Screening Macbeth: Symbolism, Ambition, and the Supernatural

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir.Click here

 Introduction 

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragedy steeped in darkness, ambition, and fate. Through rich symbolism, compelling characters, and eerie supernatural elements, the play explores the psychological and moral consequences of unchecked ambition. Let us explore how Shakespeare weaves these layers to shape one of his most haunting works.

1. Symbolic Significance of the Witches in Act I & IV

The three witches, or the Weird Sisters, set the tone of Macbeth from their very first appearance in Act I. Their cryptic chant, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” encapsulates the central theme of moral inversion and deception. They do not just predict Macbeth’s future; they symbolize chaos, temptation, and fate. In Act IV, the witches reappear with more twisted prophecies, using grotesque imagery (“finger of birth-strangled babe”) to evoke horror. Their role extends beyond fortune-telling—they manipulate reality, represent unnatural forces, and embody the moral confusion that drives Macbeth's downfall.

2. Macbeth’s Ambition and Moral Deterioration

Macbeth’s ambition is initially sparked by the witches but is fueled by his inner desires and Lady Macbeth’s provocation. At first, he is hesitant to act on the prophecy. But his internal struggle is short-lived. Once he murders King Duncan, he descends into a spiral of guilt and paranoia, revealing his moral decay.

His soliloquy in Act I, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition,” reflects how he recognizes his fatal flaw. Over time, ambition drives him to further bloodshed—murdering Banquo, orchestrating the slaughter of Macduff’s family, and alienating himself from humanity. Macbeth becomes a tyrant, numb to violence and incapable of remorse, showing how ambition without ethics corrupts completely.

3. The Symbolism of ‘Blood’: Guilt and Violence

Blood is one of the most potent recurring symbols in Macbeth, appearing around 40 times in the text. It first appears as a sign of heroism when Macbeth is praised for his valor in battle. However, after Duncan’s murder, blood becomes a symbol of guilt and psychological torment.

Lady Macbeth’s famous line, “Out, damned spot!” in Act V, reveals how deeply the guilt has stained her conscience. She imagines her hands perpetually stained with Duncan’s blood. Similarly, Macbeth laments that not even “all great Neptune’s ocean” can wash his hands clean. Blood symbolizes the irreversible nature of sin—once a line is crossed, it leaves a permanent mark on the soul.

4. The Impact of Supernatural Elements

Supernatural forces in Macbeth are more than just dramatic devices—they shape the psychological and narrative landscape of the play. The witches and their prophecies plant the seeds of ambition and mistrust in Macbeth’s mind. The ghost of Banquo and the apparitions in Act IV deepen Macbeth’s paranoia and sense of invincibility, which hastens his downfall.

These supernatural elements serve to blur the boundaries between reality and illusion. They manipulate not only Macbeth’s fate but also his mind. The play thus becomes a psychological horror—driven as much by the unseen forces as by human choices.

5. Macbeth vs. Lady Macbeth: A Tragic Partnership

While Macbeth and Lady Macbeth share a common ambition, their personalities differ greatly. Lady Macbeth is initially the more ruthless of the two. Her manipulation and scorn (“When you durst do it, then you were a man”) push Macbeth into murder. She suppresses her conscience early on, calling on spirits to “unsex” her, suggesting a desire to rid herself of feminine weakness.

However, their roles gradually reverse. Macbeth becomes increasingly bloodthirsty and isolated, while Lady Macbeth is consumed by guilt and madness. Her descent into sleepwalking and suicide reflects a fragile mind overwhelmed by conscience. Macbeth, on the other hand, grows desensitized and fatalistic, declaring life to be a “tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Their tragic flaws—ambition and moral blindness—drive the narrative forward and ultimately lead to their demise.

Conclusion: A Mirror to Human Desires and Fears

In Macbeth, Shakespeare crafts a world where ambition, guilt, and fate intertwine with supernatural forces to unravel the human soul. The witches’ cryptic influence, the haunting imagery of blood, and the moral conflict between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth reveal timeless truths about power, conscience, and corruption. In every line, Macbeth invites us to reflect on the cost of unchecked desire and the fragility of the

 human mind when tempted by power.

Refrence:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373482185_Worksheet_-_Screening_Shakespeare's_Macbeth

Rewriting the Last Monologue of Doctor Faustus with Insights from Bhagat Singh’s Arguments

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir.Click here

Introduction

Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus ends in a deeply tragic monologue that encapsulates the despair of a man who traded eternal salvation for momentary power. The final soliloquy of Faustus—spoken in the last hour before his damnation—reflects terror, regret, and helplessness. But what if we re-examine Faustus’s downfall not just as a moral or religious failure, but as a psychological and philosophical crisis through the lens of Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary thought, particularly from his essay Why I am an Atheist?

Bhagat Singh, a radical freedom fighter and thinker, rejected blind faith and advocated for intellectual courage and freedom of thought. He challenged not only colonial oppression but also the dogmas that enslaved the mind. By blending these two worlds—the Renaissance tragedy and the revolutionary spirit of pre-independence India—we can reinterpret Faustus’s final moments with a renewed sense of agency and resistance.

Faustus’s Final Monologue: A Cry for Mercy

In the original play, Faustus pleads:

> “O lente lente currite noctis equi!

The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike,

The devil will come, and Faustus must be damned.

O I'll leap up to my God!—Who pulls me down?

See, see where Christ’s blood streams in the firmament!”

These lines reflect a man utterly dependent on divine mercy, crushed by the weight of religious fear. He yearns for salvation but is paralyzed by guilt and cosmic fatalism.

 Bhagat Singh: Defiance over Despair

In Why I am an Atheist, Bhagat Singh argues that reliance on divine intervention limits human potential. He writes:

> “A man cannot be truly free until he liberates his mind from all kinds of superstitions.”

To Singh, true freedom involves confronting reality without illusions. His rejection of God was not born of arrogance but of intellectual honesty. He believed in fighting oppression through reason, not ritual.

Rewriting the Monologue: From Submission to Struggle

Let us reimagine Faustus’s last speech infused with Bhagat Singh’s ideological clarity and defiance:

> “O time, thou art not my enemy,

But the construct of my cowardice.

No stars govern my soul,

No blood in the sky can absolve my choice.

The devil I feared was but a shadow

Cast by my own ignorance.

Let this hour not be a cry for rescue—

But a reckoning.

If I perish, let it be not in shame,

But in the resolve that no fear shall rule me again.

Hell is not beneath, nor heaven above—

But within the mind that yields to chains.

Strike, clock! I welcome the truth,

Unmasked, unafraid, unrepentant.”

Interpretation: From Theological Doom to Existential Awareness

This revised monologue reflects a Faustus who embraces responsibility rather than begging for divine rescue. He does not surrender to fear but confronts it with clarity. The idea of damnation is internalized—not as eternal punishment—but as the natural consequence of choices made in ignorance.

Bhagat Singh's influence replaces theological guilt with philosophical awakening. Instead of fearing "hell," Faustus now understands the tragedy of his own intellectual enslavement. The monologue shifts from a passive lament to a radical self-critique—empowered, not broken.

Conclusion: From Tragedy to Transformation

Rewriting Faustus's final monologue with Bhagat Singh’s insights doesn’t dilute its tragic essence—it deepens it. Marlowe's Faustus represents the Renaissance man's thirst for knowledge but falls into despair because he seeks power without wisdom. Bhagat Singh offers a contrasting vision—of knowledge grounded in courage, freedom from dogma, and unwavering intellectual honesty.

This fusion of Western tragedy with Indian revolutionary thought reminds us that real liberation—whether personal or political—begins with the fearless questioning of authority, even divine. In this light, Faustus’s

 end becomes not just a fall, but the beginning of a much-needed awakening.

Refrence:https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2016/08/online-test-renaissance-literature.html

Navigating the Post-Truth Era: Truth, Emotion, and the Digital Battlefield

Introduction

In a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts and opinions often carry more weight than evidence, the world finds itself in the grip of a new cultural condition: post-truth. Declared the Word of the Year by the Oxford Dictionary in 2016, “post-truth” marks a shift in how people interact with information, especially through digital platforms. As Dilip Barad discusses in his blog post “Post-Truth: Word of the Year 2016,” post-truth is not a denial of truth itself but a preference for emotionally resonant narratives over verifiable reality. This blog explores the concept of post-truth, its effects on public opinion, its amplification through digital media, and the urgent need for critical awareness in navigating today’s complex information landscape.

Understanding the Concept of Post-Truth

The term post-truth describes a situation where emotional appeal and personal belief are more influential in shaping public opinion than objective facts. As Dilip Barad explains, “in a post-truth culture, people are more likely to accept an argument based on their emotions and beliefs rather than on facts.” It is not that facts have vanished but that their influence has diminished compared to emotionally charged content. In such a world, feelings of anger, fear, or nostalgia often overpower rational thought and factual accuracy.

Why Post-Truth Was Chosen as Word of the Year in 2016

The Oxford Dictionaries selected post-truth as the Word of the Year in 2016 due to its significant spike in usage—especially during two major political events: the Brexit referendum in the UK and the U.S. presidential election. Both events were characterized by widespread misinformation, emotional propaganda, and the rejection of expert analysis. The term captured a global shift in the way people processed political and social information, showing a growing trend where facts were sidelined in favor of emotionally persuasive rhetoric.

Impact of Post-Truth on Public Opinion Formation

Today, public opinion is increasingly shaped not by carefully considered facts but by quick, emotional responses to the content we consume. People are more likely to believe and share information that aligns with their pre-existing views, regardless of its accuracy. This has led to polarization, where individuals only engage with ideas that confirm their biases. Rational debate suffers as a result, and echo chambers flourish, further entrenching divisions in society.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines spread rapidly, convincing many to avoid vaccination despite scientific evidence. Similarly, during elections, false claims about candidates or voting procedures often go viral, influencing voter behavior and damaging democratic institutions.

Role of Digital Platforms in Spreading Post-Truth Narratives

Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Instagram, along with influencers and content creators, have become central to the spread of post-truth content. These platforms are designed to prioritize engagement—likes, shares, and comments—over truthfulness. As a result, sensational or emotionally charged posts tend to go viral faster than factual news.

For instance, a false WhatsApp message warning of a government conspiracy or communal threat can spread across groups within minutes, causing panic or even violence. In India, such messages have led to tragic incidents of mob lynching. Influencers with large followings also play a role in shaping opinions by spreading biased or misleading content in the guise of “truth-telling,” especially in areas like politics, health, and religion.

Examples of Post-Truth in Action

Some recent examples that demonstrate the power of post-truth include:

The Farmers’ Protest (India, 2020–2021): Fake videos and edited clips misrepresented protestors, branding them as violent or anti-national, swaying public perception against the movement.

U.S. Capitol Riots (2021): Fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories about election fraud, rioters stormed the Capitol in belief of a “stolen” election—an idea spread widely on social media.

Communal Rumors on WhatsApp: In several parts of India, rumors about child kidnappers circulated on WhatsApp, leading to lynchings of innocent people.

These examples highlight how emotionally manipulative and false content can lead not just to misinformation but to real-world consequences.

Personal Reflection: Encountering Post-Truth Daily

In my daily digital interactions, I often come across emotionally charged posts or forwards on WhatsApp groups—especially related to politics, religion, or national issues. Many of these are presented as “facts” but lack any credible source. Initially, I would believe or even share some of this content. But with growing awareness, I’ve learned to pause and question: Is this really true? Why is it being shared now? What emotion is it trying to trigger in me?

This awareness has made me more cautious, though the temptation to accept emotionally satisfying information still exists. The battle between emotion and reason is ongoing, but awareness is the first step toward resistance.

Strategies to Stay Critical Online

To resist the pull of post-truth narratives, I follow a few strategies:

1. Fact-Check Before Sharing: I cross-check information using reliable fact-checking sites like Alt News or Boom Live before forwarding messages.

2. Diversify News Sources: I follow both national and international news outlets with different ideological leanings to get a broader perspective.

3. Pause and Reflect: Before reacting to a viral post, I ask myself: What is the intention behind this? Emotional manipulation often disguises itself as righteous anger or patriotism.

4. Avoid Echo Chambers: I consciously try to engage with opposing viewpoints to challenge and refine my own understanding.

Conclusion: Why Awareness of Post-Truth Matters

Understanding post-truth is not just an academic exercise—it is essential for survival in today’s digital world. As Barad argues, “we need to understand how our emotions can be used to manipulate us.” In a society that consumes more information than ever before, the responsibility to sift through fact and fiction falls upon us as individuals.

The Need for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

To counter post-truth, we need to cultivate critical thinking and media literacy—especially among young people. Schools, colleges, and digital platforms must teach users how to verify sources, recognize bias, and understand the psychology of misinformation. Truth may not always be popular, but it is vital for a healthy society.

Reference:https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2017/01/post-truth-word-of-year-2016.html

Socrates: The Father of Western Philosophy

 This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir.Click here

Socrates: The Father of Western Philosophy

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

These famous words of Socrates continue to echo through the halls of philosophy, education, and ethics even over two millennia after his death. Often regarded as the Father of Western Philosophy, Socrates’ life and teachings laid the foundation for much of modern thought — not through books he wrote (he wrote none), but through the profound influence he had on his students, especially Plato, and on the method of inquiry he pioneered.

Who Was Socrates?

Socrates was born around 470 BCE in Athens, Greece. Unlike the aristocratic philosophers who followed him, Socrates was of humble origin. His father was a sculptor and his mother a midwife. Socrates himself reportedly worked as a stonemason in his early life. Yet, his mind and spirit were not confined by material labor. Instead, he chose a life of intellectual pursuit, devoting his time to public discussions on ethics, virtue, justice, and the purpose of life.

Unlike many modern academics, Socrates did not teach in schools or lecture halls. He spent most of his days wandering the streets and public spaces of Athens, engaging people in spontaneous debates. His goal was not to win arguments, but to provoke critical thinking and self-examination.

The Socratic Method

Perhaps Socrates’ greatest legacy is the Socratic Method — a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas.

Rather than directly teaching or preaching, Socrates would question his interlocutors in a way that exposed contradictions in their thoughts. For example, he might ask a person to define “justice,” then systematically deconstruct that definition through logical questioning, leading the person to reconsider their views.

This method is still used today in law schools, classrooms, and therapy sessions. It fosters dialogue over monologue, encouraging deeper understanding through questioning rather than memorization.

Philosophical Contributions

Socrates did not leave behind any written records of his philosophy. What we know of his ideas comes mainly from the writings of his students, particularly Plato and Xenophon.

Some key areas of thought attributed to Socrates include:

1. Ethics and Morality

Socrates believed that knowledge is closely tied to virtue. To him, no one willingly does wrong; people commit immoral acts out of ignorance. Therefore, the key to living a moral life is knowledge of what is truly good.

2. The Soul and Self-Knowledge

He emphasized the importance of the soul over the body and believed that nurturing the soul through virtue and wisdom leads to a fulfilling life. The famous Delphic maxim “Know thyself” was a central tenet in his philosophy.

3. Citizenship and the State

Despite his critical questioning of the Athenian government, Socrates believed in the rule of law. He argued that a citizen must obey the law, even if it leads to personal harm — a principle he stood by even in the face of death.

Trial and Death

In 399 BCE, Socrates was put on trial in Athens on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety (not believing in the gods of the state). The real reason for his prosecution, however, was likely political. In post-war Athens, many viewed Socrates’ constant questioning and his association with unpopular political figures as dangerous.

He was found guilty by a narrow margin and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock, a poison. Socrates refused to flee, even when his friends arranged for his escape. He believed that breaking the law would undermine his own teachings. His calm acceptance of death, as described in Plato’s Phaedo, is one of the most powerful moments in philosophical literature.

Legacy

Socrates' death marked not the end but the beginning of his philosophical influence. His life and ideas became central to the works of Plato, and through Plato, to Aristotle. This triad — Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — became the cornerstone of Western philosophy.

In modern times, Socrates is seen as a symbol of intellectual integrity, courage, and the importance of critical thinking. His legacy inspires democratic societies to value free speech, open inquiry, and moral responsibility.

Conclusion

Socrates never claimed to be wise — in fact, he insisted that true wisdom lies in knowing how little one knows. Yet, through his life and ideas, he lit the torch of philosophical inquiry that continues to guide human civilization.

In a world filled with noise, opinions, and uncritical beliefs, Socrates reminds us to pause, question, and examine our

 lives. For in doing so, we may find not just knowledge, but wisdom.

Refrence:https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/06/socrates.html

BRIDGE COURSE: ARISTOTLE POETICS

This blog task was assigned by Dilip Barad Sir (Department of English, MKBU)

For further Details Click here

QUESTION:

1. To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections.

ANSWER:

Plato vs. Artistic Freedom: Should Creative Writers Be Censored?

From ancient Greece to modern Hollywood, the debate over creative freedom has never lost its spark. One of the earliest—and most controversial—thinkers to question the value of artistic liberty was the Greek philosopher Plato. In his famous work The Republic, Plato proposed that poets and creative writers could be dangerous to society and should be censored or even banned from the ideal state.

This idea might sound extreme today. But before we dismiss him, let’s take a closer look at why Plato objected to creative expression, and whether his concerns still matter in the world we live in.

Plato's Objection: Art Is a Threat to Truth and Morality

Plato believed that art is an imitation (mimesis) of reality, and therefore, it is “thrice removed from the truth.” According to him, artists don’t represent reality itself but merely a copy of it—an illusion that can mislead people.

But more importantly, he worried that:

Poetry and drama stir emotions and weaken reason.

 Art glorifies immoral behavior—lust, violence, revenge—and corrupts the soul.

 Impressionable youth could be led astray by fictional heroes who defy virtue.

In Plato’s view, a just society needs order, reason, and truth—not wild imaginations that cloud the mind. So, in his ideal state, only those forms of art that promote virtue and wisdom would be allowed.

 Modern Parallels: Would Plato Ban These Works?

While modern democracies value freedom of speech, some creative works today do raise ethical concerns—sometimes aligning with Plato’s objections. Let’s look at a few examples:

 "13 Reasons Why" (Netflix series)

Plato would strongly object to this teen drama for its graphic portrayal of suicide, depression, and bullying. Mental health experts warned that it could trigger vulnerable teenagers—proving Plato's fear of emotional manipulation and harmful influence.

"Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov

This controversial novel, written from the perspective of a pedophile, explores deeply disturbing themes. While it's a literary masterpiece to some, Plato would argue it normalizes immoral desires, making it dangerous to society.

 

"Kabir Singh" (2019 – Bollywood)

Plato would likely object to Kabir Singh for glorifying toxic masculinity, obsession, and emotional abuse. The protagonist is a brilliant doctor but also a violent, self-destructive man who mistreats others, including the woman he claims to love. While the film was a blockbuster, many critics pointed out how it normalized abusive behavior in relationships—something Plato would view as a threat to moral values and social order.

Udta Punjab (2016)

Why Plato would object: This film exposes the drug crisis in Punjab, but it contains explicit content, drug use, and profanity. While the movie aimed to raise awareness, Plato would worry that such harsh portrayals could influence the youth negatively and glorify self-destructive behavior.

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Why Plato would object: Though the movie empowers a former sex worker turned social reformer, it also glorifies the world of brothels to some extent. Plato might worry that such portrayal could confuse morality with glamor, thereby misleading viewers about what is truly virtuous.

Final Thoughts

Plato's vision of a society free from dangerous art is thought-provoking, but creativity is the soul of culture. It teaches, heals, entertains, and reforms. The solution lies not in strict censorship, but in ethical storytelling—art that inspires without corrupting.

Plato feared the power of art. But maybe that’s because he understood it better than anyone.