Summary of literary texts and key concepts of literature

    Bildungsroman and Picaresque narrative, both are types of novels. Though, these two literary genres may appear to be the same and they have some similar features, but they are two distinct literary terms.   Bildungsroman can be loosely defined as formation novel or education novel. The term is of German origin. Generally, this particular type of novel deals with the account of a youthful development of the protagonist. It can be seen as a journey of the protagonist who finally achieves maturity, through the various ordeals of life. The story of the novel mainly focuses on the development of the protagonist’s mind and character, through varied experiences, and after undergoing spiritual crisis resulting in a successful recognition of self-identity.   Picaresque Novel emerged in the 16 th century in Spain. ‘Picaro’ is a Spanish word which means rogue. It narrates the story of a knave or picaroon, who lives by his wit, but lives a servile life and works for multiple masters. The

  The painters of the ancient era had a clear perception of real life and the nature of human suffering. They were well aware of the fact that common people are least bothered about the suffering of the great entities. This nonchalance and indifference on the part of the common people have been minutely portrayed by famous painters of the ancient ages. These painters have also reflected in their paintings, how people go on with their daily chores, while great incidents are happening right in front of them and people are suffering terribly when these tragedies befall them. Great souls are undergoing excruciating pain, the ordinary folks concentrate on dull duties without paying any heed to them. The poet takes three instances from three famous paintings of Pieter Brueghel, naming, The Census at Bethlehem , The Massacre of the Innocents, and Landscape with the Fall of Icarus .   In the poem, from line 3 to 8 , the poet describes the scene of the painting, The Census at Bethlehem

    About the poet: Wystan Hugh Auden ( 1907-1973) is considered one of the leading poets of the thirties.Among his best known poems,   "Funeral Blues"; which is based on the theme of love,   "September 1, 1939" on political and social themes,   and "The Shield of Achilles";   , The Age of Anxiety; based on cultural and psychological themes and on "For the Time Being" and "Horae Canonicae" religious themes .His work was inspired by the oeuvre of great literary figures like Hopkins and Eliot. The hollowness of the disintegrating, post war civilization , was also one of the major themes explored by Auden. He was an advocate of communism as well as Marxism. He revives the old concept that a writer is a professional craftsman who teaches and entertains, rather than expressing his personality which again contradicts the ‘egotistic sublime’ of the romantic poets. On the poem: This poem is a typical poem which on one hand, focuses on

Manfred is terrified to see the plumage on the miraculous casque shaking by the vibration of the trumpet’s sound. Father Jerome, formerly known as the count of Falconara is still standing by Manfred’s side, begging for his son’s life. In his bewildered state, Manfred asks Father Jerome, whether he has offended God by his deeds. Jerome replies that the heaven is no doubt displeased with his mockery of his servants .He should submit himself to the Church and stop the persecution of the innocent youth, Theodore. Manfred orders Jerome to   go and see who is at the gate. Meanwhile, Jerome confirms whether Manfred granted the release of Theodore. When Theodore is released, the father and his son are reconciled with tears in their eyes. Immediately, after Jerome goes to the gate to look into the matter. When Father Jerome returns, he informs that a herald from the knight of the Giagantic Sabre wants to speak with the usurper of Otranto. Though Manfred is terrified, he allows the emissary of

A courtier is a person designated to attend the royal court as a companion and adviser to the king or queen or prince. The Book of the Courtier is an Italian masterpiece written by Baldesar Castiglione, which comprises the opinions of various courtiers on multiple issues like the qualities of a perfect courtier, the qualities of a true prince, and ruler, true love, and beauty. It can be considered a courtesy book of the era. Written in 1507, the book incorporates conversations and diverse opinions of the courtiers of the court of Urbino, which continued for four consecutive nights. Apart from discussing about the ideal demeanour of a prince, or ruler and principles of a true courtier, they also focus on the concept of true love and the idea of beauty.   In the book four, the author recapitulated the discussion held on the previous evening. The author mourns the loss of three elegant courtiers whose untimely demise shook him to the core. Later, the discussion diverted to a new directi

After the series of horrible occurrences in the castle and the tragic and unfortunate incident death of Conrad, Matilda remains restless in her bed chamber throughout the night. Bianca, her maid, informs Matilda about Isabella’s mysterious disappearance. She becomes terribly worried about her. Bianca also tells her about the peasant’s failed attempt to escape from prison and that he has been captured by the attendants while trying to escape through the secret vault of the castle. Matilda comes to know about the supernatural appearance of the gigantic leg and foot, which has haunted the male attendant Diego, and chased him through the gallery chamber. A Chaplain is summoned in the castle and Bianca thinks that it is for Matilda’s marriage. After Conrad’s death, the only way to continue the family line is to marry Matilda, the sole surviving heir to the castle. Matilda loves her father even when Manfred has never displayed any sign of affection to her. She tries to rationalize Manfred’s

Manfred, the lord of the castle of Otranto is blessed with a son, Conrad and a daughter Matilda. Conrad is a fifteen year old young boy who is puny and of a sickly disposition. Matilda is a virtuous young woman of eighteen. Manfred prefers his son more than Matilda and never displays any sign of affection to her. Hippolita is a devout Christian and a pious lady who always supports her husband as a devoted wife is supposed to do.   Due to Hippolita’s sterility, she is unable to bear a child anymore. Conrad is marrying Isabella, the daughter of Marquis of Vicenza, Frederic, because it is the only way to produce an heir. There has been a prophecy that the true successor of the actual owner of the castle, Alfonso, the good will return to claim his right. Isabella’s father is assumed having died in the holy land, long ago. Isabella has already been delivered by her guardians into the hands of Manfred . She never had any special affinity towards his future husband, Conrad. To attend the m