This blog contains discussions on poems, short stories, novels, plays, and literary essays. line-to-line explanation of the poems, dramas, Questions & Answers, etc. You will find poems, lessons, stories, dramas, questions, and answers here. English Literature Made Easy
Monday, 31 March 2025
Mother's Day-Summary in Hindi-J. B. Priestley’s Mother’s Day: A Satirica...
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
'आधी दुनियां पूरा आसमान' उपन्यास के लेखक श्री ब्रह्म दत्त शर्मा जी से ए...
Sunday, 23 March 2025
History Plays & Problem Plays
History Plays
History plays are dramas based on real historical events and figures. They often focus on kings, wars, and political struggles. William Shakespeare wrote many famous history plays, such as Henry V and Richard III. These plays help audiences understand the past while exploring themes like power, leadership, and betrayal.
Problem Plays
Problem plays mix elements of comedy and drama to deal with serious social or moral issues. They often present complex characters and situations without clear solutions. Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and The Merchant of Venice are examples of problem plays, as they explore themes like justice, mercy, and gender roles.
Comedy of Manners
Comedy of Manners
Comedy of Manners is a type of comedy that satirizes the behaviour and social customs of the upper class. These plays focus on witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and romantic misunderstandings. Writers like Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest) and Richard Sheridan (The School for Scandal) are well known for this genre.
Mother's Day-Summary in Hindi-J. B. Priestley’s Mother’s Day: A Satirica...
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Mother's Day-Summary in Hindi-J. B. Priestley’s Mother’s Day: A Satirica...
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Mother's Day by J. B. Priestley-Summary in Hindi
Monday, 10 March 2025
Of Studies-Questions-Answers-An Essay by Francis Bacon-- Critical Analys...
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Of Studies by Francis Bacon-"Wisdom Through Reading: A Study of Bacon’s ...
Of Studies – Francis Bacon – Summary
Of Studies – Francis Bacon – Summary
About the
Author
Francis Bacon was a
renowned philosopher, statesman, and essayist. He belonged to the Elizabethan
Age and is considered one of the pioneers of the English essay.
About the
Essay – Of Studies
In this essay, Bacon
discusses the importance of studying books, highlighting their numerous
benefits. In essence, reading enriches the mind, enhances wisdom, and serves as
an intellectual exercise. Beyond these fundamental advantages, Bacon explores
several key aspects of reading and studying. Let’s examine his insights in
detail.
Summary in
Detail
At the beginning of
the essay, Bacon explains that studying books serves three primary purposes: delight,
ornamentation, and ability. Books provide pleasure in leisure time, enhance
one’s language and conversational skills, and sharpen the intellect, allowing
individuals to analyze problems and make better decisions. Thus, studies offer enjoyment,
knowledge, and intellectual refinement.
However, Bacon warns
against excessive indulgence in reading. Over-immersion in books can lead to laziness,
overuse of bookish knowledge in conversation (which may irritate others), and
an inclination to judge people based on acquired learning. He criticizes
scholars who display their knowledge in a showy manner, calling it a mere whim.
Bacon also emphasizes
the need for practical application of knowledge. He compares natural
talents to wild plants that require pruning. Just as plants need careful
trimming to grow in an orderly manner, human abilities require training and
discipline. Without proper guidance, natural talents may go to waste, which is
often seen in rural areas and underprivileged sections of society.
Further, Bacon
observes that different people have varied attitudes toward learning:
- Cunning individuals dismiss wisdom, believing their craftiness surpasses acquired
knowledge.
- Simple people admire
books without questioning their contents.
- Wise individuals use knowledge effectively for practical purposes.
He advises readers to
be discerning while reading because books reflect the personal perspectives of
their authors. Thus, one must engage with books critically rather than
accepting everything at face value.
Another famous idea
Bacon presents is that different books should be approached in different ways:
“Some books are to be
tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
By this, he means
that:
- Some books should be read lightly or in parts.
- Others can be read quickly for general understanding.
- A select few should be studied deeply with full attention and
reflection.
Bacon also suggests
that certain books need not be read in their original form; their summaries
or extracts may suffice. Before choosing a book, he advises making a
careful selection, preferably based on reviews, to ensure its worthiness.
Another notable quote
from the essay is:
"Reading
maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man."
This means that:
- Reading broadens knowledge.
- Discussion sharpens wit and quick thinking.
- Writing enhances precision and clarity of thought.
Bacon also discusses
the transformative power of books. He claims that different disciplines
cultivate different mental faculties:
- History makes a person
wise.
- Poetry sharpens wit.
- Mathematics enhances
precision.
- Science deepens
understanding.
- Philosophy promotes depth
and seriousness of thought.
Furthermore, Bacon
asserts that books have curative effects on the mind. Just as physical
exercise helps maintain bodily health, reading helps in overcoming intellectual
weaknesses. For instance:
- Mathematics
strengthens concentration.
- Law sharpens
reasoning skills.
- Philosophy fosters depth of
thought.
- Medieval philosophy helps those struggling with distinguishing subtle differences.
- Legal case studies aid those lacking reasoning skills.
Conclusion
Bacon’s Of Studies is a timeless essay
that underscores the value of reading, the correct approach to studying books,
and the necessity of applying knowledge wisely. He emphasizes that true
learning is not about superficial display but about deep comprehension and
practical wisdom that contribute to personal and societal betterment.