Positive Attitude Helps to Judge Rightly

Chu and Wu, two Buddhist monks, returned home after a week's meditation in the monastery. They talked about how temptations appear before man. They reached the banks of a river. There, a beautiful woman was waiting to cross the river. Chu picked her up in his arms, carried her to the other side and continued his journey with his friend. At a certain point, Wu said, "We talked about temptation and you picked up that woman in your arms. It provided an opportunity for sin to enter into your soul." Chu answered, "My dear Wu, I behaved naturally. I took that woman across and left her on the other side of the river. But you continue carrying her in your thoughts - and for that reason you are closer to sin." - A Buddhist story

All of us have a tendency to jump to the conclusion that we are right. It is good sometimes to delay our decision and consider the possibility of the other being right. This positive attitude helps us from misjudging others.

Be Your Own Judge and Be Happy

Dionysius was the king of Syracuse. At that time Syracuse was the richest city in Sicily. The king lived in a fine palace where there were many beautiful and costly things. Naturally, there were many in Syracuse who envied his good fortune. One of these was Damocles, one of Dionysius' best friends. He was always saying to Dionysius: "You must be the happiest man in the world."

One day Dionysius, tired of hearing such talk, said: "Perhaps you would like to change places with me." "Oh, I would never dream of that," said Damocles. "But if I could only have your riches and your pleasure for one day, I should never want for any greater happiness." Dionysius agreed to the suggestion of Damocles.

And so, the next day, Damocles was led to the palace and all the servants were instructed to treat him as their master. They dressed him in royal robes, and placed on his head a golden crown. He sat at the head of a table in the banquet hall, and rich foods were set before him. There were costly wines, beautiful flowers, rare perfumes, and delightful music and he rested himself among the soft cushions. "Ah, this is the life," he sighed to Dionysius, who sat at the other end of the table. "I've never enjoyed myself so much."

As he raised a cup to his lips, he lifted his eyes to the ceiling, he saw above his head a sword, held to the ceiling by only by a single horsehair. Frightened that any move might snap the thin thread and bring the sword down, he sat frozen in his chair.

"What's the matter, my friend?" asked Dionysius, "You seem to have lost your appetite."

"That sword! That sword!" whispered Damocles. "Don't you see it?"

"Of course, I see it," said Dionysius. "I see it everyday. It always hangs over my head, and there is always the chance someone or something may cut the slim thread. Perhaps one of my advisers will grow jealous of my power and try to kill me. Or some may spread lies about me, to turn the people against me. If you want to be a leader, you have to accept these risks. They come with the power,"

 

Damocles said: "I see now that I was mistaken, and you have much to think about besides your riches and fame. Please take your place, and let me go back to my own house."

And as long as he lived, Damocles never again wanted to change places, even for a moment, with the king.

 

Standard of God's judgment of every person is relative to the talent given: the greater the gifts, the greater the responsibility. Many people by external standards will be a "success". They will own nice houses, eat well, dress well, and, in some cases, perform socially useful work. Yet, too few people are putting themselves on the line, getting involved in something noble enough for their talent that is worth living.

detailed explanation and critical analysis of the poem The Tyger by William Blake

 

"The Tyger" is a well anthologised symbolist poem by William Blake, published in 1794 as one among his collections entitled "Songs of Experience." It explores the nature of creation and the existence of evil, using the image of a tiger as a metaphor for the darker aspects of the world. The poem consists of six quatrains (4 stana) with a rhyme scheme of AABB.

 

The poem begins with the speaker pondering on the creation of the tiger and its divine creator. The first two lines, "Tyger Tyger, burning bright," immediately capture the reader's attention with their vivid imagery and repetition. This repetition emphasizes the intense and fierce nature of the tiger. The phrase "burning bright" suggests both the tiger's vibrant appearance and its potentially dangerous nature.

 

In the first quatrain, the speaker raises a series of questions about the origin and construction of the tiger: "In the forests of the night, / What immortal hand or eye / Could frame thy fearful symmetry?" Here, the tiger is described as symmetrical and fearful, highlighting its intimidating beauty. The questions imply that the creation of such a powerful and awe-inspiring creature must have required divine intervention.

 

The second quatrain continues the questioning, asking about the processes and elements involved in the tiger's creation: "In what distant deeps or skies / Burnt the fire of thine eyes? / On what wings dare he aspire? / What the hand dare seize the fire?" The use of imagery evokes a sense of mystery and wonder as the speaker contemplates the fiery eyes of the tiger and the boldness required to create such a creature.

 

In the third quatrain, the focus shifts to the moral implications of the tiger's creation: "And what shoulder, and what art, / Could twist the sinews of thy heart?" Here, the speaker wonders about the creator's strength and skill in shaping the tiger's powerful heart. This raises questions about the existence of evil and the intentions of the divine creator in bringing forth such a creature capable of causing harm.

 

It introduces a contrasting image of the lamb, symbolizing innocence and purity: "And when thy heart began to beat, / What dread hand? and what dread feet?" The juxtaposition of the tiger and the lamb emphasizes the dichotomy of creation—the beauty and innocence of one and the power and potential danger of the other. The poem highlights the complexity and contradictions present in the world.

 

The fourth quatrain explains the process of creation. The industrial ambiance is conspicuous here , which reflects the industrial outbreak of this period. Hence, the speaker employed the symbolisms of hammer, chain, anvil (metal piece) and furnace. 

 

The fourth quatrain alludes the Biblical story of the fallen angel from heaven. speaker strikingly juxtaposes this fearful symmetry to the evil force that is Satan. Poet expresses the sense of wonder  "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" This question challenges the notion of a benevolent and loving creator, suggesting that the same divine entity could be responsible for both the gentle lamb and the fierce tiger. It raises broader philosophical and theological questions about the existence of evil in a world created by a supposedly all-powerful and all-loving God.

 

"The Tyger" is often interpreted as a contemplation on the nature of good and evil and the existence of a higher power. Blake explores the paradoxical aspects of creation and the presence of darkness within the world. The poem's structure and repetitive questioning create a sense of wonder and awe, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of life and the contradictory forces at play in the universe.

 

In conclusion, "The Tyger" by William Blake is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the nature of creation, the presence of evil, and the complexities of existence. Through vivid imagery and questioning, Blake invites readers to contemplate the enigmatic aspects of the world and the contradictions within divine creation.

Critical analysis of Lamb by William Blake

 

"The Lamb" is the most celebrated poem by William Blake, published in his collection Songs of Innocence in 1789. It reveals the mystic inclination of the poet. Because the lamb becomes the spiritual symbol of Jesus Christ at the end of the poem. The sense of mysticism is deep rooted in the poem, thus the rhetorical questions like “the little lamb who made thee” remarkably reminds the benevolence of God and his creations. 

 

"The Lamb" consists of two stanzas, In the first stanza, the speaker addresses a lamb, asking a series of rhetorical questions about its creation and existence. The speaker begins by asking, "Little Lamb, who made thee?" and goes on to ponder how the lamb acquired its soft, gentle qualities, such as its clothing of wool, its tender voice, and its happy disposition. The speaker then proceeds to inform the lamb that it was created by someone called the Lamb's creator. The second stanza begins with the speaker answering their own question, stating that the creator is called the Lamb of God and describes the Lamb as meek and mild. 

 

"The Lamb" is a counterpart to Blake's poem "The Tyger," which explores the darker aspects of creation. In contrast, "The Lamb" focuses on innocence, purity, and the gentle nature of God's creation. The poem is written in simple language, reflecting the innocence it celebrates. The repetitive questions asked by the speaker create a sense of wonder and awe, inviting the reader to contemplate the beauty and goodness of the lamb's creation.

 

One of the key themes in the poem is the connection between the lamb and Christ. The Lamb is referred to as the Lamb of God, evoking Christian imagery of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. This connection emphasizes the lamb's purity and innocence and suggests that God's benevolence is reflected in the lamb's creation. By associating the lamb with Christ, Blake suggests that the divine qualities of love, tenderness, and mercy are inherent in all of God's creations.

 

Another theme explored in the poem is the power of simplicity and the natural world. The lamb, representing the natural world, is portrayed as a gentle and harmless creature. Its voice is described as "tender," and it is adorned with wool, which symbolizes warmth and comfort. Blake celebrates the lamb's simplicity and its connection to the divine, suggesting that true wisdom and beauty can be found in the natural world.

 

"The Lamb" can also be seen as a reflection on the concept of innocence itself. Blake's Songs of Innocence as a whole explores the loss of innocence and the corruption of society. In this poem, the lamb represents the purity and goodness that can be found in a state of innocence. By highlighting the lamb's qualities and its creator's watchful care, Blake contrasts the lamb's innocence with the complexities and darkness of the world.

 

In fact, "The Lamb" by William Blake is a short but profound poem that celebrates the innocence, purity, and divine qualities of a gentle lamb. Through simple language and repetitive questioning, Blake invites the reader to contemplate the beauty and goodness of creation, emphasizing the connection between the lamb and Christ. The poem highlights the power of simplicity and the natural world, while also exploring the concept of innocence and its contrast with a corrupt society.

The Triumph of Life by P.B Shelley summary and critical analysis

 

"The Triumph of Life" is the final and significant work by Percy Bysshe Shelley, an influential younger Romantic poet. Unfortunately, the poem was left unfinished at the time of Shelley's death in 1822. As a result, it remains an enigmatic and complex piece of literature that has puzzled readers and scholars alike. The poem explores profound philosophical and existential themes by using vivid imageries.

"The Triumph of Life" begins with a narrator who falls into a deep sleep and experiences a dream. In this dream, the narrator encounters a mysterious procession or parade moving toward him. This procession represents life itself, and it is described as a chaotic and bewildering spectacle. The narrator observes that the figures in the procession are engaged in various activities, such as battling, fleeing, and embracing, symbolizing the complexities and conflicts of human existence.

As the procession draws nearer, the narrator notices that the figures in it are merely illusions or shadows of real people. They lack substance and appear transient. This realization leads the narrator to question the nature of life and its purpose. He wonders if life is merely a fleeting illusion, devoid of any lasting meaning or fulfillment.

The dream progresses, and the narrator witnesses a figure riding in a chariot at the head of the procession. This figure represents Life's triumph and exerts a powerful influence over the other figures. Despite its grandeur and control, the figure is also depicted as being covered in darkness, symbolizing the mysterious and unknowable nature of life.

As the dream continues, the narrator follows the procession to a desolate and ruined landscape, devoid of life and joy. Here, he encounters a wretched old man, who represents the embodiment of despair and hopelessness. The old man recounts tales of suffering, oppression, and the futility of human endeavors. Through this encounter, Shelley emphasizes the darker aspects of existence and the challenges of humanity, this is indeed a tragic culmination of life.

The poem reaches an abrupt end, leaving readers with an unresolved sense of uncertainty. Shelley's original intent for the conclusion remains unknown, as he never completed the work. Some scholars speculate that the intended ending might have shed light on the triumph of life over despair or offered a resolution to the existential questions raised throughout the poem.

 

One notable aspect of the poem is its fragmented and disjointed structure. Shelley's use of irregular rhyme schemes and inconsistent line lengths creates a sense of chaos and anxiety, mirroring the uncertain nature of life itself. The poem begins with an evocative description of a mysterious procession, which represents life's transient and elusive nature. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes increasingly fragmented, leaving the reader with an incomplete and unresolved narrative.

Thematically, the poem explores the complexities of human existence and the inherent contradictions of life itself. Shelley contemplates the transient nature of existence, the tension between freedom and confinement, and the relentless march of time. The poem questions the purpose and meaning of life, suggesting that it is an ever-changing and elusive phenomenon that defies easy understanding.

 

Here are some important lines from the poem along with their explanations:

"Swift as a spirit hastening to his task / Of glory and of good, the Sun sprang forth / rejoicing in his splendour and the mask of darkness fell from the awakened earth"

The poem begins with a vivid imagery of the rising sun, symbolizing the arrival of life and also remarkably marks its transitory nature. Speaker highlights the fast moving nature of the sun, as it seems to be completing its duty in a quick manner. The sun is portrayed as a metaphorical spirit, representing energy and vitality.

"Life, like a dome of many-coloured glass, / Stains the white radiance of eternity"

Shelley suggests that human life, with its complexities and imperfections, obscures the pure and transcendent essence of eternity or haunted by the vastness of eternity.

"A sense of dim oblivion reigns / Over the place where trod the vanished train"

Here, Shelley reflects on the transitory nature of human existence. The phrase "vanished train" refers to the passing of previous generations and the fading of their collective memory. The idea of "dim oblivion" conveys a sense of forgotten history and lost knowledge.

"And what is that which rolls beneath his throne? / What that which triumphs over all things gone, / And sits in judgment of them?"

This passage raises questions about the nature of power and its relationship with time. The phrase "rolls beneath his throne" suggests an eternal force or principle that governs and surpasses all that has come before. It introduces the concept of an impartial judge who evaluates the past and determines its significance.

"Life, like a dome of many-coloured glass, / Stains the white radiance of eternity"

This line, repeated from an earlier section, emphasizes the transient and imperfect nature of human existence. It implies that the complexities and distractions of life prevent individuals from perceiving the true essence of eternity.

"Such is the scene—the barren mountains' steep / Beats with one passion of deformity / The icy caves, that seem to weep"

Shelley describes a desolate landscape marked by barren mountains. The phrase "one passion of deformity" highlights the overwhelming presence of ugliness and decay. The image of weeping icy caves evokes a sense of sadness and despair, reinforcing the poem's dull tone.

"Our life's a cheat, our death a disappointment"

In this poignant line, Shelley expresses a pessimistic view of human existence. He suggests that life is deceptive, promising fulfillment and happiness but ultimately failing to deliver. Death, too, is seen as a disappointment, perhaps because it extinguishes the potential for achieving true understanding and meaning.

"The Triumph of Life" remains unfinished, leaving the reader with a sense of ambiguity and speculation. Despite its incomplete state, the poem presents thought-provoking themes and showcases Shelley's poetic genius.

 

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The Prelude by William Wordsworth summary with critical analysis

 

The Prelude: or growth of a poet's mind is a long autobiographical poem written by William Wordsworth, a prominent figure in British Romantic literature. It was composed between 1798 and 1805 but was not published until after Wordsworth's death in 1850. The poem is considered one of Wordsworth's major accomplishments as a devotee of nature and also often considered a seminal piece in the development of British Romanticism.

"The Prelude" is divided into 14 books and explores various themes, including the development of the poet's mind and his relationship with nature, society, and the divine.

 

Book I: Introduction - Childhood and School-Time

Book I of "The Prelude" serves as an introduction to the poem and sets the tone for the subsequent books. It focuses on Wordsworth's childhood and his early experiences at school. The book is divided into several sections, each exploring different aspects of the poet's childhood innocence and beauty of nature.

Section 1: Childhood and Nature

This section describes Wordsworth's early childhood and his deep connection with nature. He reflects on his blissful experiences in the natural world, such as his explorations of the hills and valleys, and his encounters with streams and animals. Wordsworth highlights the formative influence of these experiences on his poetic sensibilities.

Oh there is blessing in this gentle breeze,

A visitant that while it fans my cheek

Doth seem half-conscious of the joy it brings

From the green fields, and from yon azure sky.

Whate'er its mission, the soft breeze can come

To none more grateful than to me; escaped

From the vast city, where I long had pined

A discontented sojourner: now free,

Free as a bird to settle where I will.

What dwelling shall receive me? in what vale               

Shall be my harbour? underneath what grove

Shall I take up my home? and what clear stream

Shall with its murmur lull me into rest?

The earth is all before me. With a heart

Joyous, nor scared at its own liberty,

I look about; and should the chosen guide

Be nothing better than a wandering cloud,

I cannot miss my way. I breathe again!

Trances of thought and mountings of the mind

Come fast upon me: it is shaken off,                       

That burthen of my own unnatural self,

The heavy weight of many a weary day

Not mine, and such as were not made for me.

Long months of peace

Long months of ease and undisturbed delight

Are mine in prospect; whither shall I turn,

 

Section 2: The Impact of Nature on the Young Poet

Here, Wordsworth explains how his involvement with the nature played a significant role in shaping his imaginative as well as creative faculties. He describes how the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world awakened his poetic spirit and fostered his love for solitude and contemplation.

 A prophecy: poetic numbers came

 Spontaneously to clothe in priestly robe

 A renovated spirit singled out,

 Such hope was mine, for holy services.

  My own voice cheered me, and, far more, the mind's

 Internal echo of the imperfect sound;

 To both I listened, drawing from them both

 A cheerful confidence in things to come.

 

Section 3: The Fear of the Unknown

In this section, Wordsworth recounts his encounters with mysterious and sometimes eerie aspects of nature, such as the "phantom or a ghost" that he imagines he sees in the dark. These experiences evoke a sense of fear and uncertainty, representing the unknown aspects of the world that challenge and stimulate the poet's imagination.

 I might endue some airy phantasies                       

 That had been floating loose about for years,

  And to such beings temperately deal forth

  The many feelings that oppressed my heart.

 

Section 4: School-Time

Wordsworth transitions from his early childhood to his experiences at school. He discusses his formal education and the pressures of societal expectations. Wordsworth admits to feeling out of place in this structured environment and yearns for the freedom and spontaneity he enjoyed in nature. He wants to be liberated from the constraints of cultural world to the limitless freedom of the nature.

Section 5: Books as a Source of Inspiration

Here, Wordsworth reflects on the solace he found in reading books during his school days. He emphasizes the transformative power of literature and the profound influence of works by influential writers and philosophers. Wordsworth's love for literature, particularly poetry, grows as he discovers the ability of words to capture the beauty of the natural world.

To my own passions and habitual thoughts,

Some variegated story, in the main

Lofty, but the unsubstantial structure melts

Before the very sun that brightens it

Mist into air dissolving! Then a wish,

My last and favourite aspiration, mounts

I yearn towards some philosophic song

Of truth that cherishes our daily life,

With meditations passionate from deep

Recesses in man’s heart, immortal verse

Thoughtfully fitted to the Orphean lyre;

But from this awful burthen I full soon

Take refuge, and beguile myself with trust

 

Section 6: The Discovery of the Imagination

In the final section of Book I, Wordsworth describes his growing awareness of the power of imagination. He realizes that his imagination allows him to create vivid and transformative mental images, which become a source of inspiration and artistic expression. This discovery sets the stage for the subsequent books, where Wordsworth further explores the relationship between imagination, nature, and the self.

Wisdom and Spirit of the universe!

Thou Soul that are the eternity of thought!

That gives to forms and images a breath

And everlasting motion! not in vain,

By day or star-light thus from my first dawn

Of Childhood didst Thou intertwine for me

The passions that build up our human Soul,

With life and nature, purifying thus

The elements of feeling and of thought,

Book I of "The Prelude" provides an autobiographical account of Wordsworth's early life, focusing on the pivotal role played by his encounters with nature, his struggles within the formal educational system, and his growing awareness of the power of imagination. It serves as an introduction to the larger work and establishes the foundational themes that will be explored in subsequent books.

 

One of the central themes in Book One is the transformative power of nature. Wordsworth portrays himself as a sensitive and observant child who finds solace and inspiration in the beauty and grandeur of the natural environment. The descriptions of the landscape evoke a sense of wonder and admiration, suggesting that communion with nature is essential for the development of the individual's spiritual and artistic sensibilities. Wordsworth's encounters with the "mountain-dread" and the "unremitting season" reflect the sublime aspects of nature, which elicit both fear and fascination.

Another significant aspect of Book One is Wordsworth's exploration of memory and the role it plays in shaping one's identity. He reflects on his childhood experiences and the profound impact they have had on his adult self. The recollection of certain moments, such as his boating expedition on the lake or his solitary walks, evokes a sense of nostalgia and underscores the transformative power of memory. Wordsworth suggests that these experiences have become an integral part of his being, shaping his worldview and poetic vision.

Moreover, Book One delves into the theme of the individual's relationship with nature. Wordsworth acknowledges the importance of human companionship and community, but he also presents moments of solitude and introspection as crucial for personal growth. He describes his longing for solitude and his retreat into nature as a means to escape the pressures and constraints of societal expectations. This tension between the individual and society sets the stage for later exploration in the poem.

In terms of style and form, Book One of "The Prelude" is written in blank verse, which allows for a natural and conversational tone. Wordsworth's language is rich in vivid imagery and sensory details, enabling the reader to share in the poet's experiences. His use of introspection and reflective narration creates an intimate and personal atmosphere, drawing the reader into his world.

Book One of The Prelude in fact serves as an engaging and introspective introduction to Wordsworth's poetic journey. It establishes key themes such as the transformative power of nature, the role of memory, and the tension between the individual and society. Through vivid descriptions and introspective musings, Wordsworth invites readers to embark on a poetic exploration of his own life and the universal human experience.

 

 

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