Mital Helaiya

This blog task was assigned by Megha Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU) The Characteristics of Romantic Poetry: With Reference to Wordsworth and Coleridge Introduction The Romantic Movement, which flourished in England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, marked a significant departure from the rigid neoclassical ideals of order, reason, and formality. Romantic poetry celebrated imagination, emotion, and a deep connection with nature. Among the leading figures of this movement, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge stand out as pioneers. Together, they published Lyrical Ballads in 1798, which is often considered the manifesto of English Romanticism. Wordsworth is often called the “poet of nature” because of his profound love for the natural world and his ability to capture simple, everyday experiences in elevated language. Coleridge, on the other hand, brought a sense of mystery, imagination, and the supernatural into Romantic poetry. While Wordsworth emphasized...

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Introduction   The 17th century in England was a turning point for literature, shaped by the contrasting spirit of two ages: The Puritan Age (1620–1660) and The Restoration Age (1660–1700). Literature mirrored the political, religious, and cultural shifts of the time, moving from stern morality to witty indulgence. On one side a Puritan preacher with a Bible, on the other a Restoration theatre scene with lively actors and aristocrats. (This shows the contrast between morality and indulgence.) Q1. Political and Religious Climate Shaping Literature The Puritan Age (1620–1660) emerged under the shadow of strict religious discipline, shaped by Puritan ideals that emphasized morality, piety, and spiritual reflection. Literature became a medium of moral instruction, often reflecting biblical seriousness. Religious poetry, as seen in John Milton’s early works, and prose ...

This blog task was assigned by Dilip Barad Sir (Department of English, MKBU) Click here Introduction John Dryden (1631–1700), often called the Father of English Criticism, stands as a central figure in literary theory during the Restoration age. His essay An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668) not only defines his views on drama but also represents the Neo-Classical spirit of order, reason, decorum, and imitation of classical rules. By watching a series of short video lectures on Dryden’s role as a critic, his definitions, and his comparative analysis of Ancients, Moderns, and French dramatists, I was able to grasp the essentials of English critical tradition. Below, I share my understanding and learning outcomes from each video. 1. Dryden as Father of English Criticism, Neo-Classical Critic, and Definition of Play Dryden is called the Father of English Criticism because he systematized literary criticism in English. He adopted the Neo-Classical ideals of decorum, order, imitation, and dida...

This blog task was assigned by Prakruti Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU) Discovering the World of Metaphysical Poetry Metaphysical poetry is one of the most fascinating parts of English literature. It is full of deep thoughts, unusual comparisons, and powerful emotions. When I studied poets like John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell, I realized that their works are not only about the 17th century but also about questions that are still meaningful today. Four Characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry (With John Donne’s Example) Metaphysical poetry can be recognized by four main features: 1. Conceits (unusual comparisons): Metaphysical poets love to compare very different things in surprising ways. For example, in John Donne’s poem The Flea, he compares a tiny flea to the bond between two lovers. Something so small becomes a symbol of love and union. 2. Philosophical and intellectual tone: These poems are not only about feelings but also about deep thoughts—life, death, lov...

This Blog Activity is a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir as a part of thinking activity regarding The Play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. For further details : Click here Exploring the Characters and Key Scenes of Shakespeare’s Macbeth Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a thrilling play filled with ambition, guilt, supernatural powers, and tragic downfall. Let’s take a closer look at some important characters and scenes that make this story unforgettable. Character Study a. Macbeth – The Hero-Villain Macbeth starts as a brave soldier and loyal servant to King Duncan. He is called “valiant” for his courage in battle. But his ambition becomes too strong. Influenced by the witches’ prophecy and Lady Macbeth’s urging, he chooses murder over morality. His “milk of human kindness” is wasted as he sacrifices goodness for power. In the end, he becomes a tragic hero — destroyed by his own flaws. b. Lady Macbeth – A Witch or a Victim? Lady Macb...

This blog task was assigned by Megha Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU) Introduction “It is a truth universally acknowledged…” that Jane Austen is one of the most beloved writers in English literature. Born in 1775 in a quiet English village, Austen went on to create sharp, witty novels that still charm readers across the world—even two centuries later! But who was Jane Austen, and why do her books like Pride and Prejudice and Emma still make us laugh, cry, and fall in love? Her Life Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, into a large, loving, and intellectual family. Her father was a clergyman, and she grew up surrounded by books. From an early age, she started writing funny stories and poems to entertain her family. She never married, but that didn’t stop her from writing about love, relationships, and marriage with deep insight and humor. She lived most of her life quietly, yet her novels reflect the social rules and emotional complexities of her time. Her Famous Works ...