Summary of BA ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE Block 1 Unit 2

Summary of Main Ideas and Concepts

The video discusses the relationship between literature and society, emphasizing how each influences the other. Dr. Anfayam, the speaker, elaborates on the following key points:

1. Definition and Role of Literature
   • Literature serves as a mirror of society, reflecting social cultures, ethics, beliefs, and customs.
   • It provides insights into the lives and experiences of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
2. Influence of Literature on Society
   • Literature can influence societal norms and movements, as seen in historical contexts such as the Elizabethan Age and the French Revolution.
   • Notable authors like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens have addressed social issues in their works, prompting societal reflection and change.
3. Case Studies
   • Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things": Explores the culture and socio-economic conditions of a village in India.
   • George Orwell's "Animal Farm": Illustrates the denial of equality and freedom under oppressive regimes.
   • Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin": A pivotal work against slavery that spurred social movements in America.
   • Shashi Deshpande: Focuses on women's empowerment in India through her writings.
4. Functions of Literature in Society
   • Educational Influence: Literature educates readers about societal issues and norms.
   • Cultural Reflection: It portrays traditions, customs, and beliefs, as seen in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart".
   • Linguistic Development: Reading literature enhances linguistic skills.
   • Entertainment: Literature provides enjoyment and escapism.
   • Liberation: Many literary works advocate for social justice and equality.
   • Critique of Society: Literature critiques societal norms and injustices, prompting reflection and change.
5. Mutual Influence: The speaker concludes that literature and society mutually influence each other, contributing to their development and progress.

Methodology / List of Functions of Literature

• Educational Influence: Enhances understanding of social issues.
• Cultural Reflection: Portrays societal traditions and beliefs.
• Linguistic Development: Improves language skills through reading.
• Entertainment: Offers enjoyment and escapism.
• Liberation: Advocates for social justice and equality.
• Critique of Society: Provides a platform for critiquing societal norms.

Speakers or Sources Featured

• Dr. Anfayam, Assistant Professor of English at Sree Narayana Guru Open University
• Arundhati Roy (author of "The God of Small Things")
• William Shakespeare (notable playwright of the Elizabethan Age)
• Charles Dickens (19th-century novelist)
• George Orwell (author of "Animal Farm")
• Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin")
• Shashi Deshpande (Indian author)
• Chinua Achebe (author of "Things Fall Apart")
• Mulkaraj Anand (author of "Untouchable")
• Percy Bysshe Shelley (quoted on the role of poets in society)

Notable Quotes

— 03:16 — « Literature functions as a mirror of society. »

— 13:57 — « The poets are the unacknowledged legislators of society. »

— 22:30 — « Literature gives us a great liberating function that people really need. »

— 23:31 — « Society is a mirror that is opened in front of society. »

Category

Educational

Video