Winter season and winter preparations in rural life in Bangladesh

“How is winter in the village? How was the winter?” I was thinking about all these things while sitting in an air-conditioned room of a multi-story building. Without realizing it, my mind returned to a courtyard surrounded by shadows in the distant past. There, the smell of dried neem leaves emerged from the folds of the quilt at the beginning of winter. There, the preparation for winter is intertwined with afternoons of roasting peas and the steam of bhapa pitha (a traditional sweet). There, a dish of gourd and shoal fish curry is served on the plate with care. There, a flock of wild ducks flaps its wings in the quiet swamp forest on a winter evening. Winter in rural life speaks of another world, even hidden in the veil of poetry surrounded by mist and dew.

That is why every time I had the opportunity to experience a winter morning in the village during my childhood, I felt like this bone-chilling cold was the creation of a frail old woman. Unlike in cities, smoke and fog do not combine to form a “haze” there. Rather, a thick, flawless blanket of mist embraces the village with the utmost compassion. It is hard to see the sun in that semi-dark winter. The sound of dew droplets falling on the tin roof can be heard. Indeed, the water in the pond does not freeze like in Western countries, but those who have seen the stagnant face of a pond on a winter morning know that this scene is a unique element of this country’s winter.

The sun starts to spread its light after 9 or 10 am. The dew-drenched grass sparkles in that light. In the village, evening falls even before noon fades and afternoon arrives. With the arrival of winter, the length of the day becomes shorter, but this change can be clearly realized by sitting in the yard of a village house. The beauty of emptiness is one of the elements of winter in the village. In the winter season, we do not see the usual green nature in the village. Instead, the bare tree branches and dry leaves piled up in the yard highlight winter in its own glory. Perhaps thinking about this unique beauty spread in emptiness, rural poet Jasimuddin wrote, “Whom does winter’s ascetic remember, shedding her cloak of adornment?” Indeed, the rural nature is bare in winter.

Nowadays, even the nature of the village has been touched by urban life and the all-consuming influence of modernity. Still, when dawn breaks in rural areas sleeping under the severity of winter, nature surrounded by mist and the sound of dry leaves falling brings back memories of all the winter mornings left behind.

In rural life, the winter season means a festival gathering around the stove. The house, yard, and threshold are filled with the aroma of freshly ground rice and newly collected date palm sap. Mothers and aunts, as embodiments of affection, make handmade vermicelli (সেমাই) and decorative rice cakes (নকশি পিঠা). I remember how grandmothers would try to join the bhapa pitha together while sitting by the earthen stove on winter mornings with profound love. They would go to the kitchen at dawn, ignoring the intensity of winter, to prepare the dudh-chitoi (rice pancakes soaked in milk).

It is not just traditional Bengali rice cakes; there are many culinary delights and events around winter. In the evening, a juice pot would be hung on the date palm tree. The tree climbers would climb the tree to collect it before sunrise. At breakfast, that date palm juice had to be consumed in a large glass. Some people would go to the char areas. In winter, migratory birds and wild ducks would gather there. Domesticated swans were one of the items on the winter food list. And there were winter vegetables. The taste of vegetarian dishes made with cauliflower, cabbage, turnip, and bottle gourd, or the flavor of stir-fried small fish caught by leaving nets in the water all night, seemed to double in winter.

Perhaps nowadays, people no longer cook on earthen stoves in the villages. However, compared to the city, winter food there still means an abundance of much fresher foods. Handmade vermicelli or tree climbers may no longer be seen in the villages of Bangladesh, but you can still take a peek into the village kitchens. With utmost compassion, an octogenarian woman might still be making “chitoi” and “puli pitha” for her urban-dwelling grandchildren.

In rural life, the winter season means ‘naiyor’ (a visit to the parental home) and ‘kutumbakal’ (a family gathering). In the regional dialect, the winter season is described as the season of invitations and gatherings. During this time, wives go to their maternal homes for a holiday, and city-dwelling children return to the embrace of the village they left behind. The most wonderful portrayal of hospitality comes to life in the village during this season.

After many days, a lively gathering of friends and family occurs in the village courtyard. For a long time, I have seen that winter vacation meant an opportunity for cousins from both sides of the family to come together. A group of children would sit together in a row on an extended balcony on those winter mornings. Then, it was the morning of quickly eating Chitoi Pitha soaked in date palm juice. While the elders were busy taking a nap after a meal in the afternoon, a group of teenagers, covering their faces with sweaters and hats, would plan a picnic. Two handfuls of rice from this house and two chickens from that house—that was it. With these, they would start cooking on a handmade clay stove in the evening. Those evenings in the village, illuminated by the lights of kerosene lamps and lanterns, would come alive with gatherings for ghost stories. With a betel leaf box in hand, perhaps the elderly grandmother would become the center of attention at those gatherings. She would be surrounded by a group of grandchildren, visualizing the call of a mischievous ghost or, due to the intense cold, even shivering while sitting under the blanket.

Ambar Shah Mosque: A Mosque Intertwined with the History of Karwan Bazar

During the Mughal era, there was a security checkpoint in Karwan Bazar. At the entrance of the city, everyone was checked at this security checkpoint. Along with the checkpoint, there was a caravanserai. Most probably, over time, this caravanserai became known as Karwan Bazar.

In Karwan Bazar, the Karwan Bazar Mosque still survives. This three-domed mosque, built following the architecture of Subahdar Shaista Khan, the governor of the province, was once known as Khwaja Ambar’s Mosque. Khwaja Ambar was the chief khwaja of Shaista Khan. He built it around 1679-80, and in terms of antiquity, it ranks 22^nd among the mosques of Dhaka. Its main feature is the mihrab made of black stones, which were brought from Rajmahal in India.

Khwaja Ahsanullah had endowed some lands for the maintenance of the mosque. The local people once raised funds to renovate it. Khwaja Ambar is buried right next to the mosque. To reach Khwaja Ambar’s mosque, one once had to cross a beautiful bridge known as Khwaja Ambar’s Bridge. It was located beside the Sonargaon Hotel on the present-day Eskaton Canal. This bridge was also built by Khwaja Ambar. However, in the 1960s, the bridge was demolished during the widening of the present-day Mymensingh Road. 

Oenone is a melancholic heroine

“Oenone” is a very melancholic and sad poem. Oenone is the central character or heroine, and she is also a melancholic person. She suffers devastation because she was abandoned by Paris. Paris left her and decided to go after Helen, the most beautiful woman. As a result, Oenone became very depressed, and she complained to her mother; this poem is like a lament. Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote this poem before 1833, and it was one of his earliest poems where he dealt with a Greek mythological character. Later, he also wrote “The Lotos-Eaters,” “Ulysses,” and “Tithonus,” all of which are based on Greek mythology.

In the poem “Oenone,” we find that Oenone is complaining to her mother about her suffering in life. She is a very sad character, and she narrates the entire story. The god Ares gave an apple to Paris, stating that he would be the judge. Three goddesses desired the apple, and it was up to Paris to decide who would receive it. Hera, the wife of Zeus, promised that if Paris gave her the apple, she would grant him power, making him ruler of the world. Aphrodite promised that she would give Paris the most beautiful woman in the world. Pallas was the third goddess who promised to give Paris knowledge and wisdom. However, Oenone wanted Paris to accept the offer of the goddess Pallas because knowledge and wisdom can make life beautiful. However, Paris was not interested, and he chose Aphrodite’s offer, which ultimately led to Oenone's suffering and destruction.

Tennyson used Greek mythology in a modern way and made “Oenone” a deeply melancholic poem. He portrayed Oenone as a sad woman who suffered injustice, and the poet wanted to draw the reader's attention to the sufferings of this beautiful character.

Life was not fair to Oenone, as she loved Paris deeply and was always faithful to him. In contrast, Paris was neither a good man nor a devoted lover. He easily abandoned Oenone for the promise of getting a beautiful wife. This betrayal was even more painful for Oenone because she was pregnant with Paris’ child, and he left her at the time she would give birth to their baby.

“Oenone” is a sad and painful poem that also conveys moral lessons. It portrays the injustice men have done to women throughout generations. What Aphrodite offered Paris was not love but a destructive temptation. 

Bangladeshi villages during winter season

Winter comes every year. The two months of Poush and Magh make up the winter season. Winter mornings remain covered with fog. Light begins to appear slowly on the eastern horizon. The morning dew falls drop by drop. Dewdrops sparkle on the grass. In the morning light, the tempting, sweet aroma of boiling date palm sap drifts from afar. On the village roads, farmers take their oxen toward the fields to prepare the land for sowing saplings. Meanwhile, in the mustard fields, the buzzing of bees starts.

In villages, the main attraction of the winter season is date palm sap. In the afternoon, sap collectors climb the date palm trees, cut a small portion of the bark, and tie an earthen pot with a rope beneath it. All night, the sap drips drop by drop and collects in the pot. People bring down the pots from the trees in the morning and collect the date palm juice. In villages, various types of traditional cakes, puddings, and sweets are made with date palm juice and newly harvested rice. Everyone, both young and old, enjoys eating these delicacies.

In the winter season, when evening arrives in villages, everyone lights a fire in the courtyard to warm themselves up. The adults often go to the local shops to have tea and chat about various topics. During winter, various types of fresh vegetables—bottle gourds, beans, radish, cabbage, yardlong beans, and different types of leafy greens—are found in villages. In winter, villages truly reveal many beautiful forms. 

Winter morning in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. Each season is radiant with its own distinct characteristics. Among them, the winter season appears before us with a completely different atmosphere. Winter comes like a biting old woman, draped in the freezing cold winds from the north and a blanket of fog. For people, the main attraction of winter days is the winter morning. At this time, nature is surrounded by dense fog. The light of the new sun cannot penetrate the dense white curtain of fog and spread its radiance on the earth. In the cold wind, nature and the animal world start to tremble. That is why the poet Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said,

“The winter breeze made the amalki dance on its branches.

The leaves rustled and fell rhythmically.”

The months of Poush and Magh make up the winter season. During this time, the dance of fog begins with nature. The cold winds from the north blow, and trees lose their leaves. The intensity of the river’s stream slows down. When everything is covered with thick fog in the winter morning, nature appears extraordinarily beautiful. In the pale nature, a silent beauty is seen on winter mornings. This beauty is somewhat abstract. Nature becomes engrossed in a strange stillness on a winter morning. When a traveler walks through the veil of fog, breaking the silence, it feels as if his body is shivering in the biting cold of winter. The picturesque scene of dew drops accumulating on tin roofs, tree branches, and grass tips is seen only on winter mornings. The dew drops glitter like pearls on the bosom of nature wrapped in a thin white sheet. Nature becomes refreshed. Yellow mustard fields and flower gardens buzz with the sound of bees. When the sun peeks through the veil of fog, the dew-soaked nature sparkles in the soft light.

Winter morning in city: The winter morning in the city is spent in a slightly different manner. The cawing of crows, rather than the chirping of various birds, may awaken city dwellers on winter mornings. Many city dwellers spend winter mornings sleeping, reluctant to leave the warmth of their blankets. Even those who must wake up early tend to rise late on holidays. As a result, city dwellers cannot enjoy the winter morning like rural people do. In the city, the asphalt roads are covered with fog, and dew falls as well, but the touch of dew-soaked grass, as in the countryside, does not stir the hearts of travelers. In winter, even adults hesitate to wash their faces with icy cold water, and children run away fearing it. City dwellers do not have the mindset to watch the sunrise, sunset, or the fog of winter mornings. For those accustomed to a robotic life, such things are merely matters of emotion. Nevertheless, urban residents greet the winter morning adorned in vibrant winter clothes. Wrapped in comfortable garments like coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, shawls, and mufflers, they head out to their workplaces on winter mornings.

Winter morning in village: In the village, winter morning creates a unique scene. Various types of vegetables are produced during the winter season. Fresh date palm sap is found on winter mornings. The sweet aroma of bhapa pitha increases the appetite in the winter morning. The impoverished villagers often lack warm clothes during the winter. They tremble in cold at night, and before the sun peeks out, it feels like morning is just about to arrive. The call for prayer (Azan) is heard from the village mosque, and worshipers from far and wide come to the mosque to say prayer breaking through the deep darkness. After eating a full meal of panta bhat (water-soaked rice), the farmers go to the fields to work on a foggy winter morning. They also go to the local market for shopping. The children go to the village maktab (a traditional Islamic elementary school) for their studies. When walking past the mosque or maktab, you can see the students receiving religious education in their loud collective voices. Their voices reach our ears. If it feels a little bit colder, the group of boys gather around the straw fire, roast the beans in the fire in the morning, and warm themselves by the fire.

Rivers on winter morning: During winter season, in our country, there is not enough water in the rivers during winter. During that time, the river offers an abundance of fish to catch. That is why, early on winter mornings, fishermen go to the river to catch fish. Although the fishing boats are only a short distance away, they remain invisible in the dense veil of fog. However, boats on long journeys, such as launches and ferries, struggle to navigate smoothly through that thick fog. Then, the cold wind blowing over the river brings a shivering chill that shakes one to the bone.

Main attraction of winter morning: The main attraction of a winter morning is the variety of traditional cakes. During this season, abundant date palm juice is available in villages. Early morning, earthen pots are brought down from the date palm trees. It feels wonderful to drink this fresh juice on a winter morning. As soon as the morning arrives, there is a rush throughout the villages to enjoy date palm sap pudding. The village children gather in groups, basking in the sun while eating puffed rice, crispy sweets, and various traditional cakes and puddings. The main attractions of this season are Chitoi Pitha and Bhapa Pitha. In addition, varieties of cakes are made in each household. That is why poet Sufia Kamal once said,

“During the Poush festival, sitting down to eat pitha, they are filled with joy,

and their excitement grows even more upon receiving their mother’s scolding.”

Happiness and sorrows on winter morning: There is no greater comfort than lying cozily inside a quilt or blanket on a winter morning. Having breakfast with various types of traditional cakes, winter vegetables, and more on a winter morning creates a sense of happiness among people. On the other hand, for those who do not have winter clothes to wear and sleep beside the road in the chilling winter air, winter mornings are full of hardship.

Disadvantages of a winter morning: On a winter morning, when the bone-chilling cold sets in, the villagers suffer from lethargy and melancholy. People’s enthusiasm for work comes to a halt. They feel like lying comfortably wrapped in quilts. Poor people suffer due to a lack of warm clothes. In the poet’s words, a prayer arises in their hearts:

“O sun!

Give us warmth and light in our damp, soaked home.” 

Disadvantages of moving vehicles: On winter nights or mornings, the environment remains foggy. As a result, nothing can be seen clearly from a distance, and it often seems there is nothing ahead except a white curtain of fog. During this time, road accidents occur most frequently due to moving vehicles. Similarly, issues also arise with the movement of launches and steamers on the waterways. It is better to avoid traveling on roads or waterways in foggy conditions.

Conclusion: Who doesn't love the touch of golden sunlight, damp with dewdrops, on a winter morning? With a mix of comfort and inconvenience, winter mornings fill our hearts with a unique sense of joy for two months each year. In the poet’s words, “a drop of dew on a single stalk of rice” illuminates the beauty of a winter morning. 

Victorian elements and ideas in Tennyson’s Oenone and Tithonus

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was the greatest poet of the Victorian age, and during his lifetime, he was more popular than Robert Browning and Matthew Arnold. One of the reasons for Tennyson’s popularity was his ability to capture the spirit of his time. In other words, he had a good understanding of what people thought during his lifetime. This made him very famous and successful. The two poems under discussion, Oenone and Tithonus, are based on Greek mythology. They also contain moral lessons, yet they reflect Victorian elements and ideas. As a result, these poems were fascinating to Victorian readers.

The Victorian age in England began with the reign of Queen Victoria. However, many people believe that it started slightly earlier with the Reform Act of 1832. Victoria ascended the British throne in 1837. It was a very important time for England for many reasons. There were political issues, as ordinary people were demanding voting rights and democracy. The British people witnessed significant changes in various fields, particularly in science and knowledge. It was a very unstable time, with many things happening in a short period. Tennyson himself was somewhat conservative and did not favor rapid change. Therefore, in Oenone and Tithonus, we can see Tennyson criticizing those who sought change too quickly or recklessly.

If we look at Oenone, we will notice that Paris neglected his devoted wife, Oenone. She was dedicated, loving, and caring toward Paris, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. When the three goddesses offered him three gifts, he chose not to select knowledge. In doing so, he neglected wisdom, an idea Tennyson strongly disapproved of. Tennyson, being a man who valued knowledge, wanted to emphasize the importance of education and intellectual growth.

Neglecting knowledge, Paris pursued beauty. He cared more for passion than for knowledge and logic. Oenone tried to reason with him using logic, but Paris refused to listen to what was right and rational. Tennyson may have symbolized the idea that if people prioritize passion and beauty over logic and knowledge, social disharmony and unrest will follow. As a result of Paris’ actions, Troy was completely destroyed in a devastating war.

In Oenone, Tennyson aimed to convey a message to the people of his time, particularly in Victorian England, emphasizing the importance of embracing knowledge over beauty. He suggested that individuals must be careful in their choices in life; otherwise, they will face suffering.

Tithonus conveys a different message for the Victorian people. Tithonus sought immortality and received divine blessings for it. This desire reflects a growing emphasis on science and knowledge. During the Victorian era, many scientists and scholars began to challenge Christianity and religion as a whole. The criticism of religion became so pronounced that Charles Darwin was able to publish his book, claiming that there was no God and that the Bible was fundamentally flawed. According to Darwin’s theory, human beings did not originate from divine creation but evolved through natural processes. Tennyson may have wanted to suggest that if we forget God and focus solely on science and knowledge, destruction may follow.

Tennyson also warned the Victorian people about their desires. The message of Tithonus can be summarized as: “Be careful about what you wish for.” He wanted to convey to his fellow countrymen that if they desired too much, like Tithonus, they would ultimately suffer. During this time, there was significant political activity, and ordinary people were demanding more rights and democracy. As a result, there was a great deal of violence during the Victorian age, and Tennyson was not someone who favored social anarchy.

I have already stated that Tennyson was not fond of rapid change in society. In Tithonus, he aimed to convey to his people that the natural way is the best way. Tithonus desired something unnatural—immortality—which ultimately led to his destruction and suffering.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in these two poems, Oenone and Tithonus, Tennyson conveyed important messages to the Victorian people. 

The importance of following and imitating a good role model

It is clear that a good role model plays an important role in the lives of individuals and society and has many advantages. Here are some points that highlight the importance of role models:

Guidance: A good role model guides others because they take inspiration from it as a good model to follow. It helps them make the right decisions and choose the right behavior.

Promotes positive values: A good role model fosters positive values in people and society. They see a role model as an example to follow and emulate in their behavior and ethics.

Improves family relationships: A good role model leads to the improvement of family relationships. When children follow a good example, they feel comfortable and trust family members, and in this way, everyone cooperates to form a united family filled with love and respect.

Saves time and effort in education: A good role model reduces the effort and time parents need to raise their children. Children learn correct values and proper behavior through the positive example set by a role model.

Builds an educated and aware generation: A good example is one of the main reasons for raising a generation capable of respecting and appreciating others. A good role model helps develop awareness and rationality in individuals through positive examples and good actions.

Promotes devotion to God: Among other benefits, a good role model guides people towards God and plays a crucial role in attracting them to religion. A good example serves as a powerful way to make others think about religion and improve their thoughts and actions under the influence of this good example.

Works on change and reform: A good example is a strong motivation for change and reform in society. It inspires people and encourages them to do good deeds and contribute to improving social and educational conditions for everyone.

In summary, it can be said that a good role model is an essential element in the lives of people and society. It contributes to empowering a generation to take responsibility and achieve positive changes in society.

Role models are an important source of inspiration and influence in people’s lives. As a source of guidance and direction, role models take various forms and are divided into several types. To understand them better, we will highlight a few of these types.

Good role model: A good role model is a positive figure that people can follow in various aspects of life. A good role model has a distinctive ideal image and positive qualities that inspire others to strive for success and development.

Bad role model: In contrast, a bad role model can have a negative impact on the lives of those who look up to them. These role models exhibit undesirable behaviors or negative characteristics that can hinder a person’s growth and development.

Positive role model: This role model is characterized by positive qualities. It embodies good ethics and noble values like honesty, sincerity, generosity, and courage. Those who follow this role model can become a source of inspiration to others and uplift their spirits.

Negative role model: A negative role model represents poor behavior and habits that should be avoided. People must be cautious of this type of role model and resist being influenced by them, as they can lead to deviance or negative consequences.

Role model in business: In business, role models take many forms. Positive and successful role models are often represented by successful entrepreneurs and celebrities who have visions and ambitions that inspire others to achieve similar success. On the other hand, negative and unsuccessful role models may hinder professional growth and development.

In summary, role models take many shapes and forms, both positive and negative. Therefore, we must be cautious when choosing our role models and always strive to be a positive role model for others, making a lasting impact on their lives.

What is the difference between a good and a bad role model?

A good role model is someone who exhibits positive qualities and behaviors, presenting an example that others strive to emulate. In contrast, a bad role model displays negativity and undesirable behaviors, making them unworthy of imitation. A good role model encourages the development of positive qualities and ethics, whereas a bad role model can pass on negative traits to those who follow them. For example, a good role model might be a symbol of positive character for their children or a symbol of respect for their students at school. Setting a good example contributes to the growth and development of personality positively. Therefore, people should strive to seek out and become good role models.

What sets a good role model apart?

A good role model has many qualities and characteristics that make them worthy of emulation. These include incorporating values of faith and righteousness (taqwa) into their daily lives, sincerely worshipping God, and adhering to the two testimonies of faith (Shahada). They believe in the core principles of religion and faith, including belief in God, His messengers, His books, and respect for the virtues that should guide a person’s life.

Additionally, good role models prioritize obligatory and recommended duties because they aim to live by the pillars of their faith. They are also honest, display good morals and behaviors, and are symbols of humility and friendliness. Moreover, they seek to serve their community and strive for justice in all aspects of life. These qualities set a good role model apart in society and make them an example to follow.

What is the impact of a good role model on individuals and society?

A good role model plays an important role in influencing both individuals and society. They help refine and develop individuals by serving as a reference for good behavior and helping others develop their skills and values.

Furthermore, a good role model has a significant impact on the entire community. Through their influence, the community becomes more united and experiences a sense of brotherhood. A good role model also spreads optimism and positivity throughout society.

Therefore, selecting a good role model is crucial. One should choose an individual who possesses qualities like honesty, justice, courage, and tolerance. They must be able to inspire and influence others with these positive values and actions.

In summary, the impact of a good role model on individuals and society is invaluable. They contribute to building a strong and conscious society where development and a culture of peace are prioritized. Thus, we should all strive to be good leaders who can serve as examples for others to follow.

What is the role of a good role model in shaping a generation?

A good role model plays an important role in shaping a generation. It is considered a guide and example that people in their community follow. A good role model contributes to building a society by shaping a generation capable of facing challenges, working hard, and persevering. It also helps spread sincerity and the value of determination for success, which builds a bright future for individuals and the community. Having a good role model encourages work and improvement and overall helps society become better.

What is the relationship between a role model and companionship?

The relationship between a role model and companionship is a strong and influential one in a person’s life. A role model means we follow and are inspired by the behavior and ethics of that person, whom we consider an ideal. Companionship, on the other hand, is the blessed relationship that connects us with good friends who influence the shaping of our personality and behavior. If our company is good and inspired by positive role models, it will have a positive impact on our lives, both in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, we must be careful in choosing good friends who contribute to the development and progress of our personality and faith.

How can a person become an ideal for others?

A person who wants to be a role model for others must have many qualities and skills. For example, the person must have the ability to take responsibility and admit their mistakes. Moreover, a role model must have a great understanding and respect for others’ opinions, whether they agree or disagree. This contributes to creating a learning environment that encourages a culture of cooperation and mutual understanding. Managers and leaders must have strong abilities to achieve positive outcomes because embracing these ideas and demonstrating the potential in others will contribute to building society.

There is no doubt that the right positive role model will contribute to increasing others’ confidence in the individual and will have a significant impact on inspiring others to reach their highest potential, whether in the educational environment or other fields.

What is the nicest thing about a good role model?

The most beautiful thing said about a good role model is that it makes you a beacon for everyone because people strive to achieve what you have achieved in life. A good role model represents the perfection of an individual, so others can emulate and want to imitate them. A good role model highlights idealism in behavior and the perfection of work. These two things characterize ideals and role models, from whom we draw inspiration for our behavior and actions. It is a beautiful thing for a religious person to be a good role model for others to follow, to show them the right path, and to provide a solid foundation to shape our lives.

The difference between a role model and an ideal lie in the meaning they express and the emphasis placed on each. A role model refers to someone whose actions and behavior should be followed and emulated, whereas an ideal is considered someone worthy of imitation in terms of their actions, including various aspects of their life. Although their meanings overlap, a perfect role model represents a harmony between words and actions, while an ideal refers to the flawless behavior of a particular person.

Example of a good role model:

A good role model plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and society by providing a model of God-fearing and honest morals. These people live according to the principles of their beliefs and values, inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves.

Role models exist across various fields, including religious, cultural, sports, and other areas. For example, the last prophet is regarded as the most wonderful ideal due to his good morals. He was honest and empathetic to all people. Even in the most difficult situations, he showed humility and tolerance. His commitment to prayer and worship made him a unique model of faith and spirituality.

In modern society, there are other role models like scientists, writers, and athletes who care about social issues and strive for progress and development. Anyone who gives back to society through their profession or hobby can be considered a good role model. They set an example that inspires others to contribute and work towards positive change.

In short, a good role model instills high human values in individuals and reminds them of the importance of adhering to their principles and values, whether in religious, behavioral, or even scientific realms. They inspire others to overcome challenges and strive for personal excellence and the progress of society as a whole. 

The relationship between Aeneas and Dido in The Aeneid

In the epic, The Aeneid, both Venus and Juno contribute to the union between Aeneas and Dido. When Aeneas is blown to Carthage by a storm, Venus appears to him in disguise and advises him to enter the city and speak with the queen. To ensure the safety of her son in this new land, Venus sends her other son, Cupid, to fill Dido with passion for Aeneas. Venus does this to protect Aeneas and his son, fearing that Dido might otherwise be cruel to them. 

Juno harbors animosity towards Aeneas due to Paris’ judgment in a divine beauty contest, where Paris favors Venus over her. Consequently, Juno desires their destruction. However, both Venus and Juno collaborate to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas, each for her own reasons. Juno hopes that Dido’s love will prevent Aeneas from reaching Italy, while Venus seeks solace for the shipwrecked and hopeless Aeneas. To achieve this, they use Cupid to instill Dido with a deep affection for Aeneas.

Things become complicated due to the interference of the two goddesses. Their actions create a storm that drives Dido and Aeneas to seek shelter in a cave, where they engage in an unofficial “marriage” and most likely make it complete by getting intimate.

Aeneas is presented to Dido in a way that makes their love seem reasonable and realistic. When Aeneas narrates his story, he represents himself as a hero, which makes Dido even more infatuated with him. They also find many things in common, as both Aeneas and Dido have fled their homelands.

In the epic poem The Aeneid, Anna, Dido’s sister, proposes a marriage between Dido and Aeneas for two main reasons. First, if Dido marries Aeneas, it would strengthen Carthage as the Trojan warriors follow him. Numerous African tribes surround Carthage, posing a constant threat of attack. This is a political reason. However, emotional reasons outweigh the political ones. Dido tells Anna that she desires Aeneas and is willing to break her promise to her deceased husband, which was to remain faithful to him. Before Aeneas arrives in Carthage, Dido has received marriage proposals from African tribal leaders and her own people, but she has rejected them due to her promise. Upon meeting Aeneas, she falls in love with the Trojan hero.

The gods are also involved in the separation of Aeneas and Dido. When Jupiter, the king of the gods, learns of their affair, he sends Mercury to Carthage to remind Aeneas of his duty to leave for Italy and found another Trojan city.

Mercury reminds Aeneas that his future lies somewhere else and that he must leave for Italy. This message shocks Aeneas, who feels he has no choice but to obey the gods’ command. Unsure how to inform Dido of his departure, he tries to prepare his fleet to set sail in secret. However, the queen suspects his plan and confronts him. In a rage, she insults him and accuses him of betraying her honor, begging him to stay. In response, Aeneas asserts that he was never truly her husband and loves his destiny more sthan he loves her. He explains that he is going to Italy not of his own will but because Jupiter commands it. As a final effort, Dido sends Anna to persuade the Trojan hero to stay, but Aeneas remains unmoved by the pleas of both Dido and Anna and continues his preparations.

The moment Dido sees the fleet leaving, she rushes to the courtyard, climbs upon a pyre, and ends her life by falling onto Aeneas’ sword.

Hereditary guilt in Agamemnon

The sacrifice of his daughter, Iphigenia, is perhaps one of Agamemnon’s major crimes, which brought about the domestic tragedy of his fate. Because of this crime, he was killed at the hands of his wife.

It should be known to all that Agamemnon sacrificed his innocent daughter due to another woman’s promiscuity. He did not do this of his own will but was compelled to commit such a grievous act so that the Greek forces could avenge the reckless actions of Paris and Helen.

Agamemnon and his crew could not continue their journey due to a strong west wind sent by the goddess Artemis. This wind was a punishment for Agamemnon having offended Artemis by killing an animal sacred to her. The only way to appease Artemis and stop the wind was for Agamemnon to sacrifice his daughter to her.

To seek revenge for Paris’ crime and to help his brother retrieve his wife, Agamemnon felt he had no choice but to sacrifice his daughter. Although the wind was obstructing Agamemnon and his crew from continuing their journey, most sensible fathers would have forsaken Helen if it meant saving their own daughter. As punishment for his crime, Agamemnon was murdered at home upon his return from the war as a victor. 

In this example of hereditary guilt, Agamemnon’s actions make it easy for readers to develop hatred toward him and sympathy for Clytemnestra.

Another significant reason that prompted Clytemnestra to kill her husband was that Agamemnon brought back a concubine, Cassandra, from the war. Not only did Agamemnon have the audacity to get Cassandra into the palace, but he also expected her to be treated with appropriate care and attention. He instructed, “Escort this stranger in, be gentle.” By doing so, he only strengthened Clytemnestra’s resolve and removed any doubts she might have had before his return.

Examining Agamemnon’s family history reveals the curse that plagued his lineage for generations. Atreus, Agamemnon’s father, initiated the cycle of violence by killing the children of his brother, Thyestes. As a result, Agamemnon inherited this curse and found himself in an ongoing rivalry with his cousin, Aegisthus. Coincidentally, Aegisthus is Clytemnestra’s lover, and his desire to kill Agamemnon makes Clytemnestra’s decision easier. It is clear that Aegisthus influenced her thoughts regarding Agamemnon’s death.

The Chorus explains another crucial reason for Agamemnon’s murder: they believe that the victors of the Trojan War must suffer for their success. This notion proves true in the end, as Agamemnon loses his life upon returning home as a victor of the Trojan War.

The love story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra and the last day of their lives

John Dryden is not very famous in the history of English literature, but one of his plays has become immortal, and that is All for Love. This play is based on a historical event, and before this, a famous playwright like William Shakespeare had also written on the same topic in English literature. Here, the main subject is the love story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra and the last day of their lives. The main character of this play is Antony, who is more or less a tragic hero. He may not be completely considered a tragic hero because he has several flaws, but even so, in the end, his tragic fate evokes a sense of sympathy in the hearts of readers.

The first thing we should keep in mind is that John Dryden created the character of Antony according to the standards of his era. If we look at the Restoration period, we can see that unrest and anarchy was prevalent at that time. There was constant conflict between Catholics and Protestants over power, and there was uncertainty about who would succeed Charles II as king. In other words, there were problems in all aspects during the Restoration period, and we can see this restlessness in the play All for Love. Moreover, Dryden wrote All for Love thinking about his era in mind, and he tried to take a strong stand against the king’s opponents.

Antony’s character is somewhat similar. We know that during the Restoration period, there was moral degradation in society, and many people engaged in relationships outside their marriages. In Antony’s case, we can see that his sense of morality is not very strong. He abandons his wife and children and starts living with Cleopatra without marrying her. If we look at the present era, many aspects of Antony’s character are not very admirable. He abandons his wife and son, betrays the Roman Empire, and allies with Cleopatra, which angers the Roman emperor Octavius.

Moreover, he is not very good at friendship either; although his friend Ventidius was always on his side, Antony often disregarded him. Considering all this, Antony does not seem like a great hero by the standards of our time. However, we have to remember that Dryden wrote during his time, and this character is set in Roman civilization. Thus, the standards of morality of that time were different. Among the elites, marrying more than once or spending time with other women after having a wife was not unusual.

One good side of Antony is that he genuinely loved Cleopatra with all his heart and made many sacrifices for her. In the end, he even sacrificed his own life for Cleopatra. So, if we set aside everything else and look at his love for Cleopatra, we can see that there was no fault in that love. This aspect of love evokes sympathy from the audience for Antony. At the same time, there is no doubt that Cleopatra loved him a lot as well.

However, no matter how intense his love for Cleopatra was, Antony was a bad husband and father. He abandoned his wife, Octavia, and when she came to Egypt with their children, Antony did not treat her well. Instead, he expected Octavia to beg her brother, Emperor Octavius, for Antony’s life. Antony never once asked for forgiveness from his wife and children, and this is a significant flaw in his character.

However, the worst side of Antony’s character is his indecisiveness. On one hand, he is blinded by love for Cleopatra, and on the other hand, he wants to become a king and have his soldiers fight in wars. As a result, he is always stumbling between the two: he constantly wants to be close to Cleopatra, but he also needs to go to war. When war comes, one must fight, leaving everything else behind; if distracted by other thoughts, defeat is inevitable. That is exactly what happened to Antony. He lost the war due to his indecisiveness.

Antony had another problem: the conflict between his political ambition and his love affair. On one hand, he loves Cleopatra deeply, almost obsessively. On the other hand, he wants to become the ruler of the Roman empire and also aims to become the king of Egypt. In the struggle between these two ambitions, he ultimately fails in both. He is unable to achieve victory, and Cleopatra commits suicide.

Amidst all of this, Antony has both good and bad qualities, making him seem more human. If we look at ourselves and society, we can see that we also have both positive and negative sides, and many of us are just like Antony. In life, we often struggle with indecisiveness and cannot make the right decisions. This is why Antony is a tragic hero—he has both flaws and virtues. Unlike the tragic heroes in other plays, especially in Greek plays, Antony lacks lofty idealism or a grand personality. Instead, he is portrayed as a person who evokes both hate and love at the same time.

Judgment scene in Oenone

“Oenone” is a wonderful poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It tells the story of the Greek mythological character Oenone and her tragic life. Perhaps the most important part of the poem is the judgment scene, where the golden apple is introduced, and Paris must choose between the three goddesses who desire it.

Paris decided to give the apple to Aphrodite, who promised him that in return, she would ensure he would have the most beautiful and loving wife in Greece. The judgment scene is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it occurs at a crucial moment in the poem. Up until that point, the poem focuses on Oenone’s sadness, as she has already been abandoned by Paris. Understanding the background of the story, which the judgment scene provides, is essential for the reader. 

The poem reaches its climax in the judgment scene, where Paris’ decision sets the course for what follows. It is at this moment that Paris resolves to leave Oenone and pursue Helen as his wife. The judgment scene also reflects Tennyson’s idea about 19th-century England, particularly the Victorian era. Hera symbolizes power, much like Queen Victoria. During the Victorian age, the English people made significant advancements in science and knowledge, which Pallas Athena represents. Simultaneously, there was an increasing emphasis on beauty and superficial appearances, as embodied by Aphrodite. Thus, the judgment scene highlights the dilemma faced by the Victorian people, who were torn between these competing values during Tennyson’s time.

The judgment scene also provides Tennyson with an opportunity to impart moral lessons within the poem. Although “Oenone” is based on a mythological character, it carries important moral messages. The poem suggests that we should not be overly driven by passion, especially when it comes to love and marriage. Oenone suffered because she was too passionate about Paris, ignoring his background and character. Similarly, Paris, consumed by his passion for Helen, fails to recognize that Oenone is a good wife. His decision to leave Oenone for Helen was an act of folly, underscoring the dangers of letting passion override reason.

“Oenone” is a beautiful dramatic monologue in which Oenone serves as the speaker. She reflects on a critical moment in her life, as is typical in dramatic monologues, where characters often share their experiences during pivotal situations. In this poem, the judgment scene plays a key role in helping us understand Oenone’s background and the circumstances that have led to her current state.

Oenone is enduring a critical situation and is contemplating suicide. The judgment scene reveals the shock she experienced as she witnessed Paris leaving her to accept Aphrodite’s gift of another woman. This betrayal is heartbreaking for any woman or wife in any era. The judgment scene allows us to deeply empathize with Oenone’s pain and understand the extent of her suffering.

The judgment scene also introduces several key characters, particularly the three goddesses. These goddesses were incredibly powerful and often manipulated the lives of humans, reflecting a common belief in ancient Greece. However, in this scene, we also see negative traits, especially in Aphrodite. She tempts Paris with the promise of a beautiful woman, ultimately leading to the destruction of both Paris and Oenone’s lives.

The judgment scene in “Oenone” is particularly interesting, as such scenes are more commonly found in dramas, like in The Merchant of Venice. The judgment scene in The Merchant of Venice is renowned and has become iconic. Although “Oenone” is not a lengthy poem, it still features a compelling and significant judgment scene, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. 

Treatment of Arthurian legend

“Morte d’Arthur” is the final part of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s epic poem Idylls of the King. In this section, the poet narrates the death of King Arthur and the fate of his sword, Excalibur. The Victorian era is marked by significant scientific advancements, but it is also characterized by a sense of restlessness. With the rise of science, many people began to lose faith in religion. King Arthur remains a central figure in England’s history.

The true understanding of materialism versus myth in “Morte d’Arthur” is revealed in the scene between Arthur and Sir Bedivere. Mortally wounded, Arthur commands Bedivere to throw Excalibur back into the lake from which it came. Bedivere runs to the lake, ready to fulfill his duty, when the sight of Excalibur’s hilt catches his eye. The hilt “twinkled with diamond sparks, / Myriads of topaz-lights, and jacinth-work / Of subtlest jewellery” (56-58). Initially prepared to throw the sword into the lake, Bedivere is instead captivated by its beauty. Unable to part with it, he chooses to conceal Excalibur “there in the many-knotted waterflags” (62-63) and returns to the king, lying about the sword’s fate.

Arthur immediately recognizes the lie and gently scolds Bedivere, reminding him that it is a “shameful thing for men to lie” (78). He orders Bedivere once again to cast the sword into the lake. Bedivere returns to the lake but is once more captivated by the “wonder of the hilt” (85). He rationalizes his disobedience, speaking of the sword in purely materialistic terms, describing it as a “precious thing... which might have pleased the eye of many men” (89-91). He imagines it displayed in a treasure house or at a tournament, disregarding its sanctity and mystery. Most significantly, he disobeys his king. 

Arthur does not respond kindly to Bedivere’s second betrayal, and he seems to grasp the motive behind it fully. He condemns Bedivere as “miserable and unkind, untrue, / Unknightly, traitor-hearted...” (119-120) and laments that Bedivere would “betray me for the precious hilt; Either from lust of gold, or like a girl / Valuing the giddy pleasure of the eyes” (126-128). While Arthur forgave Bedivere’s first offense as a crime of impulse, the second was a deliberate act of rationalization that the king could not condone. Bedivere consciously chose to keep the sword, a symbol of material perfection, over obeying his king’s orders. In this, Tennyson offers a critique of the materialism that permeated his own culture, illustrating that while the allure of material perfection is tempting, it must ultimately be set aside in favor of something deeper. 

Political satire in Piers Plowman

The first thing that comes to mind about William Langland after reading the poem Piers Plowman is his courage. We have to keep in mind that in those days, monarchy was prevalent in England, and it was not like the monarchy of today. Then, people could be executed for trivial reasons, and the king had absolute power. There was no sign of democracy, and giving any speech against the king or rulers would be considered treason in many cases and severely punished. So, the way William Langland satirized in Piers Plowman is truly remarkable. We will not see many examples of satire in England from that time. Piers Plowman cannot be completely called a political satire because he did not only satirize politics but also common people, the church, and everything else.

The political situation in England at that time was somewhat troubled. The war with France had been going on for many years, and the effects of the hostility with France impacted life in England as a whole. However, simultaneously, as a result of this war with France, a sense of nationalism developed among the people of England, leading to the establishment of a new system. The foundation of the new England that we later see during Elizabeth’s reign probably began in the time of William Langland and Geoffrey Chaucer. Gradually, the power of the king was decreasing while the power of influential landlords was increasing. Parliament was the meeting place of influential landlords, and the power of Parliament started to increase somewhat during this period.

Since the king had all the power, he would often become a tyrant. William Langland was against this and called for more power to be given to the common people. In doing so, he highlighted the poor conditions at the royal court of that time and mentioned a fable where mice wanted to tie a bell around the cat’s neck. Here, the mice represent the common people who want to control the cat or the king, but tying a bell around the cat’s neck is indeed a difficult task.

The effects of bad government were felt by common people. When a ruler of a country cannot govern properly, various problems arise, and the economic condition of the people deteriorates, thus increasing corruption. He talked about beggars who begged as a hobby. Many of them could support their own families, but still, they used to beg because they made more profit from it. These beggars used to drink alcohol and had no purpose in their lives. Those who were unemployed, businessmen, or merchants would give poor-quality goods to people, and by doing this, the condition of common people worsened, but these unemployed individuals and merchants were becoming rich. It is depicted here that the ruling system at that time was not good, and the king, along with his ministers and officials, was not very successful in controlling the people of different classes and professions in society.

In this poem, William Langland talks about the common people who were illiterate and not very enthusiastic about the development of society. They would be tempted by greed very easily, and in this way, a kind of unrest prevailed in society. In fact, Langland, by highlighting the problems of the state or the bad political conditions, meant to imply that, as a result, issues were emerging in both the church and social life. 

In England, in those days, writing political satire was very difficult because the king had so much power. The judicial system was not as strong as it is today, and there was hardly any personal freedom or freedom of speech. In those days, there were no daily newspapers, radio, or television. As a result, the rulers could easily become tyrannical if they wanted, and there was no way to restrain them. Therefore, Langland wanted a system of governance where common people would have more rights and be less oppressed. Although Piers Plowman cannot be called a complete political satire, he satirized the political conditions of his time in various ways.

How does D. H. Lawrence glorify novel in "Why the Novel Matters" essay?

In the history of English literature, D. H. Lawrence is considered one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century. His writings, on the one hand, have given rise to controversy and, on the other hand, have become extremely popular among many people. Therefore, there is no doubt that he will take up his pen in favor of the novel. His essay “Why the Novel Matters” is also an important addition to the history of literary criticism because here he portrays the novel as an important medium of literature. Before that, poetry and drama were considered the important mediums of literature, and everyone would give importance to poetry, especially. As a result, most of the literary criticism we find from the past is about poetry and discusses various aspects of poetry. In that context, D. H. Lawrence’s “Why the Novel Matters” is a different type of essay. Here, he mainly tries to highlight the importance and excellence of the novel.

According to D. H. Lawrence, other branches of knowledge are fragmented. In science, we see one kind of truth; in religion, we see another kind; and in philosophy, we see yet another kind. Therefore, in all these areas, we can only see fragmented pieces of truth, knowledge, and the universe. D. H. Lawrence has beautifully illustrated this point by discussing which aspects of a person science is interested in, which aspects a painter is interested in, and which aspects a philosopher is interested in. D. H. Lawrence tried to say that other branches of knowledge are not interested in the whole person.

On the other hand, a novel is something that seeks to portray the overall life of a person. By the term “human,” it does not just mean the hands, feet, eyes, and face, but also their thoughts, society, successes, failures, joys, and sorrows. Depicting all these aspects is the purpose of a novel. In fact, if we look at novels, we can see that each novel is as long in length as it is vast in terms of content. Therefore, a novel has many characters, can have many events, and can take a lot of time to develop. According to D. H. Lawrence, a novel is interested in all aspects of human life, and for this reason, its superiority over any branch of knowledge is undeniable.

Not only that, but in a novel, a man is alive and truly alive. In other branches of knowledge, people are more like dead and like an inanimate object. A philosopher ends up telling some moral stories, or perhaps, in the case of religion, we see this. Science provides some unemotional conclusions about humans. From this perspective, a person is alive in the novel, and when readers read, they often see a living person.

Another aspect of the novel that D. H. Lawrence considers extremely remarkable is that it portrays human society. We know that the main difference between animals and humans is that humans live in a society and are dependent on one another. These social relationships, dependencies, and exchanges are depicted in novels.

However, one thing that needs to be mentioned here is that by “novel,” D. H. Lawrence did not only mean a long story written in prose. According to him, the novel is the highest form of literature. Therefore, he considers the Bible to be an extraordinary novel, and he believes that the works of poets like Homer and Shakespeare fall into the category of novels. In this case, the main argument of D. H. Lawrence is that the Bible, as well as the works of Homer and Shakespeare, primarily discuss and portray all aspects of human life. He believes that a novelist should depict the full spectrum of human life in this way.

D. H. Lawrence began writing novels at a time when their popularity had skyrocketed, and he himself achieved considerable success. However, many people did not regard novels with much respect and were keen to give importance to drama and poetry. But D. H. Lawrence said that we must value novels because they complete human life in a way that no other branch of knowledge can. Therefore, according to D. H. Lawrence, novels will not only bring joy and entertainment to people’s minds but also teach them to think critically and help reveal the truths about human life and society. In novels, we can see both good and bad, not just moral lessons. Novels contain not only greatness but also baseness, good alongside evil, and success alongside failure. Thus, novels help to make human life meaningful. 

Emergence of Bangladesh

Some people may think that the emergence of Bangladesh began on March 26, 1971, when Bangladesh started its liberation war against Pakistan. However, the process of the emergence of Bangladesh started immediately after Pakistan was created on August 14, 1947. The Bengali people formed the majority of the population in the newly independent Pakistan, but it was the minority of people who lived either in West Pakistan or were non-Bengali speakers living in East Pakistan (today’s Bangladesh) who had absolute power and control of the country from the start. As a result, it was inevitable that the majority of Bengali people would become united and fight for their independence. The history of the emergence of Bangladesh can be divided into several stages. 

                                                Image Source 

In the first stage, awareness spread among the Bengali people. Bengali Muslims fought for Pakistan with the dream that in the new country they would become the majority and enjoy economic benefits. This did not materialize for two reasons. First, the minority people living in West Pakistan (mostly Punjabis) had control over the government, military, administration, and economy. Secondly, non-Bengalis coming from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar benefited from all the facilities in East Pakistan. Thus, the Bengali people were deprived of economic benefits by Punjabis not only in West Pakistan but also in their own land in East Pakistan. This awareness came shortly after Pakistan was created. In East Pakistan, educated people from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (most of them Urdu speakers) took government jobs, often neglecting Bengalis. As a result, these outsiders became economically rich and gained power and prestige in Dhaka and other major cities and towns in East Pakistan. This created a sense of deprivation and frustration among the educated people of East Pakistan or East Bengal. When the first draft of the Basic Principles Committee, which was supposed to prepare a constitution for Pakistan, came out, Bengali people felt frustrated and angry because they saw that their majority was not considered in the draft. In 1949, the Awami League issued a 42-point manifesto addressing the political demands of the Bengali people. In 1951, the Youth League was formed to raise awareness among Bengalis about their real condition. Meanwhile, the ruling Muslim League was advocating for the unity of Pakistan based on the religion of Islam.

In the second stage, the people of East Pakistan or East Bengal (today’s Bangladesh) evaluated the ideas put forward by Bengali nationalists as well as Muslim League supporters. During this time, the Muslim League started to lose its popularity. Political parties and student organizations advocating Bengali nationalism demanded that Bangla must be included as a state language of Pakistan alongside Urdu. Since Bengali people formed the majority in Pakistan, they believed their language must be included in the constitution as a national language of Pakistan. On the other hand, Muslim League leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Khawaja Nazimuddin supported Urdu and advocated that only Urdu should be the national language. The Bengali people, or most of them, realized that if Bengali was not made a national language, they would suffer in government jobs and education. Consequently, educated people took to the streets in large numbers to protest, leading to the language movement. The tragic incident of February 21, 1952, opened the eyes of many Bengali people to the true nature of the non-Bengali people of West Pakistan and East Pakistan.

This realization also brought a sense among the Bengali people that they must be united in demanding equality, fairness, and justice. This demand was echoed in the provincial assembly in East Bengal in 1954. A United Front consisting of political parties like the Awami League, Krishak-Sramik Party, and some other political, social, and cultural forces emerged. In this election, the Muslim League was almost wiped out in East Bengal or East Pakistan, winning only nine out of the 309 seats. Before the election, the United Front promised to advocate for Bengali culture and the interests of the Bengali people. This gained significant support among ordinary people, including the illiterate population living in villages. However, the United Front government could not continue, as the central government in West Pakistan dismissed the government within a few months and took power. It was a sad and frustrating time for the people living in today’s Bangladesh.

This frustration led the Bengali people to realize that they must demand more autonomy. Unfortunately, the leading party of the Bengali people, the Awami League, suffered a division in 1957 when Maulana Bhashani and his followers left to form the National Awami Party (NAP). Meanwhile, in the central government, military general Ayub Khan captured power and ruled from 1958 to 1969 with an iron hand. Ayub Khan was an autocratic ruler, and during his rule, the 1965 Indo-Pak war took place. During this war, the people in Bengal realized they were totally insecure because most of the Army, Navy, and Air Force soldiers and officers were in West Pakistan. Against this background, in 1966, Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced his revolutionary six-point demand. This demand called for maximum autonomy for East Pakistan and did not sit well with the rulers in West Pakistan. They feared that if the six points were implemented, they would no longer be able to exploit and treat East Pakistan as a colony. Consequently, they charged Sheikh Mujib and some of his followers with the Agartala Conspiracy Case. The main goal was to destroy Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League, thus silencing the Bengali demand for autonomy.

The Agartala Conspiracy Case, instead of silencing the voice of autonomy for the Bengali people, amplified it. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became immensely popular as the students of East Pakistan launched a massive campaign against Ayub Khan’s government. People from all walks of life joined the movement, demanding not only the release of Sheikh Mujib and other political prisoners but also greater autonomy for East Pakistan. This culminated in the mass uprising of 1969, which ensured the release of Sheikh Mujib and his followers from prison and ultimately brought an end to the tough dictatorship of Ayub Khan.

After Ayub Khan resigned, the head of the army, Yahya Khan, took power in early 1969 and promised that Pakistan would return to democratic rule, pledging to hand over power to representatives elected by the people. His government arranged an election in 1970 in which the Awami League won 160 seats, becoming the majority party in the upcoming parliament. Sheikh Mujib announced his intention to implement the six points, but the military and West Pakistani leaders were unwilling to hand over power to him. This led to massive protests in East Pakistan in March 1971. Realizing it was impossible to stop the Bengali people, the Pakistani army and political leaders like Bhutto decided to use brutal force. On the night of March 25, 1971, the military launched a crackdown on unarmed and innocent Bengali people, resulting in almost three million deaths. Bangladesh declared its independence on March 26, 1971, and victory was achieved on December 16 of the same year. It was a very tragic and bloody war during which two million women were raped. Nearly ten million people fled to neighboring India for refuge, suffering greatly from malnourishment and a lack of medical treatment. Thousands of people died in India due to these harsh conditions. Despite the immense suffering, the Bengali people were determined to finish what had started with the language movement in 1952. They sacrificed their lives but remained resolute in their quest for independence. With support from the Indian army, Bangladesh finally emerged as an independent nation.

The emergence of Bangladesh came at the cost of a lot of blood and the supreme sacrifice of millions of people. It is the duty of every citizen of the country to remember those who gave their lives and suffered for its creation, not only in 1971 but also from 1947 onwards. Because of their continuous efforts, Bangladesh became a democratic and independent country.

Character of the Holy Church in Piers Plowman

The main subject of Piers Plowman is the Holy Church and its features. In those days, the condition of the English church was deplorable. Corruption was widespread. We can see that he not only criticized the church but also wrote about how the real church should be. So, we can see the character of the Holy Church, which is the true Jesus Christ or the features of the Christian religion.

The first word in Christianity is God. God is the creator of this earth. So, we have to love God and seek his blessings. We will achieve true freedom in life only after receiving our blessings, and the church is the ideal medium.

Jesus Christ is the creator of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the savior of men. They believe that human beings have been saved by his arrival on earth, and he tried to save mankind all his life. All his life, he served human beings and loved them. He always tried to show them the right path. Human beings will achieve true freedom by walking on that path. The main function of the Holy Church is to save people and show them the right path.

The features of the church mentioned by Langland are not new, but the main problem is that in those days, the condition of churches in England and Europe was worse. The priests, instead of loving people, exploited them and became rich. As a result, people only suffered at the hands of the church.

In Book 1, three aspects of the Holy Church have been given importance. First, we have to believe in God and Jesus Christ. Then we will be able to reach the next stage. Those who do not believe in their hearts will not be able to prosper. So, we must have faith in God and Jesus Christ. Faith in God and Jesus Christ is the main foundation of every religion. In other religions around the world, a lot of emphasis has been placed on believing in God. In every major religious book, faith in God has been given the most importance, and then other matters have been discussed.

After faith, the next most important quality is Truth. Every day, we face lots of problems in this world, and often we have to lie. But if we keep lying and follow the wrong path, one day we will suffer. So, we should always remain truthful and honest and love truth. Those who remain honest and truthful believe in God. When we believe in God, we will be on the path of honesty because God emphasizes truth.

Loving God and Jesus Christ is an important duty. Jesus Christ loved men with all his heart. He did not even take revenge on those who killed him. He also advised others to forgive them.

The rich should show love to the poor. Those who are powerful can oppress poor people whenever they want, and it is very common. The Holy Church teaches us to show love and sympathy towards poor and weak people. We should help them. We only show kindness to someone when we love them. In the poem, the poet talks about two types of love— love towards God and love towards men.

Although William Langland was a 14th-century poet, he was a modern man in thought. He tried to show that Christianity is inherently good, but the priests ruined this religion. Hence, we all should return to the roots of Christianity and restore the original Holy Church.

The character of Volpone

Volpone is the central character of the play “Volpone.” It is hard to call him a protagonist because he lacks hero-like qualities; rather, it is better to think of him as a villain. In fact, there is no hero in the play “Volpone,” and we can consider two people as central characters: one is Volpone and the other is Mosca. It is absolutely impossible to think of these two as heroes because they have all the bad qualities in them. As for Volpone, it is very hard to find any good qualities in him. There is no doubt that he is intelligent and has a lot of wit, but he always uses his intelligence for evil purposes, and for this reason, it is reasonable for us to regard him as a villain rather than a hero. 

If we want to know the identity of Volpone, he is a noble and wealthy man with a lot of property. He used to live in Venice during the Renaissance and was undoubtedly an influential person. There is no doubt that he has more wealth than those he wishes to cheat out of their money. Moreover, he has no children, and there is much speculation about who will get his property after his death. Many people are greedy for his riches, and he always tries to amass his wealth by exploiting this greed, pretending that he will die soon. As a result, it is uncertain in whose hands his wealth will end up. So, whoever can satisfy him will be named in his will. 

Volpone is extremely greedy, and his greed knows no bounds. However, it is also true that he is not the only greedy person in this play; rather, he is trying to deceive those whose wealth he is attempting to seize. They are equally guilty of the same charge. Therefore, it is not fair to blame Volpone alone. He is greedy and a bad person, but those he is deceiving are not good people either. They are serving him with the thought that they will inherit his wealth upon his death. Thinking that he is an old man and will die after a few days, no one is giving him anything. So, although Volpone is greedy, it would be unfair for readers to blame him alone in this regard. 

One of his characteristics is that he does not trust anyone and tries to deceive everyone. Not trusting anyone may not be a bad thing, but trying to deceive everyone is definitely unfair and blameworthy. He understands who is greedy and always tries to exploit their greed. He always acts and performs extremely skillfully as an actor, so much so that others cannot catch him. Only Mosca knows his real secret. Besides Mosca, no one else knows his true story. Despite not being an actor in the play, we can easily say that in his personal life, he is much more skilled and professional than the actors in the drama. 

His real fault was that he trusted Mosca. He thought that Mosca was loyal to him, but he forgot that he was a bad guy and that Mosca was as bad as him. So, when he tried to fool everyone, Mosca also tried to cheat him, and not understanding this was his main fault, which led him into danger. He pretended that he was dead and that Mosca was the heir to his fortune. As a result, Mosca took full advantage and pretended not to recognize Volpone. Mosca showed that he had become the heir to all the wealth. This was Volpone’s only mistake: trusting Mosca. As a result, he was ruined. 

There is no doubt that Volpone is an abnormal person. He is rich and old. It is not right to expect that he will live for many more years. At this age, he might have thought about death or should have done some good deeds before dying or in his old age. However, he was greedy and abnormal, and he had no interest in doing any good deeds. He always thought more about dishonest acts and how to deceive and cheat people. 

Volpone was a cruel person and sometimes showed extreme cruelty. He tried to deprive a father of making his son the heir to his property. At the same time, he became infatuated with Celia’s beauty and tried to rape her. There is nothing worse than this because Celia was a virtuous woman, and his downfall mainly began with his failed attempt to rape her. Therefore, his cruelty ultimately brings about his danger, and this is how he is eventually destroyed. 

What we can see in Volpone’s character is that there is no good side to him. He loves beauty and goes mad upon seeing Celia’s beauty. At the same time, he has a poetic side. He sometimes recites poetry and, in this way, tries to woo Celia. However, he does not have any good qualities, and he is not interested in using his skills for good deeds. Volpone is a character with only negative traits, and throughout the play, we hardly see any good side to him. Although we can consider him a flat character, Ben Jonson was very skilled and presented this character very beautifully. So, even though there is no variation in Volpone’s character, there is no doubt that this character gives great pleasure to readers and stage audiences.