SISTER HELEN - DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

 SISTER HELEN – DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

 

“Sister Helen” is a narrative poem by the English poet and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The poem was published in 1881 as part of Rossetti’s collection titled “Ballads and Sonnets”. It tells the story of a woman named sister Helen who seeks revenge on a man named James. The poem is inspired by the ballad traditions and combines elements of Gothic horror and supernatural themes.

 

The poem begins with Sister Helen speaking to her brother, who is a priest. She tells him about her encounter with James, a man who had betrayed and abandoned her, causing her to suffer greatly. She asks her brother for guidance on how to seek revenge on James for the wrongs he has done to her.  

 

The brother advises Sister Helen to pray for James and not to seek revenge, as vengeance is not her role as a nun. However, sister Helen is consumed by anger and desire for revenge. She rejects her brother’s advice and decides to use black magic to cast a spell on James, with the help of a witch. 

 

Sister Helen and the witch gather ingredients for the spell, including a wax effigy of James, a vial of her own blood, and various herbs and potions. They perform the dark ritual, invoking supernatural forces to curse James. The ritual involves symbolic actions like melting the wax effigy and chanting incantations.

 

As the spell progresses, Sister Helen begins to experience the consequences of her actions. Her chamber becomes filled with a noxious smell, and she hears eerie sounds. She starts to have doubts and fears about the path she has chosen. The poem vividly describes the eerie and unsetting atmosphere as the ritual unfolds.

 

Eventually, the spell seems to take effect. James falls ill and is tormented by disturbing visions and hallucinations. He believes he sees Sister Helen and is haunted by her presence. Despite his suffering, he does not die immediately.

 

Sister Helen is tormented by guilt and remorse for what she has done. She realizes that her desire for revenge has led down a dark and destructive path. She prays for forgiveness and redemption, acknowledging the consequences of her actions.

 

The poem ends with Sister Helen’s brother finding her dead body in her chamber. The implications are that her attempt to seek revenge through dark magic ultimately led to her own downfall and death. 

 

The poem “Sister Helen” explores themes of revenge, morality, supernatural forces, and the consequences of one’s actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to vengeful desires and dabbling in forbidden powers. 

 

 

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SNAKE - D.H. LAWRENCE

 SNAKE – D.H. LAWRENCE

 

D.H. Lawrence’s poem “Snake” is complex and evocative piece that explores themes of human nature, respect for nature, and the conflict between intellect and instinct. The poem is written in first person and describes an encounter between speaker and a snake that comes to drink at the speaker’s water trough. The speaker is initially dilled with conflicting emotions of fear and fascination as they observe the snake.

 

Throughout the poem, Lawrence delves into the speaker’s thoughts and emotions, highlighting their internal struggle between the fear instilled by societal norms and the instinctual respect for nature and its creatures. The snake is depicted as majestic and ancient creature, embodying a sense of primordial wisdom and natural rhythm.

 

The turning point of the poem occurs when the speaker decides to act on their instincts and not succumb to the fear-driven impulse to kill the snake. Instead, the speaker allows the snake to drink peacefully and even consider it a kind of honoured guest. This choice represents a moment of revelation for the speaker, as they come to realize the beauty and significance of coexisting with nature without trying to dominate or destroy it. 

 

The poem concludes with a sense of regret and longing as the snake slowly retreats into the undergrowth. The speaker reflects on their own inability to fully embrace their instinctual connection with nature due to societal constraints and the conditioning of civilization.

 

In summary, “Snake” by D.H. Lawrence is a reflective and introspective poem that uses the encounter with a snake as a metaphor for exploring the tension between human intellect and primal instincts, as well as the desire to find harmony with the natural world. 

 

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Resolution and Independence -- William Wordsworth (Outline Summary)

 Resolution and Independence – William Wordsworth (Outline Summary)

 

“Resolution and Independence” is a narrative poem written by the renowned English Romantic Poet William Wordsworth. The poem first published in 1807 as part of his collection “Poems in Two Volumes”, delves into the themes of nature, human perseverance, and the wisdom of experience. 

 

The poem recounts a speaker’s encounter with an old, humble leech-gatherer (a person who collects medicinal leeches) during a solitary walk in the country side. The speaker is initially filled with feelings of despondency and doubt, contemplating the struggles and uncertainties of life. However, upon meeting the leech-gatherer, the speaker witnesses a contrasting example of resilience and fortitude in the face of hardship.

 

The leech-gatherer is portrayed as an emblem of steadfastness and resolution. Despite his old age and arduous profession, he maintains a cheerful and contented demeanor, deriving wisdom from his long experience with the natural world. Through their conversation, the speaker comes to appreciate the wisdom that can be gained through endurance and patient observation of nature’s cycles.  

 

The poem presents a stark contrast between the speaker’s initial melancholy and the leech-gatherer’s unyielding spirit, ultimately leading to a sense of moral rejuvenation and hope for the future. The encounter serves as a reminder of the profound lessons that nature and human experience can offer, encouraging the speaker, and by extension, the reader, to find solace and strength in life’s trials and tribulations.

 

“Resolution and Independence” exemplifies Wordsworth’s signature themes of the power of nature, the beauty of simplicity and the transformative potential of encounters with ordinary people. It remains an enduring work that highlights the Romantic Belief in the redemptive qualities of the natural world and indomitable spirit of the human soul.

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THE SCHOLAR GIPSY - MATTHEW ARNOLD

 THE SCHOLAR GIPSY – MATTHEW ARNOLD

 

“THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” is a thought provoking and melancholic poem written by Matthew Arnold in the year 1853 of 19^th century. The poem revolves around the intriguing and mythical figure of the “Scholar Gipsy”, a wandering scholar of great wisdom and intellect who belongs to the Romani (gipsy) Community.

 

The setting of the poem “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” is the Oxford countryside, where the narrator learns about the existence of the Scholar Gipsy from a local shepherd. The Scholar Gipsy was once a diligent and studious oxford student who decided to forsake traditional academic pursuits for a simpler and more profound way of learning. He leaves the confines of the academic world, seeking knowledge and wisdom from nature and the open road.

 

Arnold portrays the character of the Scholar Gipsy as a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge beyond the confines of formal education. He suggests that the traditional scholastic environment may not always be the ideal place to find true wisdom and enlightenment. Instead, the Scholar Gipsy represents the idea that knowledge can be found in the untamed and unexplored aspects of life, away from the trappings of conventional society.  

 

The poem blends elements of nature, nostalgia, and existential contemplation, presenting a wistful narrative of a life devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. The “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” becomes an embodiment of a romanticized and idyllic existence, living on the fringes of society while seeking a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.

 

Arnold’s “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” raises questions about the value of formal education, the allure of the unknown, and the potential rewards of an unconventional life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. The poem’s introspective and contemplative tone leaves readers reflecting on the nature of knowledge, the choices we make in our lives, and the eternal quest for enlightenment.

 

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IQ Test - 1

 IQ Test – 1  

 

1.     Create two words using the following ten letters each once only.

Clue: grand tune (4, 6)

 

MYSEVODLTA 

 

2.     Which is the odd one out?

 

ISTHMUS      FJORD            ATOLL           POLDER        ARCHIPELAGO

 

 

3.     CARTON               ENJOYMENT                 WORDSMITH

Which of the following words continues the above sequence?

 

COPY             REEF              COPE              REST              ACHE

 

 

4.     What word in brackets means the same as the word in capitals?

 

FORTE           (endowment, conduct, talent, redoubt, style)

 

 

5.     What number comes next in the sequence?

 

25, 32, 27, 36,? 

 

 

6.     Place two letters in each bracket so that these finish the word on the left and start the word on the right. The letters in the brackets, read downwards in pairs, will spell out a six-letter word.

Clue: (blue pencil)

 

FA (- -) SK

HO (- -) AN

KI (- -) AR 

 

 

7.     A car travels at a speed of 40 mph over a certain distance and then returns over the same distance at a speed of 60 mph. What is the average speed for the total journey? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.     MEANDER: WIND

 

TRAVERSE: 

            

a.     Stampede

b.     Forward

c.     Across

d.     Retrace

e.     towards

 

9.     What do the following words have in common?

 

Legumes,        Quashed,         Affirms,          Cloaked

 

 

10.  What number should replace the question mark?

 

926 : 24

797 : 72

956 : ?

 

 

11.  Solve the anagrams to complete a quotation by Confucius.

Clue: Save something for a rainy day.

 

 When /P - - - p - - - - -/  /c - - - - , - - n - -/    /- -e / a - - / - - / it /. 

            /Soppy trier/          /demon coots/       /foul ales/

 

 

12.  Add one letter, not necessarily the letter, to each word at the front, end or middle to find two words that are opposite in meaning.

 

LOG    PITY

 

 

13.  What well-known proverb in opposite in meaning to the below?

 

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

 

 

14.  If meat in a river (3 in 6) is T(HAM)ES, can you find the path in celestial body (4 in 6)?

 

 P (- - - -) T

15.  In the two numerical sequence below, one number that appears in the to sequence should appear in the bottom sequence and vice versa. Which two numbers should be changed round?

 

10, 20, 31, 43, 54, 70

10, 18, 28, 40, 56, 70

 

 

16.  Place a word in the brackets that meant the same as the definitions outside the brackets.

 

Ringlet            (                  )               clasp

 

17.  A man weighs 75% of his own weight plus 39lbs. How much does he weight?

 

 

 

 

 

18.  A sample of eight gizmos. What is the probability of selecting three defective gizmos in the first three selections?

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.  Select two words that are synonyms plus an antonym of these two synonyms, from the list of words below. 

 

Optical,           Vigilant,          Rotund,           Manifest,         Remiss,           Feasible, 

 

Circumspect

 

 

 

20.  Change one letter only in each word below to form a familiar phrase.  

 

 

Aid      They    Sore

 

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The Supreme Essence of Bhagavad Gita

 The Supreme Essence of Bhagavad Gita

 

The Bhagavad Gita is the most revered religious book in Hinduism, widely accepted by people of different religious sentiments for its philosophical and moral relevance. It is considered to be the ‘divine voice of God’ for it is said that one can be spiritually uplifted by contemplating and meditating on the Gita’s text. Having influenced many great thinkers over the years, the Gita is understood to be the ultimate guide with practical instructions, with its relevance understood even in these modern times.

 

The verses in Bhagavad Gita represent Lord Krishna’s speech to Arjuna was the best archer and a Pandava, fighting against the injustice caused by his evil relatives who had taken away his kingdom. Krishna’s words had inspired him as he prepared for the battle. It originally occurred in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharata, comprising ancient knowledge, it was first transferred from Surya to King Ishvaku, before disappearing from the sands of time. It later resurfaced in this speech by Lord Krishna 

 

The Gita, or the ‘Song of the God’, is a true scripture of the human race, with wisdom applicable across generations and races. It has inspired millions with its frankly mystical and emotional content and offers something of value to every seeker. It is considered to be a handbook for self-realization and a guide to action. Presented here is a summary of the speech, with the central messages that are universal in nature and touch everyone with their depth of meaning. 

 

When we started off  with the concept of this book, we began with acknowledging the Gita as the greatest speech ever. The lessons in context to its sheer significance in the awakening of humankind compelled us to begin from this speech. Including the entire text would have generated a huge volume, so we have collated the ten summarized teachings that are relevant in all times. Krishna, we believe, is our most revered orator, followed by the wonderful twenty who we have attempted to bring together. We hope each of you would find inspiration in these enriching words.

 

 

THE ESSENCE OF BHAGAVAD GITA

 

·      Why do you worry without cause? Whom do you fear without reason? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born, nor does it die. 

 

·      Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only, You need not have any regrets for the past. You need not worry for the future. The present is happening. 

 

·      What did you lose that you cry about? What did you bring with you, which you think have lost? What did you produce, which you think got destroyed? You did not bring anything. Whatever you have, you received from here. Whatever you have given, you have given only here. Whatever you took, you took from God. Whatever you gave, you gave to him. You came empty handed, you will leave empty handed. What is yours today, belonged to someone else yesterday, and will belong to someone else the after tomorrow. You are mistakenly enjoying the thought that his is yours. It is this false happiness that is the cause of your sorrows.  

 

·      Change is the law of the universe. What you think of as death, is indeed life. In one instance you can be a millionaire, and in the other instance you can be steeped in poverty. Yours and mine, big and small – erse these ideas from your mind. Then everything is yours and you belong to everyone.

 

·      This body is not yours, neither are you of the body. The body is made of fire, water, air, earth and ether, and will disappear into these elements. But the soul is permanent – so who are you?

 

·      Dedicate your being to God. He is the one to be ultimately relied upon. Those who know of his support are forever free from fear, worry and sorrow.

 

·      Whatever you do, do it as a dedication to God. This will bring you the tremendous experience of joy and life-freedom forever. 

 

·      Whenever there will be evil, God will take over.

 

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Sketch the Character of Miss Harriet Smith (Emma - Jane Austen)

Miss Harriet Smith

Miss Harriet Smith is introduced to us in the early chapters of the story. She is the illegitimate daughter of an unknown parents and ultimately her unknown father is found to be a trader by profession. When the story opens, Harriet is a student at Mrs. Goddard school, and she is introduced to Emma by Mrs. Goddard herself. Harriet “was a very pretty girl and her beauty happened to be of a sort which Emma particularly admired. She was short, plump and fair, with a fine bloom, blue eyes, light hair, regular features, and a look of great sweetness.”

Harriet certainly is not clever, but she has “a sweet, docile, grateful disposition”. She is totally free from conceit; and she feels glad when Emma becomes her patron. Emma too feels very happy in the companionship of Harriet, and Emma’s father also recognizes Harriet’s value to Emma as Emma’s companion.

When, Harriet is introduced to Emma, she has been very intimate with the Martins’ family for the last several months. But Emma’s snobbery does not permit Emma to allow Harriet to continue her attachment to that family. Emma tries to convince Harriet that the attachment to the Martin family will do her no good so far as her future is concerned. Harriet tried a feeble effort to defend her attachment to the Martin family, but she is overruled by Emma, with the result that Harriet has to keep away from that family as much as possible. Thus, on account of her submissive nature Harriet agrees to obey Emma’s wishes in this matter.

Harriet’s submissive nature is also responsible for rejecting Mr. Martin’s proposal of marriage to her. If Harriet had not been under Emma’s influence, she would certainly have accepted Mr. Martin’s proposal in the very beginning. But Emma argues the case in such a clever manner that Harriet is left with no alternative but to send a negative reply to Mr. Martin. Mr. Knightley was of the opinion that Harriet should consider herself lucky to become Mr.  Martin’s wife, but Emma has different plans about the girl to that Harriet’s natural inclination in this respect is thwarted by Emma.  Harriet’s rejection of Mr. Martin’s proposal comes as a great disappointment to Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley does not share Emma’s high opinion of the beauty and abilities of Harriet, and he says to Emma, “Emma, your infatuation about that girl blinds you. What are Harriet smith’s claims, either of birth, nature, or education, to any connection higher than Robert Martin? She is not a sensible girl nor a girl of any information.” 

Emma sows in Harriet the seeds of an ambition to marry Mr. Elton. Under Emma’s persuasion, Harriet really begins to believe that Mr. Elton is in love with her and so she begins to dream of getting married to the vicar. Mr. Elton’s repeated praise of Harriet, his enthusiasm at the portrait of Harriet painted by Emma, his prompt offer to go to London in order to have the portrait framed – are all regarded by Emma, and therefore,  by Harriet also, as sure signs that Mr. Elton is in love with Harriet. Consequently, when Mr. Elton proposes marriage to Emma instead of to Harriet, both Emma and Harriet receive a big shock. Harriet’s disappointment is very bitter; her grief is intense, and she sheds abundant tears. 

At the ball given by Mr. and Mrs. Weston, Harriet is insulted and humiliated by Mr. Elton who refuses to dance with her. At this time, Mr. Knightley comes to her rescue by inviting her to dance with him. She thereupon filled with a deep gratitude towards Mr. Knightley, and this gratitude takes the form of a passion for him. Harriet is now no longer as welcome a friend to Emma as she was in the past. In fact, Emma wishes that she had never met Harriet. Emma arranges for an invitation from her sister Isabella to Harriet to go to London and spend sometime there. In London, Harriet happens to meet Mr. martin who repeats original proposal of marriage to her. This time there is no occasion for her to reject the proposal, and so Knightley’s view that Harriet was the most suitable wife for Mr. Martin.

Thus, Harriet serves as an object for Emma to exercise her power and authority upon. She is a perfectly passive character as compared to the dynamic and domineering Emma.

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The Character and Personality of Emma Woodhouse

The Character and personality of Emma Woodhouse

Emma Woodhouse the very important character of the novel “Emma”, is introduced to us in the very opening sentences of the novel as handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and a happy disposition. She is nearly twenty-one years of age at this time, and there is very little to distress or vex her. She is the younger of the two daughters of a most affectionate father, Mr. Henry Woodhouse.  Her elder sister, Isabella, had been married long before and settled with her family in London. Emma has been the mistress of her father’s house for a long time. Her mother had died when she was a child, and she had been looked after for many years by a governess, Miss Anne Taylor who has just got married. Having been very intimate with Miss Taylor (who has now become Mrs. Weston), Emma misses her badly.

In the very chapter we find her claiming that she had brought about the matrimonial alliance between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston. This claim is refuted[mp1]  in blunt terms by Mr. Knightley who says that Emma had not brought about this match but made a lucky guess that Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston would get married. Mr. Knightley speaks to Emma in such a way to deflate her vanity in this matter.

Emma suffers from several illusions and misconceptions all of which are successively shattered in course of time. Her first illusion, as Mr. Knightley said that she had a hand in bringing about the marriage of Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston. Her second illusion is that she can find a suitable match for the vicar[mp2]  of Highbury, Mr. Elton. She thought that Harriet Smith, an orphan, whose responsibility is undertaken by Emma is perfect match to Mr. Elton. She therefore takes the necessary steps to wean the girl away from the Martin family to whom the girl has been greatly attached for many months.

Emma does not think Mr. Robert Martin to be a suitable husband for Harriet. Her whole approach to the possibility of a marriage between Mr. martin and Harriet shown Emma’s social snobbery. Mr. Martin is a mere farmer, and Emma thinks Harriet to be a fit wife for a man belonging to a much higher rank in society ― Mr. Elton. Emma’s snobbery[mp3]  is seen also in her attitude towards the Coles. She thinks it beneath dignity to mix with them because they have risen to wealth from a much lower position. So, she does not respond to their invitation when they gave dinner party for all the people of Highbury. Emma’s snobbery is traced even in indifferent treatment of Miss Bates in the past.

Emma is not only snobbish but lacking in sense of realism. When a written, proposal of marriage is received by Harriet from Mr. martin, Emma instigates Harriet to reject it, though Emma does so in an indirect manner without appearing to influence Harriet’s own judgement.Ostensibly, Emma gives to Harriet full freedom in saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Mr. Martin’s proposal, but actually it is she who takes the decision on Harriet’s behalf. Thus, we find that Emma is also capable of a certain sophistry.[mp4] 

It is Emma who puts into Harriet’s head the notion that Mr. Elton is in love with her and will marry her. Emma herself paints a portrait of Harriet which Mr. Elton takes to London to have it framed. And Emma, who never fails to exercise her imagination in such matters, says to Harriet; “At this moment perhaps, Mr. Elton is showing your picture to his mother and sisters, telling them how much more beautiful is the original, and after being asked for it five or six times, allowing them to hear your name, your own dear name.” Subsequently she makes every possible effort to promote a match between Harriet and Mr. Elton and receives a big shock when Mr. Elton proposes not to Harriet but to Emma herself. Thus, Emma discovers how sadly mistaken she had been in her assessment of the character of Mr. Elton. Mr. Elton’s proposal as a great disillusionment for Emma.

Emma’s attitude towards Frank Churchill and her judgement of that man’s character again show Emma to be an “imaginist”. Emma is always inclined to believe what she wishes to believe and not what is actually or really the case. She first thinks of Frank as a possible husband for herself. Then, dismissing him as a lover or husband for herself, she imagines him as a possible husband for Harriet, her ground for this belief being no more than the fact that Frank has rescued Harriet from the gipsies. It is in this context that the author calls Emma an “imaginist”. Just as previously she had received Frank’s attentions to herself as the advances of a suitor or wooer, so now she begins to treat him as a suitor for Harriet. She completely fails to understand the reality of Frank’s character in spite of the fact that Mr. Knightley tries to open her eyes to the true character of that young man. She begins to think Mr. Knightley to be “illiberal” and unjust in his assessment of Frank and tries to defend Frank till the shocking revelation comes that Frank has long been engaged to Jane Fairfax.

It is not possible to appreciate Emma’s attitude towards Jane Fairfax in early stages. Emma had always kept distance from the time of earliest acquaintance with Jane. It could have been, as suggested by Mr. Knightley, a sub-conscious jealousy on Emma’s par which prevented her from becoming friends with Jane. Subsequently, Emma’s dislike of Jane is strengthened by what seems to Emma the coldness and reserve of Jane. However, Emma tries to amend herself to Jane and eventually both have become good friends at later stages of the novel.

Emma shows a lack of delicacy in her treatment of Miss Bates also. On the occasion of the visit to Box Hill, Emma says something very rude and offensive to Miss Bates. Emma’s words on this occasion amount to her accusing Miss Bates of extreme dullness in whatever Miss bates has to say. However, when afterwards Emma is rebuked by Mr. Knightley for this rudeness. Emma realizes her mistake and makes amends to Miss Bates by paying a friendly visit to her.

Likewise, Emma’s character is treated in the novel with the mixture of little arrogance and compassion. Her kind-heartedness is also seen in her when she was ultimate realization of the troubles through which Jane Fairfax has passed. Her rudeness to Miss Bates on one occasion should not be regarded that she is hard-hearted and callous woman.

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 [mp1]The action of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false

 [mp2]Minister, rector, priest, parson. Minister of region, cleric

 [mp3]The character of quality of being snob.

A person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and looks sown on those regarded as socially inferior

 [mp4]The use of clever but false arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving