History of English Literature

This Episode throws a flood of light on the Origin and the Development of the English Novel.

This episode provides an overview of Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, detailing the framework narrative of Robert Walton's Arctic journey and his discovery of Victor Frankenstein, who then recounts his life story. The episode highlights Victor's idyllic childhood, his scientific obsession leading to the creation of the monster, and the tragic consequences that follow, including the deaths of loved ones. Key characters, such as Victor, the Monster, and Walton, are described, along with analyses of their motivations and roles. The episode also explores significant literary elements from the novel, such as themes like dangerous knowledge and monstrosity, recurring motifs like passive women and abortion, and symbols like light and fire, all of which contribute to the complex narrative.

This episode offers a detailed analysis of Anton Chekhov's play The Seagull, providing a thorough examination of its core elements. It outlines the genre as tragi-comedy and the setting as a Russian estate around 1895. The episode identifies the four main protagonists and their intertwined major conflict, primarily focused on Konstantin Treplev's struggle for validation from his mother and her lover, which is complicated by a love triangle. The episode then examines key themes, such as the artist's role and existentialism, as well as notable motifs like unrequited love, and potent symbols like the seagull and the lake, explaining their evolving meanings within the narrative.

This episode on Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities provides a comprehensive overview of the novel, including its full title, author, genre, and publication details. The narrator's perspective and tone are outlined, alongside the story's setting in both time and place. A summary of the plot, major conflicts, rising and falling action, and climax is presented, followed by key themes, motifs, and symbols within the narrative. Finally, the text offers character descriptions and analytical discussions of prominent figures, such as Sydney Carton and Madame Defarge, as well as explorations of the novel's themes and literary techniques, including doubling and foreshadowing.

William Golding's Lord of the Flies narrates the descent of British schoolboys stranded on a deserted island during wartime from civility to savagery. Initially led by Ralph, who prioritises rescue and order symbolised by the conch shell and signal fire, the boys gradually succumb to primal instincts under Jack's influence, who champions hunting and tribalism. The emergence of a perceived "beast" amplifies their fears and accelerates their moral decay, culminating in violence and the tragic deaths of Piggy and Simon, who represent intellect and innate goodness, respectively. Ultimately, the arrival of a naval officer halts their barbarity, offering a bleak commentary on the inherent human capacity for evil when societal structures collapse. The novel explores themes of civilisation versus savagery and the loss of innocence through allegorical characters and potent symbols.

Henrik Ibsen's play An Enemy of the People centres on Dr. Stockmann, a physician who discovers dangerous contamination in the town's crucial public baths. Initially hailed as a hero, Dr. Stockmann faces opposition from his brother, the mayor, and influential town figures who fear the economic repercussions of addressing the pollution. As Dr. Stockmann persists in revealing the truth, he is ostracised and declared an enemy of the people for challenging the town's established interests and the perceived will of the majority. Ultimately, the play explores themes of individual integrity versus societal pressure, the complexities of truth and public opinion, and the potential for corruption within a community driven by economic concerns. Despite facing complete social and professional ruin, Dr. Stockmann resolves to remain and fight for his convictions.

This episode discusses Shakespeare's play The Tempest. It offers a comprehensive overview of the play, including a plot summary that recounts the events beginning with a shipwreck orchestrated by the protagonist, Prospero, to confront those who wronged him. The episode also presents a detailed character list, outlining the roles and motivations of figures like Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban. Furthermore, it explores significant themes such as the subjective nature of justice and the blurry line between humanity and monstrosity, as well as recurring motifs like master-servant relationships and the symbolic use of water. Finally, it identifies key symbols within the play, such as the tempest itself and Prospero's books, and analyses their deeper meanings.

This episode analyses William Congreve's Restoration comedy, The Way of the World. It contextualises the play within the Restoration period, highlighting the societal shift away from Puritanism and the influence of the court and evolving audience tastes on the drama of the time. The episode explores various influences on Restoration comedy, including English dramatic traditions and French theatre, ultimately focusing on Congreve's unique approach and the intricacies of the play's plot and characters. Furthermore, it examines potential themes within The Way of the World, suggesting interpretations related to love, money, social portraits, and intrigue as reflections of the era's values.

This episode offers contextual information about Oscar Wilde's life and the societal backdrop against which he wrote. It then provides a detailed summary of the plot of his renowned play, The Importance of Being Earnest, including an analysis of its central characters, such as Jack, Algernon, Gwendolen, Cecily, and Lady Bracknell. Furthermore, the text explores the play's key themes, including the nature of marriage, the constraints of morality, and the contrast between hypocrisy and creativity. Finally, it identifies recurring motifs and symbols, including puns, inversion, the dandy, and the significance of a double life, and concludes with study questions that prompt deeper engagement with the work.