U NET : NET SET PHD EXAM

  STRUCTURALISM Definition: Structuralism studies literature as a system of signs and structures. Structuralism studies underlying structure of language and literature It started in 1950 France Main idea: Meaning comes from structure, language, and system , not individual text only. Based on linguistics. Founder: Ferdinand de Saussure- Course in General Linguistics Famous structuralists: Claude Lévi‑Strauss Roland Barthes Roman Jakobson Key concepts: Sign = Signifier + Signified Binary oppositions (good/evil, male/female) Structure creates meaning 1. Sign Sign = Signifier + Signified Example: Tree word = Signifier Tree idea = Signified 2. Langue and Parole Langue = language system Parole = individual speech 3. Binary Opposition Opposite concepts: good / evil male / female life / death 4. Structure gives meaning Meaning comes from system, not individual word Major Structuralists Claude Lévi-Strauss Applied struct...

NEW CRITICISM   New Criticism is a literary theory that focuses only on the text itself , not the author, history, or reader. New Criticism is a formalist theory that treats the literary text as an independent, self-sufficient object and analyses its internal elements. It started in 1920–1940 in America and England Main idea: The text is independent and contains its own meaning. Key features: Focus on close reading Study of imagery, irony, paradox, symbol, tension Rejects author’s intention and reader’s emotion Text is a self-contained object Famous critics: Cleanth Brooks T S. Eliot I. A. Richards John Crowe Ransom Example: New Critics analyse paradox in poetry like: Main Principles 1. Close Reading Detailed analysis of: imagery paradox irony symbol tension 2. Intentional Fallacy Term by: W. K. Wimsatt Monroe Beardsley Meaning: Author’s intention should not be used to interpret text. 3. Affective Fallacy Meaning: Reader’s emotion is irrelevant. Text meaning ≠ reader feel...

  🐯 The Tyger – 🐯 The Tyger – William Blake | Summary, Meaning & Analysis Author: William Blake Collection: Songs of Experience (1794) Poetic Form: Lyric poem / Symbolic poem Number of Stanzas: 6 Lines: 24 Rhyme Scheme: AABB Meter: Trochaic Tetrameter 📖 Summary of “The Tyger” The Tyger describes a fearsome and beautiful tiger burning brightly in the darkness of the forest. The poet asks a series of rhetorical questions about who could create such a powerful and terrifying creature. Blake imagines the tiger being forged like in a blacksmith’s workshop, emphasizing its strength and energy . He also compares the tiger to the gentle lamb from Songs of Innocence , reflecting the contrast between innocence and experience . The poem highlights the mystery of creation and the coexistence of good and evil in the world. 🎯 Key Themes Mystery of creation Power and violence Innocence vs. experience Good vs. evil Awe and wonder ✨ Symbols ...

  🌹 The Victorian Period (1837–1901) The Victorian Period in English literature corresponds to the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901) . It is marked by rapid industrial growth , social reform , scientific progress , and moral seriousness , along with deep anxieties about class conflict, faith, and modernity. 📜 Historical Background Reign of Queen Victoria Industrial Revolution → urbanization & class divide Expansion of the British Empire Growth of middle class Scientific discoveries (Darwin’s Theory of Evolution ) Religious doubt vs faith 📅 Why Is It Called the Victorian Age ? Named after Queen Victoria , who ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901 Longest reign in British history (till that time) Symbol of: Moral seriousness Stability Imperial confidence 👉 Exam Line: The age is named after Queen Victoria because her reign shaped the social, political, and moral character of the period. 🏛️ Political Background of the Victoria...

 A complete student guide to Shakespeare’s Coriolanus with summary, characters, themes, quotes, MCQs, and exam notes. 📘 Coriolanus – William Shakespeare A Complete Study Guide for Students 🖋️ Introduction Coriolanus is a Roman tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1608 . The play is based on Roman history and focuses on the life of Caius Martius Coriolanus , a proud Roman warrior. Unlike other Shakespearean heroes, Coriolanus lacks political diplomacy, which leads to his downfall. The play explores pride, class conflict, power, patriotism, and political manipulation . 📚 Source of the Play Primary Source: Plutarch’s Lives (Life of Coriolanus, translated by Sir Thomas North, 1579) Shakespeare closely follows Plutarch but deepens the psychological and political tension . 🎭 Genre & Type Genre: Tragedy / Roman Tragedy Setting: Rome and Antium Form: Blank Verse + Prose 📖 Story  Rome is suffering from famine, and the common people b...