LITERARY SPHERE

Francis Bacon: Detailed Notes for UGC NET English Biographical Overview Full Name: Francis Bacon Born: 22 January 1561, London, England Died: 9 April 1626 Titles: 1st Viscount St Alban, Lord Verulam Occupations: Philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, orator, essayist, and author Bacon served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of King James I. He is known as the "Father of the English Essay" and "Father of Empiricism." His advocacy for empirical methods and scientific reform shaped modern science. He died of pneumonia while experimenting with meat preservation. Major Works Essays (1597, 1612, 1625): A growing collection addressing universal themes like truth, death, friendship, and studies. The Advancement of Learning (1605): Advocates educational reform and empirical science. Novum Organum (1620): Introduces inductive reasoning and the Baconian scientif...

Significant English Literary Periodicals A Chronicle of English Literary Periodicals The Tatler (1709–1711) Founded by Richard Steele, with significant contributions from Joseph Addison, The Tatler emerged three times a week, blending political and literary commentary. This periodical was instrumental in shaping modern journalism and popularizing the periodical essay format that would become a hallmark of 18th-century English literature. The Spectator (1711–1712) Following The Tatler, Joseph Addison and Richard Steele continued their influential collaboration with The Spectator. A daily publication, its stated aim was to "enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality." It greatly appealed to the burgeoning middle class and became a cornerstone of London's vibrant coffeehouse culture, fostering intellectual discussion and refined taste. ...

An Analysis of The Law of Freedom  by Gerrard Winstanley Gerrard Winstanley, a significant figure in the history of English political thought, is best known for his radical ideas on social equality and communal ownership. His most notable work, "The Law of Freedom," presents a comprehensive vision of a utopian society grounded in principles of common ownership and equality. This text, published in 1652, is a critical document that reflects Winstanley's mature political philosophy, shaped by his experiences during the English Civil War and his involvement with the Diggers movement. 🟥 Context and Background Winstanley's political thought cannot be separated from the historical context of 17th-century England. The period was marked by intense social and political upheaval, with the English Civil War (1642–1651) leading to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. This era of revolution and republ...

Exploring the essay We 'Other' Victorians by Michel Foucault 🟥 Author : Michel Foucault 🟥 Year written : 1976 🟥 Book : The essay is part of Foucault's book "The History of Sexuality, Volume I: An Introduction" (French title: "La Volonté de savoir") 🟥 Background : Foucault was a French philosopher and social theorist who was interested in the ways in which power and knowledge are related. In "The History of Sexuality," he challenges traditional views of sexuality and argues that it is a product of historical and cultural forces. The essay "We 'Other' Victorians" is a key part of this work, as it examines the ways in which the Victorians thought about and regulated sexuality. 🟥 Context : The essay was written during a time of great social change, as the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s was challenging traditional norms and values around sexuality. Foucault's work was influenced by this context, and ...

Exploring The Eikon Basilike by Charles I The Eikon Basilike ("Royal Image" in Greek) is a significant literary and political document attributed to King Charles I of England, published shortly after his execution in 1649. It presents itself as Charles I's personal spiritual autobiography, portraying him as a martyr and defender of the Church of England against Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War. The text consists of prayers, meditations, and reflections on his reign, aimed at garnering sympathy for the royalist cause. However, its authenticity has been debated, as it was likely composed by royalist sympathizers to bolster support for Charles I and vilify his opponents. Historical Context To understand the Eikon Basilike , one must delve into the tumultuous political and religious landscape of 17th century England. Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625, facing conflicts with Parliament over issues of taxation, religion, and royal prerogative. His be...

Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom Image Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/the-fugitive-agrarian-movement-in-poetry Introduction John Crowe Ransom (1888-1974) was a prominent figure in American literary criticism and a founder of the New Criticism movement. His essay "Criticism, Inc." (1937) is a cornerstone document in the history of literary criticism, outlining the principles and objectives of New Criticism. Ransom's work emphasizes an objective, systematic approach to literary analysis, free from the influence of impressionistic, historical, linguistic, and moralistic methods. His students, such as Allen Tate, Cleanth Brooks, and Robert Penn Warren, further developed many of the key concepts that define New Criticism, including the technique of close reading. I. The Business of Criticism Ransom begins by discussing the state of literary criticism, arguing that it has been largely undertaken by amateurs lacking proper training...

Exploring the Essay 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢-𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣: 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚 by Charles Lamb | Background | Summary | Themes  Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, best known for his essays collected in "Essays of Elia" and "The Last Essays of Elia." Lamb was a lifelong Londoner, and his works reflect his deep affection for the city and its people. Despite personal hardships, including caring for his sister Mary Lamb after she had a mental breakdown, Lamb's writings are often characterized by their warmth, humor, and poignant reflections on life. VISIT : LITERARY SPHERE 👈👈👈👈 Background of the Essay "Dream-Children: A Reverie" was first published in 1822 as part of Lamb’s "Essays of Elia" series, which appeared in the London Magazine. The essay is deeply personal, blending Lamb’s own experiences with fictional elements. It reflects his nostalgic longing for the past, particularly for his childhood, h...

Summary of |  Imperfect Sympathies | by Charles Lamb  In "Imperfect Sympathies," Charles Lamb reflects on his personal biases and prejudices against various groups of people, contrasting his own views with those expressed by Sir Thomas Browne in "Religio Medici." Browne claims a universal sympathy and lack of prejudice, while Lamb admits to being a "bundle of prejudices" influenced by his likes and dislikes. Lamb starts by discussing his dislike for Scots, which he attributes to differences in intellectual style. He describes his own mind as suggestive rather than comprehensive, prone to throwing out ideas and letting others refine them. He contrasts this with the Scottish intellect, which he sees as methodical and systematic, always presenting fully formed ideas and never showing uncertainty or ambiguity. He finds this approach tedious and incompatible with his own way of thinking. Next, Lamb addresses his feelings about Jews. While he respe...

EXPLORING THE ESSAY | IMPERFECT SYMPATHIES | BY CHARLES LAMB Background of the Essay "Imperfect Sympathies" is an essay by Charles Lamb, first published in the August 1821 issue of London Magazine . The essay is part of a larger collection known as the "Essays of Elia," where Lamb, writing under the pseudonym Elia, explores various personal and social topics with a blend of humor, introspection, and literary style. In "Imperfect Sympathies," Lamb examines his own prejudices and partialities, providing a candid and often humorous reflection on the limitations of his sympathies towards different groups of people. About the Author Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, best known for his essays collected in "Essays of Elia" and for his children's book "Tales from Shakespeare," which he co-authored with his sister, Mary Lamb. He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time, a...