I.A. Richards Figurative Language :

   

  I.A. Richards Figurative Language -(poems): 

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  Real poem : 

Oh Jerusalem, the city of sorrow:

Oh Jerusalem, the city of sorrow

A big tear wandering in the eye

Who will halt the aggression

On you, the pearl of religions?

Who will wash your bloody walls?

Who will safeguard the Bible?

Who will rescue the Quran?

Who will save Christ, From those who have killed Christ?

Who will save man?

(Nizar Qabbani: “Jerusalem! My Love,My Town:)

Summary :

Nizar Qabbani’s “Jerusalem! My Love, My Town” mourns the suffering of Jerusalem, a sacred city ravaged by violence. Through vivid imagery, he laments the loss of its sanctity, symbolized by "bloody walls" and sacred texts under threat. The poet calls for an end to aggression, reflecting on humanity’s failure to protect innocence and preserve peace.

Analysis :

Nizar Qabbani’s “Jerusalem! My Love, My Town” mourns the suffering of Jerusalem, portraying it as a sacred city desecrated by violence. The poet uses symbols like "bloody walls," tears, and sacred texts to emphasize loss and the violation of religious and cultural sanctity. Through rhetorical questions, he critiques humanity’s failure to protect innocence and preserve peace. The poem blends grief with urgency, calling for justice, unity, and an end to aggression, while highlighting Jerusalem’s universal significance.

Glossaries: 

Jerusalem :  City of peace 

Aggression : Attacks 

Pearl : Judaism , Christianity and islam

Bloody walls : literal and metaphorical refference to the violence and bloodshed in Jerusalem.

 Safeguard the Bible : a plea to protect the sacred scripture of Christianity.

Symbols :

1. Jerusalem

Symbolism:

 Jerusalem itself is the central symbol in the poem, representing a city of immense historical, religious, and cultural significance. It is a symbol of both unity and division, a place that holds deep spiritual meaning for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

Interpretation:

 As a symbol, Jerusalem embodies the innocence and sanctity that have been repeatedly attacked and desecrated by violence and conflict. It is both a physical city and a metaphor for the collective spiritual and moral struggles of humanity.

2. Bloody Walls

Symbolism: 

The "bloody walls" symbolize the violent and destructive forces that have ravaged the city. The image evokes both the physical destruction of Jerusalem’s sacred spaces and the broader idea of moral decay and bloodshed in the name of power or religion.

Interpretation: 

These walls are a metaphor for the suffering and sacrifice endured by the people of Jerusalem, as well as the violation of the city’s sacred and spiritual essence. The bloodshed reflects the ongoing cycles of conflict that stain the city’s history.

3. Christ

Symbolism:

Christ is a symbol of innocence, sacrifice, and redemption in Christianity. In the poem, Christ represents the enduring figure of peace and love, who has been betrayed and killed by humanity.

Interpretation:

By asking "Who will save Christ, from those who have killed Christ?", Qabbani highlights the paradox of repeated betrayals and violence, reflecting on how human society continually fails to protect what is sacred, innocent, and just.

4. The Bible and Quran

Symbolism:

These sacred texts represent the moral and spiritual teachings of Christianity and Islam. They are symbols of faith, peace, and the shared values of humanity.

Interpretation: 

The poet’s plea to “safeguard the Bible” and “rescue the Quran” is a call to protect not just religious scriptures but the universal values of peace, tolerance, and justice that they represent. The destruction of Jerusalem is a metaphor for the loss of these core values.

5. Tears

Symbolism:

The "big tear wandering in the eye" is a symbol of sorrow, grief, and helplessness. It represents the personal and collective mourning over the destruction of Jerusalem.

Interpretation: 

The tear is both a literal and figurative expression of the sadness

Difficulties about the poem :

(1).How does the historical and religious significance of Jerusalem influence the meaning of the poem?

(2).How does the imagery of tears and blood evoke the emotional tone of the poem?

(3).How do the unanswered questions about saving Christ, the Bible, and the Quran reflect humanity's moral failures?

(4).How does Qabbani’s depiction of Jerusalem challenge or affirm your own perceptions of the city ?

 

Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia

 Movie Screening: Chanya Button's Vita & Virginia:

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                                Chanya Button 

                                    Chanya Button by Vita and Virginia. 

1. How do the letters function not only as a medium of communication between the two central characters but also as a narrative tool within the film?

Personal communication: 

The letters exchanged between characters (notably between Virginia Woolf and Leonard or Laura Brown's note) offer insights into their inner worlds. Woolf's letters often communicate her anguish or express her sense of duty, while Laura’s note serves as a revelation of her emotional detachment.

Narrative advancement: Letters provide key plot points. For example, Woolf’s letter to Leonard clarifies her state of mind and sets the stage for the tragic ending. Similarly, Richard’s interactions with Clarissa are contextualized through his poetic letters, emphasizing his struggle with AIDS.

Symbolism and mood: The letters represent both connection and isolation. While they allow communication, they also underscore the characters’ emotional distances, as they often speak truths they cannot vocalize directly.

2. Discuss some of the views regarding marriage, relationships, and the role of society presented by the various characters in the film.

Marriage as a compromise: 

Virginia Woolf's marriage to Leonard is depicted as loving yet stifling. While Leonard deeply cares for Virginia, his protective nature sometimes feels suffocating to her creative and emotional needs.

Same-sex relationships: 

The relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West (or the hinted connection between Clarissa and Sally) challenges societal norms. These relationships are presented as fulfilling but overshadowed by societal disapproval or internal conflicts.

Escaping societal roles:

 Laura Brown's storyline exemplifies a woman trapped in societal expectations of marriage and motherhood. Her decision to leave her family suggests a radical rejection of these imposed roles.

Relationship dynamics:

The film portrays relationships as deeply flawed yet necessary. Clarissa Vaughan’s caretaking of Richard, despite his bitterness, reflects a commitment rooted in history and empathy.

3. In your opinion, is the film able to capture Woolf's depressive state with sincerity and genuineness?

Yes, The Hours captures Virginia Woolf's depressive state with remarkable sincerity:

Visual and atmospheric techniques: 

The muted colors, slow pacing, and ambient score mirror Woolf’s fragmented mental state.

Performance: 

Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Woolf is nuanced, showcasing her internal battles without reducing them to clichés. Her moments of lucidity juxtaposed with despair reflect the complexities of mental illness.

Use of Woolf’s writings: 

By integrating Woolf’s own words, such as excerpts from Mrs. Dalloway and her suicide note, the film provides an authentic glimpse into her psyche.

However, some critics argue that compressing Woolf’s struggles into a few scenes oversimplifies her mental health journey.

4. Share your thoughts about the portrayal of the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West.

Although The Hours does not focus on this relationship directly, other depictions like the film Vita & Virginia delve into it in detail:

Initiation and first meeting: 

Vita Sackville-West initiated their relationship, being captivated by Woolf’s intellect and writing. Their first meeting was cordial but marked by Vita’s admiration and Woolf’s reserved intrigue.

Relationship dynamics: 

Vita’s vivacious, confident nature contrasted with Woolf’s introspective demeanor. Their letters reveal a deep intellectual and emotional connection. Woolf found inspiration in Vita, leading to the creation of Orlando, which is considered a love letter to Vita.

Their romantic relationship eventually cooled, but their friendship endured until Woolf’s death in 1941. Their correspondence highlights the lasting impact they had on one another’s lives.

In any portrayal, the relationship is celebrated as a rare instance of mutual understanding, transcending societal norms and personal insecurities

Let me know if you'd like more context or details on these points!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Vita & Virginia offers a thoughtful and visually captivating portrayal of the profound and unconventional relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. While its deliberate pacing and modern elements may not resonate with all viewers, the film succeeds in exploring themes of love, creativity, and identity with depth and sensitivity. Anchored by powerful performances from Elizabeth Debicki and Gemma Arterton, it stands as a compelling tribute to two remarkable women whose connection transcended societal norms and inspired enduring art.

Work cited:

“Mrs. Dalloway.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 5 Dec. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/Mrs-Dalloway-novel-by-Woolf. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

“Nicole Kidman.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 23 Dec. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Nicole-Kidman. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

“Virginia Woolf.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 11 Dec. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Virginia-Woolf. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

War Poetry :

    ✳️War Poetry: ✳️

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Analysis of War Poems in the English Canon

Comparison of Two War Poems

                                       Wilfred Owen 

One prominent war poem in the English literary canon is Wilfred Owen's "Dulce et Decorum Est", 

often studied alongside others like 

                                     Rupert Brooke

Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier".

 These poems present contrasting attitudes toward war.

Treatment of the Theme of War:

Owen portrays war as brutal, dehumanizing, and senseless. His focus is on the psychological and physical suffering of soldiers.

Brooke glorifies war, seeing it as a noble sacrifice for one’s homeland. He treats death as a form of eternal unity with one’s country.

Differences and Similarities:

Differences: While Owen criticizes the romanticized view of war, Brooke epitomizes it. Their tones and perspectives differ greatly.

Similarities: Both deal with themes of death and sacrifice, highlighting how war shapes identity and humanity, albeit from opposing viewpoints.

 War Poetry and Universal Questions

The statement that "War poetry is not necessarily ‘anti-war’. It is, however, about the very large questions of life" is reflected in the works of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen.

Siegfried Sassoon’s "They" critiques the disparity between civilians' glorification of war and the soldiers' traumatic experiences. It questions societal values, religious authority, and moral responsibility. Sassoon’s tone is sarcastic and confrontational.

Wilfred Owen’s "Dulce et Decorum Est" also tackles themes of identity, innocence, and guilt. He explores the loss of innocence through the physical and mental toll of war. Owen’s tone is grim and accusatory.

Similarities: Both poets critique blind patriotism and glorification of war. They address the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and societies.

Differences: While Sassoon uses a satirical tone, Owen’s approach is more somber and emotional, emphasizing the physical horrors of war.

 Comparison of Ivor Gurney’s The Target and Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est

Similarities:

1. Theme of Guilt and Loss: Both poems highlight the emotional impact of war.

In The Target, Gurney explores the inner turmoil of a soldier who grapples with the morality of killing.

In Dulce et Decorum Est, Owen critiques the societal guilt of perpetuating war through false ideals.

2. Realistic Tone: Both use realistic depictions of war, moving away from romanticized portrayals.

Differences:

1. Focus on Individual vs. Universal:

Gurney’s The Target is introspective, focusing on the internal conflict of a single soldier.

Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est is broader in scope, condemning the societal glorification of war.

2. Style:

Gurney employs a conversational and reflective tone, with simple yet poignant language.

Owen’s style is vivid and graphic, with a sense of urgency and bitterness.

Both poets critique war in their ways but differ in focus and style, offering diverse perspectives on the moral and emotional consequences of conflict.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, war poetry serves as a powerful medium to explore the multifaceted realities of war, delving into universal questions of identity, morality, sacrifice, and humanity. While poets like Wilfred Owen and Ivor Gurney reveal the harsh, unromanticized truths of war, others like Rupert Brooke offer idealized, patriotic perspectives. This diversity in treatment reflects the complexity of war’s impact on individuals and societies.

Owen’s vivid realism in Dulce et Decorum Est and Gurney’s introspective approach in The Target highlight both shared experiences of suffering and personal reflections on guilt and duty. These poems remind readers that war, beyond its immediate violence, forces profound contemplation on life’s greatest questions, transcending simplistic notions of being merely "pro-war" or "anti-war." Thus, war poetry endures as a poignant record of human resilience and the cost of conflict.

Work cited : 

“Dulce et Decorum Est.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Dulce-et-decorum-est. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024. 

“The Soldier.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/The-Soldier-poem-by-Brooke. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.