Exploring Literature Through Time: From Faustus to Bollywood Shakespeare

This blog is written as part of an academic assignment given by our respected Head of the Department of English, Prof. & Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The main objective of this task is to engage in critical thinking by exploring Elizabethan drama, especially the works of William Shakespeare, and examining how these classical plays have been reimagined and implemented in Indian cinema.

For better understanding and clarity, we were guided to refer to Prof. Barad Sir’s informative blog post and his video lectures. You can access the blog here: Click here to read the blog on Renaissance Literature

If Faustus Had Thought Like Bhagat Singh

The closing scene of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is filled with fear, regret, and desperation. Faustus, once proud of his learning and ambition, is now completely broken. As the devils arrive to take him to hell, he pleads for more time, for mercy, and for God’s forgiveness. But it is too late. His cries go unanswered, and he is dragged away in despair. The tragic ending shows how human ambition, when not guided by wisdom or morality, can lead to ruin (Marlowe, 1604).

But imagine if Faustus had thought like Bhagat Singh, the brave Indian freedom fighter who faced death with courage and clear belief. Bhagat Singh did not fear death. In his essay Why I Am an Atheist, he explained that he did not believe in God or divine punishment. He believed in reason, truth, and human responsibility (Singh, 1930). He accepted the results of his actions with open eyes. He walked to the gallows without any sign of fear or regret, believing in the cause he had lived and died for.

If Faustus had the same mindset, his final monologue would be different. Instead of begging for mercy, he might reflect calmly on the choices he made. He would understand that he was responsible for his downfall, not the devil, and that power gained by wrong means brings suffering. His last words might be:

“I chose knowledge without wisdom, and I accept the price. My fate is my own creation. I will not beg, for I acted freely. Let others learn from me—never trade your soul for selfish gain. Truth and freedom are worth more than power.”

This version of Faustus would show a man who learns, even at the end, and uses his final moment to teach others. It becomes a story not just of horror and regret, but also of clarity and acceptance.

A Comparative Look at Chaucer, Spenser, and Shakespeare

English literature began to grow and change in important ways through the works of three major writers: Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare. Though they lived in different times and had different styles, each played a major role in shaping English poetry and storytelling.

Geoffrey Chaucer lived in the 14th century and is called the father of English poetry. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is a collection of stories told by different pilgrims traveling together. Through these stories, Chaucer showed all levels of society—knights, merchants, workers, and even nuns. His characters were not perfect heroes, but real people with good and bad qualities. He used humor and clever language to point out the problems in society (Chaucer, c. 1400). Most importantly, he chose to write in Middle English, the language spoken by common people, helping to make English a respected language for literature.

Edmund Spenser, writing in the late 1500s during the Renaissance, brought beauty and artistic style to English poetry. His famous epic poem, The Faerie Queene, is full of knights, dragons, and symbols of moral virtues like truth, holiness, and justice. The poem reflects the Renaissance love of classical myths and ideals (Spenser, 1590). Spenser created his own poetic style, using the "Spenserian stanza," a unique structure that combined complexity with musical flow. His language is rich and decorative, designed to teach as well as to entertain.

William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright in English, also wrote beautiful poetry. His 154 sonnets explore themes of love, time, beauty, and betrayal. In his plays, whether comedy or tragedy, he used poetic language to show deep human emotions. Unlike Spenser’s heroic and ideal world, Shakespeare’s world was full of real conflicts—jealousy, ambition, guilt, and desire (Shakespeare, 1609). His characters speak in ways that still touch our hearts today. His use of iambic pentameter and wordplay has influenced generations of writers.

Chaucer gave English literature its foundation, Spenser added beauty and structure, and Shakespeare brought emotional depth and drama. Together, they created a strong and lasting base for English literature.

Bollywood’s Transformations of Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s works have travelled far beyond England. In India, filmmakers have found deep meaning in his plays and adapted them for the big screen. These adaptations use Indian settings, music, emotions, and conflicts to bring Shakespeare to life in a new way.

Director Vishal Bhardwaj is most famous for turning three Shakespeare tragedies into powerful Hindi films that feel fresh yet familiar.

Maqbool (2003) is based on Macbeth. In this version, the story takes place in the Mumbai underworld. Maqbool, a loyal man working for a mafia don, becomes ambitious and, with encouragement from his lover Nimmi, murders his boss to take his place. The witches from Macbeth are cleverly replaced by two corrupt policemen who predict the future in riddles. As in the play, Maqbool is haunted by guilt and fear (Bhardwaj, 2003).

Omkara (2006), based on Othello, is set in rural Uttar Pradesh. Omkara, a powerful political leader, loves Dolly, but his trusted aide Langda Tyagi becomes jealous and poisons his mind with lies. This leads to jealousy, suspicion, and tragedy (Bhardwaj, 2006). The film reflects caste politics, power struggles, and social divisions in India. Saif Ali Khan’s performance as Langda Tyagi was widely praised. The film uses regional language and traditions, making the story feel rooted in Indian soil.

Haider (2014) adapts Hamlet to conflict-torn Kashmir. Haider returns home to find his father missing and his mother married to his uncle. As he searches for truth, he is caught between love, grief, and revenge. The film includes scenes of torture and political unrest (Bhardwaj, 2014). Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Haider captures the deep emotional pain of Hamlet’s character. The film’s poetry, visuals, and music create a powerful atmosphere of tragedy.

Other Indian adaptations also exist. 

10ml LOVE (2012), based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a light-hearted comedy where lovers are confused due to a love potion. It mixes romantic drama with traditional Indian family themes (Kapadia, 2012). Even movies not directly based on Shakespeare often include similar plots of betrayal, mistaken identity, or tragic love.

Shakespeare’s works are global because they speak of universal emotions—jealousy, love, ambition, and revenge. Bollywood adaptations show how his stories can be reborn in new cultures. These films not only entertain but also help us understand that emotions are the same across time and place.

How Renaissance Literature Differs from Other Literary Periods

Renaissance literature stands out for its creativity, classical inspiration, and focus on human experience. To understand its importance, it helps to compare it with other literary periods.

During the Reformation period, literature was focused mainly on religion. Writers like Martin Luther and others used literature to argue for spiritual reforms (Luther, 1517). The language was simple and the purpose was clear—to bring people closer to God and challenge the authority of the Catholic Church. There was less focus on imagination and more on truth, salvation, and moral behavior.

In contrast, the Renaissance celebrated human beauty, learning, and emotion. Writers like Shakespeare, Spenser, and Marlowe used mythology, history, and philosophy. They believed that human beings were capable of greatness. The Renaissance brought back interest in classical works from Greece and Rome. Literature became colorful, rich, and filled with poetic images. Drama also became very popular during this time.

The Restoration period followed after years of political chaos in England. With the return of the monarchy, literature changed tone. Writers used sharp wit and humor. Satire became a tool to make fun of politics, religion, and society (Dryden, 1660s). Theaters reopened, and plays were written for upper-class entertainment. Writers like Dryden and Congreve made people laugh while secretly criticizing their behavior.

The Neo-classical period was influenced by logic and order. Writers admired Roman and Greek models. The main goal was balance, reason, and clarity. Poetry followed strict rules and was meant to educate and entertain. Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson were great writers of this time, showing how literature could be both clever and moral (Pope, 1709).

The Romantic period was a reaction against rules. Romantic writers believed in feelings, imagination, and nature. They saw beauty in simple life and the natural world. Poets like Wordsworth and Shelley spoke about personal experience, freedom, and the beauty of the countryside (Wordsworth, 1798). They believed that art should come from the heart, not from rules.

In the Victorian era, literature became more concerned with real-life problems. The industrial revolution, poverty, gender roles, and family life were common themes. Novels became very popular. Writers like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters focused on detailed stories that reflected social issues (Dickens, 1850).

Finally, the Modern period broke many traditions. After the world wars, writers expressed confusion, loss of faith, and deep personal thoughts. They experimented with style and form. Writers like T.S. Eliot and James Joyce changed the way stories were told. Instead of clear plots, they used fragmented thoughts and inner feelings (Eliot, 1922). Literature became a way to search for meaning in a broken world.

Each period brought something new. The Renaissance stood in the middle of all this as a bright time of learning, poetry, and discovery. It gave writers the freedom to explore the mind, the soul, and the world around them.

Conclusion :

From Faustus’s tragic fall to Bhagat Singh’s fearless stand, from Chaucer’s storytelling to Shakespeare’s drama, and from medieval texts to Bollywood’s new versions of old plays, literature tells us about ourselves. It shows our dreams, mistakes, courage, and struggles.

Studying these works is not just about remembering facts. It is about understanding how human life is reflected in words. Literature is a mirror of time, culture, and feeling. Each book or poem carries a message that still speaks to us.

As students of literature, we must go beyond summaries and explore deeper meanings. We must ask questions. What did the writer feel? What does this story mean today? How can old plays still touch us in modern films? These questions make us better readers and better thinkers.

In the end, literature is a journey—through history, imagination, and the human heart. And this journey is never over.

Works Cited

• Bhardwaj, Vishal. Maqbool. Kaleidoscope Entertainment, 2003.

• Bhardwaj, Vishal. Omkara. Shemaroo Entertainment, 2006.

• Bhardwaj, Vishal. Haider. VB Pictures, 2014.

• Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. c. 1400.

• Dickens, Charles. David Copperfield. Bradbury & Evans, 1850.

• Dryden, John. Absalom and Achitophel. 1681.

• Kapadia, Sharat. 10ml LOVE. 2012.

• Marlowe, Christopher. Doctor Faustus. 1604.

• Shakespeare, William. Sonnets. 1609.

• Singh, Bhagat. Why I Am an Atheist. 1930.

• Spenser, Edmund. The Faerie Queene. 1590.

 Aristotelian literary tradition In my B.A. syllabus 

This blog is written as a task given by our respected Head of Department of English Prof. & Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. The task is to share our understanding of Aristotle’s Poetics and Plato’s views on poetry, and how these ideas are connected to the tragedies we studied in our B.A. English syllabus.  Here is the link to the professor's blogs for background reading and YouTube video to understand: Clickhere 

When I first heard the word tragedy, I thought it just meant a sad story where someone dies in the end. But during my B.A. studies at MKBU, I learned that tragedy is much more than that. It is about human emotions, difficult choices, and the consequences of our actions. It is about learning through someone else’s pain.

Two of the greatest thinkers of ancient Greece—Plato and Aristotle—shared different views on poetry and tragedy. I saw how their theories are reflected in the plays we studied: King Lear, Julius Caesar, and Death of a Salesman.

In this blog, I want to share what I learned about tragedy, how Plato and Aristotle thought about it, and how their ideas helped me understand the characters and stories in our syllabus in a deeper way.

Plato’s View on Poetry and Tragedy

Let’s start with Plato, the teacher of Aristotle. Plato was a great philosopher, but he did not like poetry, especially tragic drama. He believed that poetry is an imitation (mimesis), and that it is twice removed from truth. For him, truth existed in the world of ideas. Everything we see is just a shadow of that reality. When a poet imitates something, he is only imitating a copy of truth—not truth itself.

In The Republic, Plato said that poetry affects emotions and makes people weak. He thought that tragic stories made people cry, fear, and feel pity, but did not help them become better citizens. He believed poetry should teach morality, but tragedy only stirs up feelings without reason. That’s why, in his ideal society, he wanted to ban poets from the city.

When I first read this, I thought Plato was being too harsh. But I later understood that he was worried about how stories affect people’s minds, especially the young. Still, I personally believe stories and plays do help us grow emotionally.

Aristotle’s Response to Plato

Aristotle, Plato’s student, did not agree with him. In his book Poetics, Aristotle defended poetry and tragedy. He said tragedy is a serious art that imitates actions in a way that brings about pity and fear, leading to a kind of cleansing or healing of emotions. He called this process catharsis.

According to Aristotle, a good tragedy must have:

• A tragic hero – someone who is good but not perfect, and falls due to a tragic flaw (hamartia).

• A complete plot – with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• A chain of cause and effect – events should happen because of the character’s actions.

• A purpose – to make the audience feel pity and fear, and then experience catharsis.

This made sense to me. When we watch or read a tragic play, we feel deeply, but we also learn. We understand that mistakes have consequences. It teaches us empathy and awareness of human weakness.

Tragedies I Studied in B.A. That Follow Aristotle

Two plays from our B.A. syllabus follow Aristotle’s ideas closely: Shakespeare’s King Lear and Julius Caesar.

1. King Lear

King Lear is a powerful king. He decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on how much they flatter him. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to lie to him. Lear misjudges her and gives everything to the other two daughters, who later betray him. This is the beginning of his downfall.

Lear’s hamartia is his ego and pride. He wants praise more than truth. Because of this, he loses everything—his family, his power, and his peace of mind. As a reader, I felt pity for his suffering and fear of how quickly things can go wrong when we make emotional decisions. This is what Aristotle described as catharsis.

The play has a serious plot, filled with cause and effect. Each action leads to another problem. The story also has unity of action and ends in a complete, tragic way. So King Lear fits Aristotle’s definition well.

2. Julius Caesar

In Julius Caesar, even though the play is named after Caesar, the real tragic hero is Brutus. He is a noble man who loves Rome more than anything. But he is too idealistic and believes that killing Caesar will protect democracy. He is manipulated by others, especially Cassius, and ends up taking part in Caesar’s murder.

Brutus’s flaw is his blind trust and idealism. He believes everyone is as honest as he is. This leads to civil war and his own death.

Just like Lear, Brutus is not evil - he is just mistaken. His fall makes us feel both pity and fear, as Aristotle described. The plot is logically arranged, and every event connects to the next one. That’s why Julius Caesar is also a good example of an Aristotelian tragedy.

A Modern Tragedy That Breaks the Rules

One play from our syllabus does not follow Aristotle’s rules, but it is still powerful and emotional. That play is Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller.

3. Death of a Salesman

Willy Loman is not a king or a noble man. He is an ordinary salesman who dreams of success. His hamartia is his false belief in the American Dream—he thinks that being liked and popular is more important than being honest or skilled. He cannot accept reality, and this leads to his mental breakdown and suicide.

Arthur Miller believed that common men can also be tragic heroes. He said tragedy should not be limited to kings. Even ordinary people suffer deeply, and their stories matter.

This play does not follow the unities of time and place. It moves between past and present, between dreams and reality. It also doesn’t create the same kind of catharsis that Aristotle talked about. Instead of feeling fear and pity, we feel a mix of sadness, frustration, and sympathy.

Still, it made me think a lot. I could see my own father, relatives, or even myself in Willy’s struggles. So even though it is a modern tragedy, it has the same power to touch the heart.

What Was the Hamartia in These Plays?

In every tragedy we studied in our B.A. course, I saw one common thing: the central character was never entirely evil or cruel. They were human - flawed, proud, confused, or even too kind. Their lives didn’t fall apart because of something the gods did. It was because of something inside them. This is what Aristotle calls hamartia—a small but powerful mistake or weakness that brings a big fall. When I understood this idea, I started looking at people differently. We all carry our own hamartia. That’s what makes these stories feel so real.

1. King Lear – His Ego Blinded Him

In King Lear, the king’s downfall begins the moment he demands love in return for power. He asks his daughters to prove their love with words. Cordelia, the one who truly loves him, refuses to flatter. Instead of understanding her honesty, Lear becomes angry and disowns her. This is the turning point.

Lear’s flaw is his pride. He wants to be worshipped and obeyed even after giving away his crown. He trusts empty words over truth. And when reality hits—when his other daughters betray him—he loses his mind. Watching Lear cry in the storm or carry Cordelia in his arms after she dies—it moved something deep inside me. His pain felt like something anyone could feel: being wrong, being too late, and realizing it when everything is already broken.

2. Brutus – Too Noble for a Dirty World

In Julius Caesar, Brutus is not a villain. He’s thoughtful, gentle, and wants the best for Rome. But his flaw is his idealism. He believes killing Caesar will protect democracy. He thinks everyone else in the conspiracy is motivated by noble reasons, just like he is. But they’re not.

Brutus trusts the wrong people, and he allows Mark Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. That one decision flips the entire story. Civil war begins, and Brutus ends up killing himself—not just because he lost, but because he lost the dream of a better Rome. His story made me think: Can being “too good” also be dangerous? In a way, yes. Sometimes, being blind to the reality around us—even with good intentions—can destroy everything.

3. Willy Loman – A Dream That Lied to Him

Death of a Salesman was different from the other two plays. It wasn’t about kings or soldiers. It was about a man like my father or uncle—a middle-class man who works hard but feels like he’s always behind. Willy Loman’s flaw is his belief in a false dream. He thinks success means being well-liked, good-looking, and popular. He teaches this to his sons. But the world changes, and he doesn’t.

Willy lies to himself to stay hopeful. He says “everything’s fine” even when it’s not. He can't accept that his dream was wrong. And that slowly breaks him. He ends up taking his own life, thinking it will give his family money and respect. Watching Willy’s story made me feel a different kind of sadness. It wasn’t just about death—it was about disappointment, loneliness, and how society sometimes fails people like him.

Each of these characters had a small flaw, but that small thing caused everything to fall apart. That’s why these stories stay with us. They are not just about kings and speeches. They are about us—our pride, our hopes, our mistakes.

Did These Tragedies Follow Aristotle’s Plot Rules?

Aristotle didn’t just define tragedy by the character’s flaws. He also believed that the plot—the way the story is told—must be complete, meaningful, and logical. It should feel like one thing leads to another, not just random bad luck. The story must have a beginning, middle, and end, and should make us feel pity and fear—so that by the end, we feel lighter, wiser, and maybe even healed.

When I looked back at the plays in our syllabus, I realized how differently each one followed (or broke) these rules.

1. King Lear 

In King Lear, everything begins with a simple but serious decision: Lear wants to divide his kingdom and be praised by his daughters. That one moment sets off a chain reaction. His disowning of Cordelia leads to her marriage to France, then to war, betrayal, and his madness.

The plot feels natural and connected. Every action leads to another. Nothing is random. Even the subplot with Gloucester mirrors Lear’s story—showing how blind trust and pride can ruin lives. It doesn’t follow the unity of time or place (the story spans many locations and days), but it follows the unity of action beautifully. From start to end, it’s Lear’s story—his mistake, his suffering, and his sad realization.

2. Julius Caesar 

Julius Caesar also follows a strong and serious plot. Brutus’s decision to kill Caesar leads directly to Antony’s revenge, public anger, war, and his own suicide. Nothing feels out of place. Even the speeches in the play drive the story forward.

Though the play doesn’t follow Aristotle’s “unities” strictly, the events make perfect emotional and logical sense. Every choice made by Brutus has a consequence. It’s like watching a tragedy in slow motion—we see the mistake, we hope someone stops it, and when no one does, we feel the pain even more.

3. Death of a Salesman 

Now this play is different. It doesn’t move in a straight line. Willy Loman’s mind is like a broken mirror his memories, regrets, hopes, and lies are all mixed together. The play jumps between past and present, between real and imagined. It doesn’t follow Aristotle’s idea of a well-structured plot.

But here’s what I felt: even if the structure was messy, the emotions were real. The story felt like a real person’s life—confused, hopeful, and broken. There was still a cause-and-effect pattern: Willy’s belief in the dream leads to pressure, then to failure, and finally, to tragedy. But instead of big events like wars or kingdoms falling, this tragedy is about what happens inside a man’s heart when the world doesn’t match his dreams.

Arthur Miller, the writer, once said that tragedy is not about class, but about dignity. Even if the structure breaks Aristotle’s rules, the play still makes us cry, reflect, and feel something powerful.

Tragedy in the Real World Today

Even today, we see tragic heroes around us on screen and in real life.

• In movies like Jawan (2023), Shah Rukh Khan plays a man fighting corruption but loses a lot in the process. His good intentions lead to tough consequences.

• In politics, we see leaders fall due to ego, greed, or blind trust—modern forms of hamartia.

• Even students like us go through emotional struggles, sometimes because of wrong expectations or self-doubt.

Tragedy teaches us that being human means being flawed—but also having the ability to learn and grow.

Conclusion 

Studying tragedy in my B.A. course was not just about understanding plays. It was about understanding life. Plato thought poetry was dangerous, but I believe it is necessary. Aristotle showed us that tragedy helps us reflect on our emotions and our actions. And modern writers like Arthur Miller reminded us that everyone’s story matters, not just kings or heroes.

Tragedy connects us all. It shows that pain can be meaningful, mistakes can be powerful lessons, and stories can heal. That’s what I take away from King Lear, Julius Caesar, and Death of a Salesman—and from the wise old voices of Plato and Aristotle.

References

• Dilipsir  Barad's post on  Aristotle’s Poetics, Bhavnagar University, 2023. ResearchGate

• William Shakespeare's  King Lear and Julius Caesar.

• Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Tragedy and the Common Man, 1949

 

  Socrates: The Great Greek Philosopher and Thinker 

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir about our learning or understanding of Socrates. Here is the link to the professor's blogs for background reading and YouTube video to understand: Clickhere

When we hear the word "philosopher," the name that often comes to mind first is Socrates. He was one of the greatest thinkers in history. Born in Athens around 470 BCE, Socrates didn’t write a single book, yet his ideas have reached us today. That’s because his life, his words, and the way he asked questions were so powerful that his students made sure they were remembered. His thinking gave birth to Western philosophy, and his influence can still be felt in modern education and ethical discussions.

Early Life and Background

Socrates was born around 470 BCE in Athens, one of the most important cities of ancient Greece. His father was a stone sculptor, and his mother was a midwife. He lived a simple life. He was not rich. In fact, he wore the same old clothes, walked barefoot, and often skipped meals. People say he was not handsome, but his words and thoughts were very powerful.

Socrates served in the army and was known for being brave and strong. But instead of continuing a life in the army or working like others, he chose to spend his time talking to people. He went to the streets, markets, and gymnasiums of Athens and started asking questions to everyone he met.

Socrates Never Wrote a Book

What’s interesting is that Socrates never wrote anything. He believed that a good life was more important than writing books. He once said,  "The unexamined life is not worth living."  For him, living according to truth and reason was the real goal, not fame or writing.

Our knowledge of Socrates comes mainly from his student Plato, who wrote dialogues based on Socrates’ teachings. One of the most famous ones is "Apology", which describes Socrates’ defence during his trial. It’s important to note that in this context, “apology” means defending oneself, not saying sorry.

The Art of Asking Questions: Socratic Method

Socrates had a unique way of teaching. Instead of giving answers, he asked questions. He would ask again and again — “What is justice?”, “What is virtue?”, “What is love?”, “What is religion?” — until the other person started thinking deeply. He never rushed to define anything. He believed that truth could only come through careful, honest questioning.

This technique became known as the Socratic Method. It helps to clear confusion and go beyond surface-level answers. Today, this method is still used in schools, especially in law and philosophy classes. It teaches students not just to memorize but to think critically and ask meaningful questions. In fact, American education systems, especially at universities, use Socratic questioning to train students to be better thinkers and debaters.

His Students and Influence

Socrates didn’t charge any money to teach. He taught in public spaces and was always open to discussion. Two of his most famous students were Plato and Xenophon. Plato, in particular, carried forward Socrates ideas and became a teacher to Aristotle, who later taught Alexander the Great. In this way, Socrates’ thinking influenced not just philosophy, but also science, politics, and education.

Socrates would often ask three main questions to young people:

1. What do you believe?

2. Why do you believe it?

3. Can you explain it clearly?

These questions encouraged students to think for themselves rather than simply accept what others said.

The Trial of Socrates – 399 BCE

In 399 BCE, Socrates was put on trial. The people of Athens accused him of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods. They believed he was turning young people away from traditional beliefs by making them question everything.

During the trial, Socrates remained calm and firm. In Plato’s "Apology", Socrates says that he only wanted to help people live better and think clearly. He told the court,  "True wisdom is knowing how little you actually know."  But the jury of 500 Athenian citizens found him guilty.

He Had a Choice to Escape

After the trial, Socrates was given a chance to escape. His friends and students were ready to help him run away from prison. But he refused. He believed in obeying the law, even if the law was wrong. He said that escaping would go against everything he had taught about ethics and justice.

The Death of Socrates

Socrates was sentenced to death. His punishment was to drink a cup of hemlock, a poisonous drink. He accepted his fate peacefully. Surrounded by his friends, he drank the poison and slowly passed away.

His calmness in death shocked many. He didn’t cry, panic, or ask for forgiveness. He stayed true to his beliefs until the very end. He became a symbol of truth and courage.

In Plays and Public Opinion

Socrates was even made fun of in a play called "The Clouds" by Aristophanes. In this play, he was shown as a silly man floating in the air and confusing people with nonsense questions. Some historians believe that such plays may have shaped the public’s opinion about him before the trial.

Legacy in Modern Education and Life

Socrates’ way of questioning is still powerful today. In a world full of fake news, half-truths, and WhatsApp forwards, we need Socratic thinking more than ever. His method encourages us to ask "Why do I believe this?", "Is this really true?", and "Can I explain it with reason?"

His teachings are used not just in philosophy, but also in law, ethics, and mental health. His focus on ethics teaches us to live a moral life — to be honest, kind, and fair, even when it is hard.

"Socrates also showed that curiosity is a strength, not a weakness. By asking questions, we become more aware of ourselves and the world around us."

Conclusion

Socrates lived more than 2,400 years ago, but his ideas are timeless. He taught us that knowledge is not about having all the answers, but about always asking better questions. Even though he was poor, mocked, and killed, his thoughts remain alive today. He once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Maybe that’s the best message we can take from him — to live with awareness, courage, and a constant desire to know what is true and become a father of Western Philosophy.

Reference :

Dilipsir Barad's blog on Socrates - The Life and the Trial
https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/06/socrates.html

Post-Truth – Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2016

Post-Truth – Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2016

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blogs for background reading: Click here to learn more about Post Truth. 

Word: Post-truth (adjective)

Meaning of Post truth is relating to situations where people respond more to emotions and personal beliefs than to facts.

Why Was "Post-Truth" Chosen as Word of the Year in 2016?

        The word post-truth was chosen as the Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries in 2016 because it was widely used during two major global events:

1. The Brexit referendum in the UK
2. The U.S. presidential election won by Donald Trump

        In both cases, emotional appeal, identity politics, and misinformation played a bigger role than truth or facts.

        The word post-truth was first used in 1992 by Serbian-American playwright Steve Tesich in The Nation magazine, it didn’t gain popularity until 2016. In his essay "A Government of Lies", Tesich discussed how people were willingly accepting government lies if they felt emotionally satisfied. He wrote, “We would see only what our government wanted us to see, and we saw nothing wrong with that... We liked it that way.”

Literal and Figurative Meaning

Literally, post-truth means "after truth", but in today’s world, it means something deeper. It shows a shift where truth is no longer important in forming public opinion. Emotions win over evidence, and facts become optional.

How Does Post-Truth Affect People’s Opinions Today?

• In today’s digital era, people often form opinions based on Their religion, caste, language, or political identity.
• News and social media content that aligns with what they want to hear.
• Many political leaders use emotional issues to manipulate voters. A large section of the population is misled through fake news, half-truths, and emotional stories. As a result People don’t verify information and select the ministers who are lying to them. 
• Around 60% of voters may vote based on misinformation, not real facts.

Role of Digital Platforms in Post-Truth

• Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube influencers play a big role in spreading post-truth content.
• Many videos, posts, and photos are edited, but people believe them because they look real.
• Influencers often speak confidently even when spreading false information.
• People don’t fact-check because of low digital awareness and because of lack of education. And truth is become twisted to look attractive and believable.

Real-Life Examples of Misinformation

• During the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration, the timing just before elections was used emotionally. People saw it as a religious success, not a political strategy.
• In the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, many fake videos about crowd control and miraculous events were shared without checking facts.
• Old videos are often shared as current events, misleading thousands.

Personal Experience with Post-Truth

        Every day on social media, I see AI-generated and edited videos that are presented as real. Without fact-checking, many people believe and share them. Sometimes, even old or irrelevant videos go viral, creating panic or false pride.

My Strategy to Stay Alert

Here’s how I stay careful:

• I don’t believe everything I see or read.
• I check multiple sources before accepting anything.
• I try to keep emotions aside and think logically.
• I don’t blindly follow influencers or religious messages without verification.

Why We Must Understand Post-Truth

By understanding the post-truth world  We become smarter consumers of information, We protect ourselves from being manipulated as well as We help others by sharing only verified content.

The Need for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

In the age of AI and fake news, it’s very easy to spread lies as truth. Leaders, media, and influencers often divert attention from real issues like:

• Employment - In our country unemployment rate is so high that people are don't get good job not paid as their degree or post. Every year lakhs of people take degree from University in various fields but they don't get well paid job. And the craze of government job also there. 
• Education - Education is also a question of this time. In our education system students don't learn great skill to work efficiently. Just learn to pass the exam. Government not as much active as they have to. Private school and university takes place and middle class people don't afford it.
• Healthcare - In government hospital our government expenses so much money but their services is very poor so people have to go in private hospital. In this time many villages doesn't have any hospital that is failure of our government and health ministry.

If we are media literate and think critically, we can ask the right questions and demand real change.

 

References

Dilipsir Barad's Post-Truth: Word of the Year 2016. 

https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2017/01/post-truth-word-of-year-2016.html

Steve Tesich. Post-Truth and Its Consequences, The Nation, 1992. https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/post-truth-and-its-consequences-what-a-25-year-old-essay-tells-us-about-the-current-moment/

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary – Post-truth

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/post-truth?q=post+truth

Final Thought

Post-truth is not just a word—it’s a warning. It reminds us to stay alert, think deeply, and protect the truth in a world full of lies.