The English Shelf

Notes on Romanticism: The Age of Imagination and Revolt

The Romantic period (c. 1785–1830) marks one of the most transformative epochs in English literary history. Emerging as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the dehumanising forces of the Industrial Revolution, Romanticism privileged emotion, imagination, and the sublime over reason and order. This article offers a structured introduction to the movement's key themes, major poets, and their relevance to the Delhi University English Honours syllabus.

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How to Write a Close Reading

A step-by-step methodological guide to analysing literary texts at the level of language, form, and structure — an essential skill for examinations and essays.

Syllabus 5 Oct 2024

Syllabus Breakdown: DSE-1

A comprehensive breakdown of the Discipline Specific Elective Paper 1, covering prescribed texts, examination pattern, and recommended reading strategies for students.

Theory 18 Sep 2024

An Introduction to Postcolonial Theory

From Fanon to Spivak, this primer introduces the foundational concepts of postcolonial literary criticism and their application to texts in the DU syllabus.

Grammar 2 Sep 2024

Academic Writing: Grammar & Style Guide

Common grammatical errors in undergraduate essays and how to correct them. Covers sentence structure, punctuation, and formal register for academic prose.

Literary History 20 Aug 2024

Victorian Literature: Context and Canon

An overview of the Victorian literary period, its social and historical contexts, and the major novelists and poets prescribed in the English Honours curriculum.

Writing Skills 5 Aug 2024

Structuring the Literary Essay: A Practical Guide

From thesis formulation to conclusion, this guide walks students through the architecture of a well-structured literary essay with annotated examples.