Major 5 Assignment
College :- Maharanishree Nandkuvarba mahila arts & commerce College
Name :- Vaghela bhumi chandubhai
Year :- S.Y B.A Sem - 3
Subject :- English
Papar name :- Major 5
Professor Name :- Shivani ma'am
• Class assignment
Taine’s Approach to Literary Study
Taine’s Method:
Hippolyte Taine’s formula for studying literature—Race, Milieu, and
Moment—emphasises that literature is a product of its broader social and
historical context. According to Taine, the characteristics of a people (race),
their environment (milieu), and the specific historical moment (moment) shape
literary works.
While this scientific approach offers valuable insights into how literature reflects societal forces, it has its limitations. Taine’s method often
reduces literature to a mere reflection of these impersonal forces, potentially
overlooking the unique contributions of individual authors.
* Critique of Taine's Method:
● Focus on Collective Forces: Taine’s approach prioritizes the study of
societal conditions over the intrinsic qualities of literature. This method
may overlook the artistic and emotional dimensions of literary works, focusing more on their role as documents of national psychology rather than as independent artistic creations.
● Neglect of Individuality: By emphasizing the collective forces of race,
milieu, and moment, Taine’s theory tends to downplay the role of individual genius. It suggests that great literature is primarily a product of its era and environment, potentially underestimating the significance of the author's unique perspective and creativity.
● One-Sided Relationship: Taine’s method often overlooks the reciprocal
influence between literature and society. While he focuses on how the era affects the author, he does not fully consider how the author’s work can, in turn, impact their era.
Prominent authors like Tennyson, Browning, Carlyle, Ruskin, and Dickens did not merely reflect their times; they
actively shaped and influenced the intellectual and social climate of their
periods.
* The Role of Personality in Literary Study:
Individual genius plays a crucial role in literary creation. While the general
spirit of the time influences writers, the unique qualities of their creativity and
perspective are essential for understanding their work. For instance,
Shakespeare’s plays, though influenced by Elizabethan conventions, also reflect
his personal genius and innovative approaches to drama. Recognizing the
interplay between personal creativity and historical context provides a more
comprehensive understanding of literary works.
* The Sociological and Historical Study of Literature:
Viewing literature through a historical or sociological lens enriches our
understanding of its significance. By exploring the social and cultural conditions that influenced a work, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its relevance and impact. This approach helps to revive interest in older works that might seem
outdated or less engaging to modern readers. Understanding the historical and
social factors that made a work significant allows us to reconnect with its
original impact and relevance.
* Changing Sensibilities:
Literary tastes and sensibilities can shift over time, affecting how classic works are perceived. Many works that were once highly regarded may seem less
engaging to contemporary readers due to changes in cultural norms and tastes.
Recognizing these shifts helps us understand why certain works were esteemed in their time and how they can still offer valuable insights into past societies.
For example, the satirical novels of Jonathan Swift, such as "Gulliver’s
Travels," might seem less relevant to modern readers, but their critique of
human nature and societal institutions remains insightful.
* Practical Considerations:
The study of literature should ultimately aim to enhance our enjoyment and
understanding of reading. Technical analysis provides valuable tools for
appreciating the craft behind literary works, but it should be used to deepen our
engagement rather than to create barriers between readers and texts.
By integrating technical, historical, and personal perspectives, we can achieve a
richer and more fulfilling experience of literature.
* Conclusion:
In conclusion, literature is a complex and multifaceted field that reflects and shapes society in various ways. A thorough understanding of literature involves examining how it mirrors the beliefs and values of its time, how it influences societal norms, and how it both reflects and shapes historical contexts.
While approaches like Taine’s offer valuable insights into the societal forces behind literature, it is essential to also recognize the role of individual creativity and genius. Technical analysis can enhance our appreciation of literary works, but it should be balanced with an understanding of the broader contexts and personal dimensions of literature. By integrating these approaches, we can gain a deeper and more nuanced appreciation of literary texts and their sigLiterature as a Social Product significance.
Home Assignment:-
1. Literature Reflecting Society
Firstly, literature reflects the social context in which it is produced. Writers often draw inspiration from the social, cultural, and political events of their time and use their work to comment on and criticise them. For example, the literature produced during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States reflects the experiences of African Americans and the struggle for racial equality.
Secondly, literature can shape the society in which it is produced. By portraying characters, situations, and themes that resonate with readers, literature has the power to influence how people view themselves and their society. For example, literature can challenge societal norms and prejudices by portraying characters who defy them, and in doing so, encourage readers to question and challenge those norms and prejudices as well.
Thirdly, literature can serve as a means of cultural preservation and transmission. By preserving and transmitting stories, myths, and cultural valuesfrom one generation to another, literature can help to maintain a sense of cultural identity and continuity. For example, many indigenous cultures have used oral storytelling as a way of preserving their cultural heritage. literature is a social product that reflects and shapes the society and culture in which it is produced. It can serve as a reflection of social context, a tool for shaping societal values and a means of cultural presention and transmission.
* Reflection of Beliefs and Values:
Literature serves as a profound reflection of the society in which it is produced. It mirrors the beliefs, values, and concerns of its time, offering insight into the collective psyche of an era. Writers often draw upon the social, cultural, and political events around them to craft their works. For instance, the literature of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, such as the writings of James Baldwin or Maya Angelou, vividly captures the struggles and aspirations of
African Americans fighting for racial equality.
These literary works not only document historical events but also offer critical commentary on the social injustices of their time.
* Influence on Society:
Beyond merely reflecting society, literature has the power to shape it. By
presenting characters, themes, and scenarios that resonate deeply with readers, literature can influence perceptions and attitudes. For instance, the novels of Charles Dickens, such as "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities," addressed the plight of the poor and the corrupt nature of institutional systems in
19th-century England. Dickens’ work stirred public consciousness and contributed to social reform, demonstrating how literature can challenge societal nification.
norms and inspire change.
* Cultural Preservation and Transmission:
Literature also plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural values
and stories from one generation to the next. Many cultures use literature as a
means of maintaining a sense of identity and continuity. Indigenous cultures, for
example, often rely on oral storytelling traditions to pass down myths, legends,
and historical narratives. This oral literature not only preserves cultural heritage but also reinforces community bonds and educates younger generations about their ancestral values.
* Literature Shaping Society
Cultural Impact:
The impact of literature on society can be profound and transformative. By presenting stories and ideas that challenge existing norms, literature can encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviours. For example, Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" played a significant role in
shaping public opinion on slavery in the United States. The novel’s portrayal of
the brutal realities of slavery helped galvanise the abolitionist movement and
contributed to the eventual end of slavery.
* Challenging Norms:
Literature has the power to challenge prevailing societal norms and prejudices. Works that feature characters who defy conventional roles or question societal expectations can prompt readers to rethink their own views. For instance,
Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" explores themes of mental illness and the
constraints of social expectations, providing a critical examination of the roles assigned to women in early 20th-century Britain.
Through its portrayal of an
unconventional heroine, the novel encourages readers to question the rigidity of societal norms.
* Cultural Preservation and Transmission:
In addition to shaping contemporary views, literature helps preserve and transmit cultural heritage. By documenting and reflecting the experiences, values, and traditions of a society, literature ensures that cultural knowledge is not lost over time.
For example, Homer’s epic poems, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," not only reflect the values and beliefs of ancient Greece but also serve as foundational texts that have influenced Western literary tradition for centuries.
Essay:-
History of Global warming :-
The concept of global warming and its effect on the Earth's climate it is known by almost everyone in today's times .It is talked about widely on news channels and newspapers.
Scientists have been conducting vast research on this subject. They share their findings about this concept with the general public every now and then.
Phenomenon of Global Warming Dismissed in the Past
The phenomenon of global warming was not known until a few decades back. In fact, the scientists and researchers who studied the subject closely and suggested change in the climate in the future were not taken seriously. Their theories were often taken lightly or dismissed completely. It was argued that human activities cannot be strong enough to create a huge impact on the planet. Around a century back, it wasn’t expected that this will become a cause of serious concern.
Inception of the Concept of Global Warming Though, the research involving the impact of human activities on the climate was not given much importance largely, however, those interested in the subject kept a close watch on the Earth’s temperature and the changes it was going through. They kept a track of the noticeable changes. It was in the year 1896, that a Swedish scientist, Svante Arrhenius, suggested that Earth’s climate was changing due to the increasing amount of carbon emission in the atmosphere. However, not much weightage was given to his study as the scientists during that time emphasized that Earth has its own way of maintaining the ecological balance and thus this cannot have any widespread impact on the environment or life on our planet.
It was in the late 1930s that an engineer collated and studied the data of the Earth’s temperature and noticed that it had actually increased substantially over the last 50 years. This was the first time that the subject was taken seriously and researchers actually suspected that this could be a cause of concern in the coming years.
However, the next three decades saw a decrease in the temperature by around 0.2 degree centigrade. This was a result of the volcanic eruptions and the industrial activities that took place around that time. This resulted in high amount of sulphate aerosols concentration in the atmosphere. Sulphate aerosols scatter light from the Sun and reflect its heat and energy back in the space. This has a calming effect on the Earth’s climate.
However, the amount of sulphate aerosols was brought down by lowering the activities resulting in the same to ensure a cleaner atmosphere. This led to the warming of Earth in the 1970s. The rise in the temperature of the Earth’s surface became a cause of concern and researchers started monitoring it intently.
Concept of Global Warming Finally Recognized
It was a research paper in 1975 that first mentioned the term global warming. The temperature kept rising through the 1980s and became a cause of growing concern. This was the time when the general public also became aware about this new phenomenon. The problems that could be underway owing to the change in the climate were shared by the media around that time. The effect of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere was also discussed around the same time. Studies suggested that the temperature was likely to rise higher in the twenty first century.
The scientists during that time anticipated a number of changes in the atmosphere owing to global warming. Many of the anticipated changes such as rise in the ocean levels, frequent wildfires and intense heat waves began showing up since the beginning of the twenty first century and are a common sight now.
Conclusion:
Global warming has become a cause of growing concern. It is damaging our atmosphere year after year and will lead to mass destruction if not controlled on time.