Hello,
This blog post is part of Lab Activity given by Dilip Barad sir. In this blog there is a discussion about the activities done on the CLiC Dickens Project.
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CLiC – Corpus Linguistics in Context
What is Digital-Humanities ?
Digital humanities (DH) is an area of scholarly activity at the intersection of computing or digital technologies and the disciplines of the humanities. It includes the systematic use of digital resources in the humanities, as well as the analysis of their application.
Also, DH can be defined as new ways of doing scholarship that involve collaborative, trans-disciplinary, and computationally engaged research, teaching, and publishing and it brings digital tools and methods to the study of the humanities with the recognition that the printed word is no longer the main medium for knowledge production and distribution.
12. Character and structure in A Christmas Carol
This activity involves a comparative analysis of the use of specific literary devices and symbols across different periods and texts. The goal is to understand how these elements contribute to the themes and character development within the narratives.
"Once upon a time" is a classic phrase often used to begin fairy tales and children's stories, but its applications in literature are diverse and multifaceted. Writers can employ this iconic opener in various ways to set the tone, frame the narrative, or even subvert reader expectations.Whether used traditionally or innovatively, "Once upon a time" remains a versatile tool in a writer's arsenal, capable of immediately engaging readers and setting the stage for the narrative to unfold.
It also has a feature that shows how many times the words are used in the work that
goes into the in depth analysis of the research work.
In the 19th century, "once upon a time" was primarily used in traditional fairy tales and folk stories, setting a timeless, fantastical tone for narratives that often contained clear moral lessons and reflected societal values of the time, appealing mainly to children. In the 21st century, the phrase is often employed with irony or subversion, signaling a departure from traditional storytelling conventions. It appears across a wider range of genres, including postmodern and speculative fiction, and is used to challenge or deconstruct the very nature of storytelling, often with a deeper commentary on contemporary issues.
#The Use of the Knocker in Literature
The knocker often symbolizes an entrance or threshold in literature, marking the transition between different realms or states of being. In Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the knocker on Scrooge's door is transformed into the face of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley. This moment is pivotal as it represents the beginning of Scrooge's supernatural journey. The knocker's transformation is a foreshadowing device, indicating that Scrooge's mundane existence is about to be disrupted by otherworldly interventions. This change from a common household object to a spectral apparition also reflects the blending of the ordinary with the supernatural, a theme central to the story's exploration of redemption and transformation.
#The Significance of Fire for Scrooge
In "A Christmas Carol," fire symbolizes warmth, life, and human connection, contrasting sharply with Scrooge's cold and miserly demeanor. Scrooge’s relationship with fire is emblematic of his character's isolation and emotional frigidity. He is described as keeping his office fire small to save money, a reflection of his stinginess and lack of compassion. The fire thus becomes a powerful symbol of Scrooge's eventual thawing and return to the warmth of human society.
This activity enhances analytical skills by encouraging detailed examination of literary elements and their evolution over time. It helps to understand how symbols and motifs function within narratives and across different literary periods. By comparing and contrasting the use of "once upon a time," the knocker, and fire, it helps to think critically about how authors use these devices to convey deeper meanings and themes.
Understanding how the use of certain phrases and symbols changes over time provides insights into broader literary and cultural shifts.
15. Education, women and governesses in the 19th century
A governess is typically a young woman, though not necessarily middle-aged, who lives with a family and is responsible for educating their children. She is employed as a home teacher, providing instruction to children aged 5 to 18 at home. In the video, historian Kathryn Hughes explains the qualities expected of a governess: she should be able to play the piano, be seen reading, know how to dance, and possess moral education. She is usually from a middle-class background and often faces financial difficulties. An upper-class family might employ a governess to showcase their social status by demonstrating they can afford such a luxury.
This activity allows for in-depth research on any concept from the 19th century. For example, one can explore the role of a governess, understanding how the term is depicted in novels and society during that period. It is not necessary to read entire texts; by focusing on specific mentions of the term, one can conduct comprehensive research.
A governess typically looks after a girl child. In Charles Dickens' novel "Bleak House" (Chapter 30), there is a reference to a governess who is very kind to a child and tries to befriend them. Generally, governesses are more often responsible for caring for girls rather than boys in many examples.
This knowledge helps to understand better and analyze literature and historical documents about governesses and women's education in the 19th century. It allows to see how they were depicted and understand the cultural and social dynamics of that time, giving you a deeper insight into research.
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