Literature Analysis: Tolstoy and Gibran

Leo Tolstoy was a Russian novelist, short story writer, playwright and philosopher who became famous in his 20s for his war stories and semi-autobiographical works. He later became known for his moralistic and ascetic views, which he adopted after a spiritual awakening in the 1870s.

Tolstoy’s early works include "Sevastopol Sketches" based on his experiences in the Crimean War, and "Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth" (1855-1858), a semi-autobiographical trilogy.

Tolstoy later became a prolific writer, writing additional novels, short stories, plays, and essays. His most known works include "The Death of Ivan Ilych", "Family Happiness", and "Hadji Murad."

Kahlil Gibran was a Lebanese-American artist and poet known for his poetic essays. His most well-known work, "The Prophet," has been translated into more than 25 languages, including Kannada.

"The Prophet" is a collection of poetic essays that address various aspects of life, including love, marriage, children, work, and joy.

The excerpt "On Children" from "The Prophet" explores the parent-child relationship, urging parents to let go of possessive expectations and encourage their children’s individuality.

Gibran critiques conventional parenting practices that emphasize control and conformity, suggesting parents should foster their children's independence and individuality.

The "Chipko" movement was a non-violent movement that began in India, where villagers peacefully protested against deforestation by hugging trees.

The Chipko movement, a nonviolent resistance against deforestation in the Himalayan region, involved women actively protecting the forests.

The Chipko movement emerged as a response to the large-scale deforestation in the Himalayan region, which resulted in harmful consequences like landslides, floods, and scarcity of resources.

The Chipko movement highlighted the critical role of women in resource management, underscoring their understanding of the true value of forests beyond timber.

Women, who relied on forest resources for daily life, faced the brunt of the deforestation, as they had to walk further for water and fuelwood, adding to their burden.

The Chipko movement saw women physically embracing trees to prevent logging, symbolizing their commitment to protect the vital forests.

The Chipko movement showcased the power of women's collective action and their deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the environment and human life.

The Chipko movement embodied a unique approach to conservation, challenging the dominant view of forests as solely a source of timber. Instead, it emphasized the holistic value of forests in providing various essential resources, including water, soil, and clean air.

The Chipko movement, through its emphasis on women's knowledge and their collective action, inspired a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable approach to environmental conservation.

A polite way of saying "I don't care to listen to you."

Dona Laura is not bothered by Don Gonzalo reading aloud because she is also distracted by other thoughts.

The act of clearing one's head, often through a physical action like taking a deep breath or, in this case, using snuff.

A way of describing a shared experience or feeling. It often emphasizes the surprising similarity between two individuals.

Don Gonzalo's way of making a point about his actions.

A phrase used to describe a wasteful or unproductive activity, often with a hint of disapproval.

An act of ending a conversation, typically by stating that someone wants to focus on a particular task.

A suggestion that the conversation is over and the two individuals can be at peace, at least temporarily.

A method of surpassing someone by focusing on their weaknesses, highlighting their vulnerabilities to reach a higher position.

A form of revenge that involves making the target irrelevant or insignificant by taking away their purpose or essence.

The relentless pursuit of revenge or the need to overcome challenges, often becoming an unavoidable part of human existence.

The human experience of feeling insignificant or forgotten after a certain age, often losing one's identity and becoming a nameless presence.

The emotional turmoil and unease that arises when a long-standing hostility suddenly disappears, leaving a void in one's identity and purpose.

The ability of a nation to withstand significant challenges and societal changes, unlike individuals who may crumble under such pressures.

The act of self-destruction or relinquishing one's identity in order to cause harm or achieve revenge against another.

The complex and unpredictable nature of human beings, characterized by a constant search for purpose and a tendency towards revenge-seeking behavior.

A person who helps a politician or political party win an election.

The election booths where voters cast their ballots, typically in a private or semi-private space.

The individuals authorized to oversee the election process, including ballot collection and counting.

A method of voting where a person chooses a single candidate from a list.

Marking a voter's thumb with ink to prevent multiple voting.

The story involves a character named Roof who votes in an election. The narrator observes Roof's inner conflict and actions.

The story focuses on the conflict between Western and traditional African values during the colonial era.

The use of stories, proverbs, and speeches in Achebe's writing style, reflecting traditional African storytelling techniques.

A Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician known for his diverse style, including surrealist poems, historical epics, and passionate love poems.

The speaker describes a foot that is confined in a shoe and, through this confinement, experiences the world.

The foot becomes hardened and calloused, symbolizing the wear and tear of life, a gradual loss of sensitivity, and a constant, relentless journey.

The foot's journey represents the ever-going nature of human life, constantly moving through different experiences.

The foot eventually goes underground, symbolizing a state of unknown and uncertain transition.

The poem's ending leaves the reader contemplating the nature of life, questioning existence, and the meaning of death.

The poem uses a combination of imagery, metaphors, and symbolism to convey the complex journey of human life and its experiences.

Alastair Reid is a renowned translator and writer known for his work translating poetry from various languages, including Spanish.