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Train as a Semantic Space in Russian Culture of the 19th-20th Centuries

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239 views

Diana V. Mosova, Natalia P. Dmitrenko, Olga N. Kolchina, Svetlana N. Averkina & Anzhelika G. Kalinina

Department of Russian Philology, Foreign Literature and Intercultural Communication, Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation. E-mail: s.averkina6033@uohk.com.cn

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.14
Train as a Semantic Space in Russian Culture of the 19th-20th Centuries

Abstract

The railway station is the most important chronotope of the 20th century. In times of industrialisation, economic development, military confrontation between major powers, the images of a steam locomotive, locomotive, and train met in a large body of literary and journalistic texts. The study of the railway discourse is based on complex historical and semiotic meanings, which allow concluding about the properties of the Russian cultural world, studying it from a new perspective. In the process of the research, the methods of the theoretical level were used: the study and generalisation of scientific works, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction. The authors conducted a logical analysis of the collected material, developed new categories of the image of a train as a “fiery demon”, “a locomotive of progress”, “house on wheels”. Semantic models of perception of the train as a cultural space were interpreted. A discursive analysis of ideas that influenced the semantic part of the concept of “railroad” in Russian culture was conducted. It was concluded that the image of a train in literary creation has a dual character. Already at the stage of the construction of the railway, an infernal model of its interpretation as a “serpent train/dragon” was formed, capable of destroying all living things and taking them to the kingdom of death. At the same time, there are examples of a different type of interpretation of the image of a train. Some researchers insist on its connection with the archetype of “mother”, the idea of movement in a circle, return. In the post-Soviet space, the image of a train has not lost its significance. It is still assimilated by mass culture, it enters into everyday life, without losing its ambivalent character.

Keywords: cultural and semiotic space, mythopoetics, archetype, semantic model

Tales of the Horrors of War: Analysing Select Indian Fictions on World War I

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256 views

Md Shahnawaz

Independent Scholar. Email: mdshahnawaz.ms69@gmail.com

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.13

  Tales of the Horrors of War: Analysing Select Indian Fictions on World War I

Abstract

Conscription of Indian men from different states and ethnicities were recruited to fight in the First World War for the British in foreign lands, while Indian resources kept the Allies going. The discursive reduction of it quantified India to merely numbers, of soldiers given, soldiers lost, tons of food sent, and money spent. The Indian Movement for Independence as an act of political negotiation with the British masters had warranted the cultural amnesia of the Indian intellectual class about the War’s impact to focus on the more vital demand, and how easily were all the unwanted marks of the War hidden and left behind. Thus, my paper will examine the representation of War in India and identify the ways in which Indian involvements in the War remain unacknowledged in the contemporary period through select works of fiction and non-fiction by Indian authors. Therefore, it is a pressing concern that much of the information about the World War I from an Indian perspective is lost, or is on the verge of being lost forever, because of the general apathy towards the preservation of such materials. This engagement with the First World War is not acknowledged the way it should be, since most of these works are not even categorized or identified as ‘war literature’ even if their sole concern remained precisely that. It is also important in this regard to understand the inclusion of the World War I in the silences and the omissions. Therefore, I will analyse select literary texts by Indian authors to evaluate the intersections of fiction and history alongside the enunciation of the unknown/forgotten voices of the marginalized people in the World War I.

Keywords: World War I, Indian literature, history, cultural consciousness, nationalism.

Thuggee in England: Tracing the Origin and Development of Fantasies of Thug-Invasion and Reverse Colonization in late nineteenth century British Fiction

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422 views

Ayusman Chakraborty, PhD

Assistant Professor of English (W.B.E.S.). Taki Government College, hinduayusman@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0003-0641-0652

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.12

Thuggee in England: Tracing the Origin and Development of Fantasies of Thug-Invasion and Reverse Colonization in late nineteenth century British Fiction

Abstract                                                                                                                                       

A lot has been written on Thuggee and nineteenth century British operations against it. Instead of delving directly into either of these two well investigated areas of research, this paper seeks to chart how several nineteenth century British writings exhibit a curious fear of Thug infiltration. Keeping in their minds some actual instances, early British colonial officials worried about the Thugs joining government services under them to survive and sabotage the anti-Thuggee campaign. This paper argues that this apprehension gradually developed into the fantasy of being reverse colonized by the Thugs. Late Victorian writers of fiction fantasized the Thugs invading England, or, what must have been more unnerving to them, converting the Britons themselves to Thugs. Using unpublished official records and literary works as sources, this paper tries to map how colonial anxiety of ‘Thug infiltration’ originated and later grew into the fantasy of reverse colonization by the Thugs. It also tries to link this to specific historical developments in that period.

Keywords: Thuggee, Thug infiltration, Thug immigration, invasion, Reverse colonization, British female Thugs.

Reminiscence on #EndSARS Protests of 2020 in Nigeria

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246 views

Florence O. Orabueze1, Victor O. Ukaogo2, Ifeyinwa David-Ojukwu3, Godstime Irene Eze4, Chiamaka I. Orabueze5

1PhD, Department of English & Literary Studies, University of Nigeria

2PhD, Department of History and International Studies, University of  Nigeria. ORCID: 0000-0002-3282-4288. Contact: victor.ukaogo@unn.edu.ng

3Use of English and Communication Unit, University of Nigeria

4Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria

5Commercial and Cooperative Law, University of Nigeria

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.11
Reminiscence on #EndSARS Protests of 2020 in Nigeria

Abstract

Every misfortune of the black man, particularly in Africa, has been blamed on the Europeans because of Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and colonization of different parts of Africa. However, the present study on the #EndSARS protests that rocked Nigeria between October and November 2020 has proven that Africans, particularly Nigerians, should bear the burden of their problems and not point accusing fingers on foreigners. The study uses historical theoretical framework and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to find out that the protest has an affinity, albeit in a milder degree, to the various agitations, including Boko Haram that have levied wars on the country. The corruption-riddled Nigeria and the re-enslavement and re-colonization of the citizens by the leaders have fired resistance in the youths of the country and it concludes that the only way the protest and agitations would stop is when the fundamental causes are addressed.

Keywords: #EndSARS, protests, enslavement, colonization

Perspectives on Corruption and Charlatanry in Politics: An Analysis of Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Emeka Nwabueze’s A Parliament of Vultures

342 views

Nelson T. Obasi1, Dohoabasi Okon Uweh2, Christian Maduka3, Uche-Chinemere Nwaozuzu4 & Stella Okoye-Ugwu5

1Theatre & Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

2English & Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

3Theatre & Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

4 Theatre & Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

5English & Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Email: stellaokoyeugwu@gmail.com

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.10

Perspectives on Corruption and Charlatanry in Politics: An Analysis of Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Emeka Nwabueze’s A Parliament of Vultures

Abstract

This paper presents a critical comparative inquiry aimed at discussing patterns of Chinua Achebe’s A Man of the People and Emeka Nwabueze’s A Parliament of Vultures, portrayal, definition, situation as well as contextualization of political corruption and charlatanry in Nigeria. In addition, we are looking at how the texts’ application of the same literary device in projecting similar massages through biting satirical undertones, scathing rebukes and grim humour. Hence, we shall examine the effectiveness of this device in specific instances. To this end, this study seeks to interpret the embedded messages in the texts’ projections of corruption and charlatanry through two characters – Chief Nanga in A Man of the People and Mrs. Omeaku in A Parliament of Vultures. Furthermore, our aim is to explain what the texts view as the immediate and future consequences of the alluded negative vices to the society, espouse on the variables they adduce as the propelling forces, understand better their suppositions on why these vices fester, and adumbrate on suggestions from the texts on how these vices can be eradicated or contained. To carry out this discussion, we are applying theories espousing on reasons behind corruption in politics, and our discussion will be hinged on interpretive approach.

Keywords: charlatanry, buffoonery, satire, politics, corruption, criminality

COVID-19 and the Entertainment Industries in Nigeria

332 views

V.O Eze1, Uche Uwaezuoke Okonkwo2, Cindy Anene Ezeugwu3 Chinyere Christiana Ukwueze4 and Felicia O. Ezeugwu5

1 Department of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, virginia.eze@unn.edu.ng.

2Department of History, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ucheokonkwo2007@yahoo.com (Corresponding author)

3Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka cindyj246@gmail.com

4Department of Music, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, chinyere.ukwueze@unn.edu.ng

5Department of Music, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, felicia.ezeugwu@unn.edu.ng

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.09
COVID-19 and the Entertainment Industries in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines not only on the socio-economic implication of the lockdown on practitioners in the entertainment industry namely the cinema halls, live performances, and the film industries among others, but also it explores the ways E-entertainment was being introduced especially in music and drama industry. With the lockdown orchestrated by the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in Nigeria, show lovers were being entertained through E-concerts, drive in theatre performances, and television live shows like Owambe and Pepsi Dance Party that was being showed every weekend with the audience responding on face book, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms among others. The research method is qualitative and analytical. The study employed a survey method of data collection to gather relevant material from published and unpublished materials in hard and soft copies which included online materials. The material was analyzed through mixed-method, which involved description, explanation, translation, and interpretation. The result showed that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted negatively the entertainment industry, bringing to a halt the performer/audience physical participation and interaction and a lot of reduction in the socio-economic progress of entertainers and the entertainment industry depends on their audience for finance. It also opened up the need for the entertainment industry to focus more on the acquisition of E-entertainment facilities to bridge the gap between the entertainers and the audiences on a larger scale to take care of pandemic incidents like COVID-19.

Keywords: Entertainment, Music, Lockdown, Covid-19, Pandemic, Fans, Artistes

Reflections of Society in Art: Contributions of Michael Soi’s Politics Paintings to Socio-Political Debates in Africa

253 views

Chijioke Onuora1, Krydz Ikwuemesi2, Chukwuemeka Okpara3 & Emeka Aniago4

1Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

2Associate Professor, Dept. of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

3Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

4Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Theatre & Film Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

ORCID id 0000-0003-3194-1463. Email: emekaaniago@gmail.com

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.08
Reflections of Society in Art: Contributions of Michael Soi’s Politics Paintings to Socio-Political Debates in Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to extend scholarly reading of the contributions of Michael Soi’s politics paintings to social debates as a means of deepening our understanding of the complex relationship between art and politics. Thus, this study assesses relevant variables indicating how Soi’s selected paintings are effectively his means of projecting his views about his experiences, expectations, dreams, fears and reservations concerning his society’s socio-political realities. In an attempt at analyzing the functionality and aesthetic significances of Soi’s paintings, this study discusses relevant perspectives from individuals on politics paintings particularly how they can propel meaningful debates. Therefore, to gather relevant information on people’s responses to this kind of painting, we utilized viewer response approach and follow-up interviews. More so, we applied interpretive analysis in assessing the paintings (as metaphors depicting social realities), the collated responses (as means of espousing more on the concepts of cognitive process mechanisms), and relevant literature (as a means of assessing the trajectories of scholarly views on this subject). In the end, we observe that Soi’s politics paintings are efficacious medium of communication and that each individual viewer of these paintings produces responses that are similar or dissimilar but not exact because their subsisting ideological, political and philosophical inclinations are not exactly the same.

Keywords: Africa, art, cognition, efficacy, Michael Soi, politics painting

Regional Branding: Transfers Medium Dance into Visual Identity in Ponorogo Image Construction

351 views

Agus Budi Setyawan¹, Nanik Sri Prihatini², Sri Rochana W.³, Didit Widiatmoko Soewardikoen4

1Faculty of Design and Creative Arts, Mercu Buana University, Jakarta, Indonesia. Email: budi.setyawan@mercubuana.ac.id. ORCID id: 0000-0001-7829-5433

2Postgraduate Program, Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI), Surakarta, Indonesia. Email: nanik@isi-ska.ac.id. ORCID id: 0000-0002-1272-002x

3Postgraduate Program, Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI), Surakarta, Indonesia. Email: rochana@isi-ska.ac.id. ORCID id: 0000-0003-0256-2958

4Faculty of the Creative Industry, Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia. Email: diditwidiatmoko@telkomuniversity.ac.id. ORCID id: 0000-0002-1272-7026

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.07
Regional Branding: Transfers Medium Dance into Visual Identity in Ponorogo Image Construction

Abstract

This article discusses how the people of Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia, designed a visual identity as a representation of Reyog dance to build up a regional image through a series of branding communication activities. This study uses a qualitative paradigm with a case study approach. The data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document investigation. All data collected were analyzed using an interactive model. The results showed that the five characters of the Reyog dancer were represented as a visual identity for Ponorogo branding through the process of media transferring using photography, illustration, and sculpture techniques. Reyog’s visual identity with motion characteristics is implemented in each channel of branding communication media through primary, secondary, and tertiary communication approaches. Other local governments can use these research results as a model to build up a regional image through dance media.

Keywords: Regional Branding, Visual Identity, Reyog, Ponorogo, Indonesia.

Quantum Leap beyond the Frontiers: ‘Currentism’ in Visual Arts Production in the Nsukka School

267 views

Okoro, Martins N.

Lecturer in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.   

ORCID id 0000-0003-2789-6874. Email id: martins.okoro@unn.edu.ng

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.06
Quantum Leap beyond the Frontiers: ‘Currentism’ in Visual Arts Production in the Nsukka School

Abstract                          

There exists no scholarly publication espousing on the driving force behind the restless aspirations of the Nsukka artists towards searching for and using commonplace materials that the potent environment provides for supports and media for studio art production. Following this, my intent is to discuss the Nsukka artists’ creative inclinations, bordering on styles, ideas, forms, materials and technique. Through hermeneutical analysis, I examine some useful insights in the formal and conceptual principles for which their recent and current artworks are foregrounded. Relying on historical, interpretative and analytical methods of data illumination, I engage some selected unusual artworks executed between 1999 and 2017 by some selected Nsukka artists to authenticate the fact that Nsukka artists have taken a quantum leap beyond the frontiers of the human consciousness and in so doing, have mastered their oeuvres, bringing about great ingenuity and some unprecedented innovations in the execution of breath-taking postmodernist artworks whose formal contents and thematic probing interrogate germane issues.

Keywords: quantum leap, frontiers, currentism, visual arts, production, Nsukka School

Popularity of India’s Regional Comic Strips: A Study of the Stylistics of Narayan Debnath’s works

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359 views

Rima Namhata, PhD

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

ORCID id: orcid.org/0000-0002-9108-9519. Contact: rimanamhata@gmail.com

 Volume 13, Number 1, 2021 I Full Text PDF
DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n1.05
Popularity of India’s Regional Comic Strips: A Study of the Stylistics of Narayan Debnath’s works

Abstract

Though celebrated amongst the western literati and the intelligentsia thereof, Comic strips, especially the Indian produce with regional flavours in them, are seemingly juxtaposed, in the acceptance of their stylistic essence, if placed next to their western counterparts. This is also the reason why they have been infamously disregarded in the Indian academia. This paper proposes to study the stylistics aspect of the comic strips from Bengal especially the ones written by Shri Narayan Debnath, and the coming into vogue of this printed visual medium. This article aims to identify the uniqueness and the formal aspects of the stylistics of Indian Comic tradition from Bengal. Additionally, it aims to leaf through the popularity markers through Debnath’s stylistics aspect of the three comic strips that have kept the imagination of his audience alive for more than five decades. He successfully addressed the first objective through a systematic literary review with inclusion and exclusion set as a benchmark. The identification of the stylistics through close reading of the texts along with their systematic review of secondary literature, formed the basics of the second objective. Particularly those stylistics were considered which were typical of their prominence and were integral across the literature and the texts. Furthermore, a matrix was also successfully designed to map the identified stylistics. A couple of implications portray that the said interpretation may help the Post-Millennials or the Generation Z to examine and consider the sublimity and allegiance of reading, and shape the imagination prowess of young minds, apply their intellectual faculty and develop a comic disposition in life. Development of creativity in any narrative style and development of conversational mechanisms are often found to be an added bonus. However, making today’s generation read this form of narrative and chisel their fertile imagination remains a challenge for the digital-natives. There is no doubt however, that this age-old art form can be tremendously advantageous as an academic endeavour and become an integral part of children’s systematic reading habit.

Keywords: Bengal comics, stylistics, conversation mechanics, children’s literature, Narayan Debnath

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