A River

About The poet Attipat Krishnaswami Ramanujan was an Indian playwright, folklorist, and poet author who wrote in both English and Kannada. Ramanujan's work shows that cultural tradition in India is a conflict between the colonial English identity and post-colonial ethnic identities. As a poet, he is known for his avant-garde approach and atavistic poetic arguments rather than innate genius. His major works include: Hymns for the Drowning, Speaking of Siva, and A River etc. In 1976, he was awarded the "Padma Shri," and in 1983, the MacArthur Prize Fellowship. He also won posthumously Sahitya Akademi award. Structure of the poem The tone of the poem is based on sarcasm and irony. The structure of the poem is free verse. There is no rhyme scheme. There are four longer verse paragraphs, a shorter one and two single isolated lines. This kind of structural arrangement contributes to the effect of irony. It also helps to grasp the main points clearly. The language used in the poem is very simple on account of which the thought sequence of the poem is presented clearly. Theme and Summary of the poem The poem A River written by A.K. Ramanujan is a satire on sensation loving poets who were indifferent to human suffering. He criticizes and mocks the poets for their callous and casual attitude towards human suffering.

The theme of the poem is that poetry is not only about love and romance but must also give expression to the sufferings of the people. Through this poem he tries to convey the message of sensitivity among the people and tries to inspire reform amongst us by opening our eyes to the horrors of the floods. In this poem, the poets talk about the river Vaikai on whose bank the city of Madurai stands. The peculiar thing, which appeals to the poets, is that the river presents two different spectacles in two different seasons. The poet gives a vivid picture of the river in the summer season when the river is almost empty. The sand ribs on the bed of the river are visible and the stones that lie on the bed of the river are also exposed. The bridge that stands over the river has rusty bars and requires repair. However the poet says that the other poets in the city only sang about the floods. He describes how people observed the river, very anxiously watching it rise inch by inch from time to time and how the stone steps of the bathing place are submerged. The further says that while the poets in the city spoke of the floods no one spoke about the floods that carried away with it three village houses, a pregnant woman and two cows named Gopi and Brinda. By this he implies that that both the groups of the poets are indifferent to human sorrow and suffering and that their poetry does not reflect the miseries of the human beings.

As You Like It Historical Background "As You Like It is based loosely on Thomas Lodge's novel, Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie. Lodge's novel was based on the poem, The Coke's Tale of Gamelyn, which was a pastoral romance. Shakespeare's version, while following the pattern used by Lodge, de-emphasizes some aspects central to Rosalynde and creates a new central focus. Shakespeare focuses attention on the difference between court life, which is dangerous and corrupt, and life in the Forest of Arden, which, though uncomfortable at times, is safe, peaceful, simple, and most importantly, free of corrupt men and politics. In addition to adding the conflict of court versus country life, Shakespeare introduces a few naturalistic characters-Jacques, Touchstone, and Audrey, to bring some realism and irony to the play in order to undercut the pastoral romance's unrelenting lightness. Act I as opening act: Introduction of the Plot, Theme and Major Characters Shakespeare has used Act I to give the audience some background information regarding the setting and atmosphere of the play. This Act introduces all major characters- Rosalind, Celia, Oliver, Orlando and the two dukes. The opening scene of the play unfolds tension and conflict. We learn about the conflict between the two brothers Oliver and Orlando on account of the shabby treatment meted out by Oliver wants to get rid of Orlando and therefore calls Charles the Dukes wrestler and instigates him to fight Orlando.

Charles informs Oliver that Duke Fredrick has usurped his brother, Duke Seniors kingdom and that Duke Senior has taken exile in the Forest of Arden where many young men have joined him. However Duke Seniors daughter, Rosalind, remains in the court with her cousin Celia who shares a sisterly bond of love. In the second scene, the girls go the see the wrestling match and while they try to dissuade Orlando from fighting, a bond of love is created between Rosalind and Orlando. Orlando manages to defeat Charles however on announcing that he is Sir Rowlands son, Duke Fredrick gets angered and he is dismissed. The third scene begins with Rosalind confessing her love for Orlando to Celia. Without any provocation, Duke Fredrick banishes Rosalind calling her to be a traitor. Later, Celia states that she will accompany her and they decide to go to find Duke Senior in the forest. Thus Shakespeare uses Act I to send all the major characters away to Arden where the major events are to take place. Themes Through Act I Shakespeare introduces two basic themes of the play: 1. Usurpation and tyranny: The play begins with Orlando talking about the injustice hurled at him by his own brother, Oliver. Against his fathers will Oliver has deprived Orlando of the rights he deserves. Oliver even tries to kill Orlando when he instigates Charles to fight against Orlando. Similarly, it is seen that Duke Fredrick usurps the dukedom of his brother, Duke Senior and confiscates the property of his followers. Although he appears to be kind towards his niece, there is sudden change of behavior and he orders her to leave his dukedom. Thus, Duke Fredrick is unjust both to father and daughter and usurps what rightfully belongs to

them. 2. The theme of love: Love is the central theme of the play. First, it is the sisterly love between Rosalind and Celia which is pure and innocent. Their love is in sharp contrast to the animosity between the two dukes as well as Oliver and Orlando. Second, it is the romantic love discussed by Rosalind and Celia and portrayed by Orlando and Rosalind falling in love at first sight. Its appropriateness is underlined by the fact that Rosalinds father and Orlandos father were great friends. Thus, the themes of love and loyalty are developed together. Characterisation Oliver- Oliver is the eldest son of Sir Rowland and heir to his fathers estate. He appears to be a usurper like Duke Fredrick and he ill-treats his younger brother. Against his fathers wishes, he denies him education and a decent upbringing. Olivers hatred for his brother arises from his envy of his brothers popularity. Oliver hatred takes him as far as trying to kill his own brother. Duke Fredrick- Duke Fredrick is the younger brother of Duke Senior whose dukedom he has usurped and has confiscated the lands of his followers. He also banishes Rosalind on the grounds of being the daughter of a traitor. Duke Fredrick is thus shown to be a tyrant: greedy for fame and power. Le Beau, the

courtier describes him to be a moody and suspicious person. He has always regarded honorable men like Sir Rowland with hostile suspicion. Orlando- Orlando is the hero of the play. He is brave and chivalrous at the same time tender and modest. Although he is ill treated by his brother, he possesses the knightly qualities of his father. Orlando is a man of self esteem and states that he is proud to be Sir Rowlands son and is unwilling to change his paternity even to become the Dukes heir. Orlando is shown to be a gallant youth when risks his own life in an encounter with Charles even after knowing that he had very little chance. Celia- Celia is the daughter of Duke Fredrick. She shares a deep bond of love with her cousin, Rosalind. Le Beau describes their love as dearer than the natural bond of sisters. Celia has a sympathetic nature. During the wrestling match, she sympathizes with Orlando and tries to dissuade him from taking part in the contest. She also has a jovial nature and often talks in a light hearted manner bringing comic relief when tension runs high. When Rosalind is depressed, Celia suggests that they should both sit down and mock the Lady Fortune Rosalind- Rosalind is the central character in the play. She has a sisterly affection for Celia. Her love for Celia is deep, sincere and true. Charles comments on Celia and Rosalinds relationship saying, Never two ladies loved as they do. Rosalind bears her misfortune with patience and possesses no ill will against her uncle for banishing her father. Rosalind is also shown caring about peoples welfare. Although she admires Orlandos courage, she is more concerned about his wellbeing and tries to dissuade him from fighting. She also falls in love with Orlando at first sight

Bibliography
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The Golden Lyre by Michael Shane Calvert Oxford School Shakespeare : As You Like It As You Like It Workbook by Pamela and Xavier Pinto. http://writershistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&tas k=view&id=499&Itemid=41 www.sparknotes.com