Archetypal Criticism

This blog is a task assigned by Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad, Head of the Department of English (MKBU), Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here. And it brings together two interconnected analyses of T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land.

Sir has assigned us a task involving DeepSeek, a new AI tool. We are given multiple prompts to input into DeepSeek and must fact-check its responses. 

The first prompt is tested  ChatGPT , while the rest are only given to DeepSeek. After verifying the accuracy of the responses, we will publish the corrected and confirmed information in a blog.

Click here to access the full playlist of recorded online sessions on literary archetypes on YouTube/DoE-MKBU.

1) What is Archetypal Criticism?

Video on New Criticism to Archetypal Criticism: John Ransom Crowe, Northrop Frye

Archetypal criticism is a form of literary analysis that focuses on identifying recurring symbols, motifs, characters, and narrative patterns in literature, which are believed to be universal across cultures and time periods. These recurring elements are called "archetypes," a term derived from the Greek words arche (original) and typos (model or type). Archetypal criticism is rooted in the theories of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who proposed that archetypes are part of the "collective unconscious"—a shared reservoir of experiences and memories that all humans inherit.

Archetypal critics analyze texts to uncover these universal patterns and explore how they resonate with human experiences, emotions, and cultural myths. This approach often connects literature to broader psychological, mythological, and anthropological contexts.

2) What Do Archetypal Critics Do?

Video  on Mythic-Archetypal Criticism: An Introduction on YouTube/Vidya-mitra: Click here.

Archetypal critics engage in the following activities:

Identify Archetypes: They look for recurring symbols, characters, and themes in literature that align with universal archetypes. Examples include the Hero, the Mother, the Trickster, the Journey, and the Quest.

Explore Mythological Connections: They examine how literary works reflect or reinterpret myths, legends, and religious stories. For instance, they might analyze how a modern novel echoes the structure of the hero's journey as described in Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

Analyze Symbolism: They interpret symbols and motifs in a text to uncover deeper psychological or cultural meanings. For example, water might symbolize rebirth, while a desert could represent spiritual barrenness.

Connect Literature to the Collective Unconscious: They explore how literature taps into shared human experiences and emotions, suggesting that certain stories and characters resonate because they reflect universal truths.

Compare Texts Across Cultures: They study how similar archetypes appear in different cultural contexts, highlighting the universality of certain narratives and symbols.

3) Exemplify How Archetypal Criticism Is Done?  

To demonstrate how archetypal criticism is applied, let’s analyze a well-known literary work: The Odyssey by Homer.

Step 1: Identify Archetypes

The Hero (Odysseus): Odysseus embodies the archetype of the Hero, a figure who undertakes a perilous journey, faces trials, and returns transformed.

The Journey: The entire narrative is structured around the archetypal journey, which symbolizes personal growth, self-discovery, and the overcoming of obstacles.

The Mentor (Athena): Athena serves as a guide and protector to Odysseus, representing the Mentor archetype.

The Temptress (Circe and the Sirens): These figures embody the archetype of the Temptress, who tests the hero’s resolve and represents the allure of distraction or danger.

Step 2: Explore Mythological Connections

The story of Odysseus can be compared to other hero myths, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or the story of King Arthur. These narratives share common elements, such as the hero’s quest, supernatural aid, and the ultimate return home.

Step 3: Analyze Symbolism

The Sea: The sea in The Odyssey symbolizes both chaos and the unknown, reflecting the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Home (Ithaca): Ithaca represents the ultimate goal of the journey, symbolizing stability, identity, and belonging.

Step 4: Connect to the Collective Unconscious

The trials Odysseus faces—such as resisting the Sirens or navigating between Scylla and Charybdis—can be seen as metaphors for universal human struggles, such as the tension between temptation and discipline or the need to make difficult choices.

Step 5: Compare Across Cultures

The archetypal journey of Odysseus can be compared to other cultural narratives, such as the Hindu epic The Ramayana, where Rama also embarks on a quest to rescue his wife and restore order.

Conclusion

Archetypal criticism provides a powerful lens for understanding literature by connecting it to universal human experiences and cultural myths. By identifying archetypes, analyzing symbolism, and exploring mythological connections, archetypal critics reveal the deeper psychological and cultural significance of literary works. This approach not only enriches our understanding of individual texts but also highlights the shared stories and symbols that unite humanity across time and space.

After conducting a New Critical verbal reading of T.S. Eliot's , I have identified the following recurring motifs and symbols:

[That you will find in the Excel sheet (spreadsheet) that I have provided.]

That you will find in the Excel sheet (spreadsheet) that I have provided.]

 Animals : Cricket , Dog, Dolphin , Rats, Rat, Cicada, Hermit Thrush, Bats, Cock Spider.

Birds : Hermit Thrush , Swallow , Cock , Gulls , Nightingale. 

Seasons : Summer , Winter , Spring,   Colour : Red , Brown , Golden,  Green , Orange , Red and Gold, Brown , White , Violet etc.  

 Using these findings as your foundation, interpret through the lens of Northrop Frye's .

Consider these guiding questions: 

How do the recurring motifs (animals, birds, colours, seasons) reflect archetypal patterns such as the cycle of life, death, and rebirth?

In what ways does the poem employ the archetypes of , , or ?

Does the imagery of desolation, water, and renewal align with Frye's notion of —such as the "desert" and "garden" opposites?

How does the use of seasonal archetypes underscore the spiritual and cultural decay/rebirth narrative within the poem?

Your analysis should explore how Eliot draws upon these universal archetypes to craft a modern myth and critique the fragmentation of contemporary life. Include specific references to the text to support your interpretation.

The following answer is given by ChatGPT using the same prompt.

This analysis of T.S. Eliot’s poem, guided by Northrop Frye’s archetypal criticism, explores how recurring motifs (animals, birds, colors, and seasons) create an intricate web of archetypes that reflect the cyclical patterns of life, death, and rebirth. Eliot employs these universal patterns to craft a modern myth that critiques the spiritual and cultural fragmentation of contemporary life.

1. The Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth

Eliot’s use of animals, birds, and seasons symbolizes the archetypal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. For instance:

Animals and Birds: The Hermit Thrush evokes solitude and spiritual reflection, aligning with death and rebirth themes. Similarly, the Swallow, a migratory bird, symbolizes renewal and return, echoing the rebirth cycle. The cock, a traditional herald of dawn, suggests awakening and resurrection, while rats and bats evoke decay and death, underscoring the darker, desolate aspects of the cycle.

Seasons: Winter represents death and stagnation, spring signals renewal and rebirth, and summer suggests fulfillment and vitality. These seasonal archetypes encapsulate the passage from spiritual desolation to renewal, a recurring theme in Eliot’s work.

Eliot weaves these archetypes into the fabric of his poem, suggesting that even amidst cultural decay, the possibility of regeneration persists. For example, the imagery of the cricket in the poem may signify a lingering echo of life amid desolation, hinting at continuity.

2. Archetypes of the Journey, the Quest, and the Wasteland

Through Frye’s lens, Eliot’s poem can be seen as a depiction of the archetypal journey and quest within the wasteland. The motifs of desolation and renewal are central:

Water and Renewal: Images of rivers, oceans, and rain often appear in Eliot’s poem. These represent spiritual cleansing and rebirth, countering the desolation of the wasteland. For instance, the dolphin, traditionally associated with guidance and salvation, may symbolize a guide through chaotic waters, leading to spiritual renewal.

Desert and Garden Opposites: Frye’s “desert” archetype aligns with Eliot’s portrayal of cultural and spiritual barrenness. The persistent imagery of dryness (e.g., “cracked earth” or lack of water) symbolizes the fragmentation of modern life. Conversely, moments of renewal and vegetation—such as references to spring and the color green—evoke the “garden” archetype, suggesting hope for spiritual regeneration.

3. The Archetype of Cultural Decay and Rebirth

Eliot’s use of seasonal archetypes underscores the spiritual and cultural decline and potential for rebirth:

Colors: Red and gold evoke vitality and decay, capturing the paradoxical beauty and destruction of human civilization. The recurring combination of red and gold signifies a yearning for spiritual richness amidst moral and cultural decay. Brown, white, and violet further emphasize the contrast between decay and purity or renewal.

Seasons and Time: The cyclicality of seasons mirrors the cycles of cultural collapse and renewal. For instance, spring often heralds a return to hope and life, whereas winter embodies the sterility and despair of modernity.

By employing these archetypes, Eliot critiques the fragmentation of contemporary life, emphasizing how the modern world’s spiritual barrenness contrasts with universal patterns of renewal found in myth.

4. The Modern Myth and Critique of Fragmentation

Eliot draws on archetypal patterns to construct a modern myth that reflects the spiritual crisis of the 20th century:

The fragmented structure of his poem mirrors the disjointedness of modern life, echoing the archetype of the wasteland. Recurring imagery of desolation, such as rats and winter, reinforces this critique.

Yet, Eliot also provides glimpses of redemption. The use of universal archetypes—like the dolphin as a savior, the nightingale as a harbinger of song and renewal, and spring as a season of rebirth—offers a pathway out of the wasteland, suggesting that spiritual and cultural renewal is possible.

5. Conclusion

Through recurring motifs and archetypes, T.S. Eliot’s poem aligns with Frye’s notions of myth and archetypal patterns. Animals, birds, colors, and seasons symbolize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, reflecting a modern myth that critiques the fragmentation of contemporary life. At the same time, Eliot’s juxtaposition of desolation and renewal suggests that even in the midst of decay, there lies the potential for regeneration. This tension between despair and hope underscores the universal and timeless relevance of Eliot’s work.

References:

Barad, Dilip. “Nortahrop Frye: The Archetypes of Literature.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 29 Dec. 2014, blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/12/northrop-frye-archetypes-of-literature.html. 

Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography

                     Orlando: A Biography

About the Author : 

Virginia Woolf (born January 25, 1882, London, England—died March 28, 1941, near Rodmell, Sussex) was an English writer whose novels, through their nonlinear approaches to narrative, exerted a major influence on the genre.

While she is best known for her novels, especially Mrs. Dalloway (1925) and To the Lighthouse (1927), Woolf also wrote pioneering essays on artistic theory, literary history, women’s writing, and the politics of power. A fine stylist, she experimented with several forms of biographical writing, composed painterly short fictions, and sent to her friends and family a lifetime of brilliant letters.

• Original name in full: Adeline Virginia Stephe

• Born: January 25, 1882, London, England

• Died: March 28, 1941, near Rodmell, Sussex (aged 59)

• Notable Works: “A Room of One’s Own” “Between the Acts” “Flush” “Freshwater” “Jacob’s Room” “Kew Gardens” “Modern Fiction” “Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Brown” “Mrs. Dalloway” “Orlando” “The Art of Fiction” “The Common Reader” “The Common Reader: Second Series” “The New Biography” “The Pargiters: A Novel-Essay” “The Voyage Out” “The Waves” “The Years” “Three Guineas” “To the Lighthouse”

• Movement / Style: Modernism

• Notable Family Members: spouse Leonard Woolf father Sir Leslie Stephen sister Vanessa Bell

• Subjects Of Study: literature

 Video on Virginia Woolf  (click here)  

Video on Virginia Woolf by  Kalyani Vallath

About the Novel : 

• Title: Orlando: A Biography

• Author: Virginia Woolf

• Publication Date: 11 October 1928

• Publisher: Hogarth Press

• Genre: Modernist fiction, feminist literature, speculative fiction, biography

• Narrative Style: A mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and biography with elements of satire and parody.

• Plot Overview: The novel follows the life of Orlando, a nobleman born in the Elizabethan era who mysteriously transforms into a woman and lives for over 300 years without aging significantly. It explores themes of gender identity, time, history, and literature.

• Inspiration: Inspired by Woolf’s close relationship with Vita Sackville-West, the novel is considered a love letter and a playful tribute to her life and ancestry.

• Experimental Elements: Orlando is famous for its fluid treatment of time and identity, challenging traditional notions of biography and gender roles.

• Legacy: The novel is regarded as a landmark in feminist and LGBTQ+ literature and has been adapted into various media, including a 1992 film directed by Sally Potter.

Video on  Orlando by Virginia Woolf

Question : Analyze Woolf's use of time in Orlando. What effect does it have on the narrative of the text?

 Answer : 

The Fluidity of Time in Orlando: Woolf’s Narrative Experimentation

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography (1928) is a radical literary experiment in both form and content, particularly in its treatment of time. Unlike conventional biographies that follow a linear chronological order, Woolf’s novel presents time as fluid, elastic, and subjective. By allowing the protagonist, Orlando, to live for over three centuries without significant aging, Woolf subverts traditional historical and literary structures. This manipulation of time serves multiple narrative functions: it emphasizes the mutability of identity, critiques historical and literary conventions, and enhances the novel’s fantastical and satirical tone.

Woolf’s Narrative Time vs. Historical Time

One of the most striking aspects of Orlando is its refusal to adhere to conventional historical time. The novel begins in the Elizabethan period and moves through subsequent centuries, yet Orlando does not age in a typical manner. As Woolf humorously notes, "At the age of thirty, Orlando had scarcely a wrinkle on his face" (Woolf, 1928, p. 97). This suggests that time in Orlando is not merely chronological but psychological and experiential.

Woolf’s treatment of time aligns with Henri Bergson’s concept of durée, which distinguishes between measurable time and the subjective experience of time. According to Bergson, real time is not a series of fixed moments but an ongoing flow of consciousness. This is evident in Orlando’s experience, where centuries pass with little notice, yet emotional and creative moments feel prolonged and significant.

Literary critic Rachel Bowlby argues that Woolf’s treatment of time in Orlando reflects her broader modernist concerns: "The fluidity of time in Orlando is a rejection of rigid historical determinism and a celebration of individual experience over chronological fact". This suggests that Woolf is not merely playing with time for artistic effect but actively challenging the way history and identity are traditionally recorded.

Time and Identity: The Gendered Dimension

Orlando’s transformation from male to female in the eighteenth century is a pivotal moment in the novel, and it is also a moment where time seems to collapse. Woolf describes the transition in a dreamlike manner:

"He lay as the sea tossed him and when we next hear of him, he was her" (Woolf, 1928, p. 139).

This moment is significant because it highlights Woolf’s suggestion that identity, like time, is fluid rather than fixed. By spanning different historical periods, Orlando experiences multiple cultural expectations of gender, which further reinforces the novel’s rejection of rigid binaries.

Scholar Elaine Showalter notes that Orlando is "a novel in which gender identity is as unstable as time itself". This perspective emphasizes how Woolf intertwines temporal and gender fluidity, demonstrating how both are socially constructed rather than biologically or historically determined.

The Satirical Use of Time: A Critique of Literary History

Woolf also uses time to critique literary traditions. The novel playfully engages with different literary styles as Orlando moves through historical periods. For example, Orlando’s poetic aspirations in the Elizabethan era mimic the grandeur of Shakespearean verse, while the eighteenth-century portion of the novel satirizes the rationality and restraint of neoclassicism:

"He began a sentence which ran, it is thought, something like this: ‘The wetness of this March morning is like the equinoctial gales in the year 1610—’ when he stopped. For he had said exactly the same thing the morning before" 

This passage reflects Woolf’s critique of literary stagnation, suggesting that artistic and intellectual progress cannot be confined to strict historical categories. Scholar Gillian Beer argues that Orlando “reimagines literary history not as a sequence of fixed movements, but as a dynamic interplay of voices across time” (Beer, 1996, p. 87). This reinforces the idea that time in Orlando is not just a narrative device but a means of rethinking literary and historical continuity.

Conclusion: The Narrative Effect of Woolf’s Temporal Experimentation

By distorting traditional time structures, Woolf not only subverts historical and biographical conventions but also creates a novel that reflects the fluidity of identity, gender, and artistic expression. Time in Orlando is not measured in years but in emotional, creative, and psychological transformations. This approach aligns with Woolf’s modernist ethos, privileging experience and subjectivity over objective chronology. Moreover, by engaging with literary history in a satirical manner, Woolf challenges the rigidity of historical and literary classification, ultimately suggesting that both history and identity are ever-evolving constructs.

Question : Share your views about these lines by Woolf about Orlando who finds switching between genders doubly fulfilling: "She had, it seems no difficulty in sustaining the different parts, for her sex changed far more frequently than those who have worn only one set of clothing can conceive; nor can there be any doubt that she reaped a twofold harvest by this device; the pleasures of life were increased and its experiences multiplied."

 Answer : 

The Liberating Fluidity of Gender in Orlando

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography (1928) is a revolutionary exploration of identity, particularly in its treatment of gender fluidity. The quoted passage—"She had, it seems no difficulty in sustaining the different parts, for her sex changed far more frequently than those who have worn only one set of clothing can conceive; nor can there be any doubt that she reaped a twofold harvest by this device; the pleasures of life were increased and its experiences multiplied."—encapsulates Woolf’s radical approach to gender as something mutable rather than biologically or socially fixed. From my perspective, this passage not only challenges traditional gender binaries but also celebrates the richness of experience that comes from transcending them.

Gender as Performance and Experience

Woolf presents gender as a fluid construct, not a rigid category. By stating that Orlando has “no difficulty in sustaining the different parts,” Woolf implies that gender roles are performative rather than innate, a concept later theorized by Judith Butler in Gender Trouble (1990). This suggests that Orlando, having lived as both a man and a woman, understands that identity is shaped by external expectations rather than intrinsic qualities.

The phrase “for her sex changed far more frequently than those who have worn only one set of clothing can conceive” highlights how those who have only known a single gender experience may struggle to grasp the flexibility and multiplicity of identity. Clothing serves as a metaphor for gender—an external, societal imposition rather than an absolute truth. This aligns with Woolf’s broader modernist project of dismantling rigid categories, whether in literature, history, or identity.

The Twofold Harvest: Enriched Experience and Freedom

Woolf’s use of the phrase “twofold harvest” suggests that Orlando’s shifting gender identity is not a source of confusion or limitation but rather a means of gaining richer life experiences. As a man, Orlando enjoys privileges, education, and artistic freedom. As a woman, Orlando navigates societal constraints yet also experiences the depth of emotional and intellectual insight that comes with seeing the world from multiple perspectives.

Scholar Rachel Bowlby notes that Orlando “suggests an experience of gender that is accumulative rather than oppositional” . This means that rather than seeing masculinity and femininity as conflicting, Woolf presents them as complementary aspects of a whole self. Orlando does not lose anything by changing genders; rather, they gain a broader, more profound understanding of life.

Freedom from Social Constructs

Another critical element of this passage is its implicit critique of society’s rigid gender norms. By suggesting that those who have “worn only one set of clothing” cannot comprehend Orlando’s experience, Woolf points to the limitations imposed by societal expectations. This resonates with my view that identity should not be confined to fixed categories but should instead be fluid and evolving.

Elaine Showalter argues that Woolf’s treatment of gender in Orlando “rejects the binary logic of male and female and instead celebrates an androgynous ideal” . This aligns with Woolf’s argument in A Room of One’s Own (1929), where she suggests that a great writer must possess a “man-womanly mind.” By living across genders, Orlando embodies this ideal, demonstrating that true selfhood is not bound by societal classifications.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Multiplicity

From my perspective, this passage is one of the most liberating in Orlando because it affirms the joy of embracing multiple identities rather than being confined to a single role. Woolf’s portrayal of Orlando’s gender fluidity is not tragic or conflicted but empowering, allowing for greater freedom and experience. By presenting gender as something performative, enriching, and ever-changing, Woolf not only critiques rigid societal norms but also offers a vision of identity that is dynamic and expansive. In doing so, she challenges readers to reconsider their own understanding of gender and selfhood.

Question : How far can you consider Orlando a biographical account of Virginia Woolf and her interactions with Vita Sackville West? 

Answer : 

Orlando as a Biographical Reflection of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography (1928) is often considered one of the most unconventional biographies ever written, blending fiction, history, and personal reflection. While it presents itself as a biography of its protagonist, Orlando, it is widely recognized as an imaginative portrayal of Woolf’s close relationship with Vita Sackville-West. From my perspective, Orlando is not a traditional biography but rather a literary tribute, infused with Woolf’s personal emotions, intellectual admiration, and exploration of identity through the lens of fantasy and history.

Orlando as Vita Sackville-West: The Biographical Connection

One of the most direct biographical elements in Orlando is its clear connection to Vita Sackville-West. Orlando, a noble figure who transcends time and gender, is often seen as a fictionalized version of Sackville-West, who was known for her aristocratic heritage, literary talent, and unconventional approach to gender and sexuality. Woolf herself acknowledged this connection, describing Orlando as “a tribute” to Vita.

Orlando’s ancestral home in the novel, which plays a significant role in shaping their identity, strongly resembles Knole House, Sackville-West’s family estate. Knole was a symbol of Vita’s conflicted relationship with her aristocratic lineage, as she was unable to inherit the estate due to the laws of primogeniture. Woolf reflects this struggle through Orlando’s deep attachment to their home and the changing historical landscape that shapes their identity. As Woolf writes, “The house was the repository of her memories; each room held a story, each corridor an echo of her past selves” (Woolf, 1928, p. 176). This passage echoes Vita’s own sentiments about Knole, reinforcing the novel’s biographical undertones.

Woolf and Vita: Love, Gender, and Identity

Beyond biography, Orlando also reflects Woolf’s personal relationship with Vita Sackville-West, which was deeply intellectual, emotional, and romantic. Their letters reveal a bond that transcended conventional categories of friendship and love. Woolf’s depiction of Orlando’s gender fluidity mirrors Sackville-West’s androgynous persona and her ability to navigate both masculine and feminine identities. Orlando’s transformation from a man to a woman is not presented as a loss but as an expansion of experience—something that aligns with Woolf’s and Vita’s shared views on gender and identity.

Scholar Louise DeSalvo argues that Orlando is “a love letter in novel form” , a perspective I strongly agree with. Woolf does not merely fictionalize Vita’s life but rather celebrates her ability to defy societal expectations. By making Orlando immortal and ever-changing, Woolf immortalizes Vita in literature, granting her a freedom that real-world constraints denied her.

The Playful Nature of Biography

One of the most fascinating aspects of Orlando is its subversion of the biographical genre. Traditionally, biographies aim for factual accuracy, but Woolf blurs the line between reality and fiction. As she writes in the novel, “A biography is considered complete if it merely accounts for six or seven selves, whereas a person may have as many as a thousand” (Woolf, 1928, p. 244). This suggests that Woolf is less interested in documenting a single truth and more invested in capturing the essence of a life—its fluidity, contradictions, and multiplicity.

Woolf scholar Hermione Lee notes that Orlando “turns biography into an art of possibilities rather than certainties”. From my perspective, this is one of Woolf’s greatest achievements: she challenges the rigid structures of biography and instead creates a narrative that reflects the complexities of human identity and personal connection.

Conclusion: A Biography Beyond Facts

While Orlando is not a strict biographical account, it is undeniably shaped by Woolf’s relationship with Vita Sackville-West. The novel captures the essence of Vita—her aristocratic background, her struggles with inheritance, her gender fluidity, and her defiance of societal norms—while also serving as an artistic exploration of identity and transformation. More than a biography, Orlando is an homage, a literary love letter, and a reimagining of history through Woolf’s modernist lens. It is a work that transcends traditional categories, much like the figures who inspired it.

References : 

Reid, Panthea. "Virginia Woolf". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Virginia-Woolf. .

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Orlando". Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orlando-by-Woolf. 

WILSON, JAMES SOUTHALL. “TIME AND VIRGINIA WOOLF.” The Virginia Quarterly Review, vol. 18, no. 2, 1942, pp. 267–76. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26456854. 

Flipped Class Activity: The Waste Land

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here.

              Title: The Waste Land

Author: T. S. Eliot

Publication Year: 1922

Published In: The poem was first published in the literary magazine The Criterion in October 1922 and later in The Dial in the same year.

Structure: The poem consists of five sections:

• "The Burial of the Dead"
• "A Game of Chess"
• "The Fire Sermon"
• "Death by Water"
• "What the Thunder Said"

Style: Modernist poetry, known for its fragmented structure, use of free verse, and extensive allusions.

 Themes:

• Spiritual desolation and alienation
• Decay of culture and civilization
• Search for meaning and redemption

Allusions: The poem references various literary, religious, and cultural texts, including:

• The Bible
• Dante’s Divine Comedy
• Shakespeare’s plays
• Hindu Upanishads and Buddhist teachings

Influence: Ezra Pound, a fellow modernist poet, heavily edited the original manuscript and is credited in the dedication as "il miglior fabbro" (the better craftsman).

 

Notable Features:

• Multilingual text, incorporating phrases in Latin, Greek, German, French, and Sanskrit.
• Juxtaposition of myth and contemporary reality.
• Use of mythic structures like the Grail legend and the Fisher King.

Impact: The Waste Land is regarded as one of the most important works of modernist literature and has had a profound influence on 20th-century poetry and criticism.

 Famous Lines:

"April is the cruellest month..."

"I will show you fear in a handful of dust."

"Shantih shantih shantih" (a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the peace which passeth u

nderstanding")

Waste Land through Pandemic Lens - Part 1 

Video Link: https://youtu.be/4pLuqHTNscs?si=KDaJP12Y-FKi2YQs

The Waste Land Through the Pandemic Lens: A Poem of Fragmentation, Loss, and Resilience

T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land (1922) is often hailed as a quintessential modernist masterpiece, reflecting post-war disillusionment and cultural decay. However, recent interpretations, particularly by Elizabeth Outka in Viral Modernism, suggest that the poem also serves as an implicit memorial to the 1918 influenza pandemic. This reading reveals how the fragmented structure, haunting imagery, and pervasive themes of vulnerability and decay resonate deeply with the personal and collective trauma of a world grappling with illness.

Eliot and the Spanish Flu

Eliot and his wife, Vivien, contracted the Spanish flu during the pandemic’s second wave in December 1918. This experience left a profound mark on Eliot, contributing to his physical collapse and nervous breakdown in 1921. Letters from this period reveal the exhaustion and despair that shaped both his personal life and artistic vision. The pandemic’s aftermath is subtly woven into The Waste Land, where images of thirst, decay, and frailty echo the devastation left by the flu.

Fragmentation and Fever Dreams

The poem’s disjointed structure mirrors the fragmented consciousness of illness. Feverish hallucinations and disordered thoughts are reflected in abrupt shifts between voices and surreal imagery, such as:

 "Burning burning burning burning"

This repetitive line evokes the fever and delirium associated with influenza, while the recurring motif of waterlessness in What the Thunder Said captures the physical torment of flu symptoms.

The opening lines, “April is the cruellest month,” juxtapose the renewal of spring with death and decay, reflecting the post-pandemic exhaustion that haunted survivors. The poem’s fragmented voices and chaotic juxtapositions embody both the personal disarray of Eliot’s psyche and the collective disorientation of a world recovering from war and illness.

Pathogenic Atmosphere: Wind, Fog, and Contagion

Eliot masterfully constructs a pathogenic atmosphere throughout the poem. The recurring imagery of wind and fog evokes the invisible transmission of disease, amplifying a sense of vulnerability:

"The brown fog of a winter dawn"

This fog, coupled with haunting cityscapes like the “Unreal City,” mirrors the disorientation and suffocating presence of contagion. The tolling of bells throughout the poem symbolizes not only personal mourning but also collective grief, connecting individual losses to the pandemic’s widespread devastation.

Invisible Battles: Memorializing the Pandemic

Unlike wars, pandemics are difficult to memorialize due to their invisible nature. The suffering is deeply personal, experienced within the confines of one’s body, yet collectively endured. Literature, however, bridges this gap, capturing the emotional and cultural toll of such events.

In The Waste Land, Eliot transforms the intangible trauma of the pandemic into a tangible artistic expression. Lines such as “Fear death by water” and images of corpses buried in the earth underscore the fragility of life, while the fragmented structure reflects the disordered reality of a post-pandemic world.

A Dual Lens: War and Illness

Though traditionally interpreted as a response to World War I, The Waste Land transcends this singular lens. Elizabeth Outka suggests that the “miasmic residue of the pandemic” infuses the poem, making it a haunting memorial to both war and illness. The feverish delirium, fragmented voices, and pervasive decay capture the essence of a “post-pandemic consciousness,” offering a unique perspective on collective vulnerability.

Legacy of The Waste Land

Ultimately, The Waste Land endures as a resonant portrayal of human resilience amidst chaos. By embedding the trauma of the Spanish flu within its fragmented form, Eliot not only memorializes the pandemic’s invisible impact but also underscores the universal fragility of life. Through its haunting imagery and disjointed voices, the poem becomes a testament to survival, loss, and the enduring power of literature to give voice to the unspoken.

The Waste Land' through Pandemic Lens Part 2

Video Link: https://youtu.be/tWChnMGynp8?si=4qtUV1FvDk7D9nJk

A Fragmented Memory: Understanding ‘The Waste Land’ Through the Lens of Pandemics and Collective Trauma

T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land has long been regarded as a multifaceted exploration of despair, death, and renewal. However, reading it through the lens of pandemics reveals profound insights into the trauma, grief, and societal fractures caused by both visible and invisible threats, such as the 1918 influenza pandemic. The fragmented structure of Eliot’s masterpiece mirrors the disjointed reality of a world grappling with illness, mortality, and societal upheaval, offering an avenue to reflect on the silencing of collective suffering.

The Silencing of Illness and Memory

Eliot’s portrayal of grief and death serves as a reminder of the necessity to document and remember human suffering. Much like a photograph capturing a fleeting moment, his poetry emphasizes that the body’s pain and the emotional toll of crises must not be forgotten. This notion resonates with how pandemics often fade into obscurity despite their profound impact. To fully understand the poem’s depth, one must heed its voices, which echo the “ghostly but widespread afterlife” of pandemics, revealing how illness is often suppressed or overlooked in collective memory.

Death and the Inevitability of Fate

In The Waste Land, the inevitability of death emerges as a central theme, reflecting the grim realities of the Spanish Flu and other historical crises. Eliot’s work parallels the stark imagery of Austrian paintings that captured the pervasiveness of mortality during such periods. These portrayals underscore humanity’s shared vulnerability in the face of pandemics, where death looms as an inescapable force, reshaping how societies perceive life and its fragility.

Visual Testimonies: From the Vulture to Danish Siddiqui

The tension between life and death, vividly expressed in Eliot’s poetry, finds a modern parallel in Kevin Carter’s “Vulture and Child” photograph and Danish Siddiqui’s documentation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carter’s haunting Pulitzer-winning image symbolizes the intersection of survival and despair during times of famine and disease, reflecting the psychological weight of human suffering. Similarly, Siddiqui’s work captures the socio-political inequalities and human cost of the pandemic, serving as a testament to the fractures within society. Both artists, like Eliot, remind us of the importance of preserving memory, however painful, to confront the truth of collective trauma.

Viral Resurrection: Beyond the Biological Impact

Eliot’s depiction of fragmented landscapes and spiritual desolation aligns with the idea of “viral resurrection.” Pandemics do not merely affect the body; they permeate cities, emotions, language, and culture, reshaping entire societies. Eliot’s fevered imagery reflects this all-encompassing transformation, where the trauma of pandemics alters not just individual lives but the fabric of collective existence.

The Flawed Approach to Pandemic Memory

One of the challenges in documenting pandemics is the tendency to reduce them to biological events or statistical analyses. Unlike wars, which often leave behind monuments and shared memories, pandemics are internalized, making them harder to memorialize. Siddiqui’s photographs and Eliot’s fragmented poetry address this gap by capturing the deeper societal, emotional, and psychological impacts of crises, ensuring that these collective experiences are not erased.

The Waste Land as a Testament to Resilience

Through its fragmented structure and haunting resonance, The Waste Land encapsulates the remnants of the 1918 influenza pandemic while also addressing war, spirituality, and personal loss. Eliot’s ability to channel the elusive experiences of collective trauma—whether from the trenches or the sickrooms of a pandemic-stricken world—makes his work a powerful testament to human fragility and resilience.

Conclusion: The Need for Holistic Memory

Reading The Waste Land with pandemics in mind highlights the silencing of illness and the importance of preserving its memory. To truly capture the impact of such crises, we must embrace a more nuanced approach, incorporating art, photography, and poetry to reflect the layered suffering and resilience of individuals and communities. Eliot’s masterpiece reminds us that through proper documentation and reflection, we can confront the specters of pandemics and honor the truths of our shared humanity.

This approach ensures that the haunting realities of pandemics, like the fragments of Eliot’s poetry, remain visible and relevant, providing future generations with a deeper understanding of collective trauma and its enduring afterlife.

References:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "The Waste Land". Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Jan. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Waste-Land. 

DoE-MKBU. “Reading ‘The Waste Land’ Through Pandemic Lens Part 1 | Sem 2 Online Classes | 2021 07 21.” YouTube, 21 July 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pLuqHTNscs.

DoE-MKBU. “Reading Waste Land Through Pandemic Lens - Part 2 | Sem 2 Online Classes | 2021 07 21.” YouTube, 21 July 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWChnMGynp8.

Eliot, T. S. “The Waste Land.” Poetry Foundation, 1922, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47311/the-waste-land.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

This blog task is assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU).

Question : Critical Analysis of the Ending of For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction to For Whom the Bell Tolls

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1940. Set during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), it focuses on Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter who is working with a group of guerilla fighters to blow up a bridge that is crucial to the enemy's supply line. The story explores themes of love, loss, duty, and the human condition, with a significant focus on the internal struggles of the protagonist.

Key Facts:

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Genre: War novel, Fiction

Published: 1940

Setting: Spanish Civil War, 1930s

Main Character: Robert Jordan

Themes: Heroism, self-sacrifice, loyalty, love, and the futility of war

Narrative Style: The novel is written in third-person limited point of view, with a focus on Robert Jordan's thoughts and emotions.

The title of the book is derived from John Donne's meditation, which includes the line, "never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee," symbolizing the connection between all people and the inevitability of death.

The Significance of the Ending

The final moments of For Whom the Bell Tolls are pivotal not only for their dramatic intensity but also for the profound insights they provide into the nature of life, death, and the individual's role within the larger socio-political struggles of the time. In the closing pages, Robert Jordan, gravely wounded during the execution of his mission, reflects on his life, his love for Maria, and his impending death. The ending encapsulates the novel's primary themes, such as individual sacrifice for the collective good, the paradox of heroism, and the inevitability of death.

Robert Jordan's Last Thoughts: The Convergence of Personal and Political

The conclusion of the novel is marked by Robert Jordan’s final moments as he lies dying in the Spanish countryside. His reflections on life, love, and war reveal a complex inner world, where personal desires and political obligations are inextricably intertwined. Jordan's thoughts on Maria, the woman he loves, represent the human aspect of the war that he is fighting in. His love for her, while fleeting, provides him with a sense of meaning in the face of death. Yet, this love also becomes an emblem of the war's destructiveness, as it can never truly be realized due to the overarching violence and chaos of the conflict.

Hemingway's portrayal of Jordan's internal conflict—his desire to live and experience love versus his acceptance of death as a necessary part of his mission—speaks to the broader theme of individual sacrifice for the greater good. Jordan’s acceptance of death becomes symbolic of the personal cost of war and the weight of ideological commitment. While he recognizes the futility of his personal desires in the face of war, he remains steadfast in his duty, exemplifying Hemingway’s exploration of duty, honor, and the tragic nature of the human condition.

Death and the Collective: A Meditation on Humanity

Hemingway’s depiction of death in the final moments of the novel is both intimate and universal. As Jordan anticipates his death, he is not solely concerned with his personal end but with the fate of his comrades and the broader ideological struggle. The novel’s title, a reference to John Donne's meditation, "for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee," reinforces this notion of interconnectedness. Jordan’s death, though individual, is part of the larger cycle of war, and by extension, the human condition. The bell tolls not only for him but for every person who sacrifices their life for a cause larger than themselves.

In his final moments, Hemingway employs the technique of “stream of consciousness” to convey Robert’s fragmented thoughts. Through this literary device, we experience the tension between Robert’s individual desires and the war’s relentless demands. His death, marked by uncertainty and suffering, is both a personal tragedy and a metaphor for the countless others lost in the throes of war, underscoring the futility and the inescapability of violence.

The Ambiguity of Heroism and Sacrifice

Hemingway's presentation of heroism in the novel is complex and often paradoxical. Robert Jordan, in his final moments, embodies the ambiguity of the heroic ideal. His death is not one of glorification or triumph but one of quiet sacrifice. There is no glorified martyrdom; instead, Robert’s death is a stark and painful acknowledgment of the harsh realities of war. This departure from traditional portrayals of war heroes challenges the conventional narrative of war as an arena for valor and honor.

The ambiguous nature of Robert’s sacrifice invites readers to question the meaning of heroism itself. Is heroism truly about sacrifice, or is it an arbitrary construct imposed by those in power? Hemingway leaves this question unanswered, suggesting that the true meaning of heroism is elusive and perhaps unattainable in the brutal reality of war.

Conclusion

The ending of For Whom the Bell Tolls is both poignant and thought-provoking, encapsulating the novel’s exploration of death, love, sacrifice, and the human condition. Through Robert Jordan’s final moments, Hemingway deftly interweaves personal emotion with the larger forces of history and ideology, ultimately offering a meditation on the futility of war and the inevitable cycle of life and death. The novel’s closing moments resist simple interpretations, encouraging readers to reflect on the complexities of heroism, the nature of sacrifice, and the inescapable interconnectedness of human lives. Hemingway’s sparse yet profound prose invites readers to consider the true cost of war—not just in terms of lives lost but in the lives irreversibly altered by it.

Movie: Part : 1

Link: https://youtu.be/sueOfxx7QHQ?si=GYTTOSKUljRRsRZc

    Part : 2

Link: https://youtu.be/2Kip_Sxes7s?si=iNL0FxKZPiLkX_yr

Question : Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero in For Whom the Bell Tolls

Introduction to the Hemingway Hero

Ernest Hemingway is renowned for his distinctive portrayal of protagonists who often embody characteristics of stoicism, courage, and a deep sense of existential struggle. These characters are frequently referred to as “Hemingway heroes” or “code heroes,” defined by their adherence to a personal moral code, their confrontation with life’s inherent meaninglessness, and their pursuit of grace under pressure. Robert Jordan, the protagonist of For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), exemplifies many of these traits, making him a quintessential Hemingway hero. This research paper explores Robert Jordan’s character in depth, analyzing his psychological, emotional, and moral dimensions through the lens of Hemingway’s code hero.

The Hemingway Code: A Framework for Understanding Robert Jordan

To understand Robert Jordan’s character, it is crucial first to define the characteristics of a typical Hemingway hero. The Hemingway code hero is typically defined by the following qualities:

Stoicism and Control: The Hemingway hero faces life’s challenges with emotional restraint and stoicism. Even in the face of suffering and death, they maintain composure and control over their emotions.

Courage and Action: The hero takes action in the face of adversity, demonstrating courage despite the inherent uncertainty and brutality of life.

Existential Awareness: The hero is acutely aware of the futility of life, and yet they continue to act, driven by personal integrity and the need to impose meaning on an otherwise meaningless existence.

Isolation and Alienation: The hero often experiences a sense of isolation, both physically and emotionally, as they grapple with their inner turmoil and the harsh realities of life.

A Personal Code: The Hemingway hero adheres to a strict personal moral code that dictates their actions, even when it contradicts conventional societal norms or self-interest.

In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Robert Jordan embodies these traits, marking him as a quintessential Hemingway hero. His experiences and choices throughout the novel demonstrate both adherence to and deviation from these characteristics, revealing a multifaceted character caught between duty, love, and existential despair.

Stoicism and Control: Robert Jordan’s Inner Strength

Robert Jordan’s emotional restraint is evident throughout the novel, particularly in his response to the death and violence that surround him. As a soldier in the Spanish Civil War, Robert is no stranger to violence, yet he maintains a stoic demeanor even in the face of death. His internal monologues often reveal a character who, while deeply affected by the suffering of others and the brutality of war, attempts to control his emotions and remain detached from the chaos.

The climax of Robert’s internal stoicism occurs as he faces his impending death. Wounded and immobilized in the Spanish countryside, Robert contemplates his life, his mission, and his love for Maria. Despite his mortal injury, he does not succumb to despair. Instead, he thinks about his comrades and the importance of the mission he undertook, revealing the sense of duty that defines him. His decision to remain at his post and die with dignity reflects the stoic ideal of grace under pressure, a central tenet of Hemingway’s philosophy.

Courage and Action: Robert Jordan’s Reluctant Heroism

Hemingway heroes are defined by their courage and willingness to take action in the face of adversity. Robert Jordan’s mission to destroy the bridge during the Spanish Civil War demonstrates this characteristic. While he is not inherently driven by personal ambition or a desire for glory, he recognizes the strategic importance of his task and the need for action. Jordan’s courage is not rooted in bravado but in his commitment to the cause and his belief in the necessity of his actions for the greater good.

However, Robert’s courage is also marked by an internal conflict. He is deeply aware of the senselessness of war, the futility of individual sacrifice, and the emotional cost of his actions. His war-weariness and internal struggle complicate his role as a traditional hero. Nonetheless, he proceeds with his mission, demonstrating the Hemingway hero’s ability to confront fear and uncertainty, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Existential Awareness: The Inevitability of Death

One of the defining features of the Hemingway hero is an acute awareness of the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of death. Robert Jordan’s reflections on life and death throughout the novel underscore this existential consciousness. As a soldier in the Spanish Civil War, Jordan is constantly reminded of the fragility of life, yet he does not succumb to nihilism. Instead, he seeks meaning in his fleeting existence, particularly through his love for Maria and his dedication to the mission.

In his final moments, Robert’s acceptance of death is not tragic in the conventional sense; rather, it is a recognition of the unavoidable nature of mortality. This acceptance allows him to face death with a certain quiet dignity, embodying Hemingway’s idea of “grace under pressure.” His awareness of death as an inescapable force lends his character a tragic yet profound depth.

Isolation and Alienation: Robert Jordan’s Struggle with Solitude

The Hemingway hero is often marked by a sense of isolation, both physical and emotional. Robert Jordan’s sense of alienation is particularly evident in his relationship with others. While he forms connections with certain characters, such as his fellow guerilla fighters and Maria, he remains largely isolated in his thoughts and actions. His mission places him at odds with the world around him, and his internal struggles—concerning duty, love, and death—further isolate him from others.

Robert’s emotional isolation is further accentuated by his role as an outsider in the Spanish Civil War. As an American in a foreign land, he is removed from the cultural and political context of the war, deepening his sense of alienation. This isolation is central to his character, as it reflects the broader existential theme of the individual’s struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and indifferent world.

A Personal Code: Robert Jordan’s Moral Framework

Throughout For Whom the Bell Tolls, Robert Jordan adheres to a personal moral code, one that is rooted in his sense of duty and honor. His commitment to the Republican cause, while at times conflicting with his personal desires, reflects his understanding of the greater good and his role within it. Despite the chaotic nature of war, Robert attempts to impose order on his actions by adhering to a code that places duty above personal gain.

However, his code is not without internal conflict. Robert’s love for Maria and his desire for a life outside of war challenge his sense of duty, yet he never falters in his mission. This tension between personal desire and moral duty exemplifies the complexity of the Hemingway hero, who must reconcile personal impulses with a commitment to a larger cause.

Conclusion: Robert Jordan as a Hemingway Hero

In conclusion, Robert Jordan’s character in For Whom the Bell Tolls embodies many of the essential characteristics of the Hemingway hero. His stoicism, courage, existential awareness, sense of isolation, and adherence to a personal code position him as a quintessential representative of Hemingway’s philosophical and literary ideals. However, Robert’s complexity as a character also reflects the contradictions inherent in the human condition, as he grapples with the brutality of war, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of meaning in a world defined by suffering. Through Robert Jordan, Hemingway provides a powerful exploration of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of death, making him a profound and enduring example of the Hemingway hero.

References : 

Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. Scribner Classics, 1940.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "For Whom the Bell Tolls". Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/For-Whom-the-Bell-Tolls-novel-by-Hemingway. 

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