Renaissance Literature 

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here 

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Q.-1.|Rewriting the Last Monologue of Doctor Faustus with Insights from Bhagat Singh’s Arguments.

Reflect on the concluding monologue of Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus incorporating insights from Bhagat Singh’s essay "Why I am an Atheist". Consider how Singh’s perspectives on freedom, oppression, and revolutionary thought can offer new dimensions to Faustus’s final lament.

Ans:

In Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, the final monologue shows Faustus regretting his choices as he faces eternal damnation. He feels helpless, realizing that his pursuit of power through a pact with the devil has only led to his downfall. Bhagat Singh’s essay "Why I am an Atheist" offers a different perspective that could change how we view Faustus’s final moments.

Bhagat Singh believed in freedom and rejected the idea of surrendering to any power, including religious authority. He argued that humans should shape their own destinies without relying on external forces. If Faustus had thought like Bhagat Singh, he might have seen the danger in seeking power from the devil and instead focused on his inner strength.

Singh also saw religion as a tool of oppression used to control people. Faustus, by selling his soul, loses his freedom and becomes a slave to the devil. His final monologue could be viewed as a cry against this kind of oppression. In this sense, Faustus’s story is not just about his personal mistakes but also about the struggle for freedom against tyrannical forces.

Moreover, Bhagat Singh believed in fighting for a cause greater than oneself, even in the face of death. Faustus, however, is consumed by fear and regret, not realizing that he could still stand up against the forces that have trapped him. Singh’s ideas suggest that true redemption comes from taking responsibility and fighting for what is right, even when the outcome seems certain.

In summary, Bhagat Singh’s insights offer a new way to understand Faustus’s final monologue, showing that even in despair, there is value in resisting oppression and standing up for one’s beliefs.

Q.-2.|Comparative Analysis of Chaucer, Spenser, and Shakespeare as Poets.

Conduct a comparative analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare. Focus on their poetic styles, themes, contributions to English literature, and their influences on subsequent literary traditions.

Ans.

Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare are towering figures in English literature, each representing different phases of its evolution. Through their poetic styles, thematic concerns, and contributions, they laid the foundation for subsequent literary traditions.

Geoffrey Chaucer: The Father of English Poetry:

Chaucer (c. 1343–1400), often regarded as the father of English literature, revolutionized poetry by elevating English as a language of literary merit. His magnum opus, 'The Canterbury Tales,' is celebrated for its vivid storytelling, sharp characterizations, and varied themes, ranging from love to morality. Chaucer's poetic style was marked by his use of the vernacular Middle English, which distinguished him from his contemporaries who primarily wrote in French or Latin. His employment of the iambic pentameter in 'The Canterbury Tales,' especially in lines like

“Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote

The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,”

demonstrates his rhythmic skill and mastery of narrative verse.

Chaucer's influence on English poetry is seen in his creation of relatable characters and themes that transcend social boundaries, such as the Wife of Bath, who challenges medieval gender norms. His storytelling tradition influenced the development of character-driven narratives in English literature, leaving a lasting legacy that inspired later poets, including Shakespeare.

Edmund Spenser: The Poet of Allegory:

Edmund Spenser (1552–1599) is renowned for his ambitious epic 'The Faerie Queene', an allegorical work that reflects both his deep Christian faith and his political views. Spenser’s style is marked by his intricate use of language, seen in his invention of the Spenserian stanza—a nine-line stanza with a rhyme scheme of ABABBCBCC. In 'The Faerie Queene,' his poetic mastery is evident in lines like

“Upon a great adventure he was bound,

That greatest Gloriana to him gave,”

where the fusion of narrative and allegory creates a richly textured world.

Spenser’s contributions lie in his ability to blend the classical and the Christian traditions, creating a moral and political vision for Elizabethan England. His allegorical style had a profound influence on English literature, especially on later poets such as John Milton, who adopted a similar fusion of classical and Christian themes in 'Paradise Lost'. Spenser’s focus on allegory and his intricate use of form made him a key figure in the development of epic poetry in English.

William Shakespeare: The Master of Language and Emotion:

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is often considered the greatest poet and dramatist in the English language. Unlike Chaucer’s narrative verse or Spenser’s allegory, Shakespeare’s poetry is distinguished by its exploration of human emotion and experience. His Sonnets, particularly Sonnet 18, with the iconic line

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”

showcase his mastery of the sonnet form and his ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful language.

Shakespeare’s influence extends beyond his sonnets; his plays are replete with poetic language that explores the human condition. His use of blank verse, especially in 'Hamlet' or 'Macbeth', demonstrates his innovation in dramatic poetry. The complexity of his characters, such as Hamlet’s existential reflections in

“To be, or not to be,

that is the question,”

reveals Shakespeare’s unique ability to fuse poetic language with profound philosophical inquiry.

Comparative Insights:

While Chaucer established a foundation for English poetry by focusing on narrative and social themes, Spenser advanced the tradition by introducing allegory and moral complexity. Shakespeare, on the other hand, revolutionized poetic language, blending it with human emotion and psychological depth. All three poets were innovators, and their works collectively expanded the range and depth of English poetry. Chaucer’s narrative style influenced Shakespeare’s character-driven dramas, while Spenser’s formal innovations found echoes in Shakespeare’s use of intricate forms like the sonnet.

In sum, Chaucer, Spenser, and Shakespeare each contributed to the evolution of English poetry in distinct ways, shaping its trajectory for future generations. Their combined legacies laid the groundwork for the flourishing of English literature in the Renaissance and beyond.

References:

1. Mutter, Reginald P.C. , Davies, Hugh Alistair , Cordner, Michael , Shrimpton, Nicholas , Butler, M.H. , Kemp, Peter , Mullan, John , Baker, Peter S. , Beer, John Bernard and Beadle, Richard. "English literature". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Jul. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024.

2. Singh, Bhagat. Why I am an Atheist. 5 Oct. 1930, www.marxists.org/archive/bhagat-singh/1930/10/05.htm. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024.

 Thank you!