"O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman is a poem about the sadness felt after the death of President Abraham Lincoln. The poem uses the image of a ship's captain and the ship to represent Lincoln and the United States during the Civil War.
Background:
The poem was written in 1865 after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and helped to end slavery. His death was a great loss to the nation, and Walt Whitman wrote this poem to express his grief and the nation's mourning.
Celebration Amidst the Captain’s Death:
The speaker tells the Captain (Lincoln) that their difficult journey (the Civil War) is over. They have achieved their goal and are close to reaching peace. The people are celebrating their victory, but the speaker is sad because the Captain has died. The blood on the ship's deck shows the Captain's death, and the speaker feels deep sorrow.
The Pain of Loss:
The speaker calls out to the Captain, asking him to wake up and join the celebration. The speaker describes the flags waving, bugles sounding, and people bringing flowers to honor the Captain. Despite all this, the speaker knows that the Captain is dead and feels great sadness. The speaker holds the Captain's head, showing how much he admired and cared for him.
Triumph and Sorrow:
The speaker realizes that the Captain will not respond because he is lifeless. The ship (representing the nation) has safely arrived at its destination, and the journey (the Civil War) is over. Even though the people are celebrating, the speaker walks sadly because the Captain has died. The poem shows the mix of happiness for the victory and deep sorrow for the loss of Lincoln.
Conclusion:
"O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman is a heartfelt poem that shows the nation's grief after Abraham Lincoln's death. It highlights the triumph of winning the Civil War and the sorrow of losing a great leader. The poem teaches us about the importance of strong leaders and the impact they have on people's lives.
Themes:
✨Leadership and Sacrifice
✨Grief and Loss
✨Victory and Triumph
✨National Identity
✨The Burden of Responsibility
✨Conflict and Resolution
✨Mortality and Legacy
✨Celebration and Mourning
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“A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry is the story of Jimmy Valentine, a clever man who used to rob safes. He was caught and sent to prison. But later, something happens that makes him want to live an honest life.
Jimmy Returns to Crime:
Jimmy is released from prison after ten months. The warden tells him to stop breaking safes, but Jimmy doesn’t listen. Once he is released, he goes back to robbing banks in different towns. A famous detective, Ben Price, starts looking for him because he recognizes Jimmy’s style of robbery.
Love Changes Jimmy:
Jimmy arrives in a small town called Elmore. There, he sees Annabel Adams, the daughter of a bank owner. He falls in love with her and decides to change his life. He takes a new name, Ralph D. Spencer, and opens a shoe shop. He becomes a good man and gets engaged to Annabel. He even writes to an old friend saying he’s giving up his tools forever.
A Big Test and Forgiveness:
One day, Agatha gets locked inside a bank vault. Jimmy uses his tools to save her. Ben Price sees everything but lets Jimmy go, seeing he’s truly changed.
Conclusion:
The story shows that love and kindness can change people. Jimmy leaves crime behind and gets a second chance at life.
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A Retrieved Reformation Detailed Essay
Introduction:
“A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry tells the story of Jimmy Valentine, a safecracker who is released from prison. After some crimes he decides to start a new life. His transformation is sparked by love when he meets Annabel Adams, leading him to leave his criminal past behind.
Jimmy Valentine is Released from Prison:
A guard came to the prison workshop, where Jimmy Valentine was busy stitching shoes, and brought him to the front office. "9762" is Jimmy Valentine's prison number. There, the warden gave Jimmy a pardon that had been signed by the governor. Jimmy had been sentenced to four years in prison. With many friends outside, he thought he would only serve three months. However, he had already been in prison for ten months and was feeling tired.
The Warden's Advice:
The warden told Jimmy that he would be released the next morning and advised him to stop cracking safes. He encouraged Jimmy to live an honest life because he is not a bad fellow at heart. Jimmy acted surprised and pretended he had never committed such a crime. The warden, knowing Jimmy was pretending, jokingly asked why Jimmy was in prison. Jimmy still denied doing anything wrong.
Jimmy Leaves Prison:
The next morning, Jimmy was given a poorly fitting suit and uncomfortable shoes. He received a train ticket and five dollars to help him start his new life. The warden gave him a cigar and shook his hand. Jimmy, now free, left the prison and stepped into the sunshine as a free man.
Jimmy Enjoys His Freedom:
Ignoring the birds, trees, and flowers, Jimmy went straight to a restaurant. There, he enjoyed his first meal after being freed. He ate broiled chicken and drank white wine. After that, he smoked a cigar. Then, he slowly made his way to the train station. Before boarding, he gave some money to a blind man sitting by the door. After three hours, he arrived in a small town near the state line.
Meeting Mike Dolan:
Jimmy went to Mike Dolan’s cafe and shook hands with Mike. Mike apologized for not being able to get Jimmy out of prison sooner. He explained that the protest from Springfield had caused problems, and the governor almost didn’t pardon him. Mike asked Jimmy how he was feeling, and Jimmy said he was fine. Jimmy then asked for his key.
Jimmy’s Secret Room:
Jimmy took the key and went upstairs to a room. Inside, everything was just as he had left it. On the floor was a collar-button from the detective, Ben Price, who had helped catch Jimmy. Jimmy moved a folding bed and opened a hidden panel in the wall. He pulled out a dusty suitcase. Inside, there was a set of expensive burglar tools made from special steel. Jimmy looked at the tools proudly, as they had cost him over nine hundred dollars to make. Some of the tools were his own inventions.
Dressed and Ready:
After about half an hour, Jimmy came downstairs. He was now dressed in neat, stylish clothes and carrying his cleaned suitcase. Mike asked if Jimmy had any jobs lined up, but Jimmy pretended to be confused.
A Series of Safe Burglaries:
One week after Jimmy Valentine (known as prisoner 9762) was released, a safe was broken into in Richmond, Indiana. The burglar left no clues behind and only got about eight hundred dollars. Two weeks later, in Logansport, a burglar opened a special burglar-proof safe, taking fifteen hundred dollars in cash, but leaving the securities and silver. Then, in Jefferson City, an old bank safe was robbed of five thousand dollars. These thefts caught the attention of law enforcement.
Jimmy's Skills and Ben's Pursuit:
Ben Price, a well-known detective, began to investigate. He recognized the burglar’s style. He said it was Jimmy Valentine's work, based on how the safes were opened. Ben Price knew Jimmy's habits well, having tracked him in the past during the Springfield case. Ben noted how Jimmy had special tools and techniques that made it easy for him to open safes, like pulling out a knob or punching out the lock in a clean way. Ben was sure Jimmy was back to his old ways and predicted that, this time, Jimmy wouldn’t get out of serving a full prison sentence.
Jimmy Arrives in Elmore:
One afternoon, Jimmy Valentine arrived in the small town of Elmore, Arkansas. As he walked toward the hotel, he saw a young lady named Annabel Adams, (entered the door of The Elmore Bank) the daughter of the bank owner. When Jimmy looked into her eyes, he was so captivated by her and fell in love with her.
Jimmy Becomes Ralph D. Spencer:
Curious about the town, Jimmy asked a boy about the town and Annabel. He learned more about the bank and her family. He then went to the planters' hotel and registered under a new name, "Ralph D. Spencer." Jimmy told the hotel clerk that he was interested in starting a shoe business in Elmore. The clerk, impressed by Jimmy's appearance and manners, gave him information about the town and encouraged him to stay.
A New Life in Elmore:
Jimmy, now known as Ralph Spencer, decided to stay in Elmore. He opened a shoe store, and his business thrived. He quickly became well-liked in the community and made many friends. Most importantly, he grew closer to Annabel Adams and became more and more captivated by her charms.
Jimmy's Success:
After a year, Jimmy's life had completely transformed. His shoe business was successful, and he had gained the respect of the people in town. He and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks. Jimmy was also accepted into Annabel's family, feeling like he truly belonged. He was no longer Jimmy Valentine, the criminal, but Ralph Spencer, a respected businessman and soon-to-be husband.
Jimmy's Letter to a Friend:
One day, Jimmy Valentine sat down and wrote a letter to one of his old friends in St. Louis. In the letter, he asked his friend to meet him at Sullivan's place in Little Rock the following Wednesday night at nine o'clock. Jimmy planned to give him his kit of burglar tools, which were worth over a thousand dollars.
Jimmy explained that he had left his life of crime a year ago. He now had a nice store, was making an honest living, and was about to marry the best girl in the world in two weeks. He told his friend that living a straight, honest life was the best decision, and he would never steal again, no matter how much money was offered (a million). After getting married, Jimmy planned to move west to start fresh and avoid any risks of his past catching up with him. He ended the letter by saying that his fiancee is an angel who believed in him and how he would never do anything crooked again.
Ben Price Arrives in Elmore:
Meanwhile, the detective Ben Price quietly arrived in Elmore. He moved around town unnoticed, gathering information. From across the street, at a drugstore, he got a good look at Ralph D. Spencer, who was really Jimmy Valentine. Ben Price knew that Jimmy was planning to marry the banker's daughter, Annabel. Watching from afar, Ben softly said to himself, "Going to marry the banker's daughter, are you, Jimmy?"
Breakfast with the Adamses:
The next morning, Jimmy Valentine, now living as Ralph Spencer, had breakfast at Annabel Adams's house. He planned to travel to Little Rock to buy his wedding suit and a gift for Annabel. It had been more than a year since his last burglary, so he felt safe leaving town for a short trip. After breakfast, Jimmy, Annabel, her father Mr. Adams, her sister, and the sister's two little girls all walked downtown to the hotel were Jimmy is staying. Jimmy quickly went to his room to grab his suitcase, which he planned to take with him to the station. Then they went on to the bank.
An incident at the Bank:
They all entered the Elmore Bank, where Jimmy was always welcomed as Annabel's future husband. Annabel playfully put on Jimmy's hat and lifted his heavy suitcase, teasing him about it feeling like it was full of gold. Jimmy joked that it was full of shoe-horns he was returning. The bank had recently installed a new safe, and Mr. Adams proudly showed it to everyone, explaining how the time-lock worked. ,
As Mr. Adams showed off the safe, the two children, May and Agatha, were delighted by the shining metal and play with it. May (9) in a spirit of play, accidentally locked her younger sister Agatha inside the vault. When they realized what had happened, panic set in because the vault could not be opened, and there was not enough air inside for the child and the child was frightened. Agatha's mother screamed in terror, and everyone feared the worst.
Jimmy to the Rescue:
Mr. Adams was helpless, knowing that only a specialist could open the vault. In despair, Annabel turned to Jimmy and begged him to help. "To a woman nothing seems quite impossible to the powers of the man she worships". Jimmy looked at her with a soft smile, Jimmy rolled up his sleeves, and transformed back into his old self, the expert safe-cracker, Jimmy Valentine.
He commanded everyone to step back and quickly opened his suitcase, revealing his specialized burglar tools. He calmly and expertly began working on the vault, whistling to himself as he drilled into the steel door. In just ten minutes, he had the door open, saving Agatha, who was safely returned to her mother.
Ben Price's Surprising Decision:
As Jimmy put on his coat and prepared to leave, he knew his old life had caught up with him. He saw Ben Price, the detective who had been after him, standing by the door. Jimmy greeted him (Hello, Ben!) expecting to be arrested. But instead, Ben Price, recognizing the change in Jimmy, pretended not to know him. Ben told Mr. Spencer that he was mistaken and didn't think he recognized him. He also pointed out that his buggy was waiting for him. Ben let him go, giving him a chance to continue his new, honest life. Ben let Jimmy go, giving him the opportunity to continue his new, honest life.
Conclusion:
In the end, Jimmy proves his change when he saves a child trapped in a bank vault, despite his criminal history. Ben Price, the detective, sees his redemption and lets him go, showing that people can change and find redemption.
Themes:
✨Redemption and Transformation
✨The Power of Love
✨Second Chances
✨Identity and Disguise
✨Consequences of Past Actions
✨Moral Conflict
✨Social Expectations
✨Justice and Forgiveness
✨The Role of Fate
✨Self-Sacrifice
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Daniel Defoe (1660–1731) was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer, best known for his novel Robinson Crusoe. A pioneer of the English novel, Defoe wrote across genres, covering politics, economics, and travel. His diverse career included spying and business, which shaped his writing. His work often explored themes of survival, individualism, and social commentary.
Daniel Defoe's notable works:
Robinson Crusoe (1719)
Captain Singleton (1720)
Memoirs of a Cavalier (1720)
A Journal of the Plague Year (1722)
Colonel Jack (1722)
About the Novel:
Robinson Crusoe is Defoe's 1719 adventure and historical fictional novel. It is about a man stranded on a deserted island for 28 years, showcasing his resourcefulness and resilience in surviving isolation.
Introduction:
Robinson Crusoe, written by Daniel by Defoe and published in 1719, is the tale of an Englishman’s survival on a deserted island. The novel begins with Robinson Crusoe, a young and adventurous man, defying his parents' wishes for a conventional career. He embarks on a series of sea voyages, during which he encounters danger and shipwrecks. Despite the risks, Crusoe’s love for adventure pushes him onward.
Crusoe's Shipwreck Survival:
During one of these voyages, Crusoe's ship is caught in a violent storm, and he is the only survivor. He washes ashore on a remote, uninhabited island somewhere off the coast of South America. Crusoe soon realizes he must take care of himself. He collects what he can from the wreckage of the ship such as tools, weapons, and supplies. Soon, he begins to build a life for himself on the island.
Crusoe Survives and Finds Solace in Faith:
Using his practical knowledge and resourcefulness, Crusoe learns to survive. He builds a fortified shelter, hunts animals, grows crops, and even domesticates goats for milk and meat. Over time, he becomes more self-sufficient, but he struggles with the overwhelming loneliness of his situation. He keeps a journal to record his experiences and turns to God, seeking solace in prayer and reading the Bible. His relationship with religion deepens as he interprets his isolation as a form of divine punishment and repentance.
Crusoe Rescues Friday:
Years into his isolation, Crusoe discovers a footprint on the beach, signaling that he is not alone. He learns that the island is occasionally visited by cannibalistic natives, who come to the shore to kill and eat their prisoners. Crusoe observes them for some time and devises a plan to save one of their captives. He successfully rescues a man, whom he names Friday, after the day he saved him.
Crusoe and Friday Become friends:
Crusoe teaches Friday English and converts him to Christianity. They develop a close friendship, and Friday becomes his companion and helper. Together, they fend off attacks from the natives and help defend the island from European mutineers who arrive later.
Crusoe is Rescued and Returns to England:
Eventually, a British ship anchors near the island, and Crusoe helps the captain retake control of his mutinous crew. In gratitude, the captain offers Crusoe passage back to England. After 28 years of isolation, Crusoe leaves the island with Friday and returns to England, where he finds that his family is gone, but his wealth, accumulated from previous ventures, remains intact. He settles back into society, though he later embarks on new adventures.
Conclusion:
Robinson Crusoe explores themes of survival, faith, self-reliance, redemption, civilization, and colonialism. Crusoe’s journey from isolation to rescue reflects human resilience, faith, and the importance of companionship, ultimately returning him to civilization and new adventures. It remains one of the most influential adventure novels in literary history.
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Langston Hughes’ poem Still Here expresses the resilience of African Americans in the face of discrimination. The poet speaks about his struggles but makes it clear that he refuses to be defeated. His words reflect strength, determination, and hope, showing that even in difficult times, he remains unbroken.
Forces of Struggle
The poet describes being “scarred and battered,” which means he has suffered greatly. His hopes have been scattered by the wind, symbolizing lost dreams and disappointments. The snow has frozen him, representing emotional and physical hardship. The sun has baked him, showing how life has tested him with pain and suffering. These natural forces—wind, snow, and sun—represent the challenges and discrimination he has endured.
Refusing to Give Up
Despite everything, the poet refuses to be broken. He says that these forces have tried to make him stop laughing, loving, and living. This means that hardships have tried to take away his happiness, kindness, and spirit. However, he declares, “I don’t care! I’m still here!” showing his determination to keep going no matter what.
Conclusion
Still Here is not just a poem about survival it is a declaration of strength. Langston Hughes reminds us that no matter how difficult life gets, we must continue to fight, hope, and live with courage.
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Still Here by Langston Hughes Detailed Essay / Line by Line Summary
Introduction:
Langston Hughes' poem "Still Here" is about the strength and determination of Black people. It shows how they have faced many challenges, like discrimination and hardship, but they never gave up. The poem uses simple language to share a strong message of hope and resilience, even in tough times. Langston Hughes uses the word "I" in the poem, but "I" stands for all Black people. It shows how they are all fighting to survive, not just as individuals but as a whole group.
About the Poet:
Langston Hughes was an African-American writer who faced unfair treatment (racial discrimination) because of his skin color. In his poems, he talked about the challenges and struggles that African Americans went through. He once said that he wrote to help people understand what it was like to be a Black person in America. His notable works include "Not Without Laughter," "The Ways of White Folks," "Simple Speaks His Mind," "Laughing to Keep from Crying," and "Black Nativity."
Language of the Poem:
In the poem "Still Here", Langston Hughes uses simple words, but there are many grammatical mistakes. He did this on purpose, to show how Black people were treated unfairly by white people, especially during times of racial discrimination. This was his way of standing up against unfair treatment.
About the Poem:
"Still Here" is a free-verse poem divided into two main parts:
1. Racial Discrimination Against Black People
2. Hope for Better Days Ahead
In the first part of the poem, the poet talks about the hard life Black people had. They were treated cruelly and unfairly because of the color of their skin. The poet describes the tough times and challenges they faced, like discrimination and racism.
In the second part, the poet doesn’t give up. Even though life was hard, he talks about staying strong and having hope. Langston Hughes wanted to show that even after all the pain and difficulties, Black people are still here, standing strong and hoping for a better future.
😁 Line by Line Summary 👇
Fear and Pain:
"I been scarred and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered."
The poet starts the poem by saying he has been very scared and even punished for his skin color. He compares this fear and pain to a strong, violent wind. Life has been so hard for them that it feels like hope has been destroyed or taken away, just like things break in a storm.
Harsh Conditions:
"Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,"
In the poem, snow and sun represent two different kinds of harshness, extreme cold and extreme heat. Black people, as slaves, were treated so badly that even though they had to work through such tough conditions, from the freezing cold to the burning heat, they never gave up hope and continued to survive.
Attempts to Break Spirits:
"Looks like between ‘em they done
Tried to make me
Stop laughin’, stop lovin’, stop livin’--"
The Whites tried everything to make the slaves give up. They wanted to stop Black people from laughing, loving, or even just living their lives. But despite all of this, Black people kept going and did not lose hope.
Resilience and Hope:
"But I don’t care!
I’m still here!"
Even though the Whites tried to break them, Black people don’t give up. They don’t care about the hate and the hardships. They are still here, still hoping, still laughing, still loving, and still living their lives. The poet shows their strength and determination. Black people are still here, fighting for their rights and refusing to give up.
Conclusion:
In "Still Here," Langston Hughes delivers a powerful message of resilience. Despite all the oppression and adversity, Black people remain strong and unbroken. The poem shows that no matter what storms they face, they continue to stand tall, full of hope, and ready to fight for their rights.
Themes:
💐Resilience
💐Hope
💐Struggle for Equality
💐Racial Injustice
💐Survival
💐Strength in Adversity
💐Resistance
💐Defiance
💐Freedom
💐Pride and Identity
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The poem Don't Quit by Edgar A. Guest teaches us the value of persistence. It encourages people to keep going, even when life is tough. The poet believes that challenges are a part of life, and success often comes to those who do not give up too soon.
The Struggles of Life
Life is full of difficulties, and sometimes people feel overwhelmed by problems, debts, or failures. The poet describes life as an uphill journey where struggles are common. He reminds us that even in the hardest moments, we should not lose hope.
The Power of Not Giving Up
Guest advises that taking a break when tired is okay, but quitting is a bad choice. Life is unpredictable, and success often comes when we least expect it. He warns that many people stop trying just before they achieve their goal. This means that what seems like failure might actually be the final step before success.
Pushing Through Difficult Times
The poet encourages people to stay strong, especially during their hardest moments. He explains that the most difficult times are often when success is closest.
Conclusion
Don't Quit is a powerful poem about hope and determination. It teaches that persistence leads to success and that giving up too soon may mean missing great opportunities. The key to overcoming challenges is to keep moving forward, no matter how tough things get.
Don't Quit by Edgar Albert Guest in Tamil @Banumathi K's Literature Insights 👇
Don't Quit by Edgar Albert Guest
Detailed Essay
Introduction:
In the poem "Don't Quit," Edgar A. Guest talks about how important it is to keep going even when life gets tough. He says that success often comes after hard times, and we should not give up, even when things seem difficult or unclear.
About the poet:
Edgar Albert Guest (1881–1959) was a British-born American poet, who is known as the "People's Poet". He wrote simple, easy-to-understand poems about hope, hard work, and staying positive. His poems inspired many people with their encouraging messages and simple language, making them easy for everyone to enjoy and relate to.
Structure of the poem:
The poem is made up of four parts, with different numbers of lines. The first and second parts have five lines each, the third part has three lines, and the last part has four lines. Each part follows its own pattern of rhymes. Rhyming scheme: AABBC AABCD ABB ABBC
The Struggles of Life:
The poet said that sometimes life can feel like a continuous struggle, as if one is walking a difficult, uphill path. Sometimes people have little money but a lot of debt. In hard times, even if someone wants to be happy, they might feel tired and burdened instead.
The Importance of Perseverance:
The poet said that worries and responsibilities can sometimes feel very heavy, making a person stressed and it's fine to take a break and rest when feeling stressed, but you should not quit completely.
The Danger of Quitting Too Early:
The poet observed that life is unpredictable and full of unexpected changes. The poet pointed out that many people give up too soon, even though they could have succeeded if they had continued their hard work.
The Power of Persistence:
The poet advised people not to quit, even if progress feels slow, because success might be just around the corner with one more effort. The poet mentioned that sometimes the goal is closer than it appears to someone who is feeling weak or discouraged.
Giving Up Just Before Success:
The poet suggested that many people give up when they are actually very close to achieving success. He pointed out that often, people only realize how near they were to success after they have already given up. The poet suggested that Success is failure turned inside out. The poet emphasized that success often comes from what seems like failure, and even in moments of doubt or uncertainty, there is still hope. He explained that people don’t always know how close they are to achieving success, which might be much nearer than it appears, even when it feels distant.
Persisting Through Challenges for Success:
The poet encouraged people to keep fighting or pushing through, especially when they are facing their toughest challenges. The poet emphasized that the most important time to avoid giving up is when things seem at their worst, because that is when success may be just around the corner.
Conclusion:
The poem ends with an encouraging message, reminding us that success might be closer than we think, especially during hard times. It teaches us that quitting too early means missing success, and that staying strong and persistent is the key to overcoming challenges.
Themes:
💐Perseverance
💐Resilience in Adversity
💐Hope in Difficult Times
💐The Power of Persistence
💐Overcoming Obstacles
💐Patience and Timing
💐The Struggle for Success
💐Never Giving Up
💐Faith in the Face of Doubt
💐The Importance of Endurance
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The Middle English Period spans from 1066 to 1500 and is divided into the Anglo-Norman Period, the Age of Chaucer, and the Age of Revival. This period saw a transition from Old English to Middle English, influenced by the Norman Conquest, which introduced Norman French elements into the language and culture. This period is marked by a variety of genres and significant developments in English literature.
Genres:
Allegory, Narrative Poetry, Romance, Religious Prose, Drama, Fables.
Examples:
1. Allegory: Piers Plowman
2. Narrative Poetry: The Canterbury Tales
3. Romance: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
4. Religious Drama: The Second Shepherd's Play.
5. Fables: Short stories with moral lessons.
6. Religious Prose: Ancrene Wisse
Detailed Overview
1. Allegory:
Example: Piers Plowman
Author: William Langland
Description: An allegorical narrative poem that explores themes of religion, morality, and social justice through a series of dream visions. Will, a humble plowman, embarks on a quest for a true Christian life. Through his dreams, he encounters various allegorical figures, such as Conscience, Reason, and Lady Holy Church, who guide and challenge him. The poem critiques the corruption within the Church and society, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and the pursuit of truth.
2. Narrative Poetry:
Example: The Canterbury Tales
Author:Geoffrey Chaucer
Description: A collection of 24 stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. The tales range from chivalric romances and fabliaux to moral allegories and saints' lives, offering a panoramic view of 14th-century English society. Each pilgrim's tale reflects their social status and personal character, showcasing Chaucer's skill in character portrayal and social commentary.
3. Romance:
Example: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Author: Anonymous (Gawain poet)
Description: A chivalric romance that recounts the adventures of Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur's knights. The story begins with the appearance of the mysterious Green Knight at Arthur's court, who challenges Gawain to a beheading game. The narrative explores themes of honor, bravery, and the moral complexities of chivalric life. Gawain's journey is both physical and spiritual, as he confronts tests of character and integrity.
4. Religious Drama:
Example: The Second Shepherd's Play
Author: Anonymous (Wakefield Master)
Description: A mystery play that blends a biblical story with everyday life, focusing on the shepherds' visit to the newborn Jesus with a humorous subplot involving a sheep-stealing thief named Mak. The play is notable for its blend of humor and piety, depicting the shepherds' hardships and their ultimate joy in witnessing the Nativity.
5. Fables:
Example: Short stories with moral lessons
Author:Various authors
Description: Simple stories that convey ethical teachings, often featuring animals as characters to illustrate moral points. One example from this period is the collection of fables attributed to Aesop, which were translated and adapted into Middle English.
6. Religious Prose:
Example: Ancrene Wisse (or Ancrene Riwle)
Author: Anonymous
Description: This prose work is a guide for anchoresses (female hermits) on how to live a devout and contemplative life. It covers aspects of spiritual practice, daily conduct, and moral instruction. "Ancrene Wisse" reflects the period's emphasis on religious devotion and the importance of spiritual guidance for those leading a reclusive life.
Conclusion:
The Middle English Period is characterized by a rich diversity of literary forms, reflecting the dynamic cultural and linguistic changes of the time. From allegories that delve into deep moral questions to vibrant narrative poetry and religious dramas, this period laid the groundwork for the future of English literature.
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti is a poem written in 1862. It tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, and their meeting with strange goblin men who sell magical fruit. The poem talks about temptation, love, and the strong bond between sisters.
Temptation and Danger
The goblins call out to girls, trying to sell their delicious fruit. Lizzie warns Laura not to go near them. Lizzie reminds her of Jeanie, a girl who ate the goblin fruit and died. But Laura gives in and trades a curl of her golden hair for the fruit. She eats it and loves the taste, but later feels sick and wants more. The goblins disappear, and Laura becomes weak, sad, and older-looking.
Lizzie’s Brave Act
When Laura gets worse, Lizzie decides to save her. She finds the goblins and offers money for fruit. When she refuses to eat with them, they get angry and try to force the fruit on her. Lizzie stays strong and does not open her mouth. She runs back to Laura, covered in juice. Laura kisses the juice off Lizzie’s face and feels pain at first, but then faints and later wakes up healthy and happy again.
Conclusion
Later, Laura and Lizzie become mothers. Laura shares their story with her children, teaching them that sisters should always love and support one another. Goblin Market shows that true sisterly love can save lives and highlights the importance of family and care.
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti in Tamil @Banumathi K's Literature Insights 👇
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti
Detailed Essay
Introduction:
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti is a narrative poem, composed in April 1859 and published in 1862. It appeared in her first volume of poetry, Goblin Market and Other Poems. It explores themes of temptation, sacrifice, and the deep bond between sisters. The story follows two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, as they encounter mysterious goblin men who sell irresistible, dangerous fruit, ultimately showing the power of love and loyalty.
About the Author:
Christina Georgina Rossetti (5 December 1830 – 29 December 1894) was an English poet known for writing romantic, devotional, and children's poems. Some of her most famous works include Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, Maiden-Song, Life and Death, Bird or Beast? and so on.
A Temptation of Forbidden Fruit:
Every morning and evening, young women hear goblin men calling them to “come buy” their fruit. The goblins sell many different kinds of delicious and exotic fruits. They describe the fruits in a tempting way. The goblins claim their fruit is sweet and beautiful, urging the women to try it. The women, however, saw the fruit as something forbidden, knowing it could bring danger despite its allure.
Laura and Lizzie’s Encounter with the Goblins:
One evening, two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, hear the goblins calling as they collect water from a stream. Feeling nervous, they huddle together for safety, holding each other’s arms. Laura tells Lizzie to stay close and reminds her that they should not look at the goblin men or buy their fruit because they don’t know where the fruit comes from.
Despite the warning, Laura lifts her golden head to listen to the goblins. Lizzie cries out, telling Laura not to look, and covers her own eyes so she won’t be tempted. But Laura ignores the warnings and watches the goblins as they come down the path toward the sisters. She becomes fascinated, asking Lizzie to watch with her. Laura describes the goblins’ movements and the items they carry, like dishes, baskets, and plates. She also begins to imagine the warm, sunny place where the delicious-looking fruit might have grown, feeling more curious than afraid.
Lizzie, however, refuses to be tempted. She warns Laura again that the goblins’ fruit is dangerous, calling it their evil gifts. Determined not to be charmed, Lizzie blocks her ears with her fingers, closes her eyes, and runs away from the goblins.
Laura’s Temptation by the Goblins:
The curious Laura is fascinated by the goblins and chooses to stay behind in the glen with them. She watches as the goblins come closer, noticing how they look part animal, like a cat, rat, snail, wombat, and honey badger. Some even have voices that sound soft, pleasant and kind, like doves.
The goblins, now more desperate, keep calling out, "Come buy, Come buy,” but their voices have changed from gentle to loud and urgent. When they reach Laura, they give each other sly looks and start showing her their goods. One goblin makes a crown of strange vines, nuts, and leaves. Another goblin lifts a golden dish filled with fruit and offers it to Laura, still repeating their cry, “Come buy, come buy.”
Laura’s Bargain: A Curl for the Fruit:
Laura stares at the fruit but doesn't move because she wants it, yet has no money to pay. The goblins keep trying to tempt her, speaking in sweet, smooth voices. Laura knows she shouldn’t take the fruit without paying and quickly tells the goblins she has no money, worried that taking the fruit without payment would be like stealing.
The goblins point to her golden hair and say it can be her payment. They ask her to cut off a curl in exchange for the fruit. Laura agrees, cuts off a lock of her hair, and as she does, she sheds a tear, which is described as being more precious than a pearl.
Laura’s Unending Desire for the Goblins’ Fruit:
Laura immediately starts eating the fruit that the goblins gave her. The taste is unlike anything she has ever experienced it is sweeter than honey and stronger than wine. No matter how much she eats, she doesn’t grow tired of it, but the fruit doesn’t fill her hunger either. She continues to eat until her lips are sore and she feels confused and lost.
After eating all the fruit, Laura throws away the peels and takes a fruit seed to bring back home with her. She is so dazed that she doesn’t notice if it’s day or night.
Lizzie’s Warning: The Fate of Jeanie:
When Laura finally arrives home, Lizzie is waiting by the garden gate and scolds her for being out so late at night. Lizzie once again warns Laura about the dangers of staying in the glen at night, as it is haunted by goblin men.
She reminds Laura of Jeanie, a woman who had met the goblins in the moonlight, accepted their gifts, ate their fruit, and wore their flowers. Jeanie had cravings for their fruits and pined away, searching for them day and night, but she could never find them again. Jeanie started to grow weak and sick, her hair turned grey, and she died young, with no grass growing over her grave. Even the daisies Lizzie planted there a year ago did not grow. Lizzie ends her warning by repeating about the dangers of staying in the glen at night, as it is haunted by goblin men.
Laura's Desire for More Goblin Fruit:
Laura, however, brushes off her sister’s worries. She explains that although she ate plenty of the goblin fruit, she still craves more. Laura plans to meet the goblins again the next night to buy more fruit. She reassures Lizzie that the fruit is wonderful and she excitedly describes the delicious fruits she tried: plums, cherries, figs, melons, peaches, and grapes. She even imagines the perfect conditions in which the fruit must have grown and promises to bring more home for her sister the next night. The two sisters then settle down to sleep in the same bed.
Laura’s Growing Despair:
The next morning, Laura and Lizzie wake up to the sound of a rooster crowing and start their daily chores: gathering honey, feeding animals, cleaning the house, cooking, and sewing. While their conversation seems normal for young maidens, Lizzie is content, but Laura is distracted and sick with longing for the goblin fruit.
That evening, they go to the brook to fetch water. Lizzie is calm, but Laura is excited, hoping to see the goblins again. Lizzie spends time picking purple and golden flowers, but as the sun sets, she urges Laura to go home, noticing that no other girls are out and that even the animals and birds are at rest. Laura refuses to leave, waiting among the rushes, hoping to hear the goblins. She insists it’s still early and that the dew hasn’t fallen yet.
However, the goblins don’t call out to Laura. Instead, Lizzie hears the goblins’ cry and, becoming alarmed, urges Laura to leave: “I hear the fruit-call but I dare not look.” When Laura realizes she cannot hear the goblins, she turns cold as stone. She is deeply distressed that she cannot buy the fruit she craves, but hides her sorrow from her sister. Together, they walk home, and Laura silently goes to bed. Once Lizzie falls asleep, Laura weeps in despair, gnashing her teeth in frustration.
Laura’s Decline and Desperation:
For several days and nights, Laura waits in silence, hoping the goblins will return, but she never sees or hears them again. Overcome by sorrow and anxiety, Laura grows frail, and her once golden hair turns thin and gray. One day, she remembers the seed she had taken from her first encounter with the goblins. Hoping it might help, she plants it in a sunny spot and waters it with her tears, but no fruit grows.
As Laura becomes weaker and looks older, she dreams of the goblin fruit, much like a traveler in the desert dreams of a watering hole, only to grow even more desperate with thirst. No longer able to focus on her duties, Laura neglects the household chores she once shared with her sister. She stops cleaning, tending to the animals, cooking, or fetching water from the brook. Instead, she sits idly by the fireplace, and refuses to eat.
Lizzie’s Brave Decision:
Filled with love and concern for her sister, Lizzie can no longer stand to see Laura suffering. Unlike Laura, Lizzie still hears the goblins’ cry every morning and evening. She wishes she could buy the goblin fruit to ease Laura’s pain but is afraid of the consequences. Lizzie remembers Jeanie, who should have been a bride but instead fell sick and died young after eating the goblins' fruit.
As Laura’s health worsens and she seems close to death, Lizzie makes a bold decision. She stops hesitating, puts a silver penny in her purse, kisses Laura goodbye, and heads out across the heath at twilight. Determined to help her sister, she goes to the brook to find the goblin men. For the first time, she listens and looks for them, ready to face whatever comes next.
Lizzie’s Courage and Triumph:
The goblins laugh when they see Lizzie looking for them. They rush toward her, making noise and pulling faces. They surround her, hugging, kissing, squeezing, and touching her, offering dishes and plates full of tempting fruit with kind, pleasant and sweet voice. But Lizzie, remembering Jeanie’s fate, refuses to eat. Instead, she asks them to give fruits, tossing them a penny as payment.
The goblins try to persuade Lizzie to stay and eat with them, saying the night is still warm and young. They warn her that the fruit will lose its taste if she takes it away. But Lizzie firmly refuses, explaining that one person (Laura) is waiting for her. She demands her penny back if they won’t sell her the fruit. Angry and confused, the goblins call her proud and rude. Their once kind voices turn harsh, and their faces become angry. Enraged, they attack Lizzie, pulling her hair, scratching her body, stepping on her feet, tearing her clothes, and trying to force the fruit into her mouth.
Despite their attack, Lizzie stands strong, like a beacon left alone / In a stormy sea, or like a city under siege, refusing to give in. The goblins pinch, hit, tease, and insult her, but she keeps her lips tightly shut, knowing they want to force the fruit into her mouth. She smiles inside as the fruit juice runs down her face and neck, knowing she has won. Finally, worn out by Lizzie’s strength, the goblins give up. They throw back her penny, kick their fruit away, and disappear without giving her any fruit, leaving Lizzie victorious.
Lizzie's Sacrifice and Laura's Transformation:
With her body aching and her mind in a daze, Lizzie hurries home. She is no longer scared of the goblins, feeling proud to have escaped with her penny. Motivated by her love for Laura, she quickens her pace. When Lizzie reaches the garden, she calls out to Laura. She explains that she faced the goblins for Laura’s sake.
Laura jumps up in fear and asks Lizzie if she ate the goblins’ fruit. She worries that Lizzie will suffer the same fate she has, withering and aging like her. Fearing for her sister's life, Laura clings to her and begins kissing Lizzie.
As Laura sucks the fruit juices from Lizzie’s face, her lips begin to burn, and the once sweet fruit turns bitter and horrible, like wormwood. A fiery energy rushes through her veins as she continues to take in the bitter fruit juice. Finally, Laura collapses to the ground and became unconscious. For a moment, it is unclear whether she is dead or alive.
Laura's Recovery:
Throughout the night, Lizzie stays by Laura’s side, watching over her like a caring nurse. She checks Laura’s pulse, makes sure she is breathing, gives her water, and cools her face with tears and fanning leaves. As the morning arrives, with the sounds of birds, workers, and blooming flowers, Laura awakens completely transformed. She laughs with the same innocence she once had and embraces Lizzie. Her golden hair is restored, with not a single grey thread, and her youth and vitality return.
The Power of Sisterhood:
Years later, both Laura and Lizzie are wives and mothers. They often worry about the safety of their children. Laura gathers the children and tells them happy stories from her girlhood. But she also warns them about her dangerous encounter with the wicked, strange fruit-sellers, whose fruits tasted sweet like honey but were poisonous inside. She shares how Lizzie saved her life by bravely facing the goblin men. Taking the children’s hands, Laura reminds them to stick together, saying,
“For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands.”
Conclusion:
The Goblin Market highlights the enduring bond of sisterhood and the power of selfless love. Lizzie’s bravery saves Laura from the goblins’ destructive influence, restoring her health and innocence. As adults, Laura and Lizzie share their story with their children, emphasizing the importance of unity, support, and love between siblings.
Themes:
✨ Temptation
✨ Sisterhood
✨ Sacrifice
✨ Redemption
✨ Innocence and Experience
✨ Good vs. Evil
✨ Desire and Self-Control
✨ Consequences of Indulgence
✨ Power of Love
✨ Female Solidarity and Empowerment
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti Explanation in Tamil @Banumathi K's Literature Insights 👇✨💫