English Literature and Language

The Natyashastra   Aristotle's Poetics: The Foundational Treatise on Literary Art Introduction: Aristotle (384-322 BCE), the Macedonian philosopher and student of Plato, changed Western thought with his practical approach to knowledge. His  Poetics  (c. 335 BCE), though partially lost, remains the iconic work of literary theory. Composed as lecture notes, it systematically analyzes poetry (Greek  poiētikē , "making" or "creating"), focusing mainly on  tragedy  and  epic poetry . Aristotle counters Plato’s dismissal of art as morally corrupting by arguing poetry reveals universal truths through structured imitation ( mimesis ), offering intellectual pleasure and emotional catharsis. This newsletter unpacks Aristotle’s technical framework, defining key concepts crucial for understanding narrative art. I. The Core Principle: Mimesis (Imitation) Aristotle defines all poetry as fundamentally mimetic – not mere copying, but a creative representation of ...

  Discovering the Foundations of Indian Performing Arts & Literary Criticism Introduction to Indian Poetics Introduction: The Origin of Dramatic Art The  Natyashastra , accredited to the sage Bharata Muni, stands as India’s oldest surviving discourse on performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, music, and poetics. Composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, it is well-regarded as the  Natyaveda  (Fifth Veda), synthesizing foundations from the four Vedas: speech ( Rigveda ), song ( Samaveda ), acting ( Yajurveda ), and emotion ( Atharvaveda ).  Bharata systematized pre-existing artistic traditions into 6,000 verses, creating an encyclopaedic guide for creators, performers, and audiences. Unlike earlier fragmented works (e.g., by Parasara or Narada), the  Natyashastra  offers a complete framework for  natya  (drama) as a vehicle for moral education, aesthetic pleasure, and spiritual elevation. I. Core Poetics & Literary Thoughts The...

  Caryl Churchill's Top Girls Introduction Caryl Churchill (born September 3, 1938) is a revolutionary British playwright whose works challenge gender norms, class hierarchies, and capitalist structures through avant-garde techniques. A leading voice in socialist feminism , Churchill’s plays blend political urgency with experimental form , making her one of the most influential dramatists of the 20th century. Key Traits of Her Work: Non-linear narratives : Disrupts traditional storytelling (e.g., Top Girls ). Overlapping dialogue : Mirrors chaos and oppression in society. Transhistorical characters : Connects past and present struggles (e.g., Pope Joan in Top Girls ). Career and Major Works Churchill’s career spans radio, television, and stage , marked by collaborations with feminist and experimental theatre groups like Monstrous Regiment . Notable Plays: Vinegar Tom (1976): Exposes witch hunts as tools of patriarchal oppression. Cloud Nine (1979): Explores gender and...