Willy
He is disrespectful to his wife, constantly shouting at her. He instills bad values to his kids, for instance he encourages them to steal and be womanizers. He also believes in getting rich quickly without putting in any hard work or effort.
Linda
She is calm and allows herself to be ruled by Willy. She also allows him to make ther children disillusioned.
Biff
Biff can be seen to be very athletic and popular. He idolizes his father and follows all his wrong philosophies about life.
Happy
Happy is desperate for approval from his father and follows in his footsteps by becoming a salesman also.
Ben
Ben is the symbol of what Wily wants to achieve in life; money and power.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Did King Lear's tragic flaw lead to his demise?
King Lear had many flaws which included being proud, gullible, and quick tempered. These tragic flaws all played a pivotal role in his demise. They led to his demise by causing him to give up his power and wealth, and to banish those loyal to him.
During the division of his kingdom, Lear shares out each of his daughter's portion according to how well they flattered him. The need for flattery is the first sign of his pride. His gullibility is shown when he believes Regan and Goneril's false praises, and his temper is seen when he banishes Kent for sticking up for Cordelia.
These characteristics can be seen as tragic flaws becauses they all had negative impacts. After dividing the kingdom between Goneril and Regan, Lear had no power left and was ill treated by both daughters, eventually being turned out during a storm. Thus his plan of giving up the kingdom to the daughters who loved him most backfired because, by letting his flaws overpower him, he banished the loyal daughter and rewarded the manipulative ones.
Also, his flaws caused the deaths of himself and his favourite daughter, Cordelia. By Lear relieving himself of all his powers, Edmund was able to take advantage of this and order that Lear and Cordelia be arrested.
In conclusion it can be seen that Lear's tragic flaws led not only to his demise but to Cordelia's as well. His gullibility led to him trusting Regan and Goneril. His pride and temper prevented him from listening to Cordelia's reasoning.
During the division of his kingdom, Lear shares out each of his daughter's portion according to how well they flattered him. The need for flattery is the first sign of his pride. His gullibility is shown when he believes Regan and Goneril's false praises, and his temper is seen when he banishes Kent for sticking up for Cordelia.
These characteristics can be seen as tragic flaws becauses they all had negative impacts. After dividing the kingdom between Goneril and Regan, Lear had no power left and was ill treated by both daughters, eventually being turned out during a storm. Thus his plan of giving up the kingdom to the daughters who loved him most backfired because, by letting his flaws overpower him, he banished the loyal daughter and rewarded the manipulative ones.
Also, his flaws caused the deaths of himself and his favourite daughter, Cordelia. By Lear relieving himself of all his powers, Edmund was able to take advantage of this and order that Lear and Cordelia be arrested.
In conclusion it can be seen that Lear's tragic flaws led not only to his demise but to Cordelia's as well. His gullibility led to him trusting Regan and Goneril. His pride and temper prevented him from listening to Cordelia's reasoning.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Comparisons and contrasts within King Lear
Comparisons
Kent and Edgar
They are similar because even though they were both banished, Kent remains loyal to Lear and Edgar remains loyal to Gloucester. They are also both smart and creative in using disguises as a way to remain in the kingdom without being found.
Kent and Cordelia
They are both honest and loyal to Lear. They were also proud preferring to be banished than 'suck up' or tell the king just what he wants to hear. Later, they both care for Lear while his mental state was deteriorating.
King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester
Both of these men can be seen to be blind. Lear is blinded by the flattering words of Goneril and Regan while Gloucester is blinded by Edmund's lies. This shows that both were very gullible, being easily fooled by their wicked children. Also, both realize the truth when it is too late. Gloucester discovers Edmunds treachery only after he becomes physically blind and Lear realizes that Cordelia was truly his loyal daughter only after he goes completely mad.
Goneril, Regan, and Edmund
They were all quite manipulative and schemed to get their fathers' wealth. Edmund framed his brother Edgar and had him banished in order to gain his fathers' title as Earl. Regan and Goneril both used flattery during Lear's test of love in order to receive large portions of the kingdom. Additionally, all three ill treated their fathers. Goneril and Regan locked Lear out of Gloucester's castle during a storm and Edmund allowed his fathers eyes to be plucked out.
Also, Goneril and Regan both cheated on their husbands with Edmund.
Contrasts
Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Albany
Cornwall encouraged the ill treatment of Lear while Albany discouraged it. Also, Cornwall was against the French invasion while Albany was for it.
Cordelia and her two sisters
Unlike Goneril and Regan, Cordelia truly cared for her father and was not just interested in his wealth. This is seen in act 1 scene 1 when she says to Lear that if her sisters loved him with all their hearts they would not have husbands. Here she is trying to make Lear see through their flattery but instead she is perceived as being rude and subsequently is banished. Also, later in the play Goneril and Regan turn on their father while Cordelia cares for him.
King of France and Duke of Burgundy
Burgundy was shallow, only being interested in Cordelia in order to receive her dowry while France was interested in Cordelia because he truly admired her as a person. This is seen when Burgundy refuses to marry Cordelia after Lear disowned her and by France's kind words and acceptance to marry her.
Kent and Edgar
They are similar because even though they were both banished, Kent remains loyal to Lear and Edgar remains loyal to Gloucester. They are also both smart and creative in using disguises as a way to remain in the kingdom without being found.
Kent and Cordelia
They are both honest and loyal to Lear. They were also proud preferring to be banished than 'suck up' or tell the king just what he wants to hear. Later, they both care for Lear while his mental state was deteriorating.
King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester
Both of these men can be seen to be blind. Lear is blinded by the flattering words of Goneril and Regan while Gloucester is blinded by Edmund's lies. This shows that both were very gullible, being easily fooled by their wicked children. Also, both realize the truth when it is too late. Gloucester discovers Edmunds treachery only after he becomes physically blind and Lear realizes that Cordelia was truly his loyal daughter only after he goes completely mad.
Goneril, Regan, and Edmund
They were all quite manipulative and schemed to get their fathers' wealth. Edmund framed his brother Edgar and had him banished in order to gain his fathers' title as Earl. Regan and Goneril both used flattery during Lear's test of love in order to receive large portions of the kingdom. Additionally, all three ill treated their fathers. Goneril and Regan locked Lear out of Gloucester's castle during a storm and Edmund allowed his fathers eyes to be plucked out.
Also, Goneril and Regan both cheated on their husbands with Edmund.
Contrasts
Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Albany
Cornwall encouraged the ill treatment of Lear while Albany discouraged it. Also, Cornwall was against the French invasion while Albany was for it.
Cordelia and her two sisters
Unlike Goneril and Regan, Cordelia truly cared for her father and was not just interested in his wealth. This is seen in act 1 scene 1 when she says to Lear that if her sisters loved him with all their hearts they would not have husbands. Here she is trying to make Lear see through their flattery but instead she is perceived as being rude and subsequently is banished. Also, later in the play Goneril and Regan turn on their father while Cordelia cares for him.
King of France and Duke of Burgundy
Burgundy was shallow, only being interested in Cordelia in order to receive her dowry while France was interested in Cordelia because he truly admired her as a person. This is seen when Burgundy refuses to marry Cordelia after Lear disowned her and by France's kind words and acceptance to marry her.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The fool's speeches in act 2 scene 4
In act 2 scene 4, the fool makes various mocking speeches. These speeches critisize both Kent and the king for acting foolishly.
In the beginning of the scene, the fool makes fun of Kent for being put in the stocks. He later says, " let go thy hold, when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following." Here the fool warns Kent to not follow the kings' behaviour because the king acts foolishly.
The fool also reminds the king of his irrational choice to give up all his power and wealth. " Fathers that wear rags, Do make their children blind, But fathers that bear bags, Shall see their children kind." He means that now Lear has given up all his power to Goneril and Regan they no longer have to pretend to love or care for him. This was an important statement for it is the start of Lear's realization of the mistake he made.
The fool then tells Lear to " cry to it nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels". This means that just like the housewife who realized too late that the eels were alive, Lear has realized his mistake too late because there is nothing he can do about it now.
In the beginning of the scene, the fool makes fun of Kent for being put in the stocks. He later says, " let go thy hold, when a great wheel runs down a hill, lest it break thy neck with following." Here the fool warns Kent to not follow the kings' behaviour because the king acts foolishly.
The fool also reminds the king of his irrational choice to give up all his power and wealth. " Fathers that wear rags, Do make their children blind, But fathers that bear bags, Shall see their children kind." He means that now Lear has given up all his power to Goneril and Regan they no longer have to pretend to love or care for him. This was an important statement for it is the start of Lear's realization of the mistake he made.
The fool then tells Lear to " cry to it nuncle, as the cockney did to the eels". This means that just like the housewife who realized too late that the eels were alive, Lear has realized his mistake too late because there is nothing he can do about it now.
The fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear
The fool is the most foolish character in the play King Lear. I disagree with this statement. A fool is a professional clown employed to entertain a king or nobleman, while being foolish means to be devoid of good sense or judgement. Though the fool was employed to entertain the king by being a clown, he was however not foolish. In contrast, the fool can be seen to be the most wise character in the play.
Because of his position as a jester, the fool is able to observe the situations at court and comment freely. In act 1 scene 4 the fool chastises the king for giving up his kingdom and banishing Cordelia. He also says that the king has made his daughters his mother, meaning that the king has given away all his power and now depends upon his two daughters. Not only can the fool comment on these events but he can also critisize the king. The fool said to the king that he should take his coxcomb, meaning that the king should wear a fool's cap. Being a court jester, the fool can get away with such comments. Thus the fool was smart for using his position as an excuse for telling the king harsh truths which the king might not otherwise listen to.
Also, the fool seems to be the only charachter who is aware of what is truly happening in the play. This is seen when he tries to warn Lear about his daughters, when he makes fun of Kent for acting as foolishly as Lear, and when he phrophecies that there will soon be confusion in England.
In conclusion, it can be said that the fool is the most wise character in the play because he is the voice of reason for Lear, he seems to know about upcoming conflicts, and he recognizes foolish decisions made by the characters.
Because of his position as a jester, the fool is able to observe the situations at court and comment freely. In act 1 scene 4 the fool chastises the king for giving up his kingdom and banishing Cordelia. He also says that the king has made his daughters his mother, meaning that the king has given away all his power and now depends upon his two daughters. Not only can the fool comment on these events but he can also critisize the king. The fool said to the king that he should take his coxcomb, meaning that the king should wear a fool's cap. Being a court jester, the fool can get away with such comments. Thus the fool was smart for using his position as an excuse for telling the king harsh truths which the king might not otherwise listen to.
Also, the fool seems to be the only charachter who is aware of what is truly happening in the play. This is seen when he tries to warn Lear about his daughters, when he makes fun of Kent for acting as foolishly as Lear, and when he phrophecies that there will soon be confusion in England.
In conclusion, it can be said that the fool is the most wise character in the play because he is the voice of reason for Lear, he seems to know about upcoming conflicts, and he recognizes foolish decisions made by the characters.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
King Lear questions on Act 2
1) Show the dramatic importance of Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall.
Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall serves as a foreshadow of the upcoming feud between Goneril and Regan. It allows the readers to see that these two sides will soon turn against one another.
2) By what trick does Edmund completely convince Gloucester of Edgar's guilt?
Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar's guilt by pursuading Edgar to draw his sword, then when Edgar leaves, Edmund cuts himself then tells his father that it was Edgar who cut him. Gloucester believes this because Edgar ran away drawing guilt to himself. Thus, Edgar foolishly played into Edmunds hands by listening to his advice.
3) Comment on the part played by Regan in this scene.
Regan further adds to Edgar's guilt by stating that she received a letter from her sister warning of the bad behaviour of her father's knights and that if Edgar was among them, then he must surely have adopted their abominable ways, so he must be guilty. This further confirmed to Gloucester that Edgar was culpable.
4) What do we learn of Cornwall's character and disposition from this scene?
From the first scene of act 2 it can be gathered that Cornwall is a silent character speaking only when necessary and that he is a strict disciplinarian. He was very interested in making sure that Edgar was being pursued and ensured that if he were caught ' he shall never more be fear'd of doing harm.' This is also the first sign of Cornwalls' cold-bloodedness when exacting justice.
Curan's reference to the impending war between the Duke of Albany and the Duke of Cornwall serves as a foreshadow of the upcoming feud between Goneril and Regan. It allows the readers to see that these two sides will soon turn against one another.
2) By what trick does Edmund completely convince Gloucester of Edgar's guilt?
Edmund completely convinces Gloucester of Edgar's guilt by pursuading Edgar to draw his sword, then when Edgar leaves, Edmund cuts himself then tells his father that it was Edgar who cut him. Gloucester believes this because Edgar ran away drawing guilt to himself. Thus, Edgar foolishly played into Edmunds hands by listening to his advice.
3) Comment on the part played by Regan in this scene.
Regan further adds to Edgar's guilt by stating that she received a letter from her sister warning of the bad behaviour of her father's knights and that if Edgar was among them, then he must surely have adopted their abominable ways, so he must be guilty. This further confirmed to Gloucester that Edgar was culpable.
4) What do we learn of Cornwall's character and disposition from this scene?
From the first scene of act 2 it can be gathered that Cornwall is a silent character speaking only when necessary and that he is a strict disciplinarian. He was very interested in making sure that Edgar was being pursued and ensured that if he were caught ' he shall never more be fear'd of doing harm.' This is also the first sign of Cornwalls' cold-bloodedness when exacting justice.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dramatic significance of fool in King Lear
The fool in King Lear is significant in that he is the voice of truth and reason. He is the only one who can speak openly and honestly to Lear, though Lear thinks that everything he says is a joke and does not take him seriously. The fool demonstrates to Lear the truths about the people around him and tries to warn him about their treachery. This is seen in act1 scene 4 when he tries to pursuade Lear that it was wrong to banish Cordelia as she was the only daughter that truly loved him, and that he made a mistake in dividing his kingdom between Goneril and Regan. The fool warns Lear about his daughters by stating that Lear is now their lap dog. "Truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out when the Lady Brach may stand by the fire and stink."
Thus, it can be seen that the fool is a very important character as he points out Lear's faults which will later come to haunt him. He provides humour but yet still honesty about the various occurences.
Thus, it can be seen that the fool is a very important character as he points out Lear's faults which will later come to haunt him. He provides humour but yet still honesty about the various occurences.
King Lear comparison between video and book: Act 1 scene 1
The King Lear video enhances the plot of the story and show aspects which could not be identified through the play. These include setting, dress, emotions, and body movements. In the video the court setting, type of dress, and speech can be seen, in contrast to the book. This allows viewers to get an understanding of the era, the type of society, and the ways in which people were expected to behave, fostering a deeper understanding of the story.
Also, although the play portrays the entire dialogue, the video provides emotion and movement to the characters. This is seen when Lear stands on the table after being angered, blocks his ears to prevent himself from hearing anything Cordelia has to say, and when the elder sisters exchange shocked looks. All this could not be viewed by reading the play and provides dramatic impact as well as making the play more enjoyable.
Most importantly, the video is more effective at creating characterizations. This is because, through the play the elder sisters' ambitions and eagerness can be viewed. Lear's bad judgement and quick temper can be seen. Also, Cordelia's honesty and bluntness is made evident.
Also, although the play portrays the entire dialogue, the video provides emotion and movement to the characters. This is seen when Lear stands on the table after being angered, blocks his ears to prevent himself from hearing anything Cordelia has to say, and when the elder sisters exchange shocked looks. All this could not be viewed by reading the play and provides dramatic impact as well as making the play more enjoyable.
Most importantly, the video is more effective at creating characterizations. This is because, through the play the elder sisters' ambitions and eagerness can be viewed. Lear's bad judgement and quick temper can be seen. Also, Cordelia's honesty and bluntness is made evident.
King Lear: Questions on Act 1 scenes 1 and 2
1) What insight are we given into King Lear's character in the opening speeches?
After reading the opening speeches, it is obvious that Lear was an extremely egotistical and irrational man. Even though he knows that his youngest daughter Cordelia would make the best ruler, he decides to divide his kingdom based on flattery. This shows a lack of judgement on his part and makes the reader believe that he has become foolish with age for reacting so harshly to Cordelia. It is also seen that Lear is very gullible because he expected to still maintain his power and influence after giving up the empire to Goneril and Regan.
2) Compare the answers of Goneril and Regan to the King's demand to hear the extent of their love.
Both Goneril and Regan gave satisfying answers to the King, although untruthful ones. Goneril stated that she loved him more than her life, health, or honor. That she loved him more than words can say. Next, Regan claimed to share the same feelings as her sister but to a much larger extent. She says that he is her greatest joy and she values him above all others. Gonreil's gave her speech to satisfy her father's need for praise while Regan's speech was an attempt to outdo her sister.
3) "Be Kent unmannerly when Lear is mad" Is Kent justified when he says Lear is mad?
Kent is justified when he says Lear is mad because Lear foolishly disowns Cordelia for being honest with him and gives his kingdom to the two older daughters. Kent saw through Goneril's and Regan's false claims of love and recognised Cordelia's truthfulness and incorruptness. This realization caused him to be shocked by Lear's poor judgement, which is why he outburst that Lear must be mad.
4) Why do you think Shakespeare has used rhyming lines in Kent's last speech?
Shakespeare used Rhyming lines in Kent's last speech to create dramatic impact. This is because these were the last lines being said by Kent before he exited so the rhyming lines created a sense of excitement, drama, and emotion. It also allowed Kent to leave with a grand exit.
5) Show that the King of France's words to Cordelia are calculated to heal the wounds Lear inflicted.
It can be seen that the King of France's words were calculated to heal Cordelia's wounds by his tender and understanding tone. He first tried to reason with Lear by reminding him that she was his favorite daughter and the object of his praises. Then he tells Cordelia that though poor she is still rich to him because of all the virtues she posses and that he will be lucky to have her as his queen.
6) What is morally the state of affairs within the play at the close of the scene?
At the close of the scene Cordelia and the King of France leave the court without Lear's blessing. Also Goneril and Regan make a plan to take advantage of their father's poor choice.
7) What sort of excuse does Shakespeare let Edmund make for the course of villainy he is about to pursue?
Edmund makes the excuse that he is a bastard and as such, is mistreated in society by being refused the same rights as legitimate children. However, if he were his father's only son then the fortune must go to him thus, this was his excuse for framing Edgar.
8) How does Edmund strengthen his plot by appearing to defend his brother?
Edmund strengthens his plot by appearing to defend his brother because by doing this he appears to be sincere and therefore no one would suspect him as being the mastermind behind the plot.
9) Show how Gloucester's gullibility and Edgar's nobility play into Edmund's hands.
Gloucester's nobility plays into Edmunds hand because he unquestioningly believes that the letter was written by Edgar and he listens to Edmunds advise without investigating the matter himself. Also, Edgar's nobility played into Edmund's hand because he did not ever consider that his own brother could be the one behind the plot and so he follows his brothers suggestion to carry a sword, deepening the suspicion of him.
After reading the opening speeches, it is obvious that Lear was an extremely egotistical and irrational man. Even though he knows that his youngest daughter Cordelia would make the best ruler, he decides to divide his kingdom based on flattery. This shows a lack of judgement on his part and makes the reader believe that he has become foolish with age for reacting so harshly to Cordelia. It is also seen that Lear is very gullible because he expected to still maintain his power and influence after giving up the empire to Goneril and Regan.
2) Compare the answers of Goneril and Regan to the King's demand to hear the extent of their love.
Both Goneril and Regan gave satisfying answers to the King, although untruthful ones. Goneril stated that she loved him more than her life, health, or honor. That she loved him more than words can say. Next, Regan claimed to share the same feelings as her sister but to a much larger extent. She says that he is her greatest joy and she values him above all others. Gonreil's gave her speech to satisfy her father's need for praise while Regan's speech was an attempt to outdo her sister.
3) "Be Kent unmannerly when Lear is mad" Is Kent justified when he says Lear is mad?
Kent is justified when he says Lear is mad because Lear foolishly disowns Cordelia for being honest with him and gives his kingdom to the two older daughters. Kent saw through Goneril's and Regan's false claims of love and recognised Cordelia's truthfulness and incorruptness. This realization caused him to be shocked by Lear's poor judgement, which is why he outburst that Lear must be mad.
4) Why do you think Shakespeare has used rhyming lines in Kent's last speech?
Shakespeare used Rhyming lines in Kent's last speech to create dramatic impact. This is because these were the last lines being said by Kent before he exited so the rhyming lines created a sense of excitement, drama, and emotion. It also allowed Kent to leave with a grand exit.
5) Show that the King of France's words to Cordelia are calculated to heal the wounds Lear inflicted.
It can be seen that the King of France's words were calculated to heal Cordelia's wounds by his tender and understanding tone. He first tried to reason with Lear by reminding him that she was his favorite daughter and the object of his praises. Then he tells Cordelia that though poor she is still rich to him because of all the virtues she posses and that he will be lucky to have her as his queen.
6) What is morally the state of affairs within the play at the close of the scene?
At the close of the scene Cordelia and the King of France leave the court without Lear's blessing. Also Goneril and Regan make a plan to take advantage of their father's poor choice.
7) What sort of excuse does Shakespeare let Edmund make for the course of villainy he is about to pursue?
Edmund makes the excuse that he is a bastard and as such, is mistreated in society by being refused the same rights as legitimate children. However, if he were his father's only son then the fortune must go to him thus, this was his excuse for framing Edgar.
8) How does Edmund strengthen his plot by appearing to defend his brother?
Edmund strengthens his plot by appearing to defend his brother because by doing this he appears to be sincere and therefore no one would suspect him as being the mastermind behind the plot.
9) Show how Gloucester's gullibility and Edgar's nobility play into Edmund's hands.
Gloucester's nobility plays into Edmunds hand because he unquestioningly believes that the letter was written by Edgar and he listens to Edmunds advise without investigating the matter himself. Also, Edgar's nobility played into Edmund's hand because he did not ever consider that his own brother could be the one behind the plot and so he follows his brothers suggestion to carry a sword, deepening the suspicion of him.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
King Lear: Sisters Speeches Act 1, scene 1
Goneril:
Sir, I love you more than words...
Dearer than eye-sight,...
Beyond what can be valued...
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor...
A love that makes breath poor...
Here, Goneril is saying that she loves her father more than words can express. She flatters him by saying his love is worth more to her than virtues such as honor, beauty, and grace. Also, that she loves him more than her sight or freedom (liberty).
Regan:
I am made of the self-same metal that my sister is...
Only she comes too short...
Myself an enemy to all other joys,
Which the most precious square of sense possesses...
Here, Regan is appealing to her fathers' ego by claiming that she loves him even more than her sister does. She says that no other joy can delight her as much as the happiness she receives from loving her father.
Cordelia:
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty
According to my bond; no more nor less.
Cordelia responds to her father with a true evaluation of her love. She is grateful and loves him as a daughter is supposed to love a father, 'no more nor less'. Although she loves him more than her sisters do, her honor prevents her from falsely flattering him to gain his wealth.
Sir, I love you more than words...
Dearer than eye-sight,...
Beyond what can be valued...
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor...
A love that makes breath poor...
Here, Goneril is saying that she loves her father more than words can express. She flatters him by saying his love is worth more to her than virtues such as honor, beauty, and grace. Also, that she loves him more than her sight or freedom (liberty).
Regan:
I am made of the self-same metal that my sister is...
Only she comes too short...
Myself an enemy to all other joys,
Which the most precious square of sense possesses...
Here, Regan is appealing to her fathers' ego by claiming that she loves him even more than her sister does. She says that no other joy can delight her as much as the happiness she receives from loving her father.
Cordelia:
Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty
According to my bond; no more nor less.
Cordelia responds to her father with a true evaluation of her love. She is grateful and loves him as a daughter is supposed to love a father, 'no more nor less'. Although she loves him more than her sisters do, her honor prevents her from falsely flattering him to gain his wealth.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Gandhi was born October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. His father Karamchand served as the diwan, Prime Minister, of Porbandar and his mother, Putlibai was a devout Hindu. In May 1883, thirteen year old Gandhi married fourteen year old Kasturbai in an arranged child marriage, with whom he had four children. Gandhi studied law at University College London and trained as a barrister. In 1921 he became the leader of the Indian National Congress and fought for India's independence. Gandhi was assasinated on 30 January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, because of his tolerance towards Muslims.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Clear Light of Day
Anita Mazumdar Desai was born on June 24, 1937 to a German mother, Toni Nime, and a Bengali businessman, D. N. Mazumdar, in Mussoorie, India. She was a student at Queen Mary's Higher Secondary School in Delhi and received her B.A. in English literature from the University of Delhi in 1957. She marrried Ashvin Desai, in 1958 and they had four children together.
She published Clear Light of Day in 1980 and incorporated real issues in India into the plot.
The Partition of India.
In March 1947, Lord Louis Mountbatten took over as British viceroy to India. India had become such a burden to Britain, that the British government had decided to transfer its power to Indian authority no later than June 1948. However, India's raging civil war between the two dominant religious groups, Muslims and Hindus, convinced Mountbatten that even a year was too long to wait to resolve the dangerous situation. The subsequent partitioning of the Indian subcontinent took place along religious lines. August 15, 1947 marked the official birth of the two nations of India and Pakistan.
Difference between Muslim and Hindus
Muslims believe that there is only one God called Allah, while Hindus worship one god but in many forms, aspects, and incarnations.
Hindus believe that god lives in everything while Muslims maintain that nothing is comparable to Allah.
Muslims do not recognize any intermediary between man and God. A worshipper can reach out to him directly through his prayers. In Hinduism there is a choice. A person can worship God directly or seek the intervention of a priest or guru for assistance. Also, Muslims do not believe in rebirth but only ressurrection and judgement day. In contrast, Hindus consider life in heaven and hell as temporary until they are reborn.
Role of Indian women
Generally, women in ancient Indian society were subordinate to men. Although Hindu customs provided women with some protection, the laws made it clear that their status was inferior to men. For example, the Hindua Laws of Manu stated " In childhood a female must be subject to her father, in youth to her husband, when her lord is dead, to her sons; a woman must never be independent." Thus, the role of women in Indian society was severely restricted, traditionally they were expected to maintain the household and care for the children.
She published Clear Light of Day in 1980 and incorporated real issues in India into the plot.
The Partition of India.
In March 1947, Lord Louis Mountbatten took over as British viceroy to India. India had become such a burden to Britain, that the British government had decided to transfer its power to Indian authority no later than June 1948. However, India's raging civil war between the two dominant religious groups, Muslims and Hindus, convinced Mountbatten that even a year was too long to wait to resolve the dangerous situation. The subsequent partitioning of the Indian subcontinent took place along religious lines. August 15, 1947 marked the official birth of the two nations of India and Pakistan.
Difference between Muslim and Hindus
Muslims believe that there is only one God called Allah, while Hindus worship one god but in many forms, aspects, and incarnations.
Hindus believe that god lives in everything while Muslims maintain that nothing is comparable to Allah.
Muslims do not recognize any intermediary between man and God. A worshipper can reach out to him directly through his prayers. In Hinduism there is a choice. A person can worship God directly or seek the intervention of a priest or guru for assistance. Also, Muslims do not believe in rebirth but only ressurrection and judgement day. In contrast, Hindus consider life in heaven and hell as temporary until they are reborn.
Role of Indian women
Generally, women in ancient Indian society were subordinate to men. Although Hindu customs provided women with some protection, the laws made it clear that their status was inferior to men. For example, the Hindua Laws of Manu stated " In childhood a female must be subject to her father, in youth to her husband, when her lord is dead, to her sons; a woman must never be independent." Thus, the role of women in Indian society was severely restricted, traditionally they were expected to maintain the household and care for the children.
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