Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each.
a. Shakespearean Tragedy
Solution
Shakespearean tragedy is a genre of drama that originated in the plays of William Shakespeare. It is characterized by the depiction of a tragic hero or heroine who falls from grace due to a fatal flaw or a combination of external circumstances and personal shortcomings. The genre typically involves themes of love, honor, loyalty, and betrayal, and often explores universal themes such as the nature of justice, the relationship between fate and free will, and the fragility of human existence.
Shakespearean tragedy typically follows a five-act structure, with the first act establishing the setting, characters, and conflict. The second and third acts develop the plot and introduce obstacles and complications. The fourth act is usually the point of climax or crisis, where the tragic hero or heroine confronts their fate. The fifth act brings resolution, typically through the death of the tragic hero or heroine.
The tragic hero or heroine in Shakespearean tragedy is often a person of high social status, such as a king or queen, who possesses admirable qualities but is undone by a fatal flaw, such as pride or ambition. The character’s downfall is often accompanied by a sense of cosmic justice, as they are punished for their transgressions.
Some of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies include “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “Othello,” and “King Lear.” These plays continue to be studied and performed today, and have had a profound influence on the development of drama and literature over the past four centuries.
Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each.
b. The Metaphysical Poets
Solution
“The Metaphysical Poets” is a term used to describe a group of seventeenth-century poets who were known for their highly intellectual and complex verse. These poets were active during the time of the English Civil War and the reign of King Charles I, and they shared a common interest in exploring the nature of the universe, the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, and the complexities of human emotions and experience.
The term “metaphysical” was coined by the critic Samuel Johnson, who used it to describe the highly intellectual and abstract style of the poets in question. Some of the most famous metaphysical poets include John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, and Richard Crashaw.
The metaphysical poets were known for their use of elaborate conceits, or extended metaphors, in their poetry. These conceits often drew on scientific or philosophical ideas, and were used to explore complex emotional and spiritual themes. For example, in John Donne’s “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” he compares the love between two people to the relationship between the legs of a compass, suggesting that they are connected even when they are physically apart.
The metaphysical poets also often explored religious themes in their poetry, drawing on their deep knowledge of Christian theology and scripture to create highly intellectual and challenging works. For example, George Herbert’s “The Altar” uses the physical image of a table to explore the spiritual idea of sacrifice and devotion.
Overall, the metaphysical poets were an important and influential group of writers, whose complex and challenging works continue to be studied and appreciated by literary scholars and enthusiasts today.