Assignment 103 : Navigating Colonial Landscapes: Unveiling the Byronic Hero in Literature

 This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 103 - Litrature of The Romantics, Sem - 1, 2023.

Navigating Colonial Landscapes: Unveiling the Byronic Hero in Literature

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information
• Assignment Details
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Childe Harold: Embracing the Melancholy Byronic Hero
• Dorian Gray: Byronic Hero's Tragic Entanglement
• Gatsby: The American Byronic Heros’ Futile Quest
• Okonkwo's Tragic Struggle: The Byronic Hero in a Colonial Landscape
• Devdas: The Byronic Hero's Tragic Quest in a Changing Bengal
• Conclusion
• References

Personal Information:-

• Name:- Dhatri Parmar
• Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2025)
• Enrollment Number:- 5108230032
• E-mail Address:-dhatriparmar291@gmail.com
• Roll Number:- 7

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Navigating Colonial Landscapes: Unveiling the Byronic Hero in Literature

Paper & subject code:- 103 - Literature of the Romantics & 22394

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023

Abstract : 

This paper explores the "Byronic hero" in stories from colonial and postcolonial times. Originating in Lord Byron’s 19th century poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,Byronic heroes, like in Lord Byron's poem, are brooding, rebellious, and struggle with fitting in. Canonical literary works featuring iconic Byronic protagonists are examined, spanning British Victorian literature (The Picture of Dorian Gray), American Jazz Age writing (The Great Gatsby), and postcolonial African (Things Fall Apart) and Indian (Devdas) novels. Despite their different cultures, the paper shows how these characters deal with fitting in or standing out. They represent conflicts between tradition and progress and feeling a part of or apart from society. The paper argues that these heroes symbolize fears and challenges of cultural identity and change during colonialism and modern times, warning that their rebellious nature might not bring stability in changing societies.

Key Words : Byronic hero, Colonial/postcolonial literature, Cultural identity,Tradition vs. progress,Societal belonging

Introduction : 

The emergence of the Byronic hero came about during the Romantic era, a period in the late 18th to early 19th centuries marked by a focus on emotion, individualism, and a rebellion against societal norms. Lord Byron, a prominent figure of this era, introduced the archetype through his literary works. This period saw a shift in literature, where characters became more complex and introspective, reflecting the changing social and political landscapes. The Byronic hero embodied this shift, standing as a rebellious figure against authority, often struggling with inner conflicts and defying conventional morality. The historical context of societal changes, the aftermath of revolutions, and a growing emphasis on personal expression all contributed to the creation and popularity of the Byronic hero as a symbol of individualism and emotional depth in literature.

Byronic heroes are found in stories from colonial and postcolonial times. These heroes, like in England, America, Africa, and India, deal with big changes caused by powerful rulers and cultural changes. Looking at famous Byronic heroes from these places shows how they struggle with being themselves or fitting into society. They face questions about being alone or part of a group, staying where they are or following new ways, and dealing with the past or moving forward in places affected by colonialism.

Pascall highlights Macaulay's early depiction of the archetypal Byronic hero in a review from 1831: "a man proud, moody, cynical, with defiance on his brow, and misery in his heart, a scorner of his kind, implacable in revenge, yet capable of deep and strong affection."

Childe Harold: Embracing the Melancholy Byronic Hero : 

Lord Byron created the idea of the Byronic hero in his poem "Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage" in 1812. The story follows a young man named Harold who travels around Europe feeling tired and sad because of mistakes he made in the past. He wanders around to avoid thinking about these dark feelings and the things he did wrong. He's proud and likes being on his own, away from society.

In the poem’s third stanza, Childe Harold feels troubled by his family's reputation and wants to break free from it. This connects to how, during colonial times, people were judged based on their family background. Just like those in colonial settings who wanted to escape restrictions linked to their family's history, Childe Harold aims to break away from the constraints imposed by his noble lineage. He's trying to find his own path, much like individuals during colonial times sought to challenge limitations tied to their family background.

 Byron's narrator describes Harold as having a strong yet kind personality, capturing the mysterious charm that future Byronic heroes have, making readers like them.

Dorian Gray: Byronic Hero's Tragic Entanglement

Oscar Wilde's book "The Picture of Dorian Gray," published in 1890, introduces Dorian Gray, a handsome and self-centered character who resembles the Byronic heroes. Despite his charming persona, Dorian feels really bad inside and a painting of him shows his hidden ugliness. Wilde writes how “ugliness that had once been hateful to him...seemed to have a strange fascination” 

Ellen Scheible suggests that characters like Dorian, who seem strange, represent secret dangers in these stories. They highlight how colonial powers trying to control cultural changes might fail. Dorian, affected by societal pressures, can't escape his inner struggles or fit in anywhere.

The novel focuses on Dorian's outer beauty versus his internal decay. Dorian's fascination with his hidden ugliness reveals a deeper side to his character. Ellen Scheible's idea agrees that characters like Dorian show risks when colonial powers try to shape cultural shifts. Dorian falls victim to society's expectations, unable to find peace or a place in society.

In Wilde's story, Dorian's portrayal warns about the challenges of keeping up appearances while dealing with inner troubles. Ellen Scheible's view emphasizes the dangers in colonial attempts to control society's modern changes. Dorian's tragic inability to belong or overcome his inner conflicts reflects the risks of trying to control cultural evolution.

Gatsby: The American Byronic Heros’ Futile Quest : 

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" introduces Jay Gatsby, a self-made and enigmatic figure living in a grand mansion on Long Island. Despite his wealth, Gatsby's past involves illicit activities, yet he throws lavish parties to blend in with the upper class. However, his criminal background prevents acceptance by the elite and complicates his pursuit of love.

Dianne E. Bechtel suggests that,“As a proletarian or working-class man, Gatsby’s  tragic flaw is rooted in cultural incompetence. No matter how much status or

notoriety he acquires, he cannot rise intellectually or aesthetically above his

disposition and its ultimate annihilation.”(Bechtel)  The American Dream often champions hard work and ambition, yet overlooks the systemic barriers perpetuating inequality. Gatsby's wealth, gained from illegal bootlegging during Prohibition, further ostracizes him from legitimate society, associating him with the criminal underworld.

In the end, Gatsby meets a tragic demise. Fitzgerald, akin to previous Byronic heroes, portrays the emptiness of social ascent. Even with success, one can feel unfulfilled, particularly in a changing world.

Okonkwo's Tragic Struggle: The Byronic Hero in a Colonial Landscape : 

In Chinua Achebe's book "Things Fall Apart" from 1958, there's a character named Okonkwo. He's a strong and forceful man who follows the traditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria. These values helped him before, but when the colonial powers arrived, they became a problem. A critic named Echeruo said Okonkwo goes too far with his extreme behavior, similar to other Byronic heroes who break their society's rules. 

 Patrick C. Nnoromele in his article ‘The Plight of a Hero in Achebe s "Things Fall Apart"’ made argument that Okonkwo and his society face a choice between sticking to their old ways or adopting new ones, like the Europeans. Some in Umuofia find the European lifestyle tempting because it seems to offer modern comforts. But Okonkwo disagrees. He knows that accepting this new way means giving up what made him who he is and what he believes in.(Nnoromele)

Like Dorian Gray's story, Okonkwo's qualities that made him respected as a warrior end up making him an outcast when things change. He feels like he doesn't belong and, in the end, he gives up and ends his own life. His struggle in the face of colonial changes shows how being too focused on oneself clashes with cultural changes in society.

Devdas: The Byronic Hero's Tragic Quest in a Changing Bengal : 

In the old Bengali novel "Devdas" from the early 1900s, there's a character named Devdas Mukherjee. He's from a wealthy family and struggles to balance his family duties with his love for his childhood sweetheart, Paro. Devdas is like the brooding heroes we've seen before, with intense and dark eyes that seem to look deep into your heart. But instead of accepting an arranged marriage, he falls into despair and ruins his life with alcohol. Yasaman Nouri compared him with a tragic hero and stated that, ”Devdas is a stubborn man, and tends to be cowardly. His lack of courage to fight for his life is one of his biggest weaknesses.” (Nouri)

Devdas faces marginalization on multiple fronts.His family and society expect him to act a certain way, not letting him do what he wants. His love for Paro is rejected because of society's rules, making him really sad. He doesn't stand up for himself much, so he feels like he doesn't have control over his life. He ends up alone, drinking a lot, which makes him even more separated from others. His struggles show how hard it is to fit in and be happy when society and rules push you away.

 He isolates himself in memories of the past, much like Childe Harold wandering in his own way. Critics say Devdas represents Bengal's longing for the past while dealing with changes in society. His stubborn pursuit of personal desires shows the constant struggle of heroes like him to understand their own feelings in a changing world. 

Conclusion : 

The Byronic hero, seen in characters like Childe Harold, Okonkwo, and Devdas, works in different stories affected by big changes and colonial times. These heroes are strong-willed but struggle with fitting in and dealing with their past. They represent conflicts between old and new ways in societies that went through colonial rule. These characters feel torn between wanting the past and creating new futures in a complex world. They're a bit like rebels, standing out from others, but inside, they often have their own problems. While they make us care about them, their rebellious image sometimes stops them from fitting into society. This shows how changing societies deal with fears and dreams, and how hard it is to belong and be stable in a world that keeps changing.

References : 

Achebe, Chinua. Things fall apart. Penguin Publishing Group, 1994.

Bechtel, Dianne E. “Jay Gatsby, Failed Intellectual: F. Scott Fitzgerald's Trope for Social Stratification.” Jstor, 16 June 2023, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/fscotfitzrevi.15.1.0117. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Byron, Lord George Gordon, and Byron. Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.

Chattopadhyay, Saratchandra. Devdas. Fingerprint! Hindi, Prakāśa Buksa Iṇḍiyā Prāiveṭa Limiṭeḍa kā eka prakāśana, 2019.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Prakash Book Depot, 2014.

Nnoromele, Patrick C. “The Plight of a Hero in Achebe s "Things Fall Apart."” Jstor, 16 June 2023, https://www.jstor.org/stable/25112519. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Nouri, Yasaman. Devdas, the Aristotelian Tragic Hero of Indian Literature: A Case Study, 16 June 2023, https://www.indianstudies.net/V1/n3/v1n3s202.pdf. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Prakash Book Depot, 2015.

Words : 1887

Assignment 101 : Female Empowerment through Agency: A Cinematic and Literary Exploration

 This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 101 - Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods, Sem - 1, 2023.

Female Empowerment through Agency: A Cinematic and Literary Exploration

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information
• Assignment Details
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Hellena's Rebellion: Defying Expectations and Embracing Female Agency in The Rover
• Offred's Unyielding Spirit: Reclaiming Agency in The Handmaid's Tale
• Breaking the Silence: Amrita's Reclaiming of Self-Worth and Female Agency
• Rani's Solo Odyssey: Blossoming into Empowerment and Self-Discovery
• Conclusion
• References 

Personal Information:-

Name:- Dhatri Parmar

Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2025)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230032

E-mail Address:-dhatriparmar291@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 7

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Female Empowerment through Agency: A Cinematic and Literary Exploration

Paper & subject code:-101-Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods & 22392

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023

Abstract : 

This paper analyzes representations of female empowerment through agency in the literary work The Rover by Aphra Behn and the films Thappad, and Queen. It examines how the female protagonists in these works exert agency and find empowerment by making choices against societal expectations. The Rover explores a woman’s sexual liberation in 17th century England. The Handmaid's tale showed how women find strength despite bring really controlled.Thappad shows a woman leaving her abusive marriage to regain agency. Queen portrays a woman’s solo journey of self-discovery and independence. These diverse works highlight agency as a means for women to empower themselves across cultural and historical contexts, despite facing oppression. Examining literature and film provides multilayered perspectives on women asserting their willpower and personal authority.

Keywords :  Female agency, Women's liberation, Gender roles, Female empowerment

Introduction : 

Female empowerment has become a major theme in contemporary cinema and literature. Female agency, the ability of female characters to make their own decisions and control their own destinies, has been a central theme in literature throughout history. However, it is only in recent decades that female characters have been consistently portrayed as agents of their own stories. This shift is due in part to the rise of feminism and the increasing visibility of women in society. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own stand as groundbreaking works that championed female agency, while Woolf herself acknowledged Aphra Behn's pioneering contributions to women's literature. Earlier in the Romantic period, Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Woman paved the way for female empowerment and self-determination.

Representations of women exerting agency and finding empowerment by opposing social expectations have become more prominent. Examining such works provides insight into how women’s agency manifests in different cultural contexts and genres. This paper will analyze the literary work The Rover by Aphra Behn and the films The Joy That Kills (American TV film), Thappad, and Queen to explore portrayals of female empowerment through agency.

Hellena's Rebellion: Defying Expectations and Embracing Female Agency in The Rover:

Aphra Behn's 1677 play The Rover depicts female agency through the character Hellena, who exerts her strong will to determine her own destiny.The play begins with Hellena setting the tone for the active participation of the female characters in a pursuit commonly accorded to the male. She is daring enough too to defy her brother and voice her distaste of the system of marriage in that society. Hellena, however, falls in love with the Rover, Willmore, who does not believe in marriage, which, perhaps, should have been ideal in that she could be free of the bindings that accompany marriage. But since she has chosen this man herself, Hellena has the opportunity of being able to impose the bindings on the man and so, with wit and intelligence, she makes him finally succumb to her wishes. In her case, too, as she very carefully points out to her brother, inheritance of a fortune allows her to make her own choice without the threat of being disowned without a penny. 

Hellena is given more agency. Being not only beautiful but intelligent too, Hellena is able to take control of each of the situations in which she finds herself contending with her lover. The use of a mask and a disguise gives Hellena the opportunity to observe, without being subjected to scrutiny herself, the actions of the man she loves. Arifa Rehman in her article told that Hellena, as wit, is on a level with Willmore, but she gains the upper hand when she is able to extract a promise of constancy from the Rover and persuade him into marriage. As a woman with a fortune, she does not need to be financially dependent on Willmore, which makes the marriage seem a union between equals.(Rahman)

Offred's Unyielding Spirit: Reclaiming Agency in The Handmaid's Tale: 

Margaret Atwood's book "The Handmaid's Tale" shows how women find strength despite being really controlled in a strict place called Gilead. Atwood looks at how even in very strict situations, like the one faced by the handmaid Offred, people can still show strength and resistance. Offred doesn't have control over her rights or even her body, but Atwood says she finds empowerment by doing small acts of rebellion and holding onto who she truly is inside, away from what society tells her to be.

 Furthermore, Offred shows rebelliousness by finding small ways to empower herself through resistance. For instance, she steals butter to moisturize her face, which is a small act of defiance against the rules. Offred’s private thoughts, memories of the past, and rich inner world portray a sense of identity that persists despite Gilead’s efforts to reduce her to a “two-legged womb.” Additionally, she holds onto her true self inside, separate from the roles forced on her, stating, “I keep myself alive inside” (Atwood 73). This preservation of identity strengthens Offred's sense of empowerment and her ability to assert herself.

Scholar Malak categorized Offred’s resistance as “an awakening of feminist consciousness” , highlighting her empowerment.(Malak) Offred feels stronger by holding onto her ability to make choices and who she really is, even when she feels like she has almost no power left.Through Offred’s complex lived experience, The Handmaid’s Tale offers a compelling exploration of women fighting to assert agency and personhood under oppression. 

Breaking the Silence: Amrita's Reclaiming of Self-Worth and Female Agency :

The 2020 Bollywood film Thappad depicts a housewife's journey to reclaim her sense of self-worth and agency after experiencing domestic violence. Thappad employs a jarring slap as a catalyst to expose the deeply ingrained issues simmering beneath the surface of Amrita's seemingly harmonious marriage. Amrita's husband's public act of violence shattered the illusion of a loving and respectful marriage that she had carefully nurtured.  Recurring shots of Amrita's morning routine, initially portrayed as a symbol of domestic bliss, subtly foreshadow her descent into a realization of her own misery within the confines of her marriage.

As Amrita's world revolves around the well-being of her husband and his family, her own needs and aspirations become increasingly diminished. The abrupt intrusion of the slap shatters this carefully constructed facade, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of her situation.

 "उस एक थप्पड़ से मुझे वह सारी अफ़ेयर चीज़ें साफ़ साफ़ दिखने लग गई जिसको मैं अनदेखा करके मूव ऑन करते जा रही थी।"

 Amrita's courageous pursuit of a divorce, despite the challenges and resistance she faces, serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the women in her life. Her unwavering determination to break free from an oppressive relationship inspires others to question their own situations and challenge the norms that have long suppressed their voices and aspirations. Amrita's journey becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and a collective awakening among the women around her, encouraging them to recognize their own worth and demand the respect they deserve. Her actions pave the way for a shift in the dynamics of their relationships, empowering them to assert their autonomy and pursue their own happiness.

Rani's Solo Odyssey: Blossoming into Empowerment and Self-Discovery :

Queen is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Vikas Bahl. It follows Rani, who faces a breakup just before her wedding. Despite the heartache, she decides to embark on her honeymoon alone, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery. The film challenged stereotypes about desi women, showing Rani's growth and independence. Initially devastated, Rani chooses to travel solo across Europe, gaining confidence and a taste for adventure in unfamiliar lands. Her free-spirited dance signifies a significant moment of awakening for her. 

Morover, Later, in Amsterdam, she shares a hostel with men from France, Japan, and Russia, a departure from her upbringing that cautioned her against interacting with men. This experience becomes a pivotal part of her self-evolution, teaching her valuable lessons about the opposite gender. This experience helps her overcome her fears and grow as a person. She learns to see herself as an independent woman and makes her own decisions. Rani's journey shows how women can find freedom and empowerment by stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing new experiences.

 In her article  Zainab Bhindarwala said that in the final scenes, when Rani is portrayed as her most badass and confident self, her hair is straight. This sends the subtle message that straight hair is more beautiful and somehow more closely associated with feeling empowered.(Bhindarwala) Rani's emotional and personal growth exemplifies female empowerment achieved through claiming agency and breaking free of restrictive social norms.

Conclusion : 

Across literary and cinematic realms, female protagonists boldly assert their agency, challenging the constraints imposed by society and reclaiming control over their destinies. These women, through deception, violence, escaping abusive situations, or embarking on solitary voyages of self-discovery, shatter the molds of conventional femininity and forge paths of empowerment.

Their stories serve as powerful cultural critiques, exposing the deep-rooted patriarchal structures that have historically sought to suppress female voices and aspirations. They ignite a flame of inspiration for female audiences, urging them to question societal norms, reclaim autonomy over their lives, and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

References : 

Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid's Tale. 1996.

Bahl, Vikas, director. Queen. Phantom Films, 2013.

Behn, Aphra. The Rover, Or, The Banish'd Cavaliers. BK Publications Private Limited, 2022.

Bhindarwala, Zainab. “Review: 'Thappad' portrays how domestic violence shapes lives of women.” Eagle Nation Online, 8 December 2021, https://eaglenationonline.com/35084/showcase/review-thappad-portrays-how-domestic-violence-shapes-the-lives-of-women/. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Malak, Amin. “MARGARET ATWOOD'S "THE HANDMAID'S TALE" AND THE DYSTOPIAN TRADITION.” UBC Library, https://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/canlit/article/view/194293/190196. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Rahman, Arifa Ghani. “Negotiating Masculine Circles: Female Agency in Aphra Behn's Work.” Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 2020, https://rupkatha.com/V12/n4/v12n403.pdf. Accessed 21 November 2023.

Sinha, Anubhav, director. Thappad. Benaras Media Works,T-Series, 2020.

Words: 1782

Images : 4

Assignment 102 : Examining Surveillance in Stories - From Fantasy Poems to Modern Web Series

 This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 102 - Literature of the Neo-classical Period, Sem - 1, 2023.

Examining Surveillance in Stories - From Fantasy Poems to Modern Web Series

Table of Contents:-

• Personal Information
• Assignment Details
• Abstract
• Keywords
• Introduction
• Surveillance and the Panopticon in The Rape of the Lock
• The Family Man:A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of Surveillance and Governmentality
• Surveillance in Shaan's Story
• Rethinking Surveillance: Moving Beyond Orwell and Foucault
• Conclusion
• References

Personal Information:-

Name:- Dhatri Parmar

Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2025)

Enrollment Number:- 5108230032

E-mail Address:-dhatriparmar291@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 7

Assignment Details:-

Topic:-Examining Surveillance in Stories - From Fantasy Poems to Modern Web Series

Paper & subject code:- 102 - Literature of the Neo-classical Period & 22393

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023

Abstract : 

This paper examines representations of surveillance across literature and television through a philosophical lens informed by theorist Michel Foucault. It analyzes surveillance as a form of knowledge gathering tied to power, social control, and normalization of behavior. Texts explored include Alexander Pope’s 1712 mock-epic fantasy poem “The Rape of the Lock” featuring tiny fairy spies, and contemporary Indian political web series like The Family Man about counterterrorism agents. When we look at these different stories, even though they're from different kinds of books or movies, we can learn a lot about how people watch each other and how that affects things like gender roles and how much privacy we have. Surveillance across security, community, and art can isolate people, reduce accountability, and normalize judgment. This constant watching often benefits powerful groups while disadvantage vulnerable ones, as Foucault suggested. However, promoting compassion instead of judgment might challenge this surveillance-driven hierarchy.

Keywords : Surveillance,Power relations, Television dramas, Magical realism, Hierarchy

Introduction : 

Surveillance is when some person or group watches others very closely. They might spy on or monitor people to get information and make sure they are following expected rules. Today cameras, computer data, spies and other methods let governments and powerful organizations see into private lives.

Foucault – Surveillance and Control : 

The French philosopher Michel Foucault studied how surveillance is a type of power and control used by authorities that shapes society in many unseen ways. He said watching people constantly makes them guarded, pressured to act "normal", and easier to manipulate because it feels like they are always being judged(Foucault #). Foucault thought modern life forces people to conform because surveillance is embedded everywhere by design to influence our behavior. This paper looks at imaginative stories depicting different types of surveillance to see how it gives some groups power over others.(Faubion)

Surveillance and the Panopticon in The Rape of the Lock : 

In British writer Alexander Pope's famous 1712 poem “The Rape of the Lock”, tiny fairy creatures called “sylphs” sneak around wealthy homes gossiping about the humans. These fake magic beings spy on the latest fashions, scandals, and romances of stylish ladies and gentlemen in 1700s England for fun. Through fantasy, Pope cleverly uses the silly spying sprites to dramatize real cultural judgment of elites at that time.(Mahida)

The sylphs represent churches, families and neighbors watching upper class manners extremely closely. In The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope employs the sylphs, benevolent spirits who are invisible to the human eye, as a metaphorical representation of surveillance. The sylphs' constant monitoring of Belinda's every move and their ability to see into her heart reflect the panoptic gaze, a concept developed by Michel Foucault to describe a system of social control in which individuals are constantly aware that they are being watched, even if they cannot see the watcher.

The sylphs' surveillance of Belinda is initially portrayed as benevolent and protective. They warn her of impending danger, guide her away from temptation, and strive to maintain her virtue. However, as the poem progresses, the sylphs' presence becomes more intrusive and controlling. They begin to dictate Belinda's every action, limiting her freedom and autonomy.

This shift in the sylphs' behavior reflects Foucault's notion of the panopticon as a double-edged sword. While it can be used to enforce norms and maintain order, it can also be used to control and manipulate individuals. The sylphs' excessive surveillance of Belinda ultimately leads to her humiliation and downfall, suggesting that surveillance, even when well-intentioned, can have negative consequences.

Their constant monitoring of Belinda's every move, their ability to see into her heart, and their efforts to control her behavior all reflect the panoptic gaze, a system of social control that has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary society.

The Family Man: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis of Surveillance and Governmentality : 

Srikant Tiwari is a middle-class man who also serves as a world-class spy; he tries to balance his familial responsibilities with those at the highly secretive special cell of the National Intelligence Agency.'The Family Man' is an edgy action-drama series which tells the story of a middle-class man who works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency. While he tries to protect the nation from terrorists, he also must protect his family from the impact of his secretive, high-pressure, and low-paying job.

The modern Indian streaming show The Family Man is about undercover agent Srikant secretly tracking dangerous militant radicals but hiding this from his loving family. Unlike playful fantasy sprites, this 2019 series tackles serious issues about state intelligence groups spying on citizens and enemies for national security purposes.

Srikant risks even his innocent children’s lives to catch extremists plotting attacks in Indian cities.

He symbolizes a common modern anxiety about covert government surveillance invading privacy for questionable goals. It breeds isolation, suspicion and divides communities through unseen monitoring systems. Michel Foucault would call fictional intelligence personnel like Srikant "governmentality" agents. This means that they bring the powerful influence of the government into everyday life by closely monitoring certain groups of people without being held accountable for their actions. This makes people conform out of fear of being accused wrongly.

Surveillance in Shaan's Story : The Night Manager:

Surveillance lays a significant role in Shaan's story, particularly in the context of Michel Foucault's work on surveillance and governmentality.In Shaan's case, he is constantly being watched by both the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, and the illegal arms dealer, Shelly Rungta.RAW, represented by Lipika Saikia Rao, is interested in using Shaan to gather information on Shelly's illegal activities. Lipika initially approaches Shaan for his help in protecting Safina Kidwai, a young girl who has evidence of Shelly's crimes. However, Lipika's primary motive is to use Shaan as a pawn in her efforts to bring Shelly down.

Shelly, on the other hand, is using surveillance to maintain control over his empire. He has Freddie Rehman, the owner of the star hotel, spy on Shaan, and he also has Shaan's phone bugged. This constant surveillance allows Shelly to stay one step ahead of his enemies and to protect his interests.Foucault's concept of governmentality is also evident in Shaan's story. Governmentality refers to the ways in which governments exercise power over their citizens. In Shaan's case, he is caught in a web of governmentality, as he is being manipulated by both RAW and Shelly.

Shaan, however, is not simply a passive pawn in this game of surveillance. He is also using surveillance to his own advantage. He collects information on Shelly from the trash in his room and mails it to Lipika. He also uses his knowledge of Shelly's weaknesses to gain his trust and infiltrate his organization.Shaan's story ultimately highlights the dangers of surveillance. As Foucault argued, surveillance can be used to control and manipulate individuals, and it can also lead to tragic consequences. In Shaan's case, his failure to protect Safina from Freddie and Shelly is a direct result of the constant surveillance he is under.

Rethinking Surveillance: Moving Beyond Orwell and Foucault : 

George Orwell's novel "1984" paints a frightening picture of a future where the government watches everyone all the time. The government uses "telescreens" and "thought police" to make sure that everyone obeys the rules.On the other hand, Michel Foucault, a French philosopher, saw surveillance as a way for people to control themselves. He believed that people are not just watched by the government, but also by each other. People are constantly judging each other and making sure that everyone follows the rules.Both Orwell and Foucault's ideas are important for understanding surveillance in the digital age.

 However, their ideas do not fully capture the complexities of surveillance today.In the digital age, surveillance is not just about the government. Businesses and other organizations also collect a lot of information about us. We are also constantly giving out our information online, through social media, online shopping, and other activities.This means that we need to think about surveillance in new ways. We need to understand how our information is being collected, used, and shared. We also need to think about the implications of surveillance for our privacy and our freedom.By developing a more nuanced understanding of surveillance, we can engage in informed discussions about its impact on our lives. We can also work to protect our privacy and our freedom in the digital age.(P. Hier)

Conclusion : 

When we compare stories about sylphs creatures, government spies, and secret agents from big companies, we find a surprising similarity: they all deal with problems linked to watching others too closely. Even though these stories are not real, they show how keeping an eye on people can cause issues.

Watching too much without permission makes everyone feel suspicious and scared. Foucault says we should realize that surveillance, especially when it sneaks into private parts of life, usually helps powerful groups control everyone else, limiting our freedoms and responsibility. These stories warn us to be careful because even imaginary inspectors sometimes use reasons like keeping the peace to justify being too strict or causing harm. Moving forward means being kind and finding a balance between rules and keeping people safe. It's about making sure that both the watchers and the ones being watched feel secure and treated fairly, by focusing on doing what's right rather than having too much power to control others.

References: 

Faubion, James. “Michel Foucault | French Philosopher, Historian & Social Theorist.” Britannica, 14 November 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michel-Foucault. Accessed 23 November 2023.

Foucault, Michel. Discipline and punish. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1995.

Mahida, Dr. Beena A. “The Use of Supernatural Machinery in “The Rape of the Lock.”” Golden Research Thoughts, http://oldgrt.lbp.world/UploadedData/706.pdf. Accessed 23 November 2023.

Modi, Sandeep, creator. The Night Manager. Banijay Asia The Ink Factory, 2023.

Nidimoru, Raj, and Krishna D.K., creators. The Family Man. D2R Films, 2019.

P. Hier, Sean. “View of Probing the Surveillant Assemblage: on the dialectics of surveillance practices as processes of social control.” Surveillance & Society, https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/surveillance-and-society/article/view/3347/3309. Accessed 23 November 2023.

Pope, Alexander. The Rape of the Lock. Edited by Elizabeth Gurr, Oxford University Press, 2007.

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