วีดีโอ

welcome

welcome

amen

Thanks

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. From a postcolonial perspective, the idea of the 'White Man's Burden' has been criticized for justifying colonialism under the guise of a civilizing mission. Many scholars argue that this notion masked the exploitation and subjugation of colonized people, portraying imperialist actions as benevolent. The idea that Britain conquered territories for 'palatable food' might sound humorous, but it oversimplifies and overlooks the deeper economic and cultural impacts of colonialism. The phrase ‘Brown Man’s Burden’ could be seen as a satirical twist on Kipling's words, yet it risks reinforcing the same problematic ideas by suggesting gratitude for colonial actions. Food and culture exchange can be appreciated, but it’s essential to acknowledge the historical context of power dynamics, exploitation, and resistance that came with colonialism.

@@QaiserSajjad Given your name I’m not entirely sure whether I’m not getting your sense of humour? If you are serious I do apologise.

Sure

Your perspective echoes some of the sentiments expressed in Kipling's *'White Man's Burden,'* which portrayed colonialism as a self-sacrificial mission to 'civilize' other cultures. However, a postcolonial analysis would argue that this view is deeply problematic, as it positions the colonizers as benevolent and superior, while dehumanizing and generalizing the colonized as inherently lesser. The language you use-referring to people as 'beasts' or 'violent hordes'-reinforces a harmful and outdated narrative that justified exploitation and domination under the pretext of 'help.' True progress doesn't come from one-sided paternalism or by imposing values, but through mutual respect and recognition of the shared humanity and potential of all cultures.

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Glad you found it intriguing! Shakespeare's brilliance lies in how he brings historical figures to life with such realism. Mark Antony’s speech truly feels timeless, even though it’s set centuries ago. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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Thank you

Good questions raised

Definitely brilliant poet, but it was truth of Empire, colonised people consider it otherwise.

I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you 😊

I'm glad you found it helpful!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview! Thank you for sharing it with other book lovers.

Well done

welcome

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Your perspective highlights the skepticism inherent in postmodernism, particularly its questioning of established beliefs, methodologies, and narratives. However, postmodern literary theory operates on the premise that meaning is not fixed but constructed, contextual, and often shaped by power dynamics. It emphasizes the instability of language and challenges the idea of a singular, universal truth. For literature, this means questioning the traditional structures of storytelling, such as linear narratives or definitive character arcs, and embracing fragmentation, ambiguity, and multiple interpretations. The purpose is not necessarily to "undermine" belief or accountability but to expose the subjective and constructed nature of these concepts. Postmodernists argue that recognizing the multiplicity of truths can enrich our understanding rather than diminish it. While critiques of science, economics, or genetics may seem naive to some, postmodernism does not claim expertise in these fields but seeks to reveal the limitations of grand narratives and universal claims within them. This interrogation encourages discourse about whose voices are included, whose are excluded, and how systems of knowledge are legitimized. Rather than dismissing postmodern skepticism as childish, it may be more productive to view it as an invitation to critically engage with how we define knowledge, meaning, and truth across disciplines.

@ “Postmodernists argue that “”recognizing”” the multiplicity of truths…” Is there a postmodernist text whose “multiplicity” of truths has been revealed? Revealed by the author? How would a postmodernist narrative hold non-opposing but differing views? Opposing views can be baked into a narrative by solipsism. Solipsism in the form of time travel or possession. But such a narrative is necessarily confusing 🫤 if not entirely boring or tedious. In the end the kinds of “truth” revealed are inane. So servile to the postmodern narrative that the “truth” is merely the writer’s exercising of his conceit rather than an expansion of the reader’s understanding. In order to understand the truth, the truth has to be not only understandable but relevant. That 1+1=2 is understandable, but how many ways are there of learning this? Does it matter if you’re black, female, European, or Jewish? Does each identity learn this truth in a non-trivially, different way? Would learning those ways expand my understanding of why 1+1=2? To make such an extraordinary claim, extraordinary proof is required. Do you have any?

Most welcome 😊

Many many thanks

Appreciate your feedback! Could you share what you found challenging about it? It’ll help us improve and make the content more engaging.

@English with Qaiser Sajjad

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Beowulf is the oldest surviving Germanic epic and the longest Old English poem; it was likely composed between 700 and 750.

@@kookiefly Beowulf is definitely Anglo-Saxon and belongs to the old English / Anglo-Saxon period.

Noted

Noted

Thank you

May be

🙏

Welcome

How

Rude this is actually trying to honor the charge of the light brigade

@@QaiserSajjad Because nobody in a right mind would charge into artillery and infantry fired support and overall the number opponents troops.

@@thefoodie1234-d2k Sorry to be rude but No they need to cool their jet down another while it's just waste. (Tactical Disaster)

Right

Thank you for your comment! While this video focuses on William Shakespeare, it's always great to see diverse perspectives and cultural expressions here.

You're absolutely right! Shakespeare did know Queen Elizabeth I during her reign and wrote many of his famous plays during the Elizabethan Age. However, he also continued writing during the Jacobean Age under King James I. In fact, some of his greatest works, like Macbeth and The Tempest, were written during this time. Thanks for pointing that out!

How so? It is a criticism and warning about imperialism from the tiny nation that had the largest empire in human history.

@@Andrew-i1s7w This poem attempts to rationalize imperialism. You clearly don't understand what this poem is actually saying

@@Waddduup No I understand perfectly what it is saying, you are so ignorant and ideologically locked that you refuse to see it for what it is.

​​@@Waddduup no you do not seem to understand and are projecting, it's intentionally mocking that we shouldn't be helping the browns as they neitheir care nor are able to maintain what we build and only destroy, the poem was mocking the "white man's burden" of liberals, Kipling was a nationalist and he warned about the Empire and what it was leading to. Seethe, Cope and dilate

@@Waddduup Actually your the one who doesnt understand. The author wrote is as satire. He was basically saying it was ridiculous what they were doing

Thank you for sharing your perspective! The broad scope and repetition you mention might reflect certain elements of postmodernism, which often embraces ambiguity, fragmentation, and critique of traditional structures. If it felt irritating, that could be the intention to provoke thought and challenge norms. Appreciate your feedback-it helps refine our approach!

Great observation! While this video highlights some Indian authors, you're absolutely right that figures like V.S. Naipaul, Rohinton Mistry, and even George Orwell (who was born in India) deserve a mention. Their contributions to English literature are immense-thank you for pointing that out!

victorian*

The literature of the Victorian Age (1837-1901) reflects a society undergoing significant social, political, and technological changes due to industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the British Empire. Here are the main characteristics of Victorian literature, along with examples of authors and works: --- Characteristics of Victorian Literature 1. Realism and Social Commentary Victorian literature often portrayed the realities of life, especially the struggles of the poor and working classes, to create awareness of societal issues. Example: Charles Dickens (Oliver Twist, Hard Times) depicts the plight of the underprivileged and critiques industrial society. 2. Morality and Ethical Concerns Many works emphasized the importance of moral values, often grappling with issues of right and wrong, particularly in a rapidly changing society. Example: Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem In Memoriam A.H.H. reflects spiritual questioning and faith during grief. 3. Romantic Influence and Nature While more practical than Romanticism, Victorian literature often celebrated nature as a source of solace or reflected on its beauty. Example: Matthew Arnold's Dover Beach contrasts the calm of nature with the chaos of human life. 4. Industrialization and Social Critique Literature of this period frequently addressed the effects of industrialization, including urban poverty, child labor, and the dehumanizing aspects of factory work. Example: Elizabeth Gaskell's Mary Barton explores the struggles of the working class in industrial England. 5. Conflict Between Religion and Science With advancements like Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, Victorian literature explored the conflict between traditional religious beliefs and new scientific ideas. Example: Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles reflects moral dilemmas and critiques religious hypocrisy. 6. Sentimentality and Emotional Depth Poetry and prose often delved deeply into emotions, reflecting love, loss, despair, and hope. Example: Christina Rossetti's Remember showcases themes of love and remembrance with deep emotion. 7. Gothic Elements Gothic themes of mystery, horror, and the supernatural were popular, often used to explore the darker sides of human nature and Victorian society. Example: Bram Stoker's Dracula exemplifies Gothic fiction with its exploration of fear and repression. 8. Women’s Roles and Gender Issues Victorian literature frequently explored the roles and limitations placed on women, often critiquing patriarchal society. Example: Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre portrays the struggles of a woman seeking independence and self-respect. --- Key Authors and Works of Victorian Literature 1. Poets: Alfred Lord Tennyson: The Charge of the Light Brigade, Ulysses Robert Browning: My Last Duchess, Porphyria's Lover Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Aurora Leigh, Sonnets from the Portuguese Matthew Arnold: Dover Beach Gerard Manley Hopkins: The Windhover, Pied Beauty 2. Novelists: Charles Dickens: Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities Thomas Hardy: Far from the Madding Crowd, Jude the Obscure Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre Emily Brontë: Wuthering Heights George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans): Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss 3. Playwrights: Oscar Wilde: The Importance of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband --- Conclusion Victorian literature is a reflection of its time, grappling with issues of morality, progress, and identity in an era of rapid change. It remains influential for its enduring themes and the way it captures the spirit of the age.