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  “The Mirror and the Lamp” by M.H. Abrams – Detailed Analysis Introduction: Published in 1953, The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition by M.H. Abrams is a foundational work of literary criticism. It provides a historical and conceptual framework for understanding how literature and criticism evolved from the Neoclassical period to the Romantic era. Abrams categorizes different theories of art and literature based on what they consider to be the essence of poetry—whether it reflects the world, expresses the artist’s inner world, or serves some moral or didactic function. Central Thesis: Abrams argues that literary theory historically shifted from a "mirror" model—where literature reflects external reality—to a "lamp" model—where literature expresses the inner light of the poet. This change was most pronounced in the Romantic period. Four Critical Orientations: Abrams identifies four major elements involved in any work of art: ...

  Real-World Applications of M.H. Abrams’ “The Mirror and the Lamp” Theory M.H. Abrams’ metaphor of the mirror and the lamp provides a timeless framework for understanding not only literature but also modern media, art, personal expression, and even social trends. Here's how the theory applies in real-world contexts: 1. Literature and Creative Writing Today Mirror Approach in Modern Fiction : Realist novels like The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) or A Thousand Splendid Suns reflect the political, cultural, and emotional realities of Afghanistan. These works "mirror" real-world experiences—aligning with the mimetic tradition. Lamp Approach in Poetry & Personal Essays : Confessional poets like Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton write with raw emotion, projecting internal psychological states. Today’s memoirs and spoken-word poetry often focus on identity, trauma, and personal transformation—true to the expressive model. 2. Social Media &...

Shams Tabrizi’s 40 Rules Of Love: Rule 1–10 Rule 1 How we see God is a direct reflection of how we see ourselves; we don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are. If God brings to mind mostly fear and blame, it means there is too much fear and blames welled inside us. If we see God as full of Love and compassion, so are we. Rule 2 The path to the Truth is a labor of the heart, not of the head. Make your heart your primary guide! Not your mind. Meet, challenge, and ultimately prevail over your nafs (false ego)with your heart. Knowing your false ego will lead you to the Knowledge of God. Rule 3 You can study God through everything and everyone in the universe because God is not confined in a mosque, synagogue, or church. But if you are still in need of knowing where exactly His abode is, there is only one place to look for him: in the heart of a true lover. Rule 4 Intellect and Love are made of different materials. Intellect ties people in knots and risks nothing, but love dissolv...

  "The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition" by M.H. Abrams is one of the most influential works in literary criticism. Published in 1953, it explores the shift in literary theory from the neoclassical to the Romantic era. Below is a detailed explanation of the book, chapter by chapter, with key ideas and analysis. 📘 Overview and Central Metaphors Abrams uses two central metaphors: Mirror : Represents neoclassical theory — literature reflects the external world (objective reality). Lamp : Represents Romantic theory — literature shines from within the author, expressing internal feelings, imagination, and creativity. 🧠 Main Argument Literary criticism evolved from objective imitation (classical thought) to subjective expression (Romanticism). Abrams traces this transformation, showing how the poet's inner world became central in Romantic literature. 🧩 Chapter-Wise Detailed Summary Chapter 1: Orientation of Critical Th...

  “No Ceasefire Without Justice”: Iran’s Bold Stand Against Zionist Aggression Iran has rejected a Western-brokered ceasefire, standing firm against Israel’s ongoing bombardment. From an Islamic perspective, Iran’s defiance reflects faith, honor, and resistance against oppression.   Iran Says No to Injustice — A Voice of the Ummah While world powers push for a ceasefire, Iran has made its position clear : “There can be no peace without justice, no truce while bombs fall on our people.” This isn’t mere defiance — it’s a sacred stand for sovereignty , a message to the world that Muslim dignity is not negotiable under foreign pressure or fear of fire. Islamic Perspective: Resistance Is Worship Islam does not promote blind aggression , but it demands that Muslims defend themselves, their land, and the oppressed. “And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children…” — Qur’an 4:75 Iran...

Iran–Israel War Update: Ceasefire Declared Amid Heavy Casualties and Global Tensions 🕊️ Ceasefire Announced After Days of Devastation In a dramatic turn of events, a ceasefire has been declared between Iran and Israel, bringing a temporary end to what many feared could evolve into a full-scale regional war. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire, effective within 24 hours, calling it a "victory for diplomacy and humanity." While Iran has agreed to the terms, Israel remains cautious, awaiting further assurances before pulling back. European powers, including France, Germany, and the UK , are leading diplomatic efforts in Geneva to ensure the ceasefire holds. 💥 The War So Far: Strikes, Deaths, and Devastation The past two weeks saw some of the most intense military exchanges between Iran and Israel in modern history: Iranian missile attacks struck deep into Israeli cities, including a hospital, leaving over 1,000 injured and dozens dead. In ret...

 The Transcendental Movement was a 19th-century philosophical and literary movement that emerged in New England, USA , around the 1830s and 1840s. It was rooted in Romanticism , Idealism , and individual spirituality , and it profoundly shaped American thought, literature, and culture. 📘 What is Transcendentalism? Transcendentalism emphasized: The inherent goodness of people and nature Individual intuition as the highest source of knowledge Self-reliance and independence The spiritual over the material It suggested that true understanding comes not from the senses or logic, but from intuition and spiritual insight that "transcends" physical experience — hence the name Transcendentalism . 🌱 Historical Context Emerged in the 1830s in Massachusetts Grew as a reaction against: The rationalism of the Enlightenment The rigid religious doctrines of Puritanism and Calvinism The materialism of industrial society Influenced by German Ideal...

 B iography of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) — the American philosopher, essayist, poet, and central figure in the Transcendentalist movement. 🧔‍♂️ Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Detailed Biography 📍 Birth and Early Life (1803–1821) Born : May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts , into a respected New England family. Father : William Emerson, a Unitarian minister who died when Ralph was just 8 years old . Mother : Ruth Haskins Emerson raised Ralph and his siblings with discipline and moral values. Emerson was one of eight children , though several died young. He attended the Boston Latin School and later Harvard College , entering at age 14 and graduating in 1821. 📚 Early Career and Ministry (1821–1832) After Harvard, Emerson worked as a schoolteacher and then entered Harvard Divinity School , preparing to follow in his father's footsteps. In 1829 , he became a Unitarian minister and was appointed pastor of the Second Church of Boston . Around this t...

🕌 “We Are Hussaini: Fighting with Honor, Never Bowing” – An Islamic Perspective on Resistance and Martyrdom Published on: June 22, 2025 Author:  pen and paper 📌 Introduction The words of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei reflect the true spirit of Islamic resistance and martyrdom. His message, “Agar main shaheed ho gaya to rona nahin, khush hona” ("If I am martyred, do not cry—be happy") is not merely a political statement—it’s a profound declaration of Islamic faith, honor, and Husayni courage. This blog explores this concept in the light of the teachings of the Qur’an, Hadith, and the legacy of Imam Hussain (RA). ✨ Martyrdom (Shahadat): A Blessing, Not a Tragedy In Islam, martyrdom is considered the highest rank a believer can achieve. The Qur’an says: “And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:154) Ayatollah Khamenei’s words remind us that the death of a martyr is no...

  📰 Trump’s Aggressive Stance on Iran: A Closer Look at the U.S.-Iran Conflict Published on: June 22, 2025 Author:  Pen and Paper 📌 Introduction Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, took a very tough approach toward Iran during his time in office. His policies, speeches, and actions created serious tension between the two countries, especially in 2020. This blog explains what happened, why it happened, and what it meant for the world. ⏳ Background The U.S. and Iran have had a difficult relationship since 1979. After the Islamic Revolution in Iran, ties between the two countries became hostile. Over the years, they clashed over oil, nuclear weapons, and regional influence. But things became even more serious when Trump became president. 🔥 What Caused the Conflict? When Trump became President in 2017, he said he would end the Iran Nuclear Deal, which had been signed under President Obama. Here’s what he did: In May 2018 , Trump pulled the...

  "We Will Never Compromise": Iran’s Supreme Leader Reinforces Stance Against Israel Introduction In a bold and uncompromising statement that is likely to inflame tensions in an already volatile region, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reiterated his hardline stance against Israel. Speaking at a high-level political and religious gathering in Tehran, Khamenei declared that “we will never compromise” with the state of Israel, doubling down on decades of enmity and ideological opposition between the two nations. This statement comes at a time of heightened instability in the Middle East, where proxy conflicts, nuclear negotiations, and shifting alliances are reshaping geopolitical dynamics. A History of Hostility Iran and Israel have had no diplomatic relations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought Khamenei’s predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to power. The Islamic Republic has consistently refused to recognize the state of Israel, re...

  Trump’s Hardline Diplomacy: His Views on the Israel-Iran War 📰 Background & Timeline Escalation begins (mid-June 2025): Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including targeted airstrikes deep inside Iran, resulting in hundreds of casualties and damaged infrastructure . Tehran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel, prompting regional alarm. Trump steps in: Former President Trump asserted that Israel’s offensives were “excellent” and “very successful,” warning Iran to “make a deal … or face even more brutal military action”. 🗣️ A Diplomat or Hawk? Trump’s Dual Stance 1. Push for Diplomacy — with a deadline Iran deal revival: Trump has repeatedly endorsed reviving a nuclear deal with Iran—if and only if it ceases uranium enrichment, halts proxy warfare (e.g. Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis), and fully verifiably dismantles its weapons ambitions.  Talks in Oman: He announced “direct” U.S.–Iran nuclear discussions, scheduled in...

 Global and Geopolitical Unrest: A World on Edge – June 17, 2025 The world’s geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, and today marks yet another turning point. With tensions escalating in the Middle East and global leaders reacting swiftly, international stability hangs in the balance.  🚨 Middle East Tensions Reach Boiling Point In a bold and alarming development, Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit Tehran , targeting key infrastructure, including Iran's state television headquarters. This follows weeks of rising hostility between Israel and Iran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated the rhetoric further, calling for “ everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran” in a social media post. While not an official U.S. policy statement, it sent shockwaves through global diplomatic and civilian circles. Adding to the urgency, Israel officially warned 300,000 residents in Tehran to evacuate, signaling a potential expansion of military operations.  🧭 G7 Diplomacy Under...

  🧠 Hamlet Through the Lens of Psychoanalytic Theory ⚡ 1. The Oedipus Complex Sigmund Freud’s most famous application of psychoanalysis to literature is his interpretation of Hamlet through the Oedipus complex —a child's unconscious sexual desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent. Freud’s Argument : Hamlet harbors unconscious desires for his mother, Queen Gertrude . His disgust toward Claudius , who has married Gertrude, is fueled by repressed jealousy —Claudius has done what Hamlet secretly wished to do. Thus, Hamlet’s inability to act (i.e., kill Claudius) stems from repressed guilt —Claudius has fulfilled Hamlet’s own forbidden wish. Freud argued: "The loathing which should drive him to revenge is replaced in him by self-reproaches, by scruples of conscience..." 🧩 2. Repression and the Unconscious Hamlet’s character is haunted by inner conflict —his thoughts, dreams, and madness (real or feigned) are cons...

   🇮🇱⚔️🇮🇷 The Israel–Iran War of 2025: Full Analysis of a Historic Conflict Introduction In June 2025, the longstanding shadow war between Israel and Iran erupted into open, direct military conflict for the first time in modern history. What began as decades of proxy battles in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon has now become a full-scale war involving missiles, drones, airstrikes, and cyberattacks—causing widespread regional and global alarm. This blog takes an in-depth look at the causes, timeline, tactics, human toll, and global implications of the Israel–Iran war. #⚠️ 1. Historical Background: From Proxy War to Direct Fire For decades, Israel and Iran have been enemies locked in a strategic and ideological battle. Iran, through its Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, has supported anti-Israel militants across the Middle East. Israel, in turn, has carried out numerous covert operations, cyberattacks (like the Stuxnet worm), and airstrikes agai...

Exploring Henry Fielding’s Joseph Andrews: A Foundation of English Comic Novel By Mariam Malik Henry Fielding’s Joseph Andrews , first published in 1742, is a cornerstone of English literature and an early example of the comic novel. Often overshadowed by later literary giants like Dickens or Austen, Fielding’s work remains an essential read for anyone interested in the origins of the English novel, the development of satire, and the interplay between morality and humor in literature. Background: Who Was Henry Fielding? Henry Fielding (1707–1754) was a novelist, playwright, and magistrate who helped shape the English novel into what we recognize today. Before turning to prose, Fielding was a successful playwright. However, a licensing act in 1737 restricted stage performances, pushing him toward fiction. Joseph Andrews was his first full-length novel, and it followed the publication of his satirical pamphlet Shamela,a parody of Samuel Richardson’s moral novel Pamela. Fielding’s aim wa...