The Cry of the Graves

Kahlil Gibran is the author who has highest degree of eloquence and strong voice. He is considered one of the most influential authors of twentieth century. He has written about numerous human and social issues which make him a universal author. His short story “The Cry of The Graves” is one of his best creation where he has addresses issue of social justice.

The issue seems very trivial one, yet it is one of the most important elements of any society. Gibran asks the question in the story such as: Why does justice system and judges see the criminals only? Why the motive of the crime is not considered serious as the crime itself? With Gibran’s typical style and narrative, these question are addresses with a beautiful artistic way.

At the beginning, three criminals, two male and one female, are brought to the court of justice separately. Males have committed crimes of murder and theft. While the woman is accused of adultery. They all are condemned to death by the honourable judge.

Next day, the narrator visits far area of the city and see those three corpses. To his utter surprise, one by one victims’ mourners come and bury their corpses. Out of curiosity, he does not help asking those people about their relation with the deceased. Once known, the narrator becomes disillusioned with the so-called system of justice.

In this sense, Kahlil Gibran aptly raises the question such as: A murdered is a murderer indeed but what about sanctity of the judge and police system who sentence him to death? A man who is denied of his livelihood by the stronger ones is left with no option other than stealing bread for his children. A girl who is sold to a richer persona is left with no other option but to meet her lover. A person murders Ameer’s soldier who cast a unholy glance at his fiancée will surely fight with the Ameer’s man.

This man-made law does not consider anything else but catching the accused and sentencing him. Even then this law is not equal for all citizens. It prevails for weaker only. Stronger always get escape from it. Gibran has slashed the existing law and justice system by calling it a discriminatory for treating men and women differently, weaker and stronger differently. One of the most vital question raised by Gibran is “Who has allowed human beings in position to judge fellow human beings and determine their crimes and characters?”

Quotations:

"Three creatures whom ignorance made wrongdoers because they were weak; whom Law destroyed because it was strong".

"When a man destroys his fellow, people say that such a one is a murderer. When one set in authority destroys, it is said that thus one is a faithful judge".

After the Dance

“… And you say that a man cannot, of himself, understand what is good and evil; that it is all environment, that the environment swamps the man. But I believe it is all chance. Take my own case . .

.”. thus starts Tolstoy’s wonderful social commentary titled “After The Dance” or “After The Ball” which offers a psychological insight human soul and addresses two questions: Can a man not, on his own, differentiate between good and evil? Is environment the main determinant of making a man what he is?

These both are indeed the most important questions faced by human beings throughout their survival. Many people always blame their atmosphere and surroundings for their deeds as well as misdeeds. However, Count Tolstoy disagrees and he believes that only a moment is enough in human being’s life to change him.

Tolstoy’s name is known globally for his longer novel such as “Anna Karenina”, “War and Peace”, “Kreutzer Sonata”, “Hadji Murat”, “Family Happiness” and many others. Author’s shorter works are also no longer irrelevant. I got the opportunity of reading short works of Tolstoy and, believe me, I enjoyed them a great deal. Today, we are going to review for you Tolstoy’s short story titled “After The Ball”.

Like many of his other works, Tolstoy has also told this story via its protagonist who oppose with other companions on above mentioned statement and emphasises otherwise. Ivan Vasilievich, a decent Russian rich man, tells one of the anecdote from his life which changed him forever. After that he stops blaming atmosphere and surroundings.

One evening of his life, he is dancing in a party with a very beautiful woman. He likes that woman very much. Woman’s father was also there in the party. He was handsome, well-preserved old man and he behaved like a gentle man. Ivan likes that man greatly. But on the very next morning he sees the same person in a uniform and beholds a completely different man.

After this event, Ivan stops believing in people’s exterior faces and nature and he always tries to look beyond what seemingly appears to be. This was not the same person whom Ivan had seen last night at the ball. This one night completely changes Ivan’s life and he does not ever blame surroundings for ever.

Like many other of his stories, here too Tolstoy has shown a psychological aspect of human behaviour. And he has shown the ways how a man’s attitude and behaviour changes completely in different surroundings and power structures. This story is highly recommended for all those who are interested in 19^th century Russian literature and those who seek to study fiction on human behaviour. I will rate it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Heart of Darkness

Introduction

A classic of 19th-century literature, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is renowned for its sharp criticism of European empire and deep philosophical topics. This literary classic, which was first published in 1899, explores the moral complexities of imperial conquest and colonialism as they relate to the human psyche. The novella examines the collision of civilisations, the dehumanising impacts of imperialism, and the fine line separating sanity from lunacy against the backdrop of European discovery in Africa.

Conrad takes readers on an expedition into the Congo that also serves as a voyage into the depths of human evil via the use of striking symbolism and metaphor. In order to determine the novella's ongoing relevance and address its issues with racism and cultural representation, this review looks at its plot, themes, symbols, and characters.

Plot Summary

An unidentified narrator tells the story of Charles Marlow's terrifying adventure in the Congo from a ship on the Thames River. A European commercial corporation hires Marlow, a reflective sailor, to lead a riverboat upriver. Kurtz, a mysterious ivory dealer whose tactics and mental health have been questioned, is the target of his expedition.

 Marlow encounters the harsh reality of colonialism as he travels farther into the African bush. Under the pretence of introducing civilisation, European colonists take advantage of and dehumanise native civilisations. The distinctions between savagery and civilisation, as well as between madness and sanity, grow increasingly hazy as the jungle trek progresses.

When Marlow eventually meets Kurtz, he has deviated from European conventions and become a local idol. Kurtz's existential misery and moral decay are exposed by this interaction. He concludes the novella with the words, "The horror! The horror!" which perfectly capture its examination of human depravity and the existential dilemma brought on by unbridled power.

Themes and Symbolism

Heart of Darkness exposes the cruelty and deceit of European colonialism in a biting indictment. The novella describes how, in the name of introducing civilisation, imperial nations took advantage of Africa's natural riches and its inhabitants. Marlow exposes imperialism's ethical flaws by challenging the moral defences of it with his observations of brutality and exploitation.

Conrad's time was Eurocentric, which is seen in the way indigenous civilisations are portrayed. The novella has drawn criticism for its simplistic portrayal of Africans as mute and faceless, even as it criticises the dehumanisation that comes with colonialism. The alienation and identity difficulties brought on by colonial control are highlighted by this cultural conflict. 

The book is replete with references to madness, especially Kurtz's plunge into moral and psychological anarchy. The vulnerability of human sanity is revealed as Kurtz, cut off from European civilisation, gives way to the untamed might of the woods. The most sinister sides of human nature are reflected in the wilderness, which serves as a mirror.

By arguing that so-called civilised Europeans are frequently more barbaric than the civilisations they colonise, Conrad challenges conventional ideas of civilisation and savagery. Kurtz's metamorphosis shows how even the most educated people may become corrupted by being close to authority and without being held accountable. 

The primary symbols of light and darkness are frequently employed in sarcastic and subversive contexts. Light frequently denotes the destructive might of European empire, whereas darkness stands for the unknown and the fundamental realities of human nature. This reversal exposes the intricacy of good against evil and calls into question oversimplified moral dichotomies.

Kurtz and Marlow both struggle with existential issues of human nature and identity. The existential dread that characterises a large portion of the novella's intellectual roots is reflected in Kurtz's closing comments, which demonstrate a profound alienation from both European values and his own humanity.

The Congo River represents the voyage into the depths of human darkness and the psyche. The wilderness challenges the façade of civilisation by acting as an emblem for the wild powers that exist within the human brain. Kurtz's persona turns into a representation of the moral and mental deterioration that imperialism entails.

As the protagonist and narrator of the novella, Marlow offers a critical perspective on the events that take place. He challenges the moral and ethical underpinnings of European imperialism as a perceptive and critical observer. He must face the darkness within himself and the frailty of his own morals as a result of his internal and exterior trip.

The most nuanced and mysterious character in the tale is Kurtz. He starts off as a shining example of European values before descending into barbarism and moral corruption. Kurtz is a tragic figure who serves as a reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition and power because of his tremendous charm and linguistic genius in contrast to his psychological collapse. 

There has been a lot of criticism directed at how Africa's indigenous people are portrayed. For the most part, they are shown as quiet and enslaved, with their voices lost in the story. This raises concerns about the novella's involvement in the racism it aims to condemn since, although it illustrates the dehumanising effects of colonialism, it also reinforces negative preconceptions.

The European corporate officials are a symbol of the avarice and callousness of imperial bureaucracy, and they symbolise the banality of evil. Their disregard for human suffering stands in stark contrast to Marlow's developing moral qualms.

Conclusion

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is still a sophisticated and intricate examination of morality, human nature, and the existential crises brought on by imperialism and colonialism. Readers are prompted to consider the complexities of good and evil, civilisation and barbarism, light and darkness by its rich symbolism and philosophical topics.

But the novella's depiction of Africa and its inhabitants, which reflects the racial prejudices of the day, still causes debate. Conrad criticises the exploitation of indigenous traditions, yet his Eurocentric viewpoint frequently restricts the humanity and agency of the people he is trying to protect. 

Notwithstanding its shortcomings, Heart of Darkness is a classic of 19th-century writing, providing a timeless reflection on the moral and psychological intricacies of the human condition. Its significance transcends its historical setting and resonates with current discussions about identity, ethics, and the lasting effects of empire. 

Conrad provides a chilling metaphor for the darkness that exists inside each of us—a reminder of the existential and moral dilemmas that characterise the human condition—through Kurtz's spiral into madness and Marlow's voyage across the Congo. 

 

Metamorphosis

Introduction

The Metamorphosis, a novella published by Franz Kafka in 1912, is a seminal work of modernist literature that delves deeply into existential and absurdist themes. The narrative of Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman who mysteriously changes into a huge bug, offers a deep meditation on the human condition, delving into alienation, isolation, identity, and the difficult dynamics of family and society. 

Kafka's depiction of Gregor's transformation is not only strange and gruesome, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for existential problems, detachment, and modernity's dehumanising forces. Through the prism of The Metamorphosis, Kafka explores the demands of capitalist society, the nature of responsibility, and the devastating implications of loneliness and empathy. This critical assessment goes into these major issues, examining Kafka's symbolism and the psychological terror that underlies the novella.

Plot Summary

At the start of The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa awakens in his bed one morning to find that he has turned into a huge bug. Gregor strives to maintain a feeling of normalcy despite being stunned and perplexed at first. Despite his ugly new shape, his first thoughts are of his role as the family's breadwinner. He struggles to get out of bed and focus on his profession as a travelling salesman, which he feels obligated to support. However, Gregor's family, especially his father, mother, and sister Grete, are horrified and reject his metamorphosis.

As Gregor's illness worsens, the once-supportive family grows more antagonistic and uncaring. His family views him as a burden and keeps him isolated in a room with little to no interaction. Grete, Gregor's sister, first demonstrates some empathy but eventually becomes tired of the circumstance and turns aloof. As they prioritise their own survival and well-being, the family dynamics significantly change. Gregor struggles with the breakdown of his identity and sense of humanity as he grows more alienated from them. His suffering is both physical and psychological.

Gregor's condition eventually deteriorates to the point that he passes away in solitude, an undetected result of the family's negligence. His family can now start rebuilding their lives without having to worry about taking care of him, so his passing almost seems like a relief. The reader is left with a deep sense of loss at the end—not just of Gregor but also of the humanity he once possessed and the family that abandoned him.

Character Analysis

The tragic figure of Gregor Samsa is at the core of The Metamorphosis, undergoing both psychological and physical transformations. Gregor is first shown as a devoted son and brother, working endlessly as a travelling sales man to support his family. His transformation, however, constitutes a significant break in his identity. Gregor's human identity is determined by his function in the capitalist system, but his new shape, a hideous bug, makes him helpless and dehumanised.

Gregor's passive reaction to his transformation is noteworthy. He accepts his situation with resignation rather than rebelling or trying to flee. It is possible to interpret this passivity as a mirror of Kafka's examination of the absurdity of life, in which the person is imprisoned in a chaotic, meaningless cosmos over which they have no control. Existential concerns of identity and alienation are also reflected in Gregor's passivity. He no longer has the ability to relate to those around him or identify with his old human self. His transformation is existential rather than just physical, signifying his internal sense of estrangement even before the bug form inside him was visible.

Throughout the novella, Gregor's family members—particularly his sister Grete—go through another personal transformation. At first, Grete demonstrates empathy and assumes the job of looking after Gregor, but with time, her empathy wanes and she grows more unconcerned. The increasing emotional separation between Gregor and his family is a reflection of the alienation he feels. His father, who previously depended on Gregor, starts acting more violently and becomes an authoritarian, which further exacerbates the family's sense of disarray.

Themes and Symbolism

There are several themes in The Metamorphosis that examine absurdist and existential concepts. The topic of alienation is central to the novella. Gregor's transformation into an insect represents his intense sense of isolation and alienation from the outside world. His physical shape turns into a tangible representation of the social and emotional alienation he has always experienced from both his family and society at large. Gregor loses his humanity as he grows increasingly alone in his chamber; he goes from being a person with goals and hopes to a hideous character whose life has no purpose.

Identity is another important subject. The problems of what constitutes an individual's identity are brought up by Gregor's transformation. Is it the mind, the body, or interpersonal relationships? At first, Gregor finds it difficult to reconcile his insect form and human consciousness. His sense of disconnection and alienation grows as he finds it harder and harder to communicate. His transformation casts doubt on the idea that identity is a fixed thing and emphasises how brittle the self is in a society where social forces and external expectations rule.

The novella's narrative structure heavily relies on absurdism. In the chaotic, illogical universe that Kafka creates, Gregor's transformation appears random and inexplicable. Gregor's transformation has no apparent cause, and the environment he lives in provides no solution to his predicament. Following in the footsteps of absurdist authors such as Albert Camus, Kafka depicts the meaninglessness of existence and people's fruitless searches for purpose in a universe that appears unconcerned with their misery. The ridiculousness of attempting to preserve normalcy in a ridiculous, uncaring environment is shown by Gregor's desire to carry on with his work and meet his obligations in spite of his hideous look.

Another major theme that arises in the book is psychological horror. Not only is Gregor's physical transformation into a bug a horrifying sight, but it also represents psychological suffering. Feelings of dread and despair are evoked by his diminishing sense of self and growing distance from his family. The emotional and psychological fallout from Gregor's metamorphosis is equally as terrifying as the visual of him in his bug form. The narrative becomes a frightening investigation of the human mind as the novella dives deeply into the psychological ramifications of alienation and the anguish of losing one's humanity.

The story's familial relationships illustrate the exploitation and strain that come with living in a capitalist society. Since Gregor is the only one who can support his family, his worth is directly correlated with his capacity for employment. The transformation into a bug makes him ineffective in this role, and his family responds with contempt and brutality. The dehumanising consequences of contemporary capitalism systems, where people are primarily valued for their financial contributions, are brought to light by the family's abandoning of Gregor.

Conclusion

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is still a classic examination of the human condition. Kafka explores issues of alienation, identity, responsibility, and the absurdity of life via the bizarre and unsettling transformation of Gregor Samsa. The novella is a crucial literature for comprehending the loneliness and alienation that define contemporary existence because of its philosophical reflections, psychological complexity, and symbolism. The terrible outcome of Gregor's existence—being abandoned by his family and shunned by society—highlights the psychological and emotional misery that comes from leading a life devoid of empathy, connection, or purpose. Kafka asks readers to consider loneliness, the essence of humanity, and the deep estrangement that may result from modernity and capitalist forces in The Metamorphosis. The tale is nevertheless a powerful reminder of how vulnerable people are in a cold, uncaring society where finding purpose and connection can occasionally seem as unattainable as Gregor Samsa's tragic transformation. 

The Old Woman and Her Cat

Introduction

Doris Lessing, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist, creates a sad and thought-provoking novella on aging, isolation, and loneliness in "The Old Woman and Her Cat." This stunning short tale depicts the intricate relationship between an old woman and her feline companion, providing significant psychological insights into the human condition. This novella digs into the complexities of human-animal relationships and the difficulties of getting old, using Lessing's trademark social commentary and subtle characterisation. "The Old Woman and Her Cat" is a key piece of literary fiction that must be read by anybody interested in 20th-century British literature or Doris Lessing's work.

Plot Summary

The novella follows the lives of an elderly woman who has been isolated in her house for years while dealing with the physical and mental obstacles of aging. Her only company is her cat, which represents comfort, connection, and emotional sustenance.

Doris Lessing's "The Old Woman and Her Cat" is a moving and thought-provoking story that explores the complexity of aging, loneliness, and the human condition. Lessing uses the elderly woman's narrative to highlight the harsh reality of getting old, the sorrow of loneliness, and the human spirit's perseverance.

Finally, the novella demonstrates that even in the darkest periods of loneliness and deterioration, there is beauty to be discovered in the most basic of connections, such as the one between the elderly woman and her cat. This deep link demonstrates the transformational power of companionship and the lasting fortitude of the human heart.

As the elderly woman's voyage concludes, Lessing's novella leaves us with great respect for the fragility and beauty of life, the value of human connection, and the irrepressible resolve to endure. Lessing's remarkable story reminds us that even in our old age, there is still wisdom to be gained, love to be given, and life to be lived. This conclusion seeks to capture the core of the novella by highlighting significant themes and symbols and offering a thought-provoking conclusion on the meaning of the old woman's experience. 

Themes and Symbolism

Like many other 20th-century British novels, this novel also explores various themes and symbols. The cat represents companionship, comfort, emotional support, connection, independence, and self-reliance. The Old Woman's Home symbolizes confinement, isolation, security, familiarity, and the physical and emotional constraints of aging. The garden represents nature, the cycle of life, the old woman's connection to her past and her own mortality, and the beauty and fragility of life. Memories and flashbacks symbolize the old woman's inner world and her emotional life, the power of memory to shape our understanding of ourselves, and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and regret. The Old Woman's Physical Decline represents the inevitability of aging and mortality, the loss of autonomy and independence, and the fragility and vulnerability of human life.

Conclusion

As the narrative progresses, the elderly woman's history and present get blurred, exposing a complex web of memories, regrets, and unmet dreams. Lessing expertly shows the depths of human loneliness, the anguish of ageing, and the tenacity of the human spirit via her inner monologues and exchanges with her cat.

The novella also delves into topics of human-animal relationships, emphasising how the old woman's link with her cat provides emotional support, comfort, and significance in her life.  Finally, "The Old Woman and Her Cat" is a compelling examination of the human condition, diving into the complexities of aging, isolation, loneliness, and the need for connection and understanding. 

The Dream of A Ridiculous Man

Introduction

This short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky is philosphical fiction and falls under the category of psychological insight into a man's inner journey into another world. The story deals with the existential crisis of modern man, which can be generalised into as many cultures as possible. It can also be called a morality tale. 

Plot Summary

On that dismal evening, he had intended to commit suicide by shooting himself. That night the narrator embarks upon an inner journey via a dream, which makes him conscious and beholds the truth.

On that inner journey, he beholds a new world that is unstained by sin, such as men's world before the original sin. After that, the narrator tells us about that new earth and its residents. The tale is quite fascinating and interesting.

Themes and Symbolism

The story is a psychological insight into human nature narrated by an unnamed/unknown narrator who is a nihilist. Nihilism is a philosophical idea that upholds that nothing in this world does matter. Nor any thing related with the world. Be it relations, feelings, ideologies, etc. The narrator claims to have known the truth one year ago with a chance encounter with a young girl. Being a nihilist, he is supposed to feel indifference towards the pleading girl; he tries too, but he cannot. 

First written in 1877, only four years before his death, Dostoevsky seems to have put maximum experience of his life in this philosophical fiction. As usual, the author has beautifully stated the idea of nihilism and their sub-ideas later on to oppose them at the full. Dostoevsky is an artist of great value. His miserable life taught him many lessons, and he expressed all those lessons in his writings in different ways. In this story, he has shown and opposed the idea of nihilism by portraying an analogy of this world and another world, and through this analogy, he has shown how absurd the ideas of indifference based on nihilism. The story touches on both ideas of absurdism and existentialism as well. It is about redemption, personal growth, and spiritual awakening written in a symbolic way. 

This story holds an important place in 19th-century Russian literature based on sumbolism. The story is an allegory of redemption and salvation, human nature and morality, and a psychological exploration of self. 

Conclusion

In this story, Dostoevsky has once again emphasised on man's meaning for life and man's inner beauty of goodness and virtue. And he asserts humanity in man's character no matter what may hinder him. And indeed, this is the beauty of humankind. It is a very nice allegory and social commentary. 

Select Quotations

1. “Oh, how hard it is to be the only man to know the truth!”

1. “The consciousness of life is higher than life. The knowledge of happiness is higher than happiness"—that is what we have to fight against.

Dostoevsky, you are immortal.