Gravesendgrammar Language Development

Delmore Schwartz, once celebrated as a poetic prodigy, has seen his reputation eroded by time and critical reassessment. Emerging as a wunderkind in the literary world, Schwartz’s early promise was undeniable, but his later work fell out of favour, overshadowed by its grandiosity and lack of subtlety.

Despite initial comparisons to literary giants like Hart Crane and Wallace Stevens, Schwartz’s poetry often lacked the depth and nuance of his contemporaries, leading to his gradual decline in the literary canon.

Early promise and swift decline

Schwartz’s early work captured the attention of the literary world, earning him accolades and a reputation as a rising star. However, as his career progressed, the very qualities that had once set him apart began to work against him.

His poetry, characterized by a tendency towards overwrought expression and grandiosity, started to alienate critics and readers alike. The initial brilliance that had marked his early poems gave way to a style seen as heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety.

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The burden of self-absorption

A critical factor in Schwartz’s decline was his inability to move beyond his early themes and metaphors. His work remained rooted in a self-absorption that prevented him from evolving as a poet. This stagnation, coupled with a complacency that crept into his later works, led to his gradual marginalisation in the literary world.

As James Atlas observes in his biography, the tragic life had long since become more riveting than the tragic art, underscoring how Schwartz’s struggles overshadowed his creative output.

Legacy and lessons

Today, Schwartz’s legacy is a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of artistic success. While his contemporaries like Elizabeth Bishop, John Berryman, and Robert Lowell left behind a body of work that continues to resonate, Schwartz’s poetry is largely forgotten, save for a few early pieces that are still anthologized.

His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the importance of continual growth and self-reflection in the pursuit of lasting artistic achievement.

Schwartz’s tragic downfall underscores the fragility of artistic success, highlighting how a lack of personal and professional development can lead to obscurity, despite early brilliance.

The study of Latin was crucial in medieval England for both the Church and the ruling class. As a result, grammar schools sprouted up across the country, with some of them being affiliated with Oxford University.

Notable grammar-masters

Grammar masters were instrumental in teaching generations of students how to read and write Latin. One of the most notable grammar masters in Oxford University history was John of Cornwall, who taught at Cat Hall on the east side of Cat Street.

He is often credited with bringing about a change in the way children learnt Latin, substituting English for French as the language of instruction.

Another famous grammar-master was John Leland, senior, who taught at Peckwater Inn and won a lasting reputation as a grammarian.

He wrote Distinctiones Rhetoricae and other literature, and he kept a school large enough to employ assistants.

Master Robert Lane, destined to hold a similar position of authority at Bristol Grammar School in the future, initially held the role of principal grammaticus under the guidance of John Leland.

John Anwykyll and his innovative approach

John Anwykyll’s appointment as the first head of Magdalen Free Grammar School marked a pivotal moment in the history of Latin education in England, as he introduced an innovative approach to teaching grammar that would go on to revolutionise the way students learned and understood this fundamental subject.

He consented to endeavour to qualify a select group of talented students, ultimately preparing them for careers as instructors who would disseminate his groundbreaking teaching approach.

Lasting impact

Throughout its storied past, Oxford University has been home to a succession of celebrated grammar-masters whose pedagogical innovations and contributions have had a lasting impact on grammar development, and the teaching and learning of Latin.

The significant and lasting effects of their work continue to be evident in the evolution of teaching methods.

English literature, with its rich tapestry of works spanning centuries, is a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and intellect. This exploration delves into key movements, writers, and works that have shaped English literature, from its early foundations to contemporary trends, and highlights the evolving perspectives that continue to enrich the literary landscape.

Early foundations and Medieval era

Old English literature, like the epic Beowulf, laid the groundwork for English storytelling with themes of heroism and fate. The medieval period brought chivalric romances such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, which depicted the social fabric of the time.

Renaissance to enlightenment

The Renaissance heralded William Shakespeare, whose plays like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet remain timeless. The Enlightenment shifted focus to reason and individualism, with Jonathan Swift’s satirical Gulliver’s Travels and Daniel Defoe’s pioneering novel Robinson Crusoe.

Romanticism and Victorian realism

The Romantic period celebrated nature and emotion, with poets like William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The Victorian era saw realism in works like Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and the Brontë sisters’ novels, which explored societal issues and human psyche.

Modernism and postcolonial literature

Modernism in the early 20th century brought experimentation with writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce. Postcolonial literature gave voice to those from former British colonies, with authors like Chinua Achebe and Salman Rushdie exploring themes of identity and colonial legacy.

Contemporary trends

Today, English literature is enriched by diverse voices and digital advancements. Environmental literature from authors like Barbara Kingsolver highlights ecological concerns. LGBTQ+ literature, with writers such as Sarah Waters, explores identity and societal acceptance. Speculative fiction by Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman continues to push imaginative boundaries.

Digital and global influence

Digital platforms have transformed how we engage with literature, making it more accessible and interactive. This has facilitated a global exchange of stories, enriching the literary landscape with diverse perspectives.

English literature remains a dynamic and evolving field, reflecting and shaping cultural and social narratives. As we embrace diverse voices and digital innovations, this literary tradition continues to inspire, provoke, and connect us across time and space.

Stories foster vulnerability, empathy, and connection between writers and readers. Indian literature, particularly in Hindi and English fiction, serves as a cultural mirror, sharing the Indian experience globally.

In an interview last year, author Salman Rushdie, reflecting on his near-death experience in New York, remarked, „Dictators fear poets,“ despite writers lacking armies.

Rushdie is shortlisted for the English fiction category of the 2024 Valley of Words (VoW) Book Awards. VoW has been announcing its shortlist weekly during P.N. Panicker Reading Month (9 June to 19 July).

Who made it?

The selection features insightful non-fiction in Hindi and English, as well as significant translations of Bhashas of Bharat into both languages, highlighting the importance of these works in a divided world.

English fiction often employs a precisely stylised writing style when appropriate, while Hindi fiction tends to be more rhythmic. Both, however, showcase regional variance.

Professor Surekha Dangwal, an English fiction jury member, noted that this year’s shortlist includes stories about the partition, societal constraints on women and marginalised groups, and an epic reimagining of a lost Indian tale. One book addresses the struggles of Tibetan exiles. The 2024 VoW English Fiction shortlist includes:

Tsering Yangzom Lama’s „We Measure the Earth with Our Bodies“ (Bloomsbury), Smriti Ravindra’s „The Woman Who Climbed Trees“ (HarperCollins), Aanchal Malhotra’s „The Book of Everlasting Things“ (HarperCollins), Sarbpreet Singh’s „The Sufi’s Nightingale“ (Speaking Tiger) and Salman Rushdie’s „Victory City“ (Penguin).

Neelesh Raghuvanshi, the Hindi fiction juror, described the selection process as challenging. The chosen tales explore themes of tenacity, existence, and hope, blending magical elements with realistic complexity and social commentary. The 2024 VoW Hindi Fiction shortlist includes:

Prabhat Pranit’s „Vaishalinama: Loktantra ki Janmkatha“ (Radhakrishna), Lovely Goswami’s „Vanika“ (Vani), Uday Prakash’s „Antim Nimbu“ (Vani), Geet Chaturvedi’s „Simsim“ (Hindi Yugm) and Upasana’s „Dariya Bandar Kot“ (Hindi Yugm).

As they commemorate the accomplishments of these esteemed authors, let them not forget the profound impact that literature has on their lives and cultures, transcending linguistic boundaries.

The world of publishing can be a daunting one for aspiring authors, with numerous rejections often being part of the journey to success.

Let’s look at nine famous books that faced numerous rejections before achieving literary acclaim.

Dune. The bestselling science fiction novel of all time was rejected at least 20 times before being adapted into different mediums and winning a Hugo and a Nebula Award.

Moby Dick. Who doesn’t know Moby Dick these days? Sadly, during the author’s lifetime, the very few copies printed sold even less.

The Giving Tree. The author of one of the best-known children’s books of all time was told that it would never sell. The well-loved book has now been translated into numerous languages.

A Wrinkle in Time. This work was rejected over 25 times before becoming an international bestseller. It has a film adaptation and has won numerous awards, including the Newberry Medal.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. One of the best known-American stories, this has been translated into multiple languages and adapted into films, musicals, and miniseries. It was rejected so many times that Baum kept „A Record of Failure“, bearing all the rejection letters he received.

Instant hits

Gone with the Wind. Before enjoying instant success, the manuscript was rejected by close to 40 publishers. The Pulitzer Prize winning novel is the second most popular book in America.

Lolita. This masterpiece went through so many publishers before becoming the instant bestseller that it was. It is fourth on Modern Library’s „100 Best Novels“.

Twilight became No. 5 on New York Time’s Bestseller after only a month of publication. 14 literary agents rejected it before it became outrageously successful.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Thanks to a nagging daughter, an agent greenlighted this book after over 10 rejections. It easily became an international sensation.

Overcoming rejection can be challenging, but the rewards of perseverance are well worth it.

At some point in your academic journey, you’ll find yourself tasked with writing a literature review. To tackle this challenge successfully, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and truly understand the ins and outs of crafting a compelling review.

A literature review is essential to research papers, thesis projects, or dissertations. It critically evaluates existing knowledge on a specific topic to provide context, demonstrate understanding, and identify gaps for further investigation.

Writing a good literature review

Writing a compelling literature review entails weaving together existing research to paint a vivid picture of the topic, identifying critical insights and unanswered questions that underscore the significance of your study.

How to achieve that? Here are some tips.

Identify relevant sources

Start your literature review with thorough academic research to find comprehensive sources, beginning with specialized books and moving on to academic databases for peer-reviewed journal articles to expand your dataset effectively.

Vet sources for quality

Rely on high-quality evidence from academic journals and books by experts in your field. Avoid over-reliance on less credible online sources like blogs or opinion pieces to build a solid foundation for your writing.

Identify trends and missing data points

Apply critical thinking and systematic data categorization to uncover patterns and trends in existing research, prioritizing this analytical approach over simple summarization of others‘ findings in your literature review.

Create an outline

Develop a structured outline that highlights the main concepts of your literature review to ensure a focused and efficient writing process while reducing the risk of straying from your intended direction.

Write the review

Start by thoroughly introducing the topic, clarifying its definitions, and emphasizing critical components that demand attention during research. Then, briefly outline each section of your review before delving into a detailed exploration of each.

Mastering the art of crafting a literature review is crucial in academia. By synthesizing existing knowledge effectively, you demonstrate your understanding and contribute meaningfully to your field.

American literature has been profoundly shaped by a rich tapestry of voices, each contributing uniquely to the cultural and intellectual landscape.

Among these luminaries are fifteen authors whose words have not only resonated through the ages but have also offered profound insights into the human condition. From Mark Twain’s timeless wisdom on the essence of life to Ernest Hemingway’s call to write with honesty and depth echoes the power of storytelling to unveil profound truths.

Inspiring words from literary legends

Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) – „The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.“ Twain’s quote encapsulates the essence of self-discovery and purpose. It highlights the significance of understanding one’s reason for existence, emphasizing the journey of finding meaning in life.

Ernest Hemingway – „Write hard and clear about what hurts.“ Hemingway’s quote speaks to the power of honest and impactful writing. It encourages writers to delve deep into their emotions and experiences, using clarity and sincerity to convey profound truths.

Harper Lee – „Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.“ Lee’s quote redefines courage as perseverance despite knowing the odds. It emphasizes the bravery of taking on challenges even when success seems unlikely.

Edgar Allan Poe – „All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.“ Poe’s quote delves into the nature of reality and perception. It suggests that our experiences may be subjective and fleeting, akin to dreams within a larger dream.

Langston Hughes – „Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.“ Hughes‘ quote emphasizes the importance of hope and aspirations. It underscores the impact of losing sight of our dreams on our ability to thrive and find fulfillment.

Ralph Waldo Emerson – „Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.“ Emerson urges us to embrace innovation and individuality. By venturing into uncharted territory, we not only forge new paths but also inspire others to follow their unique journeys.

James Baldwin – „Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.“ Baldwin emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges. While we may not alter every circumstance, acknowledging and addressing issues is the first step toward meaningful change.

Ray Bradbury – „You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.“ Bradbury’s quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the power of knowledge and the dangers of apathy. It underscores the vital role of literature in preserving cultural richness and intellectual curiosity.

Emily Dickinson – „Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tunes without the words—and never stops at all.“ Dickinson’s metaphorical portrayal of hope as an enduring and resilient force highlights its profound impact on the human spirit. It symbolizes the innate capacity for optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.

F. Scott Fitzgerald – „The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.“ Fitzgerald’s quote challenges conventional thinking by advocating for intellectual flexibility and open-mindedness. It suggests that true intelligence encompasses the capacity to reconcile conflicting perspectives and maintain cognitive agility.

These quotes encapsulate the wisdom, courage, and creativity of some of the greatest minds in American literature. Each one offers a glimpse into the author’s perspective on life, writing, and the human experience, providing timeless inspiration for readers and writers alike.

Discover the richness of the written word and harness it to your advantage with these literary treasures.

Global media, international business, and global communication in general is still predominantly English. As such, building on your fluency is a worthwhile expenditure of your time and resources.

Effective communication needs to be built on a solid foundation in English grammar. The timeless classic „English Grammar in Use“ by Raymond Murphy dives deep into the intricacies of English grammar, covering topics such as verb tenses, sentence structure, and parts of speech.

„Fluent English: Perfect Natural Speech, Sharpen Your Grammar, Master Idioms, Speak Fluently“ by Barbara Raifsnider is a book devoted to imparting knowledge by making it enjoyable for the reader. In 30 days, master a Word-viewing skill that will be useful for college applications, scholarships, and so much more.

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Learn the fundamental principles of effective writing, including concision, clarity, and proper usage with William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White’s „The Elements of Style“.

Widening the net

„Word Power Made Easy“ by Norman Lewis is an indispensable resource for systematic learning of new words and improving word usage.

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Powerful, effective speakers handle stage fright in a way that helps them gain self-assurance, make people listen, and keep them listening. “Enhancing Your Personality & Communication Skills” by B. Singh and Gagan Grover takes care of that.

“Mastering Idioms” by Felicity O’Dell and Michael McCarthy helps in understanding an integral part of the English language.

„English Grammar (Language Workbook)“ by Richard Hudson has 16 chapters addressing the most important facets. Verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, and more is drilled into one’s system with the use of exercises. Every rule that matters in spoken English and grammar is thoroughly explained and relevant examples are provided.

Achieve fluency in the highly-prized skill of speaking English fluently. Our interconnected world makes it a must.