Sir Leigh Teabing, a British Historian as antagonist. Who will claim the position of protagonist if we do atheist reading of the novel?

     As we all know that historians see the things with a proper evidence. Similarly,  in the Da Vinci Code,  Sir Leigh Teabing remains in the search of an evidence. Who works with scientific temperament and he doesn't believe in any religion,  so we can interpret that what he suggests would be more reliable. Furthermore,  Teabing tries to find real DNA of Jesus and Mary.  So,  we can interpret that he claim the position of protagonist when we look from atheist angle. 

9 - Explain Ann Gray’s three propositions on ‘knowability’ with illustrations from the novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
a.       1) Identifying what is knowable 
b.      2) identifying and acknowledging the relationship of the knower and the known
c.      3) What is the procedure for ‘knowing’?
   In the Da Vinci Code,  we can address an idea of Ann Gray. We can apply the concept of 'Knowability.' 
1 - When we look the definition,  we can define that from the symbol of pentacle whole story moves to the end.  So this thing stands in the category of knowable.  
2 - It shows the relationship between the knower and the known. Character of  Teabing knows reality.  As he himself knows the history.  So he becomes success in decoding the things. Characters like,  Langdon and Sophie also stands in it.  
3 - In this concept whole process takes place.  Like,  in the beginning Langdon and Sophie looks everything from various perspective and reaches at the end. 
    

PPT - 12 English Language Teaching -1

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Krashen's five Hypothesis from Vipul Dabhi

PPT - 11 The Postcolonial Literature

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Racism - a psychiatric disorder with reference to The Black Skin White Mask from Vipul Dabhi

PPT -10 The American Literature

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The concept of Wall with reference to Mending Wall from Vipul Dabhi

PPT - 9 The Modernist Literature

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“ Waiting ” - from various perspective. from Vipul Dabhi

Mourning Becomes Electra : Movie Review

      In understanding the concept of the subject it is already proven that audio - visuals helps more than mere reading. But it doesn't mean one should stop reading. So, on 24 September we had film screening of the movie Mourning becomes Electra.

         Mourning Becomes Electra is a 1947 American drama film by Dudley Nicholsadapted from the 1931 Eugene O'Neill play Mourning Becomes Electra. The film stars Rosalind Russell, Michael Redgrave, Raymond Massey, Katina Paxinou, Leo Genn and Kirk Douglas.( Wikipedia)

       Most of the setting remains authentic to   the original play.  But that mythical context we doesn't find in the movie. Another things is that it is an old movie which becomes the reason of boredom between the screening. 

       As there are three parts in the text same way in movie also it represents the all three parts. Like Homecoming,  Hunted and Haunted. 

        The main theme of the work represents the matrix of the relationship. 

Household things : From the starting of the movie we can find that common things which remains present in all the families. Same way in movie also mannons behaves the same.   

Web of deceit :  During whole movie we finds that all characters behaves differently. Most of the time they all cheats each other. That thing Adam represents very well, because he acts as he loves Christine. But actually he wants to take revenge. 

Incest :  The theme of incest represents sexual relationship between family members. Here in movie Adam relationship with Christine,  Orin's relationship with Christine, Lavinia's relationship with her father. In a way all has nothing to do with the relation. 

Electra complex : This complex we finds in Lavinia. Who never likes her mother meets to her father. At one stage she says that : I wants to wife of my father. 

Oedipus complex : For Orin his mother should be with him forever. He wants to go away with his mother. 

Death :  Yes,  as most of the characters dies in the movie so we can say that the theme of the death remains in the center.  At the end of the movie only Seth -Gardner and Lavinia - locks herself from the outer world,  remains alive. 

              Thus,  we can say that this screening of the film helps a lot in developing the understanding. 

                                            Thank you...