I.

A few details about the authors

1. William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor who is widely
regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world's
pre-eminent dramatist. He was born in England, in 1564 and died in 1616.
Shakespeare wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several narrative
poems, including tragedies like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet,"
“A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Much Ado About Nothing,"
"Othello."Shakespeare's plays explore a wide range of theme such as love,
power, ambition, jealousy and the human condition. His works have been
translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of
any other playwright. Shakespeare's influence on literature and the performing
arts is immeasurable, and his works continue to be studied, performed, and
celebrated around the world.

2. William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth was an English poet who is considered one of the most
important figures in the Romantic movement in literature. Wordsworth's poetry
is known for its focus on nature, the beauty of the natural world, and the power
of individual emotions.
Over time, William Wordsworth's attitude on the French Revolution changed
significantly. Like many other writers and poets of his time, he was initially
passionately supportive of the Revolution's principles of liberty, equality, and
brotherhood. However, as the French Revolution turned increasingly violent and
chaotic, Wordsworth's later writings reveal his dissatisfaction with the
Revolution's violent turn and its rejection of its original objectives. He became
increasingly critical of the revolutionary spirit and the chaos that followed,
stressing the importance of social reform by peaceful.
Wordsworth argues that poetry should be written in the natural language of
common speech, rather than in the lofty and elaborate dictions that were then
considered "poetic”. He argues that poetry should offer access to the emotions
contained in memory. And he argues that the first principle of poetry should be
pleasure, that the main duty of poetry is to provide pleasure through a rhythmic
and beautiful expression of feeling for all human sympathy.
Perhaps above all Wordsworth is associated in the popular mind with his vision
of Nature.He is a Pantheist. Nature is a store of truths about human nature, the
world, and God, but that truth lies inert until a human being connects with
Nature and abtracts its lesson.
Some of his most famous poems include "Daffodils", "Lines Composed a
Few Miles above Tintern Abbey," "The Prelude.", “Lyrical Ballads” and “
The Excursion”

3. William Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) was a renowned British playwright,
novelist, and short-story writer. In his writings he kept to the principles of
Realism, but his method of writing was also influenced by Naturalism, Neo-
romanticism and Modernism.
1. Observation of Human Behavior:
 Maugham was known for his keen observation of human behavior
and social dynamics. His characters are often drawn from real-life
observations, and he delves into their complexities and motivations
with a realistic approach.
2. Exploration of Social Realities:
 Many of Maugham's works explore social realities and the
challenges faced by individuals within their societal contexts. He
addresses issues such as class distinctions, cultural clashes, and the
impact of social norms on personal lives.
3. Psychological Realism:
 Maugham's understanding of human psychology is evident in his
characters' motivations and conflicts. He explores the complex
psychological hints of his characters, realistically presenting their
feelings, ideas, and conflicts inside.
4. Cultural Critique:
 Like many other Realist writers, Maugham frequently attacks
cultural standards and customs in her works, whether gently or
clearly. He challenges traditional values and explores the
consequences of societal expectations on individual lives.
He experimented with short stories, plays, and novels. He published the novel
"Of Human Bondage", in which many details were taken from his own life.
His rich experience of life and his acute insight into human nature provide
ground for the analytical and critical quality of his works. This quality keens his
readers in suspense and his stories fresh with every new reading. Maugham
shows us people of various strata and occupations but he is not critical about the
contemporary social order. He is concened with many a bitter truth of the
modem society. Maugham's sympathy lies invariably with the common people.
Although he does not always give a clear cut assessment to his characters,
readers can acquire their own judgment and conclusion about them.
The important novels are “ Liza Of Lambeth”, “ Of Human Bondage”, “
The Moon and Sixpence' , “The Painted Vell” , “Cakes and Ale” , “Razor's
Edge” , “Theatre”

4. Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author who is
widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the late 19th century.
Known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary, Wilde
remains an iconic figure in literature and cultural history. Wilde gained fame for
his wit and humor, often displayed through his plays, essays, and novels.
Some of his most notable works include "The Picture of Dorian Gray," “the
Critic as Artist” a novel that explores the consequences of aestheticism and
moral decay, and his comedies such as "The Importance of Being Earnest,"
"An Ideal Husband," and "A Woman of No Importance."
Wilde was associated with the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized "art for
art's sake" and the pursuit of beauty and pleasure in life. He supported the idea
that politics and morality should have little impact on art.
Wilde spent two years in prison for the crime of sodomy. His health declined
throughout that period.
Wilde's writings continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and social
commentary.He is remembered for his contributions to literature and his role in
challenging societal norms and conventions.

5. Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was an American novelist, short story writer,
and journalist, renowned for his distinctive writing style and his influence on
20th-century literature. Hemingway volunteered as an ambulance driver during
World War I and was wounded while serving in Italy. This experience greatly
influenced his writing, and themes of war and its impact are prevalent in his
works.
Hemingway's writing style is Minimalism style with straightforward, creative
writing without repetition, using straightforward language and highlighting
important details frequently.
He often employed the iceberg theory, Hemingway's writing can be compared
to an iceberg, where the visible part above the water represents the surface-level
narrative and the part below the waterline represents the deeper, unspoken
layers of meaning and emotion. Every action or event we observe is only part of
the story. So to comment them we take time.
Famous for "The Old Man and the Sea" and other works such as "A
Farewell to Arms," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "The Sun Also Rises."
Ernest Hemingway's impact on literature was significant, and his works continue
to be studied for their exploration of themes such as war and the human
condition.

6. O’Henry
O. Henry is the pen name of William Sydney Porter (1862-1910), an American
short story writer known for his wit, clever plotting, and surprise twist endings.
He served 3 years in prison because of embezzlement from a bank where he had
worked.
Literary Career: O. Henry's writing is characterized by its clever wordplay,
humor, and unexpected twists at the end of his stories. O. Henry is typically
associated with the literary movement known as Social Realism. His stories
often explore the lives of ordinary people in New York City, where he spent
much of his life. His works always put people at the center, revealing the social
situation and lives of people who have to worry about a bread and butter.
O. Henry's most famous story is "The Gift of the Magi," Other notable works
include "The Ransom of Red Chief," "The Last Leaf," and "The Cop and
the Anthem."
Writing Style: O. Henry's stories are known for their economy of words and
effective use of irony and humor. His signature twist endings are a hallmark of
his storytelling, making his works memorable and distinctive.

7. Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell (1900-1949) was an American novelist and journalist best
known for her epic historical novel, "Gone with the Wind." Margaret Mitchell
worked as a journalist and wrote for the Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine.
Her writing style was known for its vivid descriptions and storytelling abilities,
and she gained recognition for her work as a feature writer.
- "Gone with the Wind":
Mitchell's most famous work is the novel "Gone with the Wind," published in
1936. The novel, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the
Reconstruction era, became a literary phenomenon. It won the Pulitzer Prize for
Fiction in 1937.

II. Works
1. Compare the meaning of the rose used by Juliet in her utterance “a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet”
The quote "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" is from William
Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." The meaning of the rose symbolizes the
essence of beauty and fragrance. In this line, Juliet is expressing the idea that
the name of something does not affect its essence or nature.
In Juliet's Utterance:
Juliet utilizes the rose to demonstrate how a flower's essence remains unchanged
despite its name. She argues that if a rose were called by any other name, it
would still have the same sweet fragrance. The quote reflects Juliet's frustration
with the social constraints of her name and family feud that separate her from
Romeo.
The Rose's Symbolic Meaning in General:
A rose has been used as a symbol for many different ideas, such as love, beauty,
and passion, in literature and art.
Within the context of "Romeo and Juliet," the rose represents the true affection
that the two main characters experience, unaffected by differences between their
families.
In summary, while Juliet's use of the rose in the quote emphasizes the idea that
names are arbitrary and do not define the essence of things, the rose, in a
broader symbolic sense, represents the enduring and untainted nature of love,
even in the face of external conflicts and societal expectations.

2. Character Romeo
Romeo Montague is one of the main characters in William Shakespeare’s play
Romeo and Juliet. Read our Romeo character analysis below:
- Brave:
+ Romeo is brave in protecting his family and his house as he tries to reconcile
with his enemy's family for a peaceful life.
+ He is willing to defy family and society's opposition and risk his own safety to
pursue his endless love with Juliet.
- Faithful: Romeo is faithful in his love for Juliet. Despite the challenges they
face, Romeo remains committed and loyal to Juliet throughout the play. He is
willing to risk everything, including his own life, to be with her.
- Romantic: Romeo is famous for his intense love for Juliet. He braved the
danger to climb into the wall of Juliet's house just to see and talk to her.
- Impulsive: Romeo Montague is hasty and impetuous, with quickly changing
moods. He serially falls in love at first sight; marries Juliet the day after meeting
her and takes revenge for his friend’s death without stopping to consider the
consequences.
- Aggressive: When he kills Tybalt in a fit of rage after Tybalt kills Mercutio.
This act of aggression is driven by his love for Juliet and his desire for revenge.
Overall, Romeo's aggression is not a defining characteristic of his personality,
but rather a result of his intense emotions and the circumstances he finds himself
in.

3. The Nightingale and the Rose written by Oscar Wilde.

b) Themes
1. Love and Sacrifice:The story revolves around the theme of love and the
sacrifices one might make for it. The nightingale represents the idea that true
love often requires selflessness and sacrifice when she gives up her life to make
a red rose for the student's sweetheart.
2. Nature's Indifference to Human Emotions: According to Wilde, nature is
unaffected by the feelings and pursuits of humans. Even though the nightingale's
song and sacrifice have great personal significance for her, the human characters
in the story eventually overlook or misunderstand them.
3. Art and Reality:The story explores the contrast between art and reality. The
red rose created by the nightingale is an artistic expression of love, but its fate in
the real world challenges the idealized notions of love found in art.
4. Materialism and SuperficialityThe Student's pursuit of a red rose reflects the
superficial and materialistic nature of his love. The story critiques the value
placed on material symbols of love over real emotions and connections.
5. Irony and Satire: Wilde uses sarcasm and irony to question accepted social
mores and values. The story's ironic twists draw attention to the unbelievable
some human behaviors and expectations related to love.

4. The last chapter of the novel Gone with the wind written by Margrett
Mitchel:
Analysis of Symbols in Gone with the Wind
-The Wind
This symbol comes from the title of the novel. It symbolizes a powerful force
that destroys an existing order. The first wind alluded to in Gone with the Wind
is the Battle of Boyne which blows away Gerald O’Hara’s ancestral wealth and
dream in Ireland.
The other is the American Civil War that blows away the old order of the South
and Scarlett O’Hara’s sheltered life.
-The Soldiers’ Graves
The graves symbolize a shared fate in the destruction of war by both the winners
and the losers. The women of Atlanta would weed the graves of the Confederate
soldiers and leave that of the Yankee soldiers unkempt but the overgrown weeds
onthe Yankee soldiers’ graves make a caricature of their efforts to beautify the
graves and this symbolizes that continued segregation after the war would
hamper everyone’s effort at recovery.
-The Confederate Note
After the defeat of the confederacy, the currency note of the confederacy
becomes worthless. However, Will Benteen finds one of such notes with a poem
written on it.
The note represents the lost values of the old south, serving no utility in the new
world but THE poem on it pleads to be remembered by future generations. It
also represents a plea to future generations to never forget the battles of their
ancestors.
-The Mist
During the hardships following the war, Scarlett begins to have recurring
nightmares about running from a terrifying mist. That mist is used to symbolize
uncertainties and insecurities in the struggle for survival.
-The Sword
The Hamilton family has a sword which their grandfather got from fighting in
the Mexican war, the Hamilton family then began a tradition of passing that
sword from one generation to the next and it eventually gets to the little boy
Wade. The sword symbolizes family legacy and how descendants can draw
courage from theirancestral history

5. Comment on the death of Mr. Behrman. Compare with the death of the
Swallow in the story The Happy Prince written by Oscar Wilde.
- Death of Mr. Behrman in "The Last Leaf" (O. Henry):
In "The Last Leaf," Mr. Behrman sacrifices himself to save the life of Johnsy, a
person suffering from pneumonia.
Mr. Behrman, an old and struggling artist, paints a leaf on the ivy vine outside
Johnsy's window during a cold and stormy night. He catches pneumonia himself
and succumbs to the illness, but his sacrifice convinces Johnsy to fight for her
life.
Mr. Behrman's death is significant for several reasons:
Self-Sacrifice: Mr. Behrman's act of painting the leaf and subsequently
sacrificing his life to save Johnsy is a powerful expression of selflessness. He
goes beyond the role of a neighbor or friend, demonstrating the depth of his
compassion and care for others.
Symbolism: The leaf painted by Mr. Behrman becomes a symbolic
representation of hope, resilience, and the potential for life to endure despite
harsh conditions.
Artistic Legacy: Mr. Behrman, a struggling artist throughout his life, achieves a
form of immortality through his final artistic endeavor. The leaf he painted
becomes a lasting symbol of his commitment to art and his willingness to give
his life for a greater cause.
Influence on Johnsy: Mr. Behrman's sacrifice has a profound impact on Johnsy.
It inspires her to fight for her own life, realizing that the leaf is a symbol of hope
and determination. The story suggests that the power of art and human
connection can be transformative, even in the face of adversity.
- Death of the Swallow in "The Happy Prince" (Oscar Wilde):
In "The Happy Prince," the Swallow, a loyal and selfless bird, dies after helping
the Happy Prince distribute his gold and jewels to the poor.
The Swallow sacrifices his life by staying with the Happy Prince during the
winter, enduring the cold and suffering. By the end of the story, the Swallow
succumbs to the harsh conditions and dies at the feet of the now-stripped and
melancholic Happy Prince.
* Comparison:
- Motivation for Sacrifice:
Mr. Behrman sacrifices himself to save a life (Johnsy's).
The Swallow sacrifices itself for a noble cause – helping the poor and easing the
suffering of others.
- Recipient of the Sacrifice:
Mr. Behrman sacrifices for an individual (Johnsy).
The Swallow makes sacrifices for the community's overall well-being and the
reduction of severe discomfort.
- Outcome of the Sacrifice:
Mr. Behrman's sacrifice inspires Johnsy to live and recover.
The Swallow's sacrifice leads to the Happy Prince's realization of the true nature
of poverty and suffering, prompting celestial recognition of their selflessness.

6. The last leaf

- Techniques are used in the story
+ the reversal situation:
The reversal in "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry occurs at the end of the story and
involves a surprising twist regarding the last leaf that Johnsy believes will
determine her fate.
Throughout the story, Johnsy is convinced that she will die when the last ivy
leaf outside her window falls. However, the true reversal occurs when the doctor
informs Sue and Johnsy that the last leaf was not real but a painting. The
revelation that Mr. Behrman, the struggling and contracting pneumonia artist in
the building, sacrificed himself by painting the leaf in the cold and rainy night
becomes the unexpected twist.
The reversal also reinforces the theme of sacrifice and the transformative power
of art, as Mr. Behrman's act brings about a positive change in Johnsy's attitude
toward life.
+ The art of both telling and expressing emotions makes readers not feel bored,
but rather they become interested in author O'Henry's detailed writing style.
- The image of a last leaf :
+ Symbol of Life and Hope: The leaf, particularly the last one on the ivy vine
outside Johnsy's window, symbolizes life and hope. Johnsy, who is ill with
pneumonia, believes that she will die when the last leaf falls. The leaf, therefore,
becomes a tangible representation of her will to live and the hope for her
recovery.
+ Overcome Adversity of the future generation : The fact that the last leaf
clings to the vine despite the harsh weather conditions symbolizes putting up
with challenge. It becomes a metaphor for the strength to endure challenges and
the refusal to succumb to the inevitable.