English Literature & Theology

  "Neipayasam," a heart touching short story by the acclaimed Indian writer Kamala Das (Madhavikutty), offers a deep exploration of grief, shattered domesticity, and the enduring power of a mother's memory following an unexpected death. ​The narrative centers on a father and his three young sons whose comfortable, familiar world is abruptly destroyed by the sudden death of the mother from a heart attack. The father is plunged into overwhelming grief and a paralyzing sense of helplessness .  His primary emotion is not just sorrow, but a profound, almost furious sense of betrayal and abandonment directed toward his wife, who had always managed the home and children, leaving him ill-equipped for his new, solitary role as a full-time caretaker. ​He struggles with the immediate physical evidence of her absence. He is particularly troubled by a pot of neipayasam (a sweet pudding) she had cooked just before her death. In his raw grief, he sees the food made by the dead w...

  I am not that woman  Selling you socks and shoes!  Remember me, I am the one you hid  In your walls of stone, while you roamed  Free as the breeze, not knowing  That my voice cannot be smothered by stones,  I am the one you crushed  With the weight of custom and tradition  Not knowing  That light cannot be hidden in darkness.  Remember me,  I am the one in whose lap  You picked flowers  And planted thorns and embers  Not knowing  That chains cannot smother my fragrance  I am the woman  Whom you bought and sold  In the name of my own chastity  Not knowing  That I can walk on water  When I am drowning.  I am the one you married off  To get rid of a burden  Not knowing  That a nation of captive minds  Cannot be free.  I am the commodity you traded in,  My chastity, my motherhood, my loyalty.  Now it is time for me to flower free.  The ...

  Question forms, also known as interrogative sentences, are structures used to ask for information or to make a request. In English, there are several main types of question forms, each with a specific structure and purpose. 1. Yes/No Questions These questions are answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Structure They typically follow an inversion of the subject and the auxiliary verb (or the main verb be).  * Auxiliary Verb (Be/Have/Do/Modal) + Subject + Main Verb (+ Object/Complement)? Examples  * Is the store open? (using be)  * Are you coming to the party? (using be)  * Do you like coffee? (using do as the auxiliary for the simple present)  * Did they finish the project? (using do for the simple past)  * Have you seen this movie? (using have for the present perfect)  * Can I help you? (using a modal verb) 2. Wh- Questions (Information Questions ) These questions use a question word (Wh-word) to ask for specific information, so they cannot b...

Tense is a grammatical category that expresses time reference.The core function of tense is to indicate when an action, event, or state occurs relative to the moment of speaking or writing. Past Tense : Before now. Present Tense : Now or generally true. Future Tense : After now.  There are three main types of tenses in English, and each one has four subtypes, resulting in a total of 12 common tenses.  Types and Subtypes of English Tenses 1. Present Tense (Current Time) The Present Tense refers to actions happening now, habitual actions, or facts. Subtype Function Example Simple Present General truths, habits, and scheduled events. 1) The sun rises in the east.  2) She drinks tea every morning. Present Continuous Actions happening at the moment of speaking or temporary actions. 1) I am writing an email right now.  2) They are staying in London this week. Present Perfect Actions completed at an unspecified time in the past or...

 

  Question tags are small questions added to the end of a sentence. They turn a statement into a question.  The rule is: Positive statement -  Negative tag and Negative statement -  Positive tag . ​For statements with unusual subjects (like Nobody , Someone , None ) or main verbs, the tag follows specific rules: 1. If the main sentence is positive, the tag is negative. Examples:  He plays the chende drum, doesn't he? Nagendra is watching a feature film, isn't he?You are from Sullia, aren't you? It's a lovely day at Malpe beach, isn't it? 2. If the main sentence is negative, the tag is positive. Examples: Meena doesn't eat fish, does she? I don't study at night, do I? 3. If the subject is a common indefinite pronoun  (such as everyone, everybody, mo one, nobody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, none, each, either, or neither), use "they as the pronoun in the question tag. Examples:  Nobody watched the match, did they? Anybody can join the processio...

The difference between a phrase and a clause hinges on one key component: the presence of a complete subject and verb combination. (Clause = Subject + Verb;  Phrase = lacks a Subject, a Verb, or both). Clause A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a finite verb (a verb that shows tense and agrees with the subject). Because it contains this essential structural unit, a clause can sometimes stand on its own as a complete sentence. Key Features:  •Structure: Must have a subject and a finite verb.  • Completeness: May or may not express a complete thought.  ° Types:    • Independent Clause (Main Clause): Expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.       Example: The dog barked loudly. (Dog is the subject, barked is the verb.)    • Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause): Does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It relies on an independent clause for meaning. It often begins wit...

  DATA INTERPRETATION Data Interpretation is the process of making sense of numbers or visuals like graphs, charts, and tables. It means analysing the data, spotting trends or differences, and writing conclusions in simple language.  For example, if a pie chart shows student hobbies, interpretation involves explaining which is most common, least common, and why. This skill is useful in academics, business, and daily decision-making.  Good interpretation goes beyond reading numbers-it involves reasoning and drawing insights. It also improves communication, writing, and critical thinking, Whether you're reviewing a table of marks or a survey chart, the goal is to simplify the data and explain what it actually means. There are diferent ways in which data is presented, and each needs a specific interpretation. Pie charts show parts of a whole, like percentage of expenses, Bar graphs compare quantities across categories, ideal for sales or usage comparisons.  Line graphs ...

  Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to be fully present, concentrate on, and understand what the speaker is saying, and then respond to show that the message has been both received and comprehended. It goes beyond simply hearing words by focusing on the speaker's meaning, intent, and emotions, using both verbal and non-verbal signals. ​The signs of active listening fall into two main categories: ​Non-Verbal Signs of Active Listening ​Non-verbal signs use body language and physical behavior to show engagement and interest. ​ Eye Contact: Maintaining appropriate, but not fixed or intimidating, eye contact with the speaker to show you are focused on them. ​ Posture: Leaning slightly toward the speaker (an "open" posture), avoiding crossed arms or legs, which can signal defensiveness or disinterest. ​ Nodding: Occasional, gentle nodding to acknowledge and affirm that you are following the speaker's points. ​ Facial Expr...

  Homer (Probably between 12th and 8th centuries BC) Homer (Ancient Greek Poet): An ancient Greek poet credited as the author of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. He is traditionally portrayed as a blind, wandering bard, though little is definitively known about his life, and the sole authorship of the poems is debated by scholars.  Homer is best known as the author of Iliad and Odyssey.  He was believed by the ancient Greek to have been the first and greatest of all the epic poets.  Author of the first known literature of Europe, he is central to the Western Canon.  The importance of Homer to the ancient Greeks is described in Plato’s Republic which portrays him as “first teacher” of tragedies and “Leader of Greek culture”.  The satirist Lucian in his “True History” describes him as Babylonian called Tigranos, who assumed the name Homer when taken “Hostage”. Notable works of Homer 1-Odysey  The poem mainly ...

  Virgil (70 – 19 BC)  Publius Vergilius Maro usually called Virgil or Vergil in English, was an ancient Roman Poet of the Augustan period.  He is known for three major works of Latin Literature, The Eclogues, The Georges and the epic Aeneid.  A minor number of poems are collected in the Appendix Virgiliana, are sometimes attributed to him.  His “Aeneid” has been considered the national epic of Ancient Rome from the time of its composition to the present day.  It is modeled after Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.  Virgil’s work has had wide and deep influence on western literature most notably on Dante’s “Divine Comedy”, in which Virgil appears as Dante’s guide through hell and purgatory.  After considering briefly, a career in Rhetoric and Law, the young Virgil turned his talents to poetry.  He was nicknamed “Parlhenias” or “Maiden” because of his social aloofness.  The Augustan poet Ovid parodies the opening lines of “Aeneid in Amores” and his summary of The Aeneid story in b...

  Pindar      (522 – 443 BC)  Pindar was an ancient Greek lyric poet from Thebes.  He was the first Greek poet to reflect on the nature of poetry and on the poet’s role.  His poetry illustrates the beliefs and values of Archaic Greece at the dawn of classical period.  About ten days before he died, the goddess Persephone appeared to him and complained that she was the only divinity to whom he never composed a rhyme.  He died around 440 BC while attending a festival at Argos.  Scholars at the Library of Alexandria collected his compositions in 17 books organized according to genre.  One book of humnoi “Hymns”,  one book of Paines “Paeans” ,  two books of dithuramboi “Dithyrambs”, 2 books of Prosadia “Processionals”,  3 books of parthenia “Song for Light Dance” ,  1 book of threnoi “Laments”,  4 books of epinikia “Victory odes” – above all Epinikia Odes written to commemorate athletic victories, survive in complete form.  His victory...

  Ovid (43 BC – AD 17)  He wrote witty and sophisticated love poems.  His full name was Publius Ovidius Naso known as Ovid in English speaking world.  He was a Roman Poet who lived during the reign of Augustus.  He was a contemporary of Virgil and Horace.  He is best known for Metamorphoses (AD 8), a 15 book continuous Mythological narrative written in the meter of Epic and for collections of love poetry in Elegiac Couplets, especially the Amores (Love Affairs)and Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love).  The Metamorphoses remains one of the most important sources of classical mythology.  He was the first major Roman poet to begin his career during the reign of Augustus.  The Fasti (Books of Days) is a six book Latin poem remained incomplete with Calendar structure. “Tristia” and “Epistulae Ci Ponto” are two collection of elegies in the form of complaining letters from his exile.  His shorter works include Remedia Amoris (Cure for Love), the Curse poem Ibis and an advice poem On...

                                    Socrates (470 – 399 BC)  Socrates was a classical Greek Philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western Philosophy.  He is an enigmatic figure chiefly known through the accounts of classical writers especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon and the plays of his contemporary Aristophanes.  Socrates has become renowned for his contribution to the field of Ethics and it is this Platonic Socrateswho lends his name to the concept of Socratic Irony and the Socratic Method. Socrates also made important and lasting contributions to the field of Epistemology.  Socrates never individually wrote anything that remains extant. As a result, all first-hand information about him and his philosophies depend upon secondary sources. This issue is known as Socratic Problem orSocratic Question.  To understand Socrates one must turn primarily to the wor...

  Euripides (480 – 406 BC)  Euripides was a tragedian of classical Athens.  According to Suda, out of 92 plays by him, 18 or 19 have survived more or less complete.  In the Hellenistic Age, he became Cornerstone of Ancient Literary education along with Homer, Demosthenes and Menander.  He also became “The most tragic of poets”. Notable Works 1- Alcestis (438 BC) 2- Medea (431 BC) 3- Heracleidae (430 BC) 4- The Bacchae (405 BC) 5- The Trojan Women (415 BC) 6- Hippolytus (428 BC) 7- Helen (412 BC) 8- Andromache (525 BC) 9- Hecuba (424 BC) 10- The Suppliants (423 BC) 11- Electra (420 BC) 12- Heracles (416 BC) 13- Phoenician Women (410 BC) 14- Orestes (408 BC) 15- Iphigenia at Aulis (405 BC)

  Sophocles (497 – 406 BC)  Sophocles is one of the ancient Greek Tragedians whose plays are survived.  Sophocles wrote 123 plays during the course of his life but only seven have survived in complete form, They are: 1. Ajax 2. Antigone 3. The Women of Trachis 4. Oedipus the King 5. Electra 6. Philoctetes and 7. Oedipus at Colonus  The most famous tragedies of Sophocles feature Oedipus (means- swollen foot) and also “Antigone”. They are generally known as the “Theban Plays”. Although each play was actually a part of a different tetralogy, the other members of which are now lost.  He also developed his characters to a greater extent than earlier playwrights such as Aeschylus.  Only two of seven surviving plays can be dated securely i.e. “Philoctetes” (409 BC) and “Oedipus at Colonus” (401 BC). Theban Plays: It consists of three plays: “Oedipus the King (also called Oedipus Tyrannus or by its Latin title Oedipus Rex), “Oedipus at Colonus” and “Antigone”. All the three pl...

  Aeschylus (523 – 456 BC)  Aeschylus was an ancient Greek Tragedian.  He is also the first whose plays still survive; the others such are Sophocles and Euripides.  He is often described as “The Father of Tragedy”.  According to Aristotle, he expanded the number of characters in the plays to allow conflict among them,whereas characters previously had interacted along with the chorus.  Only seven of his estimated 70-90 plays survived and there is a longstanding debate regarding one of hisplays “Prometheus Bound”, which some believe to be written by his son Euphorion.  He was probably the first dramatist to present plays as a trilogy. His Oresteia is the only ancient example of this form that survives.  The Persians is the only surviving classical Greek tragedy concerned with contemporary events and useful source of information about its period.  Oresteia is acclaimed by today’s literary academics.  The inscription on his graveyard signifies the primary importance of “Belo...

  REFERENCING SKILLS -BIBLIOGRAPHY (MLA format) Reference skills refer to the abilities students need to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from various sources. These skills go beyond simply reading a text-they involve using tools like the table of contents, index, or headings to find specific details.  For instance, skimming an encyclopedia for historical facts or selecting the correct dictionary meaning based on context are everyday applications of referencing, Such skills also include citing sources correctly, which is essential in academic writing. A bibliography is a list of sources-such as books, articles, and websites-that a writer has consulted, read, or cited while preparing academic or research work.  Usually placed at the end of a document, it serves multiple purposes: it gives credit to the original authors, demonstrates the depth of the writer's research, and guides readers who may want to explore the topic further.  The format of a bibli...

The core message of Jesse Owens's essay, "My Greatest Olympic Prize," is that human connection and genuine sportsmanship are more valuable than athletic achievement or political ideology. It is an autobiographical account focusing specifically on the long jump event at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Details of the Long Jump Trials The event took place on August 4, 1936, just one day after Owens won his first gold medal in the 100-meter dash.   The Qualifying Hurdle: To advance to the long jump final, competitors were required to jump a minimum distance of 7.15 meters (about 23 feet, 5 inches) within three attempts. Owens was the world record holder, having jumped an astonishing 8.13\text{ m} (26 feet, 8 inches) the previous year, so qualification was normally a formality.   The First Foul: Owens, distracted by the tense, politically charged atmosphere and perhaps still fatigued from his previous event, had a chaotic start. In his essay, he explains that he was "angry...