Screening & Reading Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

       This blog is written as a thinking activity task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's article for background reading: Click here 

Introduction: 

     Macbeth is a tragic play written by william shakespear in 1606. It was published in 1623 by john hemings and henry condell members of shakespear’s theatrical company. Its tone is dark and ambitious, an unnatural crime.  

Full title:- ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

Genre:- Tragedy.

Time :- Middle age, 11th century, dark age, before renaissance time.

Place:- Scotland, some part of england 

 1. How faithful is the play performance to the original play? 

      The 2013 performance of 'Macbeth' in Shakespeare’s Globe stays true to the essence of Shakespeare’s original play. The production preserves the original Shakespearean language, with the actors delivering the dialogues effectively and capturing the complex emotions of their characters. Joseph Millson, who played Macbeth, stands out for his committed and nuanced portrayal, which brings depth to the character's ambition and descent into tyranny. The thematic elements of ambition, guilt, and fate are woven into the performance with commendable accuracy, ensuring that the play's powerful narrative and atmosphere resonate with the audience.  

      The language and major plot points were preserved, which helped maintain the integrity of the story.There were some creative interpretations, especially in the staging and costumes, which added a fresh perspective without straying too far from the original play. 

2. How has watching the play influenced your perception of the characters, situations, or themes? 

    Watching the play in the Globe Theatre was an immersive experience that enriched the understanding of 'Macbeth.' Familiar scenes such as Macbeth’s coronation, and Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking were powerfully depicted, highlighting the theme of guilt through Macbeth’s trembling hands and haunted expressions. Watching the play live significantly influenced my perception of the characters and themes. Lady Macbeth’s portrayal was particularly striking; her descent into madness was both terrifying and pitiable.Macbeth’s transformation from a noble warrior to a paranoid tyrant was powerfully depicted, making his tragic flaw of ambition more palpablWatching the play live significantly influenced my perception of the characters and themes. Lady Macbeth’s portrayal was particularly striking; her descent into madness was both terrifying and pitiable.

      Additionally, scenes like the murder of Macduff’s family showcased Macbeth’s transformation from hero to villain, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, witnessing the play live brought greater clarity to the themes of ambition and guilt, showcasing Lady Macbeth's transition from ruthless ambition to overwhelming remorse in a compelling manner. 

3.Did you experience aesthetic delight while watching the play When and why?

    I experienced aesthetic delight during several moments of the performance. The opening scene with the witches was eerie and captivating, setting a dark tone for the play.The banquet scene, where Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, was visually stunning and emotionally intense, highlighting Macbeth’s growing instability. Moments like the brutal murder of Macduff’s children and his reaction upon discovering their deaths are profoundly moving and evoke deep sorrow. Additionally, Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene and soliloquy, as well as Macbeth’s hallucinations and the scenes of murder, all contribute to a powerful sense of catharsis by engaging the audience’s emotions and offering a release of built-up tension. 

4. How did the screening of the play enhance your understanding of the play compared to reading the text? 

   Watching the play brought the characters and their emotions to life. Seeing their expressions, hearing their voices, and witnessing the action made the story more vivid.The play’s pacing, tone, and visual elements helped me grasp the intensity of Macbeth’s ambition and the consequences of his actions. Live performances, as an art form, offer powerful cues and emotions that deepen comprehension, making the plot, characters, and themes more accessible and impactful than when simply reading the play. 

5. Did you experience catharsis while or after watching the play? When and why? 

     I felt a strong sense of catharsis during Macduff’s grief and his resolution to avenge his family. His raw emotion and determination provided a powerful release of tension.Macbeth’s final stand and death also evoked catharsis, as it brought a sense of closure to his tragic journey and the chaos he caused .  

6. Is there a particular scene or moment in the play that will stay with you? 

      Yes, there are particular scenes that will stay with me, especially Joseph Millson’s powerful portrayal of Macbeth’s descent into madness. His depiction of paranoia and fear was captivating and left a lasting impression. Additionally, Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene, where she desperately tries to wash her hands and expresses deep repentance, was profoundly moving and unforgettable. These moments exemplified the emotional intensity of the play and will remain vivid in my memory whenever I think of 'Macbeth.' 

7. If you were the director, what changes would you consider making in a screening of play performance adaptation of Macbeth? 

      As a director, I’d focus on lighting and sound effects. Darker lighting during eerie scenes (like the witches’ prophecies) would enhance the supernatural atmosphere.I’d emphasize Macbeth’s internal struggle through close-ups during soliloquies, revealing his inner turmoil. 

8.Symbolism of the scenes involving the witches in relation to Macbeth’s ambitious actions and the plot of the play. 

    The witches symbolize fate, ambition, and corruption. Their prophecies drive Macbeth’s actions . Their presence in key scenes (like the opening and the Birnam Wood prophecy) reinforces Macbeth’s ambition and descent into darkness. 

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): 

1.What is the genre of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth"? 

a) Comedy 

b) Tragedy 

c) Romance 

d) History 

2.Which of the following best describes Macbeth's tragic flaw? 

a) Ambition 

b) Kindness 

c) Honesty 

d) Patience

3. The witches' prophecies play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall. What is the primary theme associated with these prophecies? 

a) Love 

b) Power 

c) Justice 

d) Friendship 

4.Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is a turning point in the play. What emotion is she struggling with during this scene? 

a) Joy 

b) Fear 

c) Guilt 

d) Anger 

Reference:  

1.Barad , Dilip. “‘Worksheet - Screening Shakespeare’s Macbeth.’” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373482185_Worksheet_-_Screening_Shakespeare’s_Macbeth. n.d. Web.  

2.---. Macbeth. Directed by Eve Best, Shakespeare’s Globe, 2014. 

   

Best Bollywood Adaptations of Shakespeare

This blog is a part of study activity. This blog was provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU) professor and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is link to the professor's blog for background reading:Click here   

Q.1 Best Bollywood Adaptations of Shakespeare Explore the best Bollywood adaptations of Shakespeare’s works. Discuss how these adaptations interpret and transform the original plays for an Indian audience. 

    Bollywood has a rich history of adapting Shakespeare’s plays, reimagining them through a distinctly Indian lens. These adaptations blend the Bard’s timeless themes with Indian culture, politics, and social dynamics. Here are some of the best Bollywood adaptations of Shakespeare and an exploration of how they reinterpret the original texts for Indian audiences:

🎭 1. Maqbool (2003) – Adaptation of Macbeth: 

Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Pankaj Kapur

Plot:

Setting: Mumbai’s underworld replaces the Scottish monarchy.

Macbeth becomes Maqbool, a loyal gangster who rises through betrayal and ambition.Lady Macbeth is transformed into Nimmi, the mistress of the mafia don, who manipulates Maqbool.The witches become two corrupt policemen, offering cryptic prophecies.Abbaji (Jahangir Khan)The don, taking the place of King Duncan, is portrayed as a powerful Muslim mob boss. 

Interpretation for Indian Audience:

Power struggles within a mafia gang mirror feudal and political loyalties in India.Themes of fate, guilt, and betrayal are heightened by Mumbai’s violent underbelly.The moral consequences of ambition are emphasized with religious and karmic overtones. 

🎭 2. Omkara (2006) – Adaptation of Othello: 

Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan

Plot:

Set in the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, amidst local political rivalries.Othello becomes Omkara, a politically connected enforcer.Desdemona is Dolly, a politician’s daughter in love with a lower-caste leader.Iago becomes Langda Tyagi, a cunning and jealous aide.A formidable enforcer, similar to Othello, portrayed by Ajay Devgn.  A cunning and jealous character, analogous to Iago, played by Saif Ali Khan. Omkara's beloved, similar to Desdemona, played by Kareena Kapoor. Omkara's other lieutenant, equivalent to Cassio, played by Vivek Oberoi. 

Interpretation for Indian Audience:

Caste dynamics replace racial tensions, with Omkara’s outsider status derived from his mixed caste.The political backdrop reflects India’s corruption, caste politics, and patriarchy.Language and dialect (Khariboli) enhance authenticity and local flavor. 

🎭 3. Haider (2014) – Adaptation of Hamlet:  

Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon

Plot:

   Set in Kashmir during the 1990s insurgency.Hamlet becomes Haider, searching for his missing father.Claudius is Khurram, Haider’s uncle, and a local popolitician.The famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is reimagined through poetic Urdu dialogue and philosophical introspection.

Characters: 

Haider Meer: as a Prince Hamlet 

Ghazala Meer: as a Gertrude is a mother of Prince Hamlet  

Khurram Meer: as a Claudius is a Prince Hamlet's Uncle 

Arshia lone: as a Ophelia 

Roohdaar : as a Ghost 

Dr.Hilaal Meer: as a King Hamlet is a father of Prince Hamlet   

Conclusion :

 Bollywood's adaptations of Shakespeare reflect a brilliant localization of universal themes—love, power, jealousy, betrayal, and identity. Directors like Vishal Bhardwaj have been especially instrumental in crafting adaptations that are faithful in spirit but grounded in Indian realities—be it the gang wars of Mumbai, the rural badlands of Uttar Pradesh, or the conflict-ridden valleys of Kashmir.These adaptations don't just retell Shakespeare—they translate his soul into India’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and political landscape, making them powerful, resonant, and deeply original.

Reference:  

Barad, Dilip. Online Test: Renaissance Literature. blog.dilipbarad.com/2016/08/online-test-renaissance-literature.html?m=1.

 “Shakespeare Through Bollywood | Vishal Bhardawaj in Omkara, Maqbool, Haider.” https://youtu.be/T4jCJE9K9Ow?si=IOQcGGjVp5Q0o4-L. n.d. Print.  

Main Shunya Hi Sahi. “Macbeth Vs Maqbool | Theory and Differences | Adaptation | Let’s Discuss Films.” YouTube, 20 Oct. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7YJUf3UQxM. 

University of California Television (UCTV). “Shakespeare on Film: Haider.” YouTube, 27 Mar. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypFewf17URA. 

JAYA’S PANORAMA. “MAQBOOL BY  VISHAL BHARADWAJ - AN ADAPTATION OF SHAKESPEARE’S MACBETH - SUMMARY.” YouTube, 30 Apr. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=0umJx35X2Nc.

     

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

 ☆ Introduction : 

  

" If we are true to ourselves, 

       We can not be false to anyone." 

                          -William Shakespeare 

             William Shakespeare was born on 1564 in United Kingdom and died on 23 April 1616 in United Kingdom. He was an Elizabethn poet, Dramatist, Essayist and Actor.  He is often called England's National poet and the ' Bard of Avon ' . He was World's preeminent Dramatist. 

☆ His Works: 

   ■ Tragedies: 

1. " Romeo And Juliet "  ( 1597 ) 
2. " Othello " ( 1604 ) 
3. " King Lear " ( 1606 ) 
4. " The Tragedy of Macbeth " ( 1623 ) 
5. " Hamlet "
6. " Julius Caesar " ( 1599 )    

  ■ Poem :  

1.  Sonnet 18 : " Shall I Compare Thee to a summer's day ? " 
2. Sonnet 130 : " My Mistress eyes are nothing like the sun " 
3. Sonnet 166 : Let me not the Marriage of true minds " 
4. " Venus and Adonis " 
5. " The Rape of Lucrece " 

 ☆ His Achievement 

   

  " He was considered as a greatest 

   Poet, Playwright as well as National 

   Poet . "

☆ About ' The Tragedy of Macbeth ' : 

       'The Tragedy of Macbeth' was written by William Shakespeare. This Tragedy was performed in 1606 and published in1623. The protagonist character of the tragedy is Macbeth. The tragedy was often discussed and promoted as 'The Scottish play' . Macbeth is a shortest tragedy of Shakespeare .  

☆ Important Characters of 'Macbeth' : 

                                

☆ Setting : 

 " Setting shows when And where action takes Place. "  

Place: Scotland, with a couple of short scenes set in England.    

Time : 11th century   

☆ Summary : 

 

            Here, we discuss about William Shakespeare 'The Tragedy of Macbeth ' Summary; 

     

Act : 1 

" Fair is foul , and foul is fair . " 

        This play opens with three witches wjo set the scene and atmosphere for the play . They cast prophecies on both Banquo and Macbeth saying that thay will become king . Macbeth and Banquo have just returned from war between Scotland and England.  Macbeth was successful in war, so King Duncan decides to stay at their castle when Macbeth returns. Macbeth wrote a letter to his wife about prophecies and being King . Lady Macbeth create a plan to murder the King so they will become King and Queen. Macbeth does not want to kill King Duncan to being with,but Lady Macbeth manipulates him into doing so. 

 

Act : 2 

"Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

       In the second act being with Macbeth , driven by Lady Macbeth and murders King Duncan.  The plan was to blame the murder on the guards so that Macbeth would not be a suspect in the murder. The next morning Macduff see the King murder, and Malcolm and Donalbain , the King Sons flee Scotland in order to stay alive.  

"Tis unnatural, Even like the deed that's done."  

Act : 3 

"Naught's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content. " 

     After Duncan's death, Banquo beings to think that Macbeth was the true murderer. In order to keep this a secret, Macbeth  sends thugs out yo murder Banquo and his son, but Fleance escapes. At this banquet, Macbeth see the ghost Banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad response. Lady Macbeth dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm her husband.  

Act : 4  

"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. "

        Macbeth becomes obsessed with power and beings to ask the witches tell Macbeth that he should be fearful of Macduff, that he cannot be killed by man, and that he should only fear when the  Dunsinane wood being to move. The witches was tell Macbeth when he should fear only 'none of woman born ' can  harm him and he won't be defeated until 'Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane'. Soon after, after Macbeth hatches a plan to  kill Macbeth and become the rightful King of Scotland. Macbeth order to brutal murder of Macduff's wife and children. Macduff in England, hears the news and vows revenge.  

Act : 5 

"This dead Butcher and his fiend-like queen. " 

     In the last act Lady Macbeth was dies for her panic attack. Scottish lords being to think that Macbeth is not rightful King, so they being to help Malcolm in his attempt to kill Macbeth. Macbeth is not overly worried as he believes the prophesy that no man can kill him, will protect him. In the end of the tragedy Macduff was murder to Macbeth. Malcolm now becomes the rightful King of Scotland.    

☆ Conclusion : 

            William Shakespeare remains one of the most influential figures in English literature. His extraordinary body of work, marked by timeless themes and rich language, continues to captivate readers and audiences worldwide. Among his many masterpieces, Macbeth stands out as a powerful exploration of ambition, guilt, and fate. From the brave warrior in Act I to the tragic downfall in Act V, Macbeth's journey reflects the destructive power of unchecked desire. Through this play, Shakespeare not only entertains but also offers deep insights into human nature. Macbeth is a testament to Shakespeare’s genius and a reminder of the enduring relevance of classic literature in understanding ourselves and our world.

 

◇ Reference :  

Macbeth summary https://youtu.be/GnwbFuDAtsQ?si=iBoyFadTN19CxnWS

https://youtu.be/n5qJunGUsZM?si=yUjiZlVSBnaE7Y8m

https://youtu.be/hNJ8rSwZrMs?si=RScZA1_sY6I6c5NF

     

 

Aristotle's poetics

This blog is a part of study activity. This blog was provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU) professor and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the research article Click here 

Introduction : 

 Alfred North Whitehead said ( 1861     -1947 ) Said ;  

"...... All subsequent philosophy is            merely a footnote to Plato. " 

   The critical enquiry hadbegun almost in the 4th century B.C. in Greece. Plato, the great disciple of Socrates, was the first critic whoexamined poetry as a part of his moral philosophy. Plato was basically a moral philosopher and not a literarycritic.Plato’scritical observations on poetry lie scattered in The Ion, The Symposium, The Republic and TheLaws. In The Ion, he advocated poetry as a genuine piece of imaginative literature, but in The Republic whichis a treatise on his concepts of Ideal State, he rejected poetry on moral and philosophical grounds. Plato was agreat moral philosopher and his primary concentration was to induce moral values in the society and to seek theultimate Truth. So when he examines poetry his tool is rather moral and not aesthetic. He confused aestheticswith morality and ultimately concluded poetry as immoral and imitative in nature. On the other hand, Aristotle– the most distinguished disciple of Plato – was a critic, scholar, logician and practical philosopher. The masterwas an inspired genius every way greater than the disciple except in logic, analysis and commonsense. He isknown for his critical treatises: (i) The Poetics and (ii) The Rhetoric, dealing with art of poetry and art ofspeaking, respectively.  

1. To what extent do you agree with Plato's objection to the freedom of expression and artistic liberty enjoyed by creative writers? Identify texts (novels, plays, poems, movies, TV soaps, etc.) that can be justifiably objected to and banned based on Plato's objections. 

Answer:  

Plato, in his philosophical works, particularly The Republic, held a very critical view of certain forms of art, especially poetry and dramatic arts. His objections to artistic liberty were rooted in his broader metaphysical and ethical framework.Plato believed in a world of perfect, eternal Forms (Ideas) which are the ultimate reality. The physical world we perceive is merely an imperfect copy of these Forms. Art, in turn, is an imitation of this already imperfect physical world, making it a "copy of a copy" and thus twice removed from true reality. He argued that art, being an imitation, offers no genuine knowledge or truth and can even mislead people by presenting illusions as reality.

To understand Plato's objections in a contemporary context, we can look at various forms of media that might be considered harmful by his standards. For example, some modern novels, movies, and TV shows depict violence, immoral behavior, and unrealistic portrayals of life, which could be argued to negatively influence their audiences. 

1. 'Udta Punjab' (2016 - Indian film): 

1.1 plot of Summary: 

    

           'Udta Punjab' is a crime drama film written and directed by Abhishek Chaubey. This is an Indian film that depicts the widespread drug abuse problem in the stat of Punjab. In the movie Udta Punjab, Shahid Kapoor plays the character Tejinder "Tommy" Singh, also known as Gabru. Alia Bhatt portrays Bauria, also known as Mary Jane. Kareena Kapoor Khan plays Dr. Preet Sahni, and Diljit Dosanjh plays ASI Sartaj Singh.  

 1.2. Plato's Objections: 

The film explicitly portrays rampant drug addiction, violence, and moral degradation. From a Platonic perspective, this could be seen as showing "evil habits and vices," potentially corrupting viewers, especially the youth, by exposing them to such themes without necessarily providing a strong, uplifting moral counter-narrative throughout. Plato might argue it normalizes or glamorizes these behaviors, even if the film's intent was to highlight the problem.The film is intense, raw, and emotionally charged. Plato would likely object to how it stirs strong emotions of despair, anger, and distress, which he believed could lead to irrationality and a lack of self-control in citizens. 

1.3 Critics View's :  

The film was criticized for oversimplifying the complex issue of drug abuse in Punjab, potentially overlooking the socio-economic factors that contribute to it. Udta Punjab" faced criticism primarily for its portrayal of drug use in Punjab, with some viewers finding it overly negative and inaccurate.   

2. 'Animal'  (2023 - Indian film) : 

2.1. Plot of Summary: 

        'Animal' is a controversial Bollywood film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Vijay Singh, the angry son of a wealthy businessman who embarks on a violent rampage to avenge his father's would-be assassins.  

2.2. Plato's Objections: 

            The film's portrayal of violence and vengeance could be seen as morally problematic.The intense and  brutal scenes may disturb viewers emotionally. The film's realistic depiction of violence might align with Plato's concerns about deceptive art. The glorification of violence clashes with Plato's preference for dignified portrayals. 

2.3. Critic View's: 

           Critics have pointed to the film's graphic violence as excessive and gratuitous, with some finding it disturbing and unnecessary. The film has been criticized for its portrayal of misogynistic themes and its depiction of toxic masculinity, with some arguing that it glorifies harmful behaviors.  

 2. Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that followed the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).  

Answer:  

Aristotle: Plato's charges on poetry and poets youtu.be Click here  

During my B.A. program, I studied several literary texts that align with Aristotelian literary traditions. Aristotle's concepts of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero with hamartia are evident in many of these works.

1. 'Julius Caesar' by William Shakespeare  :  

 The concept of a tragic flaw is central to understanding the characters' downfalls. Both Caesar and Brutus exhibit flaws that lead to their tragic ends. Both Julius Caesar and Brutus fit the description of a tragic hero, as defined by Aristotle, by possessing a noble status, a flaw (hamartia), and ultimately experiencing a downfall that evokes pity and fear in the audience. 

2. ' King Lear ' by William Shakespeare  : 

    "King Lear" strongly aligns with Aristotelian tragedy, featuring a noble protagonist with a tragic flaw (hamartia) leading to downfall and catharsis. Lear's pride and poor judgment cause him to divide his kingdom, leading to suffering and ultimately, his death. The play elicits pity and fear in the audience, fulfilling Aristotle's definition of tragedy.   

3. 'Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller : 

       The play explores the tragic downfall of Willy Loman, a common man, due to his flawed perception of the "American Dream" and his hubris, aligning with Aristotle's concept of hamartia and the tragic hero. Willy's hamartia (tragic flaw) is his misguided belief in the "well-liked" and superficial version of the American Dream, leading to his self-deception and eventual destruction.  

https://youtu.be/ Aristotle's Theory of Mimesis

https://youtu.be/Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy Click here  

3. Referring to the literary texts you studied during your B.A. program, write a brief note on the texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition (i.e., his concepts of tragedy, catharsis, tragic hero with hamartia, etc.).

Answer:  

     During my B.A. program, I studied several literary texts that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition. Aristotle's concepts of tragedy, catharsis, and the tragic hero with hamartia were not present in these works. 

1. 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens:

"David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens, while a bildungsroman exploring themes of personal growth and social ascension, deviates significantly from the Aristotelian concept of tragedy. This novel is a Bildungsroman, focusing on the personal growth and development of the protagonist rather than following a tragic structure. 

2. 'Pygmalion' by George Bernard Shaw: 

The play focuses on social commentary and character development through language and social interaction, leaving the ending open-ended and questioning the value of imposed social mobility. 

3. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell: 

     This novella is an allegory and political satire, critiquing power and corruption. It does not follow the structure of an Aristotelian tragedy. 

4. 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy : 

    While it features a tragic narrative with devastating consequences for the characters, it deviates from the traditional structure by lacking a clear tragic hero, a defining hamartia, and a cathartic resolution. This novel explores personal and social tragedies within a non-linear narrative, focusing on social issues rather than following a traditional tragic structure. 

There many text that did not follow the Aristotelian literary tradition.  There are; 'Nagamandala' by Girish Karnad , 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison , 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad , 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding etc . 

Conclusion  :  

             

     Aristotle (384 -322 B.C) was an Ancient Greek Philosopher and polymath. In his Poetics, Aristotle  tragedy is superior to epic poetry. He argues this based on tragedy's greater focus, its ability to utilize music and spectacle, and its capacity to evoke a more intense emotional experience, particularly through the purification of pity and fear (catharsis) in the audience.  

Reference:  

1. Barad, Dilip. “Aristotle’s Poetics.” Research Gate, Aug. 2023. Research Gate,  https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31696.28164. 

2. https://rajdeepbavaliya2.blogspot.com/2024/08/aristotles-poetics.html?m=1 

3. Vanga, Sandeep Reddy, director. Animal. T-Series, 2023. 

4. Abhishek Chaubey, director. Udta Punjab. T-Series 2016  

Socrates : The grate Philosopher and Thinker

 Introduction : 

  There is no figure in the history of philosophy more famous than socrates. To pronounce his name means to evoke in the human soul one of the best historical memories.  Even in ancient times , in people's minds , he become the embodiment of sapience and the ideal of a sage who put truth above life.  

   " 'Socrates in Love's Review: A.                     vigorous, Brilliant Young Man .                   (James,2019) " 

About  Socrates  : 

     Socrates was born in Alopecia and died on 399 BC, Classical Athens . He was an great Greek Philosopher and Thinker. He is married and his three children's are Lamprocles , Menexenuns , Sophroniscus . His parents name is Sophroniscus  and Phaenarete . He was the first Greek philosopher to seriously explore questions of ethics.  Socrates is widely regarded as the father of philosophy, particularly Western philosophy. He is known for his contributions to ethics and the development of the Socratic method of inquiry.  

His Early Life : 

         Socrates was born in Athens around 470 or 469 BCE, to a stonemason father and a midwife mother. While his family was not wealthy, they were not impoverished either. Socrates likely received a basic Greek education and initially followed his father's craft as a stonemason. He later became known for his philosophical pursuits, engaging in discussions with others in public spaces. Socrates also served as a soldier in the Athenian military during the Peloponnesian War. As a young man, he likely received a basic Greek education, including learning to read and write, and may have studied subjects like gymnastics, music, and poetry, common for wealthy Athenians.   

Critical thinking :

    

          Socrates is considered a foundational figure in the development of critical thinking, primarily through his method of questioning, known as the Socratic method. This method involves a dialogue where persistent questioning is used to examine the underlying beliefs and assumptions that shape individuals' thoughts and opinions. By challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging self-reflection, Socrates aimed to help individuals arrive at a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. 

His students and Influence  : 

        Socrates, though he wrote nothing himself, profoundly influenced Western thought through his students. His most famous student, Plato, documented his teachings and philosophical methods, shaping the course of philosophy for centuries. Other notable students like Xenophon, Antisthenes, and Aristippus also contributed to the development of various philosophical schools. 

Death and legacy: 

         Socrates, a pivotal figure in the development of Western philosophy, is best known for his method of inquiry, his emphasis on virtue, and his tragic death. He was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens, and despite having opportunities to flee, he chose to accept his sentence and drink hemlock, the poison prescribed for his execution. His death, far from silencing his ideas, became a powerful symbol of his philosophical commitment and inspired countless followers. 

Socratic Method:

Socrates developed a method of inquiry that involved asking questions to challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking. 

Focus on Virtue:

He emphasized the importance of virtue and living a life guided by reason and self-knowledge. 

Influence on Plato and Others:

His ideas profoundly influenced his student Plato, who wrote extensively about Socrates' philosophy, and also inspired other philosophical schools and thinkers. 

Lasting Impact:

   Socrates' legacy continues to be relevant today, inspiring philosophers, educators, and individuals to pursue truth and self-examination.

  

 Reference : 

The Lallantop. "सुकरात का दर्शन: मरते हुए एक मुर्गे की बात a? | Socrates | Tarikh Ep.744." YouTube, 27 June 2024,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo04J4l2fpk

https://youtu.be/rKhfFBbVtFg?si=KIezJt9Wrekp2XUY 

 

Post-Truth : The word of the year 2016

What is Post-Truth : The word of the year 2016 :  

       The selection of "post-truth" as Word of the Year in 2016 reflected a growing concern about the role of misinformation and the declining influence of factual information in political and social discourse. The term captures the idea that in many discussions, particularly in politics, emotional responses and personal beliefs often carry more weight than verifiable facts. The rise of social media as a news source and a platform for sharing information, combined with a growing distrust of established institutions, contributed to the prominence of "post-truth" as a concept.  

A brief history of Post-Truth : 

        The term "post-truth" was used as early as 1992 by Steve Tesich in an article discussing the Watergate scandal and the Iraq war, suggesting an era where lies were commonplace and facts were hidden. Ralph Keyes' 2004 book, The Post-Truth Era, further developed the concept, arguing that creative manipulation of narratives could be seen as more important than strict adherence to facts. The term gained widespread attention and was named Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year in 2016, largely due to its association with the Brexit vote and the US presidential election. In the context of politics, "post-truth" describes a situation where facts are disregarded in favor of emotional appeals and personal opinions. This can be seen in the use of "alternative facts" and the emphasis on emotional connection with voters, rather than factual accuracy, in political campaigns.  

Why was this chosen ? 

"Post-truth" was chosen as the 2016 Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries because its usage spiked dramatically in 2016, reflecting a year dominated by highly charged political and social discourse, particularly surrounding the Brexit referendum and the US presidential election. The term, which describes situations where objective facts are less influential than appeals to emotion and personal belief, was seen as capturing the "ethos, mood, or preoccupations" of the year. 

How the Post-Truth phenomenon affects digital platforms :  

1. Amplification of Misinformation:

Digital platforms, with their algorithms designed to maximize engagement, can inadvertently prioritize sensational or emotionally charged content, regardless of its factual accuracy. 

2. Formation of Echo Chambers:

Algorithms on social media platforms often create "echo chambers" by showing users content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences.

3. Erosion of Trust in Traditional Institutions:

The post-truth era has seen a decline in trust in traditional sources of information, such as mainstream media and academic institutions.

Digital platforms, with their lack of editorial oversight and the ease with which misinformation can be spread, contribute to this erosion of trust.

The Role of Social Media in the Post-Truth: 

Social media, including platforms like WhatsApp, plays a crucial role in modern marketing, particularly through influencer marketing. 

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok serve as central locations for content creation, sharing, and consumption. Influencers are individuals with a significant online following who partner with brands to promote products or services. WhatsApp provides a more intimate and direct channel for communication between influencers and their followers. 

Why it matters Today :  

Post-truth politics thrives in a highly polarized environment where individuals are more likely to accept information that confirms their existing views, even if it's false. This can lead to increased social division and make it harder to find common ground on important issues. A healthy democracy relies on informed citizens who can make decisions based on accurate information. If people are exposed to misinformation and distrust information sources, it can undermine their ability to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.  

Reference : 

Barad, Dilip. “Post‑truth: The Word of the Year 2016.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 14 Jan. 2017, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2017/01/post-truth-word-of-year-2016.html. Accessed 13 July 2025.

Barad, Dilip. “Beware of Histofluencers.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 17 Nov. 2023, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2023/11/beware-of-histofluencers.html. Accessed 13 July 2025.