Relationship between Edward and Elinor in Sense and Sensibility

In “Sense and Sensibility,” we can see the life story of two sisters, who are Elinor and Marianne. This novel does not have a hero in the true sense. If we have to consider anyone as a hero, then the name that should come to readers’ minds first is Edward Ferrars. Elinor and Edward love each other, and eventually, they get married. They suffer a lot in this love and have to overcome many obstacles. At one point, it even seemed that they would not marry each other and that there would be no union between them. However, fate supported them in the end, and they loved each other very much. Finally, they get the result of their love, and they get married.

First of all, it is necessary to understand how they initially met. Fanny Dashwood was the wife of Elinor’s stepbrother, and Fanny’s brother was Edward. Fanny and her mother were quite dominating, and they used to exert pressure on Edward from an early age. Edward did something foolish and secretly became engaged to Lucy without informing anyone. Lucy was completely opposite to Edward in terms of personality, and she did not have strong feelings for Edward. When Edward visited Elinor’s house, which was actually inherited by his stepbrother, John, after the death of her father, he became acquainted with Elinor, and from the beginning, Edward and Elinor started to like each other. However, their mutual affection remained somewhat concealed, which led to many problems for them. Edward was honest in his personal life, so he wanted to confide in Elinor about his troubled situation, but he had to leave suddenly before he could do so. Edward’s sudden departure severed their contact and relationship, as he knew in his heart that it would not be possible for him to marry Elinor. Despite loving Elinor deeply, Edward, being an honest man, refrained from allowing their relationship to progress further. On the other hand, although Elinor loved Edward with all her heart, she, being somewhat reserved, did not openly reveal her suffering to anyone. While her mother and sister understood, Elinor still kept her feelings hidden.

Edward and Elinor endured suffering for an extended period of time. Elinor’s anguish stemmed from her lack of knowledge of the truth, and it intensified when she eventually discovered it. Conversely, Edward’s sorrow deepened as he realized Elinor was a far superior person compared to Lucie. Elinor possessed all the qualities that Lucie lacked. Therefore, Edward’s anguish heightened significantly, pondering over encountering such a wonderful girl yet being unable to marry her.

However, being a good person, Edward attempted to honor his promise. When his mother learned of his intention to marry Lucie, she became furious and disinherited him, leaving everything to his younger brother. At that moment, Lucie realized that Edward had little and that his future prospects were bleak. Consequently, Lucie decided to sever all ties with Edward and elope with his younger brother, marrying him instead.

When Edward was going through all this turmoil, Elinor was unaware of most of it. She only heard rumors that Edward had married Lucie, but in reality, it had not occurred. Elinor lost all hope, and her life became filled with suffering. However, luck was on her side, and later, she learned directly from Edward that he did not actually marry.

They got married, and Elinor’s entire family joyfully approved of their union. Initially, Edward’s mother objected to the marriage, but eventually, she came around and accepted it. They were overjoyed, emerging as the most ideal couple in the novel.

If we examine the relationship between Edward and Elinor, we can observe that both of them were good people, but luck did not favor them. Edward faced considerable misfortune from the start. His circumstances were challenging, and when he became secretly engaged at the age of 18–19, he foolishly became infatuated with a girl who was unsuitable for him in every way. He became fixated on her, only to later realize that she was not the right match for him. When he recognized this and encountered Elinor, he should have promptly ended the engagement with Lucie, especially since it was kept secret and he had minimal communication with her. However, by not doing so, the situation became even more complicated. On the other hand, Elinor was reserved by nature. She should have stepped forward and stood by Edward, encouraging him not to marry Lucie. Elinor should have taken this step because she understood that Lucie was not a suitable match for Edward and that he would not find happiness with her. Therefore, she should have made an effort to intervene.

No matter what happened, they found happiness in the end, which is the best outcome. Luck played a role in this, and simultaneously, Jane Austen wanted to illustrate that they were well-suited for each other.

Autobiographical elements in the poems of William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth is the father of the Romantic Movement in English literature. He created a new style of poetry, and in that poetry, we can find not only a new style in the topic but also in the language. That is why he is immortal in the history of English literature, and the change he brought gave a lot of focus to the subject of poetry. Until him, most poets focused on urban or aristocratic people for their themes. If we study English literature up to Wordsworth, we will find that the subject matter always revolves around high or rich people and many poets only wrote about their beloved. It was Wordsworth who revolutionized the theme of poetry by emphasizing that the theme should be an ordinary person.

That is why, in his poems, we can find autobiographical elements. He consistently wrote about his own life and ideas. Sometimes, he wrote about his sister; other times, he delved into stories about his daughter or the people he encountered during his life. Occasionally, he even wrote about unknown individuals he observed while traveling to different places. Thus, many of his poems contain autobiographical elements. He even wrote about his own biography in a poem called ‘The Prelude.’ He put into practice the idea that poetry’s subjects should be ordinary people. During his time, he was a very ordinary person, initially experiencing little success and enduring significant poverty in the early part of his life. It took time for him to achieve any form of success as a poet.

“Tintern Abbey” is a poem in which Wordsworth writes about a place he visited five years ago and revisited. Consequently, it contains autobiographical elements as he reflects on a place directly associated with him. However, beyond that, the poem addressed his sister, Dorothy Wordsworth. By praising Dorothy, the poem is not merely biographical but rather one with autobiographical elements. Dorothy, who was exceptionally close to Wordsworth, dedicated her entire life to supporting him as a poet. She cared for Wordsworth in the best possible way, and with her support, he achieved success as a poet. Few poets experienced such affection and support from their siblings, making Wordsworth fortunate in this regard. He fondly remembered her in “Tintern Abbey.”

“Surprised by Joy” is another poem that contains autobiographical elements. Wordsworth reflects on the loss of his daughter, who passed away at the age of three. Initially addressing the poem to his daughter, he later realizes the child is in the grave. The profound impact of this loss deeply affected Wordsworth, prompting him to create a poignant poem in remembrance of his beloved daughter.

“It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free” is another poem with autobiographical elements. Wordsworth, during his visit to France, developed a deep affection for a woman named Annette Vallon. Although she was not married to Wordsworth, Annette gave birth to their child. In this poem, Wordsworth recounts moments spent with the woman and the child as they walked beside the sea. The poem directly reflects a chapter in Wordsworth’s life, expressing his love and emotions towards the child born from this union. During this period, Wordsworth faced challenges in maintaining a connection with Annette due to various factors. Firstly, being from England, Wordsworth encountered difficulties as Annette resided in France. Additionally, the political tension between the two countries and religious differences, with Wordsworth being Protestant and Annette being Catholic, added further complexities to their relationship.

As I mentioned earlier, Wordsworth was notably committed to portraying the lives of ordinary people in his poetry. Examining the three poems discussed above, we observe his inclusion of his sister, one daughter, and another child born out of wedlock. Consequently, Wordsworth has succeeded remarkably in encapsulating his own life within these poems. 

Religious ideas of William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth is considered to be among the top three poets in English literature, along with John Milton and William Shakespeare. Unlike Shakespeare and Milton, who did not change English poetry in the way that Wordsworth did, he attempted to bring about significant changes and was successful in doing so. In terms of religion, Wordsworth also introduced new ideas in poetry. Thus, Wordsworth emerges as a pioneering figure who had a profound influence on English literature.

Religion has always been an important topic in English poetry. It is evident that most poets have explored this theme in their works, a natural occurrence, as literature across various cultures often includes numerous poems on this subject. Upon examining the major poets in English literature, it becomes apparent that almost all of them wrote poems dedicated to God and Jesus Christ.

In fact, before Wordsworth, the topics of poems were often limited to kings, powerful and aristocratic people, gods, and religion. Wordsworth wanted to change this style, and he proposed that poets should focus on writing poetry about the lives and activities of ordinary people. Thus, he shifted the focus of poetry away from religion. However, Wordsworth was not an atheist, nor did he lack belief in religion. He was born a Protestant Christian, but it is not evident that he was a strong believer or supporter of Christianity. Instead, he was interested in mysticism. In “Tintern Abbey,” we find an example of mysticism, where, according to this philosophy, people can connect with God through meditation. Mystics are not inclined to follow religious rituals. In the Middle East and South Asia, Sufis are considered mystics. In the “Tintern Abbey” poem, Wordsworth expresses his love for God, but he is not talking about any ritual. Instead, he adopts a meditative mood, seeking to touch the soul of God.

Wordsworth was also deeply drawn to Pantheism, an ideology that hypothesizes the omnipresence of God, suggesting that divinity is inherent in everything. According to this perspective, everything is considered a part of God, including animals and trees. The concept further asserts that there is a divine essence, or God’s soul, within all things. Wordsworth prominently showcased Pantheistic ideas in “Tintern Abbey.”

Mysticism and pantheism are not highly embraced within traditional Christian beliefs. From a conventional standpoint, Wordsworth might not be considered a strictly religious person. However, in the poem “Tintern Abbey,” Wordsworth articulates his religious perspectives, which deviate from the norms of traditional beliefs. His ideas about religion appear distinct from those of ordinary individuals. It is worth noting that while mysticism and pantheism may not align with mainstream Christian views, there are indeed many people who hold an affinity for both of these concepts.

Now, turning to the poem “It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,” Wordsworth once again diverged from traditional Christian ideas. Primarily, the poem was composed for his illegitimate daughter, who resided in France. Despite this unconventional context, he incorporated religious symbols such as the temple and referenced figures like Prophet Abraham and Prophet Sulaiman. In doing so, he delved into discussions about God, revealing a continuation of his advocacy for pantheism and mysticism. Aware that the conventional Christian viewpoint might not approve of his romantic involvement with the child’s mother, Wordsworth asserts that God transcends such judgments. As he stands by the sea, he perceives the voice of God within him, connecting this divine presence with his childhood experiences alongside the Prophet Abraham. Through these elements, Wordsworth conveys the idea that his child transcends religious norms, embodying innocence and purity.

Wordsworth had a deep influence on many people and is considered a modern poet. In our contemporary age, it can be observed that religion is losing its value in most countries. People are perhaps moving away from rituals. Wordsworth may have understood this shift and wanted to illustrate the fundamental essence of God. He believed that God is above religion and can be accessed through meditation rather than performing specific rituals.

The Influence of Social Networking on the Young Generation of Bangladesh

Letter of Acknowledgement:

With deep gratitude and reverence, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my class teacher, Sayma Arju, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Stamford University Bangladesh, for giving me the golden opportunity to undertake this wonderful project on the topic “The Influence of Social Networking on the Young Generation of Bangladesh.” This project has enabled me to conduct extensive research and learn about numerous new things. I am immensely thankful to her for her motivational guidance, assistance, and excellent cooperation in supervising this report-writing work.

Secondly, I extend my gratitude to my parents and friends who provided substantial help in completing this project within the limited time. I could not write this report without their help. The objective of creating this report is not only to obtain good marks but also to enhance my knowledge.

Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to all those who helped me accomplish this challenging task. 

Abstract:

We are living in a time when technology plays a crucial role in human life. It is truly impossible to imagine spending even a single day without the touch of technology. Social media, or social networking, is considered the latest gift of technology, an online-based platform that has revolutionized society and altered the traditional communication system. However, it also exerts a negative influence on the younger generation. In recent years, individuals of various ages and professions in Bangladesh have expressed their concerns about the growing influence of social networking. This report illustrates how the younger generation is being affected by the influence of social networking sites and suggests measures to mitigate its side effects. The report also highlights the positive aspects of social networking and how young people can benefit from it. Additionally, it outlines effective steps to reduce the negative impact of social networking. 

1. Introduction:

Whether for personal or professional purposes, we cannot deny the importance of social networking sites. Their significance is increasing day by day. The appeal of social networking has spread among all age groups in the past few years, particularly among teens and younger adults. In modern days, people cannot imagine spending a single day without being involved with social networking. Therefore, it can be said that social networking has become part and parcel of our everyday lives. Undoubtedly, it plays a crucial role in our lives, and no one is exempt from its influence.

1.1 What is social networking:

It does not have a specific definition. The definition of social networking has been provided on some websites. According to these websites, we come to know that a social networking service is an online platform or site that helps people connect through messages and allows them to share their interests, activities, backgrounds, and many other things. It is also called social media. Examples of social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogs, and mobile applications.

1.2 How does social networking service influence:

Social networking services have a significant influence on people of different ages. However, some surveys indicate that young or teenage individuals are more profoundly affected than adults. They are particularly drawn to this contemporary means of communication, leading them to be misguided by technology in various ways and potentially hindering the development of their careers. In this report, I will discuss the impact of social networking on the young generation of Bangladesh. It is important to note that acknowledging its influence does not refute the potential positive aspects or assistance it may provide to the young generation.

2. Description:

As time progresses, more people will become involved in social media. Undoubtedly, in the future, social media will emerge as one of the most important mediums of communication. People will increasingly rely on it for interpersonal communication. It is certain that social media will simplify life for people, making communication with close friends and family a matter of just one or two clicks. Despite the numerous benefits of social media, the younger generation sometimes takes the wrong path.

2.1 Influences on young generation:

It has already been mentioned that the younger generation is more influenced than adults, experiencing a greater negative impact from using social media. Breaking free from the influence of social media proves challenging. If this trend continues, the future generation will undoubtedly endure prolonged difficulties, and our country will face a significant disaster that may not be easily or quickly rectified.

2.1.1 Cybercrime:

Cybercrime refers to a type of crime that involves a computer and a network. A person commits cybercrime with the help of the internet. It can be described as the use of deception on the internet. Cybercrime is not a new phenomenon in our country. However, the involvement of social crime has been increasing over time. It occurs in various forms, and often the younger generation is implicated in these activities.

2.1.1.1 Hacking:

Hacking is one of the most common crimes in the cyber world, and anyone is likely familiar with the term. Its definition may vary across different websites, but hacking generally refers to the illegal attempt to manipulate the normal behavior of network connections and connected systems. In simpler terms, hacking involves gaining unauthorized access to a server with the intent of stealing or acquiring information, such as a copy of a credit card database, or other types of attacks. Individuals engaged in hacking are commonly referred to as hackers.

2.1.1.2 Lack of concentration on education:

Due to their extensive involvement with social media, individuals pay less attention to education. When it is time to study, they often engage in communication with friends through social networking systems and prioritize less important tasks. This trend is particularly noticeable among the younger generation, leading to a decline in their interest in academic pursuits. This has the potential to have a negative impact on future generations.

2.1.1.3 Influence on health:

It has a negative influence on health as well. Both youths and children are losing interest in playing outdoor games, leading to various physical problems. They spend hours sitting in front of lifeless machines, resulting in weight gain and the start of diseases from a young age. Additionally, excessive use of social media can be harmful to eyesight. Users may experience eye fatigue and dryness, and physical fitness may decline due to a lack of exercise and mental sharpness. Someone spending excessive time on social media may suffer from headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.

2.1.1.4 Fraudulency on net:

Fraudulence on the internet has become a common issue. People frequently fall victim to fraudulent activities on social media. Some individuals create fake profiles on social networking sites, providing incorrect information and manipulating the emotions of others. It is challenging to ascertain their real identity. These deceptive individuals emotionally blackmail their victims, exploiting their vulnerabilities for personal gain.

2.1.1.5 Adultery on Internet:

It has become one of the major concerns for internet users, with the young generation being the primary victims of adult content. They are drawn to sites that offer illegal, unethical, and offensive material, leading to the misguided development of the future generation and contributing to immoral behavior. In some instances, individuals create fake photos of someone and post them on various websites that contain offensive content, ultimately pushing the victim towards taking drastic measures such as suicide. 

3. Advantages:

Every coin has two sides. Similarly, social networking sites have both merits and demerits. Thus far, we have discussed the negative aspects of social media. Now, let us delve into the positive sides of social networking.

3.1 Help being connected with friends and family members:

It is perhaps the biggest advantage that we derive from social media. It does not matter where we are or how far we are; it helps us stay connected with our friends and family members all the time. It makes our lives easier, faster, and safer. Thanks to social media, the world has become smaller. Now, distance is not an obstacle in the path of communication. With social networking, making friendships with unknown people has become much easier. It will help you stay connected with those friends with whom you have not been in touch for years. Communicating with others has become much cheaper.

3.2 Help expand ideas:

The purpose of using social networking is not only to stay connected with close people but also to share ideas, opinions, or views through text messages, voice chat, and video conferencing. It helps in expanding ideas and making them more vibrant. Users can gather more information or ideas from other friends or chatmates, enabling them to gain a clearer view of their topic. Exchanging ideas with many people can assist them in reaching the main point or overcoming doubts.

3.3 Best medium of entertainment:

There is no doubt that social networking is the best medium for entertainment. People sign up on social networking sites primarily for enjoyment. They derive pleasure from sharing photos, videos, messages, and other content.

3.4 An alternative way of earning money:

Social media can be an alternative way of earning money. As an example, we can talk about blogging, vlogging, and content creation. Nowadays, people around the world are choosing these as professions. These have gained huge popularity among the younger generation because they allow them to earn money along with their studies. It can also be considered a way of spending leisure time productively. The younger generation can choose blogging for their career development. If anyone continues writing for a blog, they can observe improvement in their writing skills. Therefore, it can be said that blogging can help people develop their careers and, at the same time, earn money. It can be used as a portfolio.

3.5 Help promote business:

Social networking sites play a very important role in promoting businesses, especially for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. They can promote their business on social media without incurring any costs. It also helps them gain worldwide recognition. By having a direct line of communication with their customers, businesses can pay attention to improving their product quality. This trend is not limited to small and medium-sized companies; even large companies have their pages on various social networking sites with millions of fans. This has given birth to terms like ‘F-Commerce.’

4. Results:

The first question in the questionnaire asks whether social media is good for society. In response to this question, all participants provided a positive answer. They found no harmful aspects of social media, indicating that the majority believe social media is beneficial for society.

In the second question, the objective was to find out the most popular or most used social media platform among the young generation. Most of the students chose between option a (mobile phone) and option b (Facebook).

Facebook has topped the chart with 46.74%, while Mobile is in the second position with 46.15%. There is a very short gap between Mobile phone and Facebook. Twitter is not a very popular medium of communication among the young generation of Bangladesh. It has secured the third position with 5.26%. Students are not concerned about the use of a blog in their education. That is why this medium is not used as much compared to Facebook and mobile phones. It has been placed at the bottom of the chart with 2.63%. 

In the third question, the specific aim was to find out which device people prefer most for using social media. The majority of respondents chose a desktop computer for using social media, with desktops covering the highest percentage at 43.33% in the chart. Laptops and mobile phones came in the second and third positions with 33.33% and 23.33%, respectively.

It indicates that most people in our country use desktop computers. Laptops are still expensive and beyond the affordability of lower-middle-class and lower-class people. A tablet PC is the latest technology in ultra-portable mobile computing devices. It is not widely available in our country, and its high cost makes it accessible to very few people. Another problem is that most top brands of tablet PCs require at least a 3G-enabled internet connection, which is still a dream in our country.

The fourth question was an open-ended question that asked people to share how much money they spend in a month using the internet. The reported amounts ranged between 400 and 2000 taka. 

The above-mentioned pie chart shows that 56.67% of people use social media for less than five hours a week. Additionally, 16.67% of people use social media for 5 to 10 hours a week, while the same percentage of people also use social media for more than 20 hours a week. Following that, 6.67% of people take the third-highest part of the chart by using social media for 11–15 hours. The lowest percentage is 3.33%, indicating 16–20 hours in a week.

The sixth question was created or asked to understand the various purposes for using social media. 

In this chart, I can see that 66.67% of youth use social media to stay connected with their friends. Then, I observe that 16.67% of people use this platform as a medium of entertainment, using it to pass the time. According to the chart, 10% of people use it for other purposes, while 6.67% of people use it as a profile for their business.

From this chart, it is clear that young people use social media to stay connected with their friends. It helps them maintain connections and communicate with others.

Using too much social media can also have some side effects on users. Those who excessively use social media may suffer from various physical problems that can hamper their everyday lives. 

The chart describes that eyesight problems are the main issue for those who spend hours in front of the computer, reaching a peak at 46.67%. The physical problem that people suffer from the most after that is a lack of sleep, which accounts for 40%. It also shows that 13.33% of people face various other problems due to excessive use of social media. The interesting thing is that no one mentioned headaches and obesity as their physical problems.

It was mentioned earlier that different people use social media for various purposes. Besides chatting with friends and sharing photos and videos, it can also be used to spread news quickly. 

According to this chart, everyone believes that social media helps spread news quickly. There is no one who expresses a different opinion.

It is no longer just an entertaining device. It can be used to increase job opportunities in society. Students can earn money while studying by working with different people online. The number of people working on the Internet is increasing day by day. It also contributes to our economy by earning foreign currency. 

This chart shows that 76.67% of people believe that social media can help increase job opportunities in society, while 23.33% of people have expressed the opposite opinion. 

In this chart, it can be seen that 86.67% of people do not think that social media has a negative impact on the young generation. However, 13.33% of people have the opposite view.

People have expressed their concern about the increasing incidence of cybercrime, which is growing day by day and often affecting young people. I did a survey to collect the opinions of young people on this matter. In the survey, 66.67% of people think that the young generation is involved in cybercrime, while 33.33% think the opposite. The chart is given below: 

In this report, I also aimed to understand if users had faced any unpleasant situations while using social media. However, participants in this survey provided two types of opinions.

The majority of people, accounting for 63.33%, have answered yes, while the minority, accounting for 36.67%, have said no. A line chart based on the results has been provided below. 

5. Conclusion:

Social networking is the latest medium of communication and plays a very important role in our modern-day lives. It is no longer just an entertaining device but has become a part of our everyday lives. We cannot keep ourselves away from the influence of social networking. It is the boon of modern technology. However, it has both positive and negative impacts not only on users but also on society. The effective use of social media can make our lives easier, faster, and safer. On the other hand, its negative use can lead anyone to destroy his or her life.

6. Recommendation:

Just like other scientific inventions, social media also has both pros and cons. It affects all age groups, but most of the time, the young generation becomes the main victim of its negative side. It has become a great cause for concern for the future generation. If it continues, our future generation may face moral challenges. While we cannot entirely avoid the side effects of social media, we can try to mitigate them.

6.1 Duties of Parents:

Parents can play a very important role in reducing the negative impact of using social media. They can monitor their children and their daily activities. In this way, the younger generation will be kept away from engaging in any unlawful activities on social networking.

6.2 Teaching moral lesson:

A young age is a very good time for teaching moral lessons. People with strong morals cannot be easily misguided. If parents provide moral lessons to their children, then their children will keep themselves away from harmful activities. Nothing can entice them into doing anything bad.

6.3 Encourage youth for reading novel, drama and story book:

One of the biggest problems observed among the young generation is their reduced interest in reading novels, dramas, or storybooks. Encouraging them to read more works by famous writers can help enhance their knowledge. It is worth mentioning that books are the best friends of human beings.

6.4 Steps taken by government:

No doubt, the government will have to take more responsibility to reduce the negative impact of social networking. To do so, they can pass laws. What is very important is that they should impose a ban on those sites that provide unethical, unlawful, and offensive content. The government should establish a branch within the security force for identifying and apprehending cyber criminals.

6.5 Organizing more competitions for youth people:

More competitions should be organized for young people so that they can keep themselves busy with various activities and stay away from negative influences. By participating in numerous competitions, they can develop themselves and become smarter.

7. Reference:

Sameer, M. (2011) Impact Of Social Networking Sites On Youth. YOUTH KI AWAAZ. [Online]. India. Available from: http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2011/06/social-networking-impact-youth/ [Accessed on 2nd July 2011]

Jacobs, G. (2009) National Poll: Young People See Social Networking as Attention Seeking. NewsCenter. [Online]. USA: San Diego. Available from: http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=71510 [Accessed on 25th August 2009]

Derbyshire, D. (2009) Social websites harm children's brains: Chilling warning to parents from top neuroscientist. Daily Mail. [Online]. USA. Available from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html [Accessed on 24th February 2009]

Hadfield, B. (2012) The Gen Y Effect: Younger Generations and Their Influence on Enterprise Communication. Business 2 Communication. [Online]. USA. Available from: http://www.business2community.com/b2b-perspective/the-gen-y-effect-younger-generations-and-their-influence-on-enterprise-communication-0134673 [Accessed on 16th February 2012]

Nations, D (n.d.) What is Social Networking?. Web Trends. [Online]. India. Available from: http://webtrends.about.com/od/socialnetworking/a/social-network.htm

Mitrano, T. (2006) A Wider World: Youth, Privacy, and Social Networking Technologies. EDUCAUSEreview. [Online]. USA. Available from: http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/wider-world-youth-privacy-and-social-networking-technologies [Accessed on 1st July 2006]

O'Hear, S. (2008) Young people and social networking services - not another moral panic. ZDNet. [Online]. India. Available from: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/social/young-people-and-social-networking-services-not-another-moral-panic/529 [Accessed on 20th June 2008]

A brief overview of Tangail’s handloom saree

When we hear about the handloom saree, the first name that comes to mind is Tangail. This is because the memories of our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers have been intertwined with it for a long time. The history of the handloom industry in Bangladesh is very old, and Tangail’s handloom industry is one of the largest components of that rich history. The expert artisans of Tangail have been making various types of clothes for generations. The famous travelers Ibn Battuta and Hiuen Tsang have mentioned the Tangail handloom industry in their travelogues. At present, Tangail’s reputation spreads worldwide for its handloom sarees. 

History: Until today, we could not ascertain the reliable history of Tangail’s handloom sarees. According to historians, their dependence on the weaving industry was somewhat akin to that of nomads. Their ancestors used to reside on the banks of the Indus River, and from there, they would wander around in different places in search of a livelihood. During the reign of King Lakshmana Sena, a part of them migrated to the Indian subcontinent. Some settled in and around Dhamrai and Tangail in pursuit of a livelihood. Those who came to Dhamrai changed their professions, but those who settled in Tangail continued to maintain the traditional livelihood of their ancestors. Since that time, handloom weavers have become prominent in this region, a view supported by historians. Additionally, we learn that the Tangail handloom industry flourished in the late nineteenth century. The weavers of Tangail sarees are primarily descendants of the traditional Muslin weavers.

Characteristics: The main characteristic is the weaving pattern on the border of the saree. In Tangail sarees, there is fine craftsmanship on the fabric from the beginning to the end. While other sarees typically measure 10–12 hands in length, Tangail sarees are made to be 14 hands in length. To create these sarees, threads of 100, 80, 82, and 84 counts are commonly used. They feel quite soft and comfortable to wear and last for a long time.

Center of Production: By hearing the name, you can understand where this saree is produced. However, this saree is not found everywhere except in certain places in Tangail. A special class of weavers from Bajitpur and Pathrail regions in Tangail has been making these kinds of sarees for generations. Among the 11 upazilas and one thana of Tangail district, Tangail Sadar, Kalihati, Nagarpur, and Sakhipur upazilas are areas abundant in handloom weaving traditions. In addition to these, Bhuapur Upazila has a handloom industry. Moreover, there is the usage of handlooms in many more villages. However, the number of such handlooms that produce the traditional sarees of Tangail is less than 20,000. These traditional sarees are primarily produced in the villages of Bajitpur, Pathrail, Nolshunda, Chandi, Bishnupur, and Binnafair.

The weavers of Tangail produce various types of sarees, including:

1.   Cotton sarees

2.   Half-silk sarees

3.   Soft-silk sarees

4.   Silk Jamdani sarees

5.   Gas-mercerized sarees

6.   Twisted silk sarees

7.   Dangoo sarees

8.   Balucherri sarees

And so on. 

Additionally, there are two types of looms used for weaving the sarees of Tangail.

1.   Chittaranjan loom or fine loom

2.   Hand loom (known as khot khoti loom)

These two types of looms are used to create sarees in various colors and designs with different names. For example, Jamdani or Soft Silk, Half-Silk, Tangail BT, Baluchari, Jaripar, Hazarbuti, Sutipar, Katki, Swarnachuri, Anarkali, Devdas, Kumkum, Sananda, Nilambari, Mayurkanthi, and sarees of regular quality.

The original saree of Tangail refers to the cotton saree. According to Bengali social customs, three types of sarees used to be woven in this region earlier. For widows, there were “than sarees,” and for married women and young girls, there were “Nakshi par and Buti sarees.” These sarees were woven using a handloom, locally known as khot khoti.

Design: The special aspect that is noticeable in the design of Tangail sarees is the textured pattern created with colorful threads, complementing the design on the border. Previously, twine thread was used for decoration in this design. Nowadays, materials like rayon, gold thread, and metallic threads are being used along with it. In combination with these threads, various natural designs such as flowers, birds, vines, leaves, etc., along with different geometric designs, are created.

Weaving Process: Around 40 threads are controlled by a jacquard machine. There is no limitation on this machine. The weaving process is highly complex and delicate. This jacquard machine can control 1000 threads, and it weaves extremely precise and intricate patterns. It uses nylon threads instead of a harness. Numerous hooks are attached instead of the frame for control. The design that will be woven on the fabric or border is made on a punch card or a card specifically designed with holes according to the design. Hooks are attached to the holes in the design on the punch card. With the help of this punch card, each thread is controlled to create the desired design. When the design drawn on the card is woven into the fabric, the card falls off. Then, the process begins with another card for a new section of the design. In this way, the design continues to form gradually. Threads come down to weave the fabric. Imported threads are generally used for weaving this fabric.

The usage of Tangail saree: The diverse Tangail saree is not only worn for ceremonial occasions but also holds equal significance as formal or casual attire. There was a time when handloom sarees were exclusively worn as middle-class garments; however, preferences have also undergone a transformation with the passage of time. In warm weather, the modern woman’s first choice is the handloom saree. Tangail’s handloom sarees receive unique appreciation during seasonal festivals.

The popularity of handloom sarees extends from an ordinary village girl to working ladies and even celebrities. Not only are they valued for comfort, but contemporary sarees also possess uniqueness in terms of design and a variety of colors.

Apart from Bangladesh, this saree has a reputation in various countries, including different European and American countries, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and some states of India.

Theme and style in The Lotos-Eaters

“The Lotos-Eaters” is a dramatic monologue that transcends mere written expression. The term “dramatic” implies that it can be acted out and is a form of drama, while “monologue” defines it as a speech delivered by one person, either to oneself or to another. A dramatic monologue is skillfully crafted to reveal not only the current situation but also the intricacies of the character involved.

Tennyson’s literary works dealt with a wide range of themes, including Greek mythology. In addition to “The Lotos-Eaters,” he also composed another dramatic monologue titled “Oenone,” which reveals the mental anguish experienced by Oenone, the woman who harbored affection for Paris.

“The Lotos Eaters” delves into the tension between isolation and community, involving the reader in the poem’s thematic exploration. This poem utilizes vivid imagery that allows readers to empathize with the mariners’ plight. As the mariners question why tranquility escapes them while others find peace, ambiguity shrouds whether their inquiry extends to humanity in general or is confined to their own isolated state. At this juncture, the reader experiences a momentary detachment from the mariners, especially when the reader is unable to escape into the blissful world of eating lotos. Consequently, the initial questions transform into self-pity. The reader can reconnect with the mariners when they express a desire to be united with the world. They describe a system of completion, similar to Keats’s “Ode To Autumn,” where life embraces fulfillment until death. However, the mariners abruptly reject this system, opting for a stark desire for death without the prerequisite stages of growth and completion.

This poetic masterpiece is divided into two sections, each with its own unique allure. The first, a descriptive narrative (lines 1–45), is written in nine-line Spenserian stanzas, so named because they were employed by Spenser in The Faerie Queene. The rhyme scheme of the Spenserian stanza is a closely interlinked ABABBCBCC, with the first eight lines in iambic pentameter and the final line an Alexandrine (or a line of six iambic feet). The second part is a choric song (lines 46–173), comprising eight numbered stanzas of varying lengths. The choric song exhibits a more liberated structure, with both line lengths and rhyme schemes varying widely among the eight stanzas. 

Epicurean philosophy in The Lotos-Eaters

Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded on the teachings of Epicurus. It asserts that pleasure is the highest good. The pursuit of pleasure, according to Epicurean philosophy, involves leading a modest life and acquiring knowledge about the workings of the world and the boundaries of one’s desires. While Epicurean philosophy prioritizes mental satisfaction, it does not emphasize the fulfillment of sexual desires.

The primary aim of Epicurean philosophy is to alleviate worldly suffering and eliminate fear of both God and death. Followers of the Epicurean school assert that humans and gods are composed of different molecules, with gods created in a different manner that renders them invisible and immortal. Gods, as per this philosophy, are indifferent to human concerns, and therefore, there is no need to fear them. Epicurean philosophy rejects the notions of an afterlife and judgment. Central to Epicureanism is the significance of friendship in achieving a happy life. Additionally, Epicureans follow a vegetarian lifestyle, following the belief that one should refrain from causing harm to others.

“The Lotos-Eaters” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson reflects the Epicurean philosophy. Upon reaching the island of lotus eaters, Odysseus’ mariners consume the lotus, inducing a trance-like state.

They express a reluctance to engage in labor any longer. The sound of the waves resembles a “mourn and rave” from “far far away.” Their ability to articulate speech is impaired, and when conversing with fellow mariners, they sound like dead people.

The lotus and fruits served as drugs, inducing inactivity in humans. The “Lotus eaters,” a group of people using these drugs, became inactive. Similarly, upon consuming the lotus and fruits, the mariners experienced the same effects. Seated on the yellow sand of the island, they could barely comprehend their fellow mariners’ speech, only hearing the music of their heartbeats in their ears. Despite the allure of dreaming about their homes in Ithaca, the lotus made them weary of further wandering, and they preferred to linger on the island. A mariner, having consumed the lotus fruit, declares that he will “return no more,” prompting all the mariners to sing about their resolution to stay in the land of the Lotus-eaters.

This poem reflects the principles of Epicurean philosophy. Followers of Epicureanism advocate for a modest lifestyle and a vegetarian diet. In the poem, the mariners exhibit a lack of concern for life and are devoid of ambition. They simply desire to recline and savor the rhythmic music of their heartbeats. Their exclusive consumption of lotus flowers and fruits aligns with the tenets of Epicurean simplicity and pleasure.

Epicurean philosophy, in addition, seeks liberation from the fear of death and an afterlife. It encourages individuals to engage in work without dwelling on the consequences after death, emphasizing the importance of avoiding harm to others and fostering peaceful coexistence among friends. In contrast, the lotus eaters argue that exerting effort is futile, as everything in the world is destined for destruction one day.

Epicurean philosophy also says that gods are not concerned about human beings. So human beings need not worry about gods.

"In the hollow Lotos-land to live and lie reclined

On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.

For they lie beside their nectar, and the bolts are hurl'd

Far below them in the valleys, and the clouds are lightly curl'd

Round their golden houses, girdled with the gleaming world:

Where they smile in secret, looking over wasted lands,"

The preceding lines refer to gods who reside “on the hills” (Mount Olympus) and enjoy their nectar. They remain unconcerned about humanity, residing in their golden abode and smiling upon human beings.