Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

Poetic Forms and Structure

Sonnet Structures

• Shakespearean Sonnet: A 14-line poem structured with three quatrains (ABAB CDCD EFEF) followed by one couplet (GG).
• Italian Sonnet (Petrarchan): A 14-line poem structured with two quatrains (ABBA ABBA) followed by a sestet (often CDECDE or CDCDCD).

Literary Movements and Historical Context

Key Revolutions

Historical shifts that influenced literary thought:

• Industrial Revolution: Focus on Nature and the pastoral.
• Scientific Revolution: Boom in science and rationality.
• French Revolution: Emphasis on emotional and political upheaval.

Major Literary Movements

Metaphysical Poetry

John Donne is considered one of the great metaphysical poets: a poetic genre characterized by the use of paradox and complicated (often... Continue reading "Essential Literary Terms, Movements, and Poetic Forms" »

Brand

The overall perception someone has of a particular organization.

Branding

The act of shaping that perception.

Brand Values

A set of beliefs that a brand represents and uses to guide its actions and decisions.

Brand Promise

A statement that describes what a brand promises to deliver to its customers.

Employer Branding

The process of creating and managing a company's employer brand, which is the perception that employees and potential employees have of a company as an employer.

Co-branding

When two companies come together to create a product or service.

Personal Branding

The process of creating and managing your own personal brand.

Gut Feeling

An instinctive feeling rather than an opinion based on facts or reason.

Logo

A symbol or other design adopted by... Continue reading "Core Branding Concepts Defined" »

Film Techniques: Shot Types and Camera Angles

Film Techniques: Creating Meaning in Cinema

Film techniques describe the methods used to create meaning in film.

Camera Shots: Framing the Scene

Camera shots refer to the amount of space visible within one film frame. Camera shots are used to convey different aspects of a film's setting, characters, and themes.

Types of Camera Shots

• Extreme Wide Shot: Contains a large expanse of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish where the action will take place.
• Wide Shot: Shows the whole person and other characters, but the background dominates the shot. This allows the viewer to understand the relationship between the characters and their environment.
• Medium Shot: Contains

Major Indian Film Festivals and Cinema Awards

What Defines a Film Festival?

Film festivals are events dedicated to showcasing films, often focusing on a specific genre, region, or theme. They serve as a platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and the public, featuring:

• Screenings
• Panel discussions
• Workshops
• Awards ceremonies

Prominent Film Festivals Across India

MAMI: Mumbai Film Festival

The Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) is one of India's major film festivals, held annually in Mumbai. It features a diverse selection of films from around the world.

Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival

Named after Dadasaheb Phalke, who is considered the father of Indian cinema, this significant film festival in India celebrates independent filmmakers and their work.

International

Ocean vs. Space: A Vital Exploration Debate

A growing discussion today centers on the comparative importance of ocean and space exploration. This analysis will delve into the multifaceted benefits and broader implications of both endeavors, examining their practical contributions to humanity.

Societal Advancement Through Exploration

There are compelling reasons to support the profound significance of both ocean and space exploration. A primary benefit lies in their capacity for the betterment of society and the growth of every individual on the planet. The insights and advancements gained from these fields offer remarkable opportunities for individuals to achieve greater success and effectiveness. They significantly enhance efficiency, productivity,... Continue reading "Ocean vs. Space Exploration: Unveiling Global Benefits" »

Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot: The Absurd Core

Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot is the quintessential play of the Theatre of the Absurd, a dramatic movement that emerged after the World Wars, reflecting widespread disillusionment. The play perfectly embodies the core tenets of this style.

Key Absurdist Elements in Waiting for Godot

• Lack of Plot and Action: Perhaps the most striking feature is the lack of plot and action. As the common saying goes, "nothing happens, twice." Vladimir and Estragon simply wait, engaging in repetitive, often pointless conversations. This absence of linear progression mirrors the absurdist belief in life's inherent meaninglessness and purposelessness.
• Nonsensical Dialogue: The dialogue is often nonsensical, fragmented,

Hatred and Revenge in The Merchant of Venice

In The Merchant of Venice, the themes of hatred and revenge are primarily shown through the character of Shylock. He harbors animosity towards Antonio because Antonio is a Christian and has treated him poorly, insulting him and undermining his business. When Antonio is unable to repay the borrowed money, Shylock seeks revenge, demanding a pound of flesh. This demonstrates how his anger escalates into a dangerous obsession. Ultimately, Shylock loses everything, including his religion. The play illustrates that hatred and revenge cause more harm than good, resulting in no true victor.

Hamlet's Tragic Flaw and Its Implications

Hamlet's primary flaw is his prolonged inaction. Despite knowing that Claudius... Continue reading "Critical Perspectives on English Literary Masterpieces" »

A Deep Dive into the Plot and Immersion

"Vestido de Novia" by Pierre Lemaitre is a thrilling psychological mystery novel that immediately draws the reader in. The story revolves around Sophie, a young woman found wandering the streets, disoriented and in shock, with no memory of the night before. As the plot unfolds, the dark secrets of her past and the truth about what happened to her slowly come to light, immersing the reader in a web of suspense and unexpected twists. Lemaitre masterfully plays with time and perspective, making the reader question everything they think they know.

Strengths: What Made This Book Unforgettable

What I loved most about this book was how it constantly made me question what was real and what wasn’t. The narrative... Continue reading "Vestido de Novia Review: Pierre Lemaitre's Psychological Thriller" »

News Values and Newsworthiness

News values are the criteria that journalists and editors use to determine the newsworthiness of events. They guide decisions on which stories are selected, how they are presented, and the prominence they receive. Jones and Holmes emphasize that news is not merely a reflection of reality but a constructed narrative shaped by these values.

Key News Values

Jones and Holmes identify several core news values that influence journalistic decisions:

1. Timeliness: Recent events are prioritized. The more current an event, the more likely it is to be reported.
2. Impact: Events affecting a large number of people or having significant consequences are deemed more newsworthy.
3. Proximity: Events occurring close to the audience, either