Fiction and Short Stories - 3 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET English Literature PDF Download

Augustan Age (1700–1800)

Intellectual Awakening

The Augustan Age marks the beginning of political freedom and a new era focused on improving governance, living standards, and coexistence despite differing opinions. During this period, various reforms were introduced, making voting an essential part of political participation. Leaders had to present innovative ideas, arguments, and facts to engage the increasingly educated population of England. The growing demand for information led to the rise of newspapers, which became crucial literary tools and instruments for national progress. The first daily newspaper, The Daily Courant, was published in London in 1702. Additionally, the opening of many chocolate houses and coffee houses during this time fostered social interaction, providing venues for men to gather and discuss various topics.

Literary Characteristics of the Age

• Essays and Journalism: The rise in literacy and the presence of literary communities contributed to the flourishing of essays, satire, and philosophical discussions. The establishment of the printing press across Britain played a significant role in the growth of periodical literature. Supporters of various philosophical, religious, and political groups began different periodicals and produced pamphlets to promote their beliefs.
• The most notable periodicals of this era were 'The Spectator' and 'The Tatler', created by Richard Steele and Joseph Addison.
• Political factions and party politics gave rise to major satirical essays. Prominent authors of the time used pseudonyms like Mr. Spectator, Roger de Coverley, and Isaac Bickerstaff to critique social and political issues of the day.
• Writers often engaged with party politics and religious debates in their works.
• Modern newspapers such as Chronicle, Post, and Times were established during this period.

Dictionary

Satirical History

• This period was crucial for establishing a clear and organized dictionary of the English language.
• In 1755, Samuel Johnson published the first edition of "A Dictionary of the English Language."
• This dictionary featured detailed word meanings and included famous quotes to illustrate these meanings.

Rise of the Novel

• Since the Elizabethan era, the production of prose has seen significant growth.
• The prose, satire, and essays from the Augustan Age played a crucial role in the development of the novel.
• Popular long satirical tales such as "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift and the Spanish picaresque novel "Don Quixote" by Cervantes contributed to this trend.
• "Robinson Crusoe," written by journalist Daniel Defoe and inspired by the real-life adventures of seaman Alexander Selkirk, is considered the first novel in this context.

Major Historical Events

• 1695: Press became Free
• 1704: Battle of Blenheim
• 1707: Union of England and Scotland
• 1738: Emergence of Methodism
• 1757: Conquest of India
• 1776: Declaration of American Independence
• 1789–99: French Revolution

Major Writers of the Age

• Jonathan Swift : Born in Dublin in 1667, Swift became a renowned author, satirist, and clergyman.
• He worked as an assistant to the diplomat Sir William Temple, where he met Esther Johnson, who would inspire him throughout his life.
• Esther appears as ‘Stella’ in Swift's poetry.
• Swift was a founding member of the Scriblerus Club, alongside Alexander Pope, John Gay, John Arbuthnot, Henry St. John, and Thomas Parnell.
• The club aimed to satirize others through the character of Martinus Scriblerus.
• Many of Swift's works were published under pseudonyms such as Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, and M. B. Drapier.
• He excelled in both Juvenile and Horatian satire.

Major Works of Jonathan Swift

Whimsical Allegory

• A Tale of Tub (1704)
• It is a prose parody aimed at improving humanity.
• It tells the allegorical story of three brothers— Peter, Martin, and Jack —who represent the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, and Dissenters.
• Their father, on his deathbed, gives each a new coat and asks them to keep it unchanged, but they all add buttons and laces.
• Ultimately, Martin and Jack fight with arrogant Peter (symbolizing the Reformation) and split apart.
• The father represents Jesus Christ, while the coats stand for the Bible.
• This story parodies the religious divisions and arguments over them.
• Chapter 10, titled ‘Digression on Madness,’ is particularly significant.

• The Battle of Books (1704)
• This is a mock-heroic work illustrating the conflict between ancient and modern learning within King James’ Library.
• Swift wrote it to support Sir William Temple ’s defence of classical writers against Charles Boyle.
• It features an allegorical battle between the Honey bee and spider, representing ancient and modern writing, respectively.
• The spider symbolizes modern writers who create from their insides, while the bee (classical writers) draws inspiration from nature to produce sweet honey.

• Gulliver’s Travels (1726)
• This work is a social and political satire of Augustan society.
• Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon, embarks on various journeys to unknown lands.
• During his first journey from Bristol, he arrives in Lilliput, where the inhabitants are only six inches tall.
• He defends Lilliput against Blefuscu, a rival state.

Overview of Gulliver's Journey

Giant Egg Utopia

Gulliver's Travels is a satirical novel by Jonathan Swift that follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver as he travels to various strange and fantastical lands. The story begins with a minor disagreement about how to crack an egg, leading to Gulliver's escape from Blefuscu and his journey to England.

1. Brobdingnag

• Gulliver's next destination is Brobdingnag, a land of giants where he is significantly smaller than the inhabitants.
• During his time in Brobdingnag, Gulliver tries to impress the king by discussing the achievements of European society. However, the king reacts with disdain, highlighting the differences between their cultures.
• Gulliver's adventure takes a dramatic turn when he is captured by an eagle and later rescued by people of his own size.

2. Laputa

• After Brobdingnag, Gulliver visits the flying island of Laputa, where the king and his subjects are engrossed in trivial scientific experiments.
• From Laputa, Gulliver continues his journey to Japan and eventually returns to England.

3. Houyhnhnms

• Gulliver's next stop is the land of the Houyhnhnms, a society that resembles a utopia. In this land, humans are referred to as Yahoos, depicted as greedy and uncivilized beings.
• The Yahoos are under the management of the horses, who represent a more civilized and rational aspect of society.
• Gulliver is eventually rescued by a Portuguese man named Don Pedro. However, upon his return to England, Gulliver becomes bitter and disillusioned with English society, often reminiscing about the idealized world of the Houyhnhnms.

A Modest Proposal (1729)

"A Modest Proposal" is one of Jonathan Swift's most powerful satirical works. In this piece, Swift offers various suggestions to address the severe issues of poverty and hunger in Ireland. His approach is deeply ironic, aiming to shed light on the biased treatment of Protestants towards Catholics during that time.

• The full title of the piece is "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden on their Parents or Country and For Making them Beneficial to the Public". Through this title, Swift emphasizes his satirical intent.
• By proposing outrageous solutions, Swift critiques the indifference of the wealthy towards the plight of the poor, particularly the Catholic population in Ireland.
• "A Modest Proposal" serves as a poignant reminder of the social injustices of Swift's time and remains relevant in discussions about poverty and inequality today.

Content Overview

Crusoe's Isle

In this piece, the author proposes the shocking idea of selling Irish infants as food to English landlords. This, he argues, would not only provide sustenance for English households but also generate much-needed income for the Irish. Additionally, it would contribute to diminishing the Catholic population in Ireland.

About Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe was a journalist, writer, and spy, recognized as the pioneer of business journalism and often referred to as the father of English novels. He initiated a periodical called The Review to support his patron, the Earl of Oxford. Some of his early works include:

• Essay on Projects (1697): Advocating for women’s education and improving the English tongue and lifestyle.
• The True Born Englishman (1701): A satirical verse.
• The Shortest Way with Dissenters (1702).
• Journal of the Plague Year (1722).
• A True Relation of the Apparition of One Mrs. Veal (1706).

Notable Novels

Among his famous novels is Robinson Crusoe, showcasing his narrative style.

• Robinson Crusoe (1719): A first-person narrative of Crusoe, the son of a German merchant, who establishes a kingdom on a deserted island after being shipwrecked. His adventures include being captured by pirates, rescued by a Portuguese captain, and eventually shipwrecked on the coast of Trinidad. Initially feeling lonely and regretful, he gradually becomes optimistic, training a pet parrot and building an underground cellar. He rescues a victim from cannibals, names him Friday, and teaches him English and Christian values. Over twenty-eight years, Crusoe becomes the master of the island, with little concern for Friday.

Master-Slave Dynamic in Literature

Navigating Morality

Modern authors like J. M. Coetzee in Foe and Michael Tournier in Friday examine the master-slave dynamic from the viewpoint of the native. These works draw inspiration from the real-life story of a sailor named Alexander Selkirk.

Captain Singleton (1720)

• Captain Singleton tells the story of Bob Singleton, a boy who is kidnapped and raised by Gypsies before eventually becoming a sailor.

Moll Flanders (1722)

• Moll Flanders offers a critique of the living conditions of the poor and those incarcerated.
• The protagonist, born in Newgate prison, shares her life experiences as a thief, prostitute, and an incestuous wife.
• Over time, she reforms her ways and is reintegrated into society.
• Defoe's personal experiences played a role in shaping this narrative.

Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724)

• The main character in Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress is a stark contrast to Moll Flanders.
• She experiences a series of events that lead her to wealth, but when her dishonesty comes to light, she ends up broke.