Notes of a Linguist

  Canon in English Literature: Meaning and Formation What is a Canon? A Canon is a group of literary works that are officially accepted as important and worthy of study. These texts are considered "great literature". They are taught in schools and universities. They shape what students think literature is. Writers like William Shakespeare, John Milton, and Jane Austen are traditionally part of the English literary canon. Texts outside the canon are often labelled: Popular fiction Regional literature Minority literature Third World literature Students studying English literature usually read canonical texts. As a result: They learn to value certain works more than others. Their understanding of literature is influenced by these selected texts. Their responses are shaped by what institutions decide is important. The passage argues that the canon is not neutral, it is created by people with power. Many writers from countries like India, Nigeria, and other former colonies write ...

Introduction to Rajmohan's Wife Author - Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Genre - Social Novel, Domestic Fiction, Early Indian English Novel Setting - Rural Bengal, India Mid 19th century colonial period The story mainly unfolds within households and village surroundings, reflecting Bengali social life and family relations. Major Characters Matangini - The protagonist, courageous, virtuous, and emotionally conflicted. Wife of Rajmohan. Rajmohan - Her abusive husband. Madhav - Matangini's former lover and a wealthy landowner. Hemangini - Madhav's wife Mathur - A scheming associate involved in the conspiracy. Major Themes -  Position of women in society Marriage and domestic oppression Love vs Duty Morality and Sacrifice Social customs in colonial India Individual freedom vs social constraints Objectives/ Purpose of the Novel -  To potray the difficulties faced by women in patriarchal society. To criticize domestic violence and oppressive marriages. To explore the conflict betw...