Existentialism

Existentialism: Thinking Activity

This blog is an thinking task on Existentialism assigned by Dilip Barad Sir and in this blog I am going share my views related to Existentialism.

So the following questions are as followed :

1. Your task, while watching videos, is to take note of at least one 'thought' that you like the most from all the videos. Do not worry if the 'thought' is repeated. Please type in this manner - "I am impressed by these thoughts or I like the following thoughts from video 1: . . . .; video 2: . . ... and similarly for all videos. All these 'thoughts' are to be published as a blog post, and the link to the post shall be submitted as an assignment submission.

2. Which video do you like the most? Why? (Give at least one reason in your blog post.).

3. How would you describe the 'learning outcome' of this activity? (Do you think that your understanding of Existentialism has increased or is there clarity about this philosophy in your mind or do you feel confident about speaking / writing on extempore on 'Existentialism' after this activity?) (Write your views in your blog- post.)

4. Most Important Task: Ask Questions: Type your questions in the Google Classroom as 'Class Comment'. You are supposed to ask at least 5 questions from all these videos and reading resources.

In Video 1 : what is Existentialism? In which I liked the thought which is talking about individuality, Passion and freedom.

In Video 7 : In I liked the thought of Sartres famous statement Existence precedes essence.

 

The Waste Land (T.S. Eliot)

 Thinking Task :

This blog is a thinking task based on the poem 'The Waste Land' assigned by Dilip Barad Sir so in this blog I am going to give answers to some of the questions given below.

Q.1 What are your views on the following image after reading 'The Waste Land'? Do you think that Eliot is regressive as compared to Nietzsche's views? 

Response : "The Waste Land" is like a puzzle showing a messy world. T.S. Eliot uses words to paint a picture of sadness and confusion. It's like looking at a bunch of different pictures that don't fit together. But if you look closely, you might find some meaning in the chaos.

Eliot's "The Waste Land" portrays a fragmented, disillusioned world, reflecting a sense of spiritual emptiness and cultural decay. This can be seen as regressive, as it suggests a longing for a mythical past or traditional values in the face of modern chaos. In contrast, Nietzsche's philosophy emphasizes embracing life's challenges and creating meaning in the present, rather than looking backwards for answers. He encourages a forward-thinking, individualistic approach to overcoming obstacles, which contrasts with Eliot's nostalgic or regressive tone.

Q.2 Prior to the speech, Gustaf Hellström of the Swedish Academy made these remarks: (On The salvation of Man lies in the preservation of the cultural tradition)

Response : Preserving cultural traditions is essential for the salvation of humanity as they embody our collective identity, wisdom, and experiences passed down through generations. These traditions provide a sense of continuity, belonging, and connection to our roots, fostering empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. They also strengthen social cohesion, resilience, and solidarity within communities, serving as anchors of stability in times of uncertainty. Furthermore, cultural traditions inspire creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, enriching our shared human experience and inspiring future generations to explore, innovate, and create. Valuing and safeguarding our cultural heritage is crucial for building a more inclusive, resilient, and harmonious world for generations to come.

Q.3 Write about allusions to Indian thoughts in 'The Waste Land'. (Where, How and Why are the Indian thoughts referred?)

Response : In T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," there are several allusions to Indian thoughts, particularly in the section titled "The Fire Sermon." Here, Eliot incorporates elements of Hindu philosophy and symbolism, drawing from texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad

Gita. One notable reference is to the river Ganges, a sacred river in Hinduism, which symbolizes purification and spiritual renewal. The mention of "Sylvan scene, with a sound of water" evokes the serene imagery associated with the Ganges. Additionally, the use of Sanskrit chants and mantras, such as "Shantih shantih shantih," at the end of the poem echoes the Hindu concept of peace and tranquility sought through spiritual enlightenment. These allusions serve to deepen the poem's exploration of spiritual desolation and the search for redemption, as Eliot juxtaposes the decay of modern civilization with the enduring wisdom of ancient Eastern philosophies. By incorporating Indian thoughts, Eliot enriches the poem's thematic complexity and offers a glimpse of transcendence amidst the wasteland of modernity.

  

Q.4 Is it possible to read 'The Waste Land' as a Pandemic Poem?

Response : Yes, it's possible to interpret "The Waste Land" as a pandemic poem, particularly given its themes of isolation, disillusionment, and societal breakdown. The imagery of desolate landscapes, fragmented narratives, and a sense of spiritual emptiness resonates with the experience of living through a pandemic. Additionally, the poem's exploration of cultural decay and the search for meaning in a fractured world mirrors the feelings of uncertainty and existential crisis brought on by widespread illness and social disruption. Furthermore, the references to death, disease, and the breakdown of communication evoke the anxieties and challenges faced during times of crisis, such as a pandemic. While "The Waste Land" was written in the aftermath of World War I, its themes and imagery can certainly be interpreted through the lens of contemporary events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, offering readers a haunting reflection on the human condition in times of turmoil.

Thank you !!!

For Whom The Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway)

 Thinking Activity:

For Whom The Bell Tolls 

This is a blog based on Thinking Activity assigned by Megha Mam and this I am going to give answers of  the given questions.

Question 1 : Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero.

Response: Robert Jordan, as the protagonist character in "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway, is like a classic Hemingway hero.He's tough, brave, and always keeps him cool, even when things get really tough. Jordan's job as a dynamiter where he's good at blowing the bridge and he's really brave when it comes to dangerous missions behind the enemy crossing the bridge lines. He believes strongly in doing what's right, and he does not give importance to what happens to himself. Like other characters in Hemingway's stories, Jordan spends a lot of time thinking about life and why things happen. He often feels alone, like he doesn't quite fit in with others, and he sticks to his own rules about how to act. 

Hemingway’ writings because his heroes often fail in their struggle and get nothing in the end. Santiago in The Old man and the Sea, Romero in The Sun also Rises and Jordan in For Whom the Bell Tolls can be best quoted in this regard.

In addition to Jordan’s love for Spanish people and their language, Hemingway also shows his love for Spain and its sports especially bull-fighting in his another novel The Sun Also Rises. The Russian General Golz has full confidence in him and regards him as a very high dynamite. That’s why, he assigns him the toughest task of blowing up the bridge within a limited time. Jordan accepts it as a challenge by his open hearts. He carries out the task and justifies the faith placed in him. He is of the views that life is dear but dear than life is the need for the justification of his courage.

There is no doubt in saying that he becomes a new man after the arrival of Maria in his love and he starts living only for Maria’s sake but it does not mean that his sense of Dutifulness eclipses at any cost. His love for Maria and his risky mission of blowing up the bridge becomes one because fascists have now become his personal revenge for him as they rape his sweetheart. This very thinking of him leads him further to his fight for Republicans and Republic Spain and Maria becomes one for him.

At the end by concluding this dicussion on  Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero. Even when things seem really bad, he faces them without giving up, just going with the flow and accepting whatever comes his way.

Question 2 :  your views on the very brave Character Pilar.

Response : The Leader of the guerilla group. Pilar is a completely self-assured character. She smokes where as She have a “deep voice”  and has a “booming laugh”. She is a “woman who does things that she has no right to do”  and she is able to “scare people with her voice”. Hemingway uses Pilar’s narrations to lead the other characters in the novel to deeper levels of understanding. The critic Robert Gadjusek explains in his essay, “Pilar’s Tale: The Myth and the Message,” that Jordan, “a projection of Hemingway within his own work,” is so “deeply moved by Pilar’s description” that “Pilar had made him see that town . . I wish I could write it . . . you had to know what they had been in the village” (For Whom the Bell Tolls)  Consequently,  Pilar’s storytelling skills, Hemingway is also able to join future and the past events to emphasize the feminine and cyclical nature of life.  Further, Hemingway’s attribution of masculine qualities to Pilar does not diminish her femininity. These attributions show that Pilar’s femininity can transform and enhance basic masculine qualities into more powerfully enduring ideals.

Pilar is also “loyal to” and deeply believes in the cause of the Spanish Republic. These traits allow Pilar to freely live with and then eventually lead the guerrillas in Pablo’s stead. Pilar is “Senora Commander”  who makes it clear to all that “Here I command”. Jordan’s concurrence with Pilar’s decision to usurp the leadership role of the guerillas from Pablo is seen when Jordan states: “I trust the woman absolutely . . . Without the woman there is no organization nor discipline here and with the woman it can be very good”.

Hemingway calls Pilar the “whore of whores” (For Whom the Bell Tolls)  because she is the character that he has specifically creates to manipulate the story, to drive the other characters, and to push the reader to understand the author’s world view. He fully exploits Pilar’s character causing her alternatively to be narrator, fortuneteller, storyteller, woman, leader, lover, and advisor to convey his many disparate ideas within the novel. Hemingway carefully constructs Pilar’s character to lead his readers on a philosophical journey describing the futility of war.

Pilar embodies the “New Woman of Spain,” and the old idea of Spanish womanhood, the gypsy and the analytical tactician, the bold lover and the victim, the eloquent storyteller and the sharp tongued critic. Pilar possess the ability to shift masculine qualities to female control  to lead and to advise the band, to show the cyclical nature of man’s struggle to bravely meet his destiny, and to show that man’s purpose is fulfilled, not wasted, when he gives his life for the betterment of others.

I hope my this blog based on the two brave Characters of Hemingways novel For Whom The Bell Tolls.

Thank you !