Using Gen AI in Literature Classroom: Two Worksheets

 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.

Handwrite the worksheets:

Video - 1: The Sheep and the Goat | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett

The video discusses the connection between biblical references of sheep and goats and their implications regarding human behaviour and religious beliefs. It particularly focuses on the parable in the Gospel of Matthew wherein Jesus distinguishes between the ‘sheep’ and the ‘goats,’ representing the righteous and the unrighteous. The speaker explains how the audience's interpretation of this biblical analogy can shine a light on broader themes in humanity, such as fear of punishment versus the love of God. Rather than paint a straightforward picture of good versus evil, the discussion reveals the complexity of these concepts. The video critiques both the traditional understanding of the parable and its application, using insights from the play "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett to highlight how the distinctions between happiness and unhappiness become muddled, complicating the relationship between humans and the divine. Additionally, the speaker challenges the audience to consider how these religious paradigms can be interpreted in various ways—focusing on docility and adamancy within the debate over spiritual beliefs and practices.

Highlights

Biblical Allusion: The sheep and goats parable speaks to the moral distinctions within humanity.

Fear Over Love: A central theme arises regarding humanity's fear of divine punishment rather than an adherence to divine love.

Right and Left: The designation of sheep on the 'right' and goats on the 'left' highlights a longstanding moral divide in religious and political contexts.

Muddled Happiness: Characters in Beckett's play struggle with the concepts of happiness and unhappiness, challenging traditional notions of fulfillment.

Religious Critique: The interpretation of who is a 'sheep' and who is a 'goat' provides a critique of self-righteousness and hypocrisy.

Human Behaviour: The discussion reflects on the difficulty of changing entrenched beliefs and behaviours in society.

Philosophical Inquiry: The presentation invites deeper philosophical questions about the nature of goodness and the divine judgment system.

 Key Insights

The Complexity of Punishment and Love: The speaker highlights that while most religious texts assert God's love, the fear of punishment often dominates human perceptions. This fear influences moral decisions and may distort the conceptualisation of God, leading to a reliance on retributive justice rather than grace and forgiveness.

  

Subtext in Samuel Beckett's Work: Beckett's literary engagement with biblical themes serves to critique traditional religious narratives. Rather than affirm the division established in the Book of Matthew, Beckett raises questions about fairness in divine judgment. His characters grapple with uncertainty, undermining religious confidence and potentially suggesting that moral categorisation is fraught with ambiguity.

  

Symbolic Interpretation of Right and Left: The dichotomy of right (sheep) and left (goat) transcends mere categorisation of good and evil; it intersects with contemporary political ideologies—those who follow versus those who question authority. The language of the left stems from these very theological discussions, indicating the evolution of societal norms and behaviours over time.

  

Human Nature and Adamancy: The discussion touches upon the inherent stubbornness of both sheep and goats, suggesting that even within docility, there lies an unyielding nature against external influences. This reflects the broader struggle humans face in changing their convictions, particularly when such beliefs are enshrined in cultural or religious identity.

  

Dissonance in Assessing Happiness: The scene from Beckett's play, where characters express uncertainty about their emotional states, invites a reevaluation of what constitutes happiness and the direction of spiritual pursuits. It questions whether the craving for eternal happiness found in religious narratives can coexist with a profound sense of existential plight.

  

Religious and Political Relevance: At the intersection of morality and governance, the video argues that a clear distinction between the 'righteous' and 'unrighteous' becomes cumbersome when scrutinised through behaviour and belief systems. This adds layers of complexity to how societies construct ideals of righteousness in their own contexts.

  

Call for Reflection: Ultimately, the takeaway from this analysis is a call for deeper introspection regarding faith, morality, and personal beliefs. By critiquing established religious narratives and examining the symbols within them, individuals are urged to evaluate their own positions within these frameworks rather than accept traditional dichotomies.

The conversation that unfolds through the video encourages viewers to re-examine their own beliefs in the face of enduring religious and philosophical questions—fostering a greater understanding of the intricate web of morality, authority, and individual agency in the realm of faith and existence.

Video - 2: Hope - Christian Faith or Sartrean Bad Faith | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett

The discussion delves into the complex themes within Samuel Beckett's play, focusing particularly on its religious implications and existential undertones. Initially, the critics debate whether the play conveys a Christian message or reflects broader religious ideologies, including Hindu philosophy. The conversation examines concepts of hope, suffering, and the interdependence of characters Vladimir and Estragon. This exchange extends to broader existential philosophies, addressing the nature of waiting, the implications of faith, and the cyclical nature of human experience. The dialogue suggests that the hope for salvation through waiting, as represented by the character Godot, might ultimately be an evasion of more profound existential truths. The importance of looking beyond mere hope or expectation towards a more realistic understanding of one’s condition is highlighted. By intertwining various philosophical interpretations, the discussion opens avenues for recognising the absurdities inherent in life and the human predicament.

 Highlights

-The play's themes intimately intertwine with Christian and Hindu philosophies, questioning the essence of hope and suffering.

-Beckett's characters embody existential dilemmas, facing a perpetual cycle of waiting that reflects deeper human conditions.

-Writers like Sartre challenge traditional Christian beliefs, examining the nuances of faith and existence.

- The act of waiting becomes a metaphorical representation of life's absurdity and the human struggle for meaning.

- Hope is portrayed as both a lifeline and an avoidance tactic, diverting the characters from facing harsh realities.

-The interdependence of Vladimir and Estragon highlights foundational moral values across religions, illustrating the essence of human compassion.

- The discussion connects contemporary societal issues, such as the impacts of social media, with the nuances of existential philosophy.

 Key Insights

Religious Interpretations: The play's foundation can be interpreted through various religions, particularly Christianity and Hinduism. By drawing parallels with texts like the Bhagavad-Gita, Beckett encourages a multi-faceted understanding of spirituality, portraying human existence as a blend of shared sufferings, ethical dilemmas, and moral lessons. This diversity in interpretation is crucial for understanding the essence of hope and suffering, which resonates across different cultures and religious beliefs.

Existentialism and Human Condition: Focusing on the existential themes of the play, the dialogue unveils characters trapped in a cycle of waiting, reflecting a deeper "human condition" of despair and inertia. It is imperative to engage with the idea that merely existing without confronting the reality of one's circumstances can lead to a mundane life, devoid of meaning or purpose. Waiting, therefore, becomes an allegory for human helplessness, encapsulating the absurd nature of existence.

The Paradox of Time: Time is explored as a concept within the play, illustrating how human beings strive to fill voids through action or inaction. The perpetual waiting significantly demonstrates how time can seem interminable in moments of despair. This aspect of the play articulates a deeper philosophical exploration of time's dual role—being necessary yet often perceived as absurd, ultimately prompting individuals to confront their own existence rather than evade it through waiting.

Hope as Evading Reality: Beckett presents hope not merely as a positive force but as a possible evasion of confronting reality. The recurring motif of Godot serves as a vessel for illustrating how the anticipation of something better can actually hinder one’s ability to face their current condition. The notion of hope becomes a double-edged sword, portraying the delicate balance between aspiration and despair.

Interdependence and Compassion: The relationship between Vladimir and Estragon illustrates fundamental human connections, framed within the context of charity and compassion—a recurring theme in various religious doctrines. Their mutual dependence epitomizes the fundamental Christian value of love and service to others, encouraging audiences to reflect on the significance of interpersonal relationships.

Habitual Nature of Expectation: The conversation draws attention to how human beings often fall into a habitual cycle of waiting and hoping for change without taking active steps towards transformation. This tendency to live in anticipation illustrates a broader commentary on contemporary societal behaviours, where distractions (exemplified by social media) might serve to perpetuate this cycle of inaction and expectation.

Broader Societal Reflection: The discussions invite comparisons with modern issues, particularly in the context of social media habits, drawing parallels with the pervasive cycle of waiting embodied by Godot. The message critiques how contemporary culture encourages an unrealistic expectation of immediate gratification and disillusionment, collectively leading to feelings of anxiety and hopelessness rather than constructive engagement with life.

Conclusion:

The discussion surrounding Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" traverses multiple layers of existential philosophy, religious thought, and societal critique. It argues that while the play presents significant religious interpretations, its core essence transcends mere religious connotation, delving deeply into human nature's absurdities and the perpetual quest for meaning. The interplay between hope and reality invites a reconsideration of not only personal beliefs but also broader societal behaviours, ultimately urging individuals to confront the transient nature of existence and engage meaningfully with their lives and the world around them. In this examination of the profound implications of waiting, suffering, and connection, Beckett’s work remains a timeless critique of the human condition.

References:

Barad, Dilip. “Hope - Christian Faith or Sartrean Bad Faith | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett.” YouTube, uploaded by DoE-MKBU, 30 Jan. 2023, youtu.be/umeapOKxyds. 

---. “Objectives for Using ChatGPT in Literature Classroom.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 22 Jan. 2023, blog.dilipbarad.com/2023/01/objectives-for-using-chatgpt-in.html. 

---. “The Sheep and the Goat | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett.” YouTube, uploaded by DoE-MKBU, 26 Jan. 2023, youtu.be/6KJw9LZ_HC8.

Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot: A Tragicomedy in Two Acts. Faber and Faber, 2012.