B. A. Studies

 1. FarFrom The Madding Crowd: 

"Far From the Madding Crowd" is a novel written by Thomas Hardy, published in 1874. The story is set in the rural English countryside and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, a headstrong and independent woman who inherits a large farm from her uncle. The novel explores themes of love, class, and the changing social dynamics of rural life in the 19th century.

Bathsheba is a complex character who is determined to make her own way in life. She is courted by three very different men: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd and her first love; William Boldwood, a wealthy and reclusive landowner; and Sergeant Francis Troy, a dashing soldier with a dark secret. Each of these men offers Bathsheba a different kind of love, and she must decide which path to follow.

The novel is also notable for its portrayal of rural life in the 19th century. Hardy's writing is rich in detail and evokes the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside. He explores the relationship between the land and the people who work it, and the tensions that arise between different social classes. The novel is also notable for its strong female characters, particularly Bathsheba, who defies the gender norms of her time.

Overall, "Far From the Madding Crowd" is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the complexities of love and rural life in the 19th century. It is widely regarded as one of Hardy's most enduring works, and has been adapted into several films and television series over the years.

2. Heart of Darkness:

"Heart of Darkness" is a novel by Joseph Conrad, published in 1899. The story is set in the Belgian Congo in the late 19th century, and follows the journey of a young sailor named Marlow as he travels up the Congo River to meet the enigmatic Kurtz, a powerful ivory trader who has become something of a legend in the region.

As Marlow ventures deeper into the jungle, he encounters the horrors of colonialism and the brutal exploitation of the native population. He also becomes increasingly obsessed with the figure of Kurtz, who seems to represent both the promise and the darkness of the human spirit.

The novel is notable for its dense and lyrical prose, which creates a powerful sense of atmosphere and foreboding. Conrad's writing is also notable for its exploration of themes such as imperialism, morality, and the human condition. The character of Kurtz, in particular, is a complex and enigmatic figure who embodies the contradictions of European colonialism.

"Heart of Darkness" has been widely studied and analyzed for its depiction of colonialism and its impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. It has also inspired numerous adaptations and interpretations, including Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 film "Apocalypse Now," which transposes the story to the Vietnam War.

3. The Bluest Eye:

"The Bluest Eye" is a novel written by Toni Morrison, published in 1970. The story is set in Ohio in the 1940s, and explores the damaging effects of racism and Eurocentric beauty standards on the lives of African Americans, particularly young black girls.

The novel centers around the character of Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl who dreams of having blue eyes, which she believes will make her beautiful and accepted by society. Pecola's desire for blue eyes is a symbol of the internalized racism and self-hatred that result from living in a society that values whiteness above all else.

The novel is notable for its complex and nuanced portrayal of black life, particularly the experiences of black girls and women. Morrison's writing is rich in detail and explores the psychological and emotional toll of racism on its characters. She also examines themes of family, community, and the search for identity.

"The Bluest Eye" has been widely studied and analyzed for its critique of racism and its impact on African American communities. The novel has been praised for its powerful and poetic prose, as well as its exploration of difficult and important themes. It remains a groundbreaking work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

4. The Hairy Ape :

"The Hairy Ape" is a play written by Eugene O'Neill, first performed in 1922. The play explores themes of class struggle, identity, and the search for meaning in modern industrial society.

The main character, Yank, is a stoker on a transatlantic ocean liner. He is a brute of a man, with a powerful physical presence, and feels a sense of pride in his work and his place in the world. However, when he encounters the daughter of a wealthy steel magnate, he begins to question his identity and his place in society.

As Yank struggles to find his place in a world that seems to reject him, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and violent. He comes to see himself as a kind of "hairy ape," a primitive and misunderstood creature who is out of place in modern society. Ultimately, Yank's search for meaning and identity leads him to a violent confrontation with the steel magnate's daughter, and to his own downfall. "The Hairy Ape" is a powerful and provocative play that explores the alienation and dislocation of modern industrial society. O'Neill's writing is raw and visceral, and his characters are complex and multi-dimensional. The play has been widely studied and analyzed for its exploration of themes such as class struggle, identity, and the dehumanizing effects of modern technology.

Overall, "The Hairy Ape" is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers and audiences today. Its themes and characters remain relevant to our understanding of the human experience in the modern world.