**Prothalamion: A Celebration of Marriage and Nature**

 

Edmund Spenser's *Prothalamion* is a poem written in 1596 to celebrate the betrothal of Elizabeth and Katherine Somerset, the daughters of the Earl of Worcester. The poem is a prothalamion, which is a type of wedding song that celebrates an engagement or betrothal.

The poem is set on the banks of the River Thames, and Spenser uses the natural beauty of the river to symbolize the purity and perfection of the two brides. He compares the brides to swans, which are traditionally seen as symbols of love and fidelity. He also compares them to lilies, which are symbols of purity and innocence.

The poem is full of imagery of flowers, birds, and other natural elements. Spenser uses these images to create a sense of peace and tranquility, which he contrasts with the political turmoil of the time. The poem thus serves as a celebration of marriage and nature, as well as a respite from the harsh realities of the world.

In addition to its celebration of marriage and nature, *Prothalamion* also explores the relationship between art and reality. Spenser himself was a master of allegory, and he uses the poem to explore the ways in which art can reflect and refract reality. The poem is full of allusions to classical mythology, and Spenser uses these allusions to create a sense of depth and complexity.

*Prothalamion* is a beautifully written poem that celebrates the beauty of marriage and nature. It is also a complex and sophisticated work of art that explores the relationship between art and reality. The poem is a must-read for anyone interested in English literature or the art of poetry.

**Here are some of the key themes of *Prothalamion*:**

* Marriage: The poem celebrates the betrothal of Elizabeth and Katherine Somerset, and it sees marriage as a union of two souls that is both sacred and natural.

* Nature: The poem is set on the banks of the River Thames, and Spenser uses the natural beauty of the river to symbolize the purity and perfection of the two brides.

* Art: Spenser himself was a master of allegory, and he uses the poem to explore the ways in which art can reflect and refract reality.

* Politics: The poem was written at a time of political turmoil in England, and it sees marriage as a way to bring about peace and harmony.

**If you're interested in reading *Prothalamion*, you can find it in most collections of Spenser's poetry. It is also available online at the Poetry Foundation website.**

Geoffrey Chaucer: The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales

Introduction:

Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the "Father of English Literature," left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of the Middle Ages. Among his numerous works, "The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" stands out as a masterpiece, capturing the essence of medieval society and showcasing Chaucer's unmatched storytelling abilities. In this blog post, we will delve into the richness and brilliance of this iconic literary piece.

Setting the Stage:

Written in the late 14th century, "The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" serves as an introduction to Chaucer's larger work, which was left unfinished at his death. The prologue presents a group of pilgrims who embark on a journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Chaucer ingeniously uses this framework to provide a vivid depiction of medieval England, complete with a diverse cast of characters representing various social classes.

A Panorama of Characters:

Chaucer's genius lies in his ability to craft memorable and realistic characters. From the noble knight to the humble plowman, Chaucer presents a cross-section of society, each pilgrim having their unique traits and quirks. The characters come from all walks of life, including the clergy, the aristocracy, the middle class, and even some representatives from the lower classes. Through his descriptions, Chaucer skillfully exposes the virtues, vices, and hypocrisies of each character, making them relatable and multidimensional.

Social Commentary:

While "The Prologue" appears to be a collection of character sketches, it goes beyond mere description. Chaucer offers astute social commentary, critiquing the corruption, flaws, and moral decay prevalent in medieval society. The characters serve as representatives of their respective estates, enabling Chaucer to expose the contradictions and ironies of the time. For instance, the Pardoner, who sells indulgences and relics, exposes the greed and deceit of the Church. Chaucer's satirical voice, often laced with subtle humor, allows him to question authority and challenge societal norms.

Language and Style:

Chaucer's writing style in "The Prologue" is a testament to his mastery of Middle English. While the language may pose some challenges to modern readers, Chaucer's poetic craftsmanship shines through. He combines vivid imagery, rich metaphors, and rhythmic verse to create a musical and engaging narrative. The use of iambic pentameter, rhymed couplets, and subtle wordplay adds depth and complexity to the text, making it a joy to read and analyze.

Legacy and Influence:

"The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" has endured the test of time and remains a seminal work in English literature. Its influence can be seen in subsequent literary works, with writers like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens drawing inspiration from Chaucer's character-driven narratives. Chaucer's innovative use of vernacular English also paved the way for future generations of writers to explore their native language in their works.

Conclusion:

Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" stands as a remarkable literary achievement that offers a captivating glimpse into medieval society. Through his keen observations, Chaucer presents a diverse range of characters who continue to resonate with readers today. His satirical wit and mastery of language elevate the work, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and entertain. The prologue remains a testament to Chaucer's enduring legacy as a literary giant and a pioneer of English literature.

The Gold Frame by R.K. Laxman

                                                          Link :The Gold Frame short film
THE GOLD FRAME
R.K. Laxman

        Datta was the owner of a small shop called The Modern Frame Works. He used to put pictures into frames. One day a customer comes to Datta’s shop with a faded picture of an elderly person. He demands that the best frame be used and chooses an imported German frame with an oval cut mount.

      Later, however, Datta accidentally drops a tin of enamel paint over the photo. The photo is completely damaged. Datta is panic-stricken. He does not know what to do. As he looks around in dismay, an idea takes shape in Datta’s mind. He plans to substitute the damaged photo with another photo, which is somewhat similar. He finds a suitable photo for this purpose and puts it in a dazzling gold frame.

      The customer arrives and asks if the work has been completed. Datta slowly removes the cover and hands over the photo. The customer looks at it. He shouts in anger, “What have you done?” Datta fears the worst. He thinks that his deception has been noticed. The customer continues shouting that while he had asked for an oval frame, Datta had used a square one!

      Datta realizes then that the customer had not noticed that the photo itself was different. He had merely objected to the frame. He is relieved, as he knows that, at the most, he might have to change the frame.
https://youtu.be/GqgfFFmtJoo

Mending Wall

-Robert Frost

Mending Wall is one of Frost's popular poems. There are two farmers in the poem - the old farmer arguing for the retention of a fence and the other young farmer wanting to pull it down.

The old farmer's arguments

There is an old farmer who says that walls are necessary. His point is that the fence will demarcate accurately his farm from his neighbour's. There will not be any room for misunderstanding. He says repeatedly that 'good fences make good neighbour's. He is very conventional. He wants to mend the broken wall between the two farms.

The young farmer's arguments

The young farmer holds very progressive views. He says that something in nature

My Last Duchess

-Robert Browning

My Last Duchess is a brilliant dramatic Romance. In the poem Browning creates the character of a cold-hearted Renaissance aristocrat of refined tastes who reports that his first wife did not measure up to his standards.

The Duke's character :

The Duke begins by posing as a lover of art. He shows the messenger the picture of his wife's face. It has been painted on the wall by the famous painter, Fra Pandolf Pandolf spent a whole day, trying to reproduce

Lead, Kindly Light!

-Cardinal Newman

Introduction

In this hymn, ‘Lead, Kindly Light!' Cardinal Newman appeals to God to show him light, and guide him in the right direction.

Newman's appeal to God .

The poet pleads to God to reveal his kindly light so that he could come out of the present darkness, that is his despair in life. The poet discloses to God that he has left his home (a reference to Heaven or Roman Catholic Church). Only God could help him in finding his way back home. The poet now needs God's support and enlightenment. To step into the unknown future the divine light is essential.

The poet's past and the present :

The poet confesses his present crucial condition to God and seeks his help to come out from it. He has not prayed to Him and sought His help before.

Springtime

-O.Henry

Introduction :

O.Henry's short stories are known for their wit, word play, warm characterization and clever twist Viding. The present story 'Springtime' is a fine example of all these.

Sarah and her freelance typewriting work :

Sarah was a young woman residing in a separate room in New York city. She was a freelance typewriter doing some odd jobs. She could type any matter in a neat and perfect manner.

Science and Culture

-Laurence McKinley

Introduction

Laurence M.Gould was an American geologist educator. He has written a number of scientific articles. In the essay 'Science And Culture' Laurence stresses the need for a unified humanist education.

Man's dependence upon Science and Technology

Modern life is completely dependent upon science and technology. Science and its products determine economy. It is science that dominates our industry, affects our health and welfare and changes our relations with other countries. The modern society is confident that science and technology can take care of all human needs.

The dispute between Science and Humanities.

During Greek civilization there was unity between art and science. Philosophy and science remained inseparable until the

Three Days to See

-Helen Keller

Introduction :

Helen Keller who lost her eye-sight and became deaf at in her early childhood, did not lose heart. By her severe perseverance she achieved everything that even what a normal person could not. Her intellect and insight is fully evident in this article.

Keller's way of understanding life :

Helen Keller wishes all people to lose their eye sight and hearing ability atleast for a few days. Only then, darkness would make them appreciative of sight; silence would teach the joys of sound. She finds fault with normal people that refuse to notice hundreds of around them. As a blind person herself, she has learnt know more things by her sense of touch. Her heart often cries out with longing to see all things in the world.

Helen Keller's wish for Three days Eye-sight:

Helen Keller imagines what she should most

Tight Corners

E.V. Lucas

Introduction

In the essay 'Tight Corners' E.V. Lucas points out that tight corners can be both mental as well as physical but the mental tight corner is too much to bear.

The Narrator's Tight Corner :