Category: Victorian Curriculum
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“Strange Meeting” by Wilfred Owen
“Strange Meeting” is a poem written by Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet and soldier during World War I. It explores the horrors and futility of war and offers a powerful meditation on the profound human connection that transcends enemy lines. The poem takes the form of a dialogue between two soldiers who have died…
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“Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats
“Second Coming” is a poem written by W.B. Yeats, one of the most renowned Irish poets of the 20th century. It was composed during a period of significant social and political upheaval, following the devastation of World War I and the subsequent disillusionment and uncertainty felt by many. The poem begins with the iconic line,…
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“Hard Times” by Charles Dickens
“Hard Times” is a novel written by Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated English authors of the 19th century. The novel explores themes of industrialization, social class, and the dehumanizing effects of a utilitarian society. The story is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, a symbol of the harsh realities of the…
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“Final Solutions” by Mahesh Dattani
“Final Solutions” is a play written by Mahesh Dattani, a renowned Indian playwright. The play delves into themes of communalism, religious conflict, and the impact of social and political ideologies on personal relationships. The play is set in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots, a period of intense religious violence in India. It revolves…
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“Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” by Walt Whitman
“Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking” is a poem written by Walt Whitman, one of the most influential American poets of the 19th century. It is a lyrical and deeply introspective piece that explores themes of nature, loss, and the power of memory. The poem is narrated by a speaker who reminisces about his childhood…
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“Sunne Rising” by John Donne
“Sunne Rising” is a metaphysical poem written by the English poet John Donne. It explores themes of love, time, and the power of the sun. The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the speaker addressing the rising sun and expressing his frustration at being interrupted in his intimate moments with his lover. The…
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“The Bus” by Arun Kolatkar
“The Bus” is a poem written by Arun Kolatkar, an Indian poet known for his experimental and evocative poetry. The poem provides a vivid and sensory exploration of a bus journey, capturing the chaotic and multifaceted nature of urban life. The poem begins by setting the scene on a crowded bus. Kolatkar immediately immerses the…
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“The Captive Air of Chandipur-on-Sea” by Jayant Mahapatra
“The Captive Air of Chandipur-on-Sea” is a poem written by Jayant Mahapatra, an Indian poet known for his evocative and introspective verse. The poem explores the theme of captivity, both literal and metaphorical, through the lens of the coastal town of Chandipur-on-Sea in Odisha, India. The poem begins by setting the scene in Chandipur-on-Sea, a…
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“Sea Breeze Bombay” by Adil Jussawala
“Sea Breeze Bombay” is a poem written by Adil Jussawala, an Indian poet known for his distinct voice and unique style. The poem captures the essence of Bombay (now Mumbai), a bustling coastal city in India, and explores the themes of urban life, nostalgia, and the power of nature. The poem begins by evoking the…
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“The Striders” by A.K. Ramanujan
“The Striders” is a poem written by A.K. Ramanujan, an acclaimed Indian poet, translator, and scholar. The poem reflects on the theme of human existence, mortality, and the transient nature of life. It explores the idea that individuals are like “striders” who move through the world, leaving their footprints behind. The poem begins by presenting…