Machine Translation and Human Translation : An experimental study of Gujarati short story 'Jumo Bhisti' by Dhumketu. (PPSU Research Paper)

Machine Translation and Human Translation : An experimental study of Gujarati short story 'Jumo Bhisti' by Dhumketu.

Himanshi Parmar

P.G Student

Department of English

Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

Email. Id. - himanshiparmar3004@gmail.com 

Abstract :

   Machine translation and human translation are two different approaches to the task of translating text or speech from one language to another.Machine translation is the use of software to automatically translate text from one language to another.Human translation, on the other hand, is the process of translating text or speech by a person who is fluent in both the source and target languages. Translation is a transfer of meaning from one language to another.It plays a vital role in literature of all the languages. This research paper includes an experimental study of Gujarati short story 'Jumo Bhisti' by Dhumketu. Machine translation has its limitations, and it may not always produce accurate translations. One of the main challenges is to understand the context and idiomatic expressions that are hard to translate. While human translation can be more time-consuming and expensive than machine translation, especially for large volumes of text. This research paper aims to research on advantages and Disadvantages of Machine translation. Also emphasizes the difficulties encountered while doing machine translation by translating a Gujarati short story of Dhumketu titled as 'Jumo Bhisti' in Google translator.

Key words - Jumo Bhisti, Dhumketu, Machine Translation, Usefulness, Difficulties, Llimitations.

History of Human Translation and Machine Translation 

The history of translation dates back to ancient times when different cultures and civilizations came into contact and needed to communicate with each other. Translation has been essential for the dissemination of knowledge, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding.

In the early days of translation, the most common method was oral translation, in which a speaker of one language would translate a text into another language for an audience. This method was used for religious texts, as well as for legal and commercial documents.With the invention of writing, written translation became more common. The ancient Greeks are credited with creating the first known written translation, a translation of the Iliad into Egyptian. During the Renaissance, the rise of humanism and the interest in classical literature led to an increase in written translations.

In the 20th century, machine translation emerged as a new field of study. The first machine translation systems were developed in the 1950s, using rule-based methods. However, these systems were limited in their ability to translate accurately and effectively. With the advent of deep learning and neural networks in the 21st century, machine translation has made significant progress and is now widely used for a variety of purposes, including language education, e-commerce, and communication. The history of translation reflects the evolution of human communication and the desire to share ideas and knowledge across cultures and languages. It is a field that continues to evolve and advance with technological advancements and the increasing need for cross-cultural understanding.

Problems while using MachineTranslation

1 - Inaccurate translations :

   Despite advancements in machine translation, it still struggles to achieve human-level accuracy in translating complex texts.Machine translation can result in inaccurate translations due to the following reasons: 1) Lack of context: Machine translation lacks the ability to understand and retain context, which can result in misinterpretations of the source text. 2) Ambiguity in language: Natural language is often ambiguous and machines may not understand the intended meaning, resulting in incorrect translations. 3)Technical limitations: Machine translation algorithms may not be able to accurately translate idiomatic expressions, figurative language, or sarcasm. 4)Limited knowledge: Machine translation is only as accurate as the data it was trained on, and it may not be up-to-date with the whicht information and changes in language usage.5Machineral differences: Machine translation may not take into account cultural differences, resulting in translations that are not culturally appropriate. It is important to have professional human translators review and edit machine translations to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

   In the story 'Jumo Bhisti' by Dhumketu, the fifth point is proved right. Culture of Gujarati is different from the English. The story includes many native words which Google translator failed to translate due to lack of cultural understanding such as 'પણે' means 'There' but Google translator cut that part. The another word is 'રણકીને' that was removed by Google translator.

2 - Lack of human-like nuance and understanding / Fail to capture feelings and emotions :

   Machine translation does not possess the cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and linguistic sophistication of human translators, leading to grammatically correct but semantically incorrect translations.Machine translation still has limitations in accurately capturing cultural, idiomatic, and linguistic nuances, leading to limitations in its ability to understand and replicate human language and communication. This results in awkward or incorrect translations. Advances in NLP and deeper language understanding are continuously being made to improve the accuracy and naturalness of machine translation.

   In the story such words like જો! જો! (See! See!) Was translated as If! If! In the sentence 'તમે માબાપ, ટેકો દો તો પગ નીકળી જાય,..' (If you help, the legs will come off) the word 'માબાપ' indicates two persons whom jumo ask for help but Google translator translated it as a 'parents'. The word was used to request people not for parents. Also the word 'ભાઈ માણસ' (male) is wrongly translated as ' brother - man', word 'થોડુંઘણું' (few/little, some) translated as 'little more' which again wrong. The word 'ખંજવાળવું' (to pamper) is a quite positive word that translated as negative 'Scratched'.The word 'કેડિયું' (Gujarati male outfit) is translated as chain because lack of cultural understanding.

3. Limitations in handling idiomatic expressions and cultural references :

   Machine translation can struggle to translate expressions that are specific to a particular culture or language, and can result in awkward or meaningless translations.Idiomatic expressions and cultural references are often difficult for machine translation to handle as they may not have a direct equivalent in the target language or may carry different connotations. This can result in lost meaning or misunderstandings in translations. Machine translation systems are improving in their ability to handle such expressions, but the challenge remains due to the complex and nuanced nature of human language and culture.

    In each culture there are different words for different expressions. In the story 'Jumo Bhisti' expressions that used are 'હો!' Which one can correctly be translated as Okay! But here translation machine translated it as 'ho!' only.

4) Some words remain as it is :

  While experimenting with the story, the result was that some words remained as it is. Machine translation made no changes in it. The words that remained as it is are mostly rural, native words. It is hard to do an English translation of those words and even some words don't have any specific words in English. The words that remained as it is are Lakshadhipati' (Rich), 'Seth' (owner), 'Paise' (Money/Rupees), 'Gadab' (A kind of Grass for animals), 'Netar' ( A kind of Wood), 'Parvardigar' (God), 'Ho' (Okay) etc.

5) Difficulty in dealing with homonyms and polysemy :

 Words with multiple meanings can be challenging for machine translation, as it may select the incorrect meaning for a given context. Homonyms and polysemy (multiple meanings for a single word) present challenges for machine translation as a single word can have different translations depending on context. This can result in ambiguity and incorrect translations. Machine translation systems often use context and semantic analysis to disambiguate such words, but the task remains difficult due to the complexity of human language and the multitude of possible meanings a word can have. For example the word 'જો! જો!' has two meanings within. The first is 'to see' and the second is 'If'. In the story the word is used to mean 'see!' But Google translator used the word 'If' instead of 'see' which raised a different meaning of sentence and was unmatched translation with story.

6) Negative to positive - Positive to Negative :

   While using machine translation, one of the difficulties is, it sometimes maken positive words negative and negative words positive. For example in chosen story of Dhumketu the word 'જાનવર', here Venu, the Gaur is translated as 'Beast' which is very negative term in reference to the story. While in the original Gujarati story the word is depicted in a very positive manner.

7) Spelling errors and Gender Changes :

   Sometimes the translation machine also made spelling errors and misspelled some words. It especially happens in names, like name of place, people, things etc. In the story the name protagonist is 'Jumo' which sometimes translated as 'Juma', also the word 'Pado' which should translate as Gaur was remained as 'Pado' only and sometimes machine translator made mistake and translated it as 'Paddy' also. Google translator translated 'Gaur' as female by using 'her' for it, where 'It' is the proper word to show the gender of Gaur.

8) Inability to capture context and background knowledge :

   Machine translation often lacks the ability to consider contextual information, background knowledge, and the intended meaning behind a text, leading to misunderstandings and errors .Machine translation often lacks the ability to capture context and background knowledge, which is important for accurate understanding and translation of a text. This can result in incorrect translations or loss of meaning. Machine translation systems are utilizing more advanced techniques, such as incorporating context and background knowledge, to improve the accuracy and naturalness of translations. However, the challenge remains as language and human communication are complex and multifaceted. In the short story such words like 'થીગડા' (Patch) translated as 'Frozen Rock', 'હુક્કો' (Hookah) translated as 'Hook', 'મસક' ( kind of a pot of water) translated as 'Mask', 'લીન થવું' (to sink into) translated as 'Absorbed'. All these words are wrongly translated and lose their meaning after translation, that is showing limitations of translation.

9) Use of unwanted punctuation marks -

   Machine translation many times use unwanted or unnecessary punctuation marks such as question mark, exclamation mark, full stop etc. In the story 'Jumo Bhisti' by Dhumketu also we find use of unnecessary question marks at two three places. It also sometimes misses out to use such punctuation marks where it actually needs to. Sometimes machine translation also simplifies complex sentences that cause changes in meaning of sentences and other problems.

   Though machine translation has many Disadvantages and it makes lots of errors, it is also useful in many ways. Here are some.

Usefulness of Machine Translation.

1] Speed :

   Machine translation can translate large amounts of text quickly, making it an efficient tool for processing large volumes of information. This speed of translation can be particularly useful in industries such as journalism, e-commerce, and customer service, where quick turnaround times are necessary. However, the speed of machine translation does not always equate to high-quality translations, and post-editing or review by a human translator may still be necessary. But it saves time.

2] Availability :

   Machine translation is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it highly accessible. This allows for quick and easy translation of text at any time, which can be particularly useful in industries such as customer service, where prompt response times are necessary. Additionally, machine translation eliminates the need to wait for a human translator to be available, further increasing its accessibility

3] Cost-effectiveness:

   Machine translation is often more cost-effective than human translation, especially for large volumes of text. This can be attributed to the speed and automation of machine translation, which reduces the time and labor required for translation. Additionally, the cost of machine translation software and tools has decreased over time, making it an increasingly affordable option for businesses and individuals. While machine translation may not always produce high-quality translations, it can still provide a quick and cost-effective solution for translating basic or simple text.

4] Consistency:

   Machine translation provides consistent translations as it follows set rules and guidelines. This consistency can be particularly useful for translating repetitive or standardized text, such as product descriptions or legal documents. Additionally, machine translation can ensure that terminology and branding are consistently translated, improving brand image and consistency across multilingual materials. However, consistency can also lead to limitations in the ability of machine translation to capture the nuances and complexity of human language and communication.

5] Accessibility

    Machine translation can break down language barriers and provide access to information in different languages. This can greatly enhance communication and information exchange, making information and resources more widely available. For example, machine translation can provide access to news, literature, and websites in different languages, increasing cultural understanding and global connectivity. Additionally, machine translation can make it easier for individuals who are not proficient in a particular language to communicate and access information in that.

Conclusion -

Thus to conclude we can say that machine translation has its own benefits and also it is very popular in present time, but it has its limitations too. The system is getting better day by day and the level of translation quality is also increasing but still it is behind in many ways. On one hand machine translation is fast, saves time, is available day and night, it is not very costly and it is biased free at one point but has a lack of emotional understanding that causes problems many times. Human translation is more trustworthy than machine translation but it is very costly and time consuming. So at last both Machine translation and Human translation has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Citation

Bassnett, S., & Lefevere, A. (Eds.). (2015). The Oxford Handbook of Translation Studies. Oxford University Press.

Dhumketu. (1926). Tankha Mandal 1 (Vol. One). Gurjar Grantharatna Karyalaya.

FreeCodeCamp (2021, January 13). A History of Machine Translation: From the Cold War to Deep Learning. FreeCodeCamp. https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/a-history-of-machine-translation-from-the-cold-war-to-deep-learning-f1d335ce8b5/

Lingual Consultancy (2021, June 7). Machine Translation: Advantages and Disadvantages. Lingual Consultancy. https://lingualconsultancy.com/blog/machine-translation-advantages-and-disadvantages

Malmkjær, K. (2015). Translation: An Essential Guide. Routledge.

Munday, J. (Ed.). (2012). Translation: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Palgrave Macmillan.

A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield

Hello, I am Himanshi Parmar, student of MK Bhavnagar University. This blog i have written as a response to Thinking Activity, Which is a Part of my academic Work. Which we get after each unit. In this blog, i am going to discuss about  A Cup of Tea by Katherine Mansfield.

About "A Cup of Tea"  by Katherine Mansfield.

'A Cup of Tea' is a short story written by Katherine Mansfield, a prominent New Zealand writer of the early 20th century. The story is a beautiful portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the power of generosity and empathy. It tells the story of two women, Rosemary and Miss Smith, who come from different social backgrounds and how their lives intersect over a cup of tea.

The story is set in London in the early 1900s. Rosemary Fell is a wealthy and beautiful young woman who lives a life of luxury and leisure. She is married to a wealthy businessman, Philip Fell, and spends her days shopping, attending parties, and socializing with her rich friends. Rosemary is a selfish and self-centered person who takes pleasure in flaunting her wealth and status in front of others.

One day, as Rosemary is out shopping, she comes across a poor and destitute young woman, Miss Smith, who is begging on the streets. Rosemary is struck by Miss Smith's appearance and decides to take her home. She feels that she has to help this poor woman and show her kindness.

Miss Smith is a young woman who comes from a lower-class background. She is plain-looking, but has a kind and gentle personality. She is grateful to Rosemary for rescuing her from the streets and is overwhelmed by Rosemary's wealth and luxury.As Rosemary and Miss Smith sit down for a cup of tea, Rosemary starts to feel uncomfortable. She realizes that Miss Smith is not her social equal and is embarrassed by her lack of refinement and sophistication. Rosemary is not used to spending time with people like Miss Smith and feels that she is out of her comfort zone.

Despite her discomfort, Rosemary tries to be kind to Miss Smith. She offers her some of her clothes and jewelry and gives her some money. However, as Miss Smith tries on Rosemary's clothes and jewelry, Rosemary begins to feel jealous and resentful. She realizes that she has never appreciated the wealth and privilege that she has always taken for granted. She feels ashamed of her own selfishness and materialism.

As the evening progresses, Rosemary becomes increasingly agitated. She wants Miss Smith to leave, but she does not know how to ask her. She feels trapped and suffocated by Miss Smith's presence. Miss Smith, on the other hand, is grateful for Rosemary's kindness and feels that she has found a friend in her. She is oblivious to Rosemary's discomfort and tries to engage her in conversation.

Finally, Rosemary comes up with a plan. She offers Miss Smith more money and tells her to leave. She feels relieved when Miss Smith accepts the money and leaves. However, as she watches Miss Smith walk away, she realizes the true cost of her own selfishness. She understands that her actions have hurt Miss Smith and that she has missed an opportunity to show kindness and compassion.

In conclusion, "A Cup of Tea" is a beautifully written story that explores the themes of social inequality, kindness, and self-reflection. It highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, and how their lives intersect in unexpected ways. It also shows how a simple act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life, and how even the most privileged among us can learn to appreciate the value of generosity and empathy. Through the characters of Rosemary and Miss Smith, Mansfield has created a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.

I hope this blog will be helpful to you. Thank you.

'Post Master' by Rabindranath Tagore.

Hello, I am Himanshi Parmar, student of MK Bhavnagar University. This blog i have written as a response to Thinking Activity, Which is a Part of my academic Work. Which we get after each unit. In this blog, i am going to discuss about 'Post Master' by Rabindranath Tagore.

About Post Master by Rabindranath Tagore.

"Post Master" is a short story by Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest writers in Indian literature. It is a heartwarming tale of human emotions, particularly the bond between a lonely postmaster and a young village girl.The story is set in a small village in rural Bengal during the British Raj. The protagonist of the story is a postmaster who has been posted to this remote village from Calcutta. He is a young man, educated and cultured, but he finds it difficult to adjust to the rural life of the village. He misses his family and friends in the city and feels lonely and isolated in this new place.

The postmaster's job is to sort and deliver letters to the people of the village. In this village, he meets a young girl named Ratan. She is an orphan and works as a maid in the postmaster's house. Ratan is a simple and innocent girl, who is fascinated by the postmaster's books and his knowledge of the world outside the village. She is eager to learn and to spend time with the postmaster, who she sees as a father figure.

The postmaster, too, is drawn to Ratan's simple and pure nature. He enjoys her company and begins to teach her how to read and write. As they spend more time together, the postmaster develops a deep affection for Ratan. He sees in her the innocence and simplicity that he misses from his own life. Ratan, on the other hand, begins to see the postmaster as her friend, her teacher and her guide.

As time passes, the postmaster realizes that he has to leave the village and return to Calcutta. He is heartbroken at the thought of leaving Ratan behind, but he knows that he has to go. Ratan, too, is devastated at the thought of losing her only friend in the village. She tries to persuade him to stay, but the postmaster tells her that he has no choice.The day of the postmaster's departure arrives. He packs his bags and says goodbye to Ratan, who is inconsolable. As he walks to the train station, he sees Ratan following him. He tries to shoo her away, but she insists on following him till the end. At the train station, the postmaster bids Ratan a final goodbye and boards the train.

The postmaster reaches Calcutta and resumes his old life. However, he cannot forget Ratan and the memories of his life in the village. He realizes that he has left a part of himself behind in that small village. The postmaster begins to miss Ratan's innocent face, her simple questions, and her eagerness to learn. One day, the postmaster receives a letter from Ratan. The letter is full of love and gratitude, and it moves the postmaster deeply. He writes back to her, but he is unsure whether the letter will ever reach her.

Years pass, and the postmaster forgets about Ratan. One day, he receives a letter from a young girl who claims to be Ratan's daughter. She tells him that Ratan had passed away, but before she died, she had told her daughter about the postmaster who had been her friend and teacher. The postmaster is deeply moved by this news. He realizes that Ratan had never forgotten him, and that she had passed on her memories and her love to her daughter.

In conclusion, "Post Master" is a poignant tale of human emotions, of love, friendship, and the bonds that unite us. It is a story that reminds us of the importance of human connections, of the need for love and companionship, and of the power of memories that live on beyond our own lives.

I hope this blog will be helpful to you. Thank you.

The Only Story- Julian Barnes (Worksheet -3)

Hello, I am Himanshi Parmar, student of MK Bhavnagar University. This blog i have written as a response to Thinking Activity, Which is a Part of my academic Work. Which we get after each unit. In this blog, i am going to discuss few question - answers about 'The Only Story' by Julian Barnes with the help of Chat GPT.

Worksheet - 1

Worksheet - 2

Worksheet - 3

1) Analyze the context of the following quote: "Why do you cheat at crosswords?"

1.Who is the speaker and to whom is this question addressed?

Answer - Paul to Joan

2. What is the response given by the recipient?

Answer - very firstly Joan laughed loudly then the recipient responsed that some of us get to the point in life where nothing Matters. And benefit of that we know that is we are not going to go to hell for filling in the wrong answer in the crossword.

3. Is the reference to "cheating at crosswords" repeated in the novel?

Answer :- Yes it is repeated Twice.

4. What inferences can be drawn from this reference? (Using ChatGPT)

In the novel The Only Story by Julian Barnes, the reference to crossword could be interpreted in a few different ways depending on the context. Here are a few possible inferences:

1) Crosswords as a pastime: Crosswords are a popular pastime for many people, and in the novel, they could be seen as a way for the characters to fill their time or distract themselves from their problems. The reference to crosswords could indicate that the characters are looking for a way to pass the time or engage their minds.

2) Crosswords as a metaphor: Crosswords often involve piecing together words and clues to form a coherent whole, which could be seen as a metaphor for the novel's themes of memory, identity, and relationships. The characters in the novel are trying to make sense of their own lives and relationships, and the reference to crosswords could suggest that they are trying to fit the pieces together.

3) Crosswords as a symbol of order: Crosswords have a set structure and rules that must be followed, which could be seen as a symbol of order or stability in the novel. The characters in the novel are dealing with uncertain and chaotic situations, and the reference to crosswords could suggest that they are looking for something that is structured and predictable.

Overall, the reference to crossword in The Only Story could be interpreted in a few different ways depending on the context, but it could be seen as a way for the characters to pass the time, a metaphor for the novel's themes, or a symbol of order and stability.

2) Investigate the symbolic significance of ‘crosswords’ in the novel "The Only Story." (Using ChatGPT)

In Julian Barnes' novel "The Only Story," crosswords have symbolic significance that relates to the themes of memory, identity, and the search for meaning. Crosswords are mentioned throughout the novel, and their meaning changes as the story progresses.

One way in which crosswords are significant in the novel is as a metaphor for the protagonist Paul's search for meaning and purpose. Paul is a young man who becomes involved in an intense romantic relationship with a much older woman named Susan. As their relationship progresses and then falls apart, Paul becomes increasingly disillusioned and uncertain about the direction of his life. In this context, crosswords can be seen as a metaphor for the puzzle of life that Paul is trying to solve, as he struggles to understand his own identity and the purpose of his existence.

Crosswords also have symbolic significance in the way that they represent memory and the past. Throughout the novel, Paul is haunted by memories of his relationship with Susan, and the narrative shifts between his present-day perspective and his recollections of the past. Crosswords can be seen as a way of piecing together these memories and making sense of his own history. In this sense, crosswords represent the effort to make meaning out of the past, even when that meaning is elusive or difficult to grasp.

Finally, crosswords have symbolic significance in the way that they represent order and structure in the face of chaos and confusion. Paul's relationship with Susan is often characterized by instability, uncertainty, and even chaos, as they struggle with their feelings for each other and the disapproval of others.  Crosswords, with their strict rules and ordered structure, provide a contrast to this chaos, offering a sense of control and predictability in a world that often feels chaotic and out of control.

Overall, the symbolic significance of crosswords in "The Only Story" is multifaceted, encompassing themes of memory, identity, purpose, and order. Through the motif of crosswords, Barnes invites readers to reflect on the puzzle of life and the challenge of making sense of our experiences and memories.

3) Analyze the following quote in the context of the novel: "The point of the story is 'safe and capable.'"

1.Identify the speaker and the person to whom the quote is addressed.

Answer :- Susan to Paul

2. Describe the significance of this quote within the context of the story. (Using ChatGPT- After giving textual reference)

The quote "The point of the story is 'safe and capable'" is mentioned in the novel "The Only Story" by Julian Barnes, and it can be interpreted in a few different ways depending on the context.

The quote is mentioned in the context of a discussion between the protagonist, Paul, and his father about Paul's romantic relationship with an older woman named Susan. Paul's father is concerned about the age difference and the potential consequences of the relationship, while Paul argues that he is capable of making his own decisions and taking responsibility for his life. In this context, the phrase "safe and capable" can be seen as a way of summarizing Paul's position, that he is both mature and responsible enough to navigate this complex and potentially risky situation.

However, the phrase "safe and capable" could also be interpreted more broadly as a theme that runs throughout the novel. In many ways, the novel is about the search for safety and security in an unpredictable and often chaotic world. Paul and Susan's relationship is a way for them to find a sense of safety and stability in each other, even as they struggle to navigate the challenges that come with their age difference and other societal expectations.

At the same time, the idea of being "capable" can also be seen as a theme that runs throughout the novel, particularly in the way that Paul struggles to find his own sense of identity and purpose. By taking risks and pursuing his relationship with Susan, Paul is trying to assert his own agency and demonstrate that he is capable of making his own choices and taking responsibility for his own life, even when those choices are difficult or unpopular.

Overall, the quote "The point of the story is 'safe and capable'" can be seen as a way of summarizing some of the key themes and conflicts that run throughout the novel, particularly the tension between safety and risk, and the struggle to assert one's own agency and identity in a complex and unpredictable world.

3) Evaluate the use of the phrase "moviemaker's bromide" in the novel "The Only Story."

1. How many times is the phrase used in the novel?

Answer :- twice

2.What is the situation when this phrase appears in the novel?

Paul visited hospital where Susan died. This phrase is a response of Susan's death appears as a emotions of Paul. He wish he should kiss Susan goodbye for the last time before Susan died.

3. What does it signify within the context of the story? (Using ChatGPT- after giving textual reference)

In Julian Barnes' novel "The Only Story," the phrase "moviemaker's bromide" is used to describe a cliche about the nature of love that is often depicted in movies. Specifically, the phrase refers to the idea that true love is a kind of magical force that transcends all boundaries and overcomes all obstacles.

In the novel, the protagonist Paul initially sees his relationship with Susan through the lens of this "moviemaker's bromide." He is convinced that their love is special and enduring, and that it will be able to overcome the significant obstacles that stand in their way, such as the disapproval of their families and the significant age difference between them.

However, as the novel progresses and their relationship deteriorates, Paul comes to realize that this cliche is not an accurate depiction of the reality of love. Instead, he realizes that love is much more complex and messy than the simple, idealized version that is often portrayed in movies. He comes to see that love can be difficult, painful, and even destructive, and that it is not necessarily a magical force that can transcend all boundaries.

In this sense, the phrase "moviemaker's bromide" signifies the gap between the idealized version of love that is often depicted in movies and the messy, complicated reality of love that is depicted in the novel. It represents the tension between the expectations that we have about love, based on cultural myths and romantic ideals, and the often difficult and imperfect reality of love in our own lives. By using this phrase, Barnes is highlighting the danger of believing in these idealized versions of love, and the importance of grappling with the messy, complicated reality of love in all its complexity.

I hope this blog will be helpful to you. Thank you!

The Only Story- Julian Barnes (Worksheet 2)

Hello, I am Himanshi Parmar, student of MK Bhavnagar University. This blog i have written as a response to Thinking Activity, Which is a Part of my academic Work. Which we get after each unit. In this blog, i am going to discuss few question - answers about 'The Only Story' by Julian Barnes with the help of Chat GPT.

Worksheet -1

Worksheet -2

Explain the quotation from Julain Barnes’s novel ‘The Only Story. (Using ChatGPT)

“Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, the only real question. You may point out – correctly – that it isn’t a real question. Because we don’t have the choice. If we had the choice, then there would be a question. But we don’t, so there isn’t. Who can control how much they love? If you can control it, then it isn’t love. I don’t know what you call it instead, but it isn’t love.”

In this quote from Julian Barnes's novel "The Only Story," the speaker, Paul, is reflecting on the nature of love and its inherent capacity for pain. He poses a question: "Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less?" He suggests that this is the only real question when it comes to love, as the experience of love inevitably comes with the risk of suffering.

Paul acknowledges that the question isn't a real one, as we don't have a choice in how much we love. Love is not something that can be controlled, and if it could be, it wouldn't be true love. Paul doesn't know what to call it if it isn't love, but he is sure that it isn't the same thing. This quote speaks to the novel's themes of love, loss, and the weight of memory. Paul's reflection on the nature of love suggests that it is an inherently complex and difficult emotion, one that can bring great joy but also great pain. It also suggests that, despite the risks, the experience of love is ultimately worth it.

Who is Uncle Humphrey? How / why is this minor character significant in the novel? (Using ChatGPT)

Uncle Humphrey is Susan's uncle in "The Only Story" and he is not portrayed as a good character.Uncle Humphrey is depicted as an unpleasant and manipulative individual who has a negative impact on Susan's life. He is described as a heavy drinker who frequently makes inappropriate comments and takes advantage of others, including Susan. His behavior towards Susan is controlling and emotionally abusive, and he is ultimately responsible for perpetuating the cycle of dysfunction and pain in her family.

In this sense, Uncle Humphrey's significance in the novel lies in the way he embodies the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the ways in which power and control can be used to harm others. His presence in the novel serves to highlight the complexities of familial relationships and the lasting impact that past traumas can have on individuals and their loved ones.

While applying Gerard Genet’s tool of ‘Duration’ in narratology, how can we explain the narrative time and discourse time in Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’? (Using ChatGPT)

Gerard Genette's concept of "Duration" in narratology refers to the relationship between the time it takes to tell a story (the discourse time) and the time period over which the story takes place (the narrative time). In the case of Julian Barnes' "The Only Story," we can explore the relationship between these two types of time as follows:

Narrative Time:

The narrative time in "The Only Story" covers a period of several decades, from the 1960s to the present day. The novel is divided into three parts, each of which covers a different period of time in the lives of the main characters. Part One takes place in the 1960s, when the protagonist Paul is a young man and meets Susan, the middle-aged woman with whom he will have a life-altering affair. Part Two takes place several years later, when Paul and Susan are living together as a couple, and Part Three takes place decades later, when Paul is an older man reflecting on his life.

Discourse Time:

The discourse time of "The Only Story" covers a much shorter period of time than the narrative time. The novel is structured as a series of flashbacks, with an older Paul narrating the story of his relationship with Susan to an unnamed interlocutor. The discourse time of the novel covers the length of these narrated flashbacks, which are not presented in chronological order but rather move back and forth in time.

Through the use of these flashbacks, Barnes creates a non-linear narrative structure that allows him to explore the complex emotions and memories that shape Paul's experience of his relationship with Susan. At the same time, the contrast between the longer narrative time and the shorter discourse time creates a sense of distance between the events of the story and their retelling, emphasizing the fallibility of memory and the subjective nature of storytelling. Overall, the use of Genette's concept of "Duration" highlights the temporal complexity of "The Only Story" and the ways in which Barnes uses narrative structure to convey meaning.

Write a brief note on the narrative pattern with its thematic & postmodernist significance. (Using Chat GPT)

Narrative pattern is the arrangement of the elements that make up a story. It refers to the sequence of events, characters, and themes that are presented in a particular order to convey a particular meaning or message. In postmodern literature, narrative pattern often takes on a non-linear or fragmented form, as authors seek to challenge conventional narrative structures and create new ways of thinking about storytelling.

The thematic significance of the narrative pattern in postmodern literature lies in its ability to subvert traditional expectations of storytelling and encourage readers to question their own assumptions about the nature of truth, reality, and identity. By using non-linear structures, such as flashbacks, parallel narratives, and multiple perspectives, postmodern authors create a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity that challenges readers to engage with the text in a more active and critical way.

In addition, the postmodernist significance of the narrative pattern lies in its rejection of the idea of a single, objective truth or reality. By presenting events and perspectives in a non-linear or fragmented way, postmodern authors suggest that reality is not fixed, but rather is constructed through the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals. This is particularly evident in the use of metafiction, where authors draw attention to the artificiality of the narrative itself, further emphasizing the constructed nature of reality.

Overall, the narrative pattern in postmodern literature is an important tool for exploring complex themes and ideas, challenging conventional narrative structures, and encouraging readers to think critically about the nature of truth and reality.

Is Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’ more on suffering than on love? Explain with the help of the Greek etymological meaning of ‘passion’ which means ‘suffering’.(Using ChatGPT)

Julian Barnes' novel "The Only Story" can be seen as focusing more on suffering than on love. While the novel is centered around the love affair between the protagonist Paul and his older lover Susan, it is ultimately a story about the pain and suffering that comes with such a relationship, as well as the lasting impact that this suffering can have on a person's life.

The Greek etymological meaning of the word 'passion', which means 'suffering', is particularly relevant to the novel's themes. Throughout the novel, Paul experiences a range of intense emotions associated with his love for Susan, including desire, happiness, and joy. However, these positive emotions are always accompanied by a sense of pain and suffering, as Paul grapples with the reality of their age difference and the disapproval of those around him.

In this sense, the novel can be seen as exploring the ways in which love and suffering are intimately connected, with the passion of love often leading to intense emotional pain. This is evident in the novel's structure, which moves back and forth in time to explore the different stages of Paul and Susan's relationship, and the impact that this relationship has on Paul's life in the years that follow.

Overall, while love is certainly a central theme in "The Only Story", the novel's emphasis on the emotional and psychological suffering that comes with such love suggests that it is ultimately more concerned with the complexities of human emotion and the ways in which we experience and cope with pain and loss. The Greek etymological meaning of the word 'passion' is a useful lens through which to understand the novel's emphasis on suffering, and the ways in which love and pain are often inextricably linked.

How would you prove that Julian Barnes’s ‘The Only Story’ is a memory novel?

Julian Barnes' novel "The Only Story" can be classified as a memory novel, as it is structured around the recollection of past events by the protagonist Paul. Here are some of the ways in which the novel can be seen as a memory novel:

1) Unreliable narrator: Paul, the protagonist and narrator, is an unreliable narrator who struggles to recall the details of his past with accuracy. He admits to forgetting certain events, misremembering others, and even fabricating certain details. This highlights the subjective nature of memory and the way in which our recollection of events can be shaped by our own biases and emotions.

2)Non-linear structure: The novel is structured non-linearly, with events from different periods of Paul's life presented in a fragmented and non-chronological way. This reflects the way in which memory works, with certain memories often more vivid than others and events from different periods blending together in our minds.

3) Reflection on the nature of memory: Throughout the novel, Paul reflects on the nature of memory and the way in which our recollection of events can be influenced by our emotions and experiences. He also questions the accuracy of memory, suggesting that our memories are always subjective and open to interpretation.

4) Revisiting the past: The novel is centered around Paul's recollection of his past with Susan, and his attempt to understand and make sense of their relationship in light of the events that followed. This process of revisiting the past is a central feature of memory novels, as it allows for a deeper exploration of the psychological and emotional impact of past events on the present.

Overall, the novel's focus on the subjective nature of memory, its non-linear structure, and its reflection on the nature of memory all point to "The Only Story" being a memory novel. By presenting the events of the past in a fragmented and non-linear way, Barnes is able to explore the complex relationship between memory, emotion, and identity.

How do you explain ‘rescue fantasy’? [Browse the novel with this keyword. Read and explain] (Using ChatGPT)

In "The Only Story" by Julian Barnes, the term "rescue fantasy" is used to describe the idealized view that the protagonist, Paul, has of his relationship with Susan. The rescue fantasy is a common theme in literature, where a character becomes enamored with an older, more experienced person who they see as their savior or rescuer from their mundane or unfulfilling life.

In the novel, Paul meets Susan, a middle-aged woman, when he is 19 years old and she is 48. They begin a romantic relationship that spans several decades, despite the disapproval of their families and society. Throughout the novel, Paul holds onto the belief that Susan is his rescuer, who has saved him from the monotony of his life in the suburbs and introduced him to a world of passion and excitement.

However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Paul's rescue fantasy is ultimately illusory. Susan's alcoholism and psychological issues become more pronounced, and Paul is forced to confront the reality of their relationship. He realizes that Susan is not his rescuer, but rather a flawed human being who is just as vulnerable and lost as he is.

In this way, the novel explores the theme of the rescue fantasy, and the ways in which it can be both empowering and destructive. On the one hand, the rescue fantasy can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in a person's life, as they believe they have found someone who can save them from their problems. However, on the other hand, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment, as the person idealizes their rescuer and ignores their flaws and imperfections.

Overall, the rescue fantasy is a central theme in "The Only Story", and Barnes uses it to explore the complex dynamics of romantic relationships, and the ways in which we seek to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

I hope the information is useful. Thank you for visit.

Worksheet - 3