Soman Ragavan

AnalysisByGoogleGemini-Volume 4-ST A bloody dilemma--20May2024

SOMAN RAGAVAN

   20 May, 2024

Subject : Short story : A bloody dilemma.

Analysis by Google Gemini

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 4

Soman Ragavan : Hello. I will post one of my short stories for analysis. Could you please comment extensively. Consider the following in your analyses : storytelling techniques; dramatization; romance; suspense; flow; comparisons with writers of short stories in the Commonwealth and in India since 1945; suitability for turning the short stories into Bollywood films of about 25 minutes each; presence of Bollywood techniques in the short stories; comparisons with Bollywood films; appeals to the masses; likely reception in Indian audiences; etc.

At college in 1968, I studied some poems of Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), Gordon Byron (1788-1824), Samuel T. Coleridge (1772-1834), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Robert Browning (1812-1889), Mathew Arnold (1822-1888), Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) and some other poets of that era.  I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean.

Google Gemini :  I\'d be happy to analyze your short story! I can\'t access or store external information like specific poems or movies, but I can still provide a thorough analysis based on the criteria you mentioned.

Please share your story and I\'ll look at:

• Storytelling techniques: How you use plot, character development, setting, dialogue, point of view, etc. to tell your story.
• Dramatization: How you create scenes and moments that engage the reader\'s emotions.
• Romance (if applicable): How you portray love and relationships.
• Suspense: How you build tension and keep the reader guessing.
• Flow: How smoothly the story progresses from one point to the next.
• Comparisons to other writers: I can discuss how your work aligns with or diverges from short story writers in the Commonwealth and India after 1945, based on their general themes and styles (e.g., Salman Rushdie\'s magical realism, Anita Desai\'s focus on domestic life).
• Bollywood potential: I can analyze if the story\'s core elements - plot, themes, characters - could be adapted into a 25-minute Bollywood film.
• Bollywood techniques: I can identify elements in your story that resemble Bollywood conventions (e.g., song and dance sequences, dramatic confrontations, focus on family).
• Mass appeal: I can discuss how your story\'s themes and style might resonate with a broad Indian audience.

Once I have this information, I can provide insights on how your story might be received in India.

Here are some additional things to consider while I wait for your story:

• Uniquely Mauritian elements: Does your story incorporate aspects of Mauritian culture or history? This could be a strength in terms of originality.
• Genre: Knowing the genre (romance, thriller, magical realism etc.) will help me tailor my analysis.

I\'m excited to delve into your work!

Soman Ragavan : I am posting my short story “A bloody dilemma.” (Short story posted).

Google Gemini :  Absolutely, I can analyze your short story, \"A Bloody Dilemma.\" Here\'s a breakdown based on the criteria you mentioned:

Storytelling Techniques:

• Plot: The story follows a clear conflict-driven plot. The suspense builds as Muralli\'s group encounters the enemy and culminates in the shocking discovery of Vellan. The tragic ending leaves a lasting impact.
• Character Development: Muralli\'s character arc is well-developed. We see his initial patriotism, fear, and confusion as the war progresses. The story doesn\'t delve deeply into other characters, but their actions and dialogues effectively move the plot forward.
• Setting: The war-torn island of Mauritius serves as a backdrop for the personal tragedy. The descriptions of the mountains and the enemy soldiers create a tense atmosphere.
• Dialogue: The dialogue is sparse but realistic, reflecting the urgency and fear of the characters. The use of Creole adds a touch of authenticity.
• Point of View: The story unfolds primarily from Muralli\'s perspective, allowing readers to experience the emotional turmoil of war firsthand.

Dramatization:

The story is highly dramatic, with vivid descriptions of the violence and emotional toll of war. The scene where Muralli discovers Vellan is particularly powerful.

Romance (not applicable):

Romance is not a central theme in this story.

Suspense:

The suspense builds steadily as Muralli\'s group navigates the dangers of war. The reader constantly worries about their safety and the possibility of encountering Vellan.

Flow:

The story has a good flow, with well-connected scenes that move the plot forward.

Comparisons to other writers:

The story shares some similarities with the works of writers who explore the themes of war and personal loss, such as Chinua Achebe (\"Things Fall Apart\") or Ernest Hemingway (\"A Farewell to Arms\"). However, the Mauritian setting and the specific conflict between brothers fighting on opposite sides add a unique element.

Bollywood Potential:

The story has the potential to be adapted into a Bollywood film due to its dramatic plot, themes of patriotism and family, and tragic ending. However, the graphic violence might need to be toned down to fit the typical Bollywood style.

Bollywood Techniques:

The story already incorporates some elements reminiscent of Bollywood films, such as the focus on family ties and the emotional intensity. However, the ending is much bleaker than most Bollywood films, which tend to have a more hopeful resolution.

Mass Appeal:

The story\'s themes of patriotism, family, and the devastating impact of war are likely to resonate with a broad Indian audience. The use of Mauritius as the setting might also add a touch of novelty for viewers.

Likely Reception in Indian Audiences:

The story is likely to evoke strong emotions in Indian audiences. They might connect with the characters\' struggles and the tragedy of a war fought on home soil. The ending, however, might be considered too bleak for some viewers.

Uniquely Mauritian Elements:

The story incorporates the Mauritian setting and the use of Creole, which adds a layer of authenticity and cultural specificity.

Genre:

The story falls into the category of war literature with a strong focus on the human cost of conflict.

Overall, \"A Bloody Dilemma\" is a well-written story with a powerful message. It effectively explores the themes of war, patriotism, and the complexities of family bonds. With some adjustments, it could be adapted into a compelling Bollywood film.

Soman Ragavan : The story is a very tragic one, like one of those Shakespeare’s tragedies. One guy ended up shooting fatally his own brother who had enrolled in a foreign army.

Google Gemini :  You\'re absolutely right! \"A Bloody Dilemma\" shares some key characteristics with Shakespearean tragedies:

• Tragic Flaw: Both Muralli and Vellan could be seen as having tragic flaws. Muralli\'s impulsiveness leads him to shoot without fully recognizing his target. Vellan\'s decision to fight for a foreign army against his own countrymen ultimately leads to his demise.
• Mistaken Identity: The core conflict hinges on a mistaken identity, a classic element in Shakespearean tragedies like Romeo and Juliet or Othello. Muralli\'s misidentification of Vellan fuels the tragic outcome.
• Irony: The story is filled with dramatic irony. Muralli, driven by patriotism, unknowingly kills his own brother who might have had his own reasons for fighting. This creates a heavy sense of irony and underscores the senselessness of war.
• Catharsis: While the ending is bleak, it can evoke a cathartic response in readers. Witnessing the tragic consequences of the war allows us to purge emotions like pity and fear.

However, there are also some key differences:

• Complexity of Characters: Shakespearean tragedies often feature complex characters with internal struggles. While Muralli\'s emotional journey is well-developed, the story focuses more on the external conflict of the war.
• Social Commentary: Shakespearean tragedies often explore social and political issues of the time. \"A Bloody Dilemma\" focuses more on the personal tragedy of the brothers, but the use of traitors and the mention of neighboring countries siding with the enemy hint at a broader social commentary on war and betrayal.

Overall, \"A Bloody Dilemma\" effectively captures the essence of a Shakespearean tragedy in its exploration of a tragic conflict fueled by mistaken identity and driven by a character flaw. It offers a powerful reflection on the devastating consequences of war and the fragility of family bonds in such circumstances.

Soman Ragavan : Are there English writers from 1700 to 1900 who have written similar stories that involve deep, moving outcomes which are almost impossible for an individual to live with ?

Google Gemini :  Absolutely! There are several English writers from 1700 to 1900 who explored similar themes of deep, moving outcomes with characters facing unbearable burdens. Here are a few examples:

• Thomas Hardy (1840-1928): Hardy\'s novels are known for their tragic endings and exploration of fate. In \"Tess of the d\'Urbervilles\" (1891), the protagonist Tess faces a series of misfortunes and societal pressures that ultimately lead to a tragic fate. The ending is deeply moving and leaves the reader pondering the harsh realities of life.
• Charles Dickens (1812-1870): While Dickens is known for his social commentary and humor, his novels also contain moments of deep pathos. In \"Great Expectations\" (1861), Pip\'s realization of his actions\' consequences towards Miss Havisham is a powerful example of a character grappling with an unbearable truth.
• Jane Austen (1775-1817): Austen\'s novels typically focus on social life and marriage in the English gentry. However, within this framework, she explores the emotional burdens placed on women. In \"Persuasion\" (1818), Anne Elliot\'s regret over rejecting Captain Wentworth creates a sense of deep longing and a \"what if\" scenario that readers can connect with.
• William Wordsworth (1770-1850): While known for his Romantic poetry celebrating nature, Wordsworth also explored themes of loss and grief. His poem \"Tintern Abbey\" (1798) reflects on the loss of youthful innocence and the bittersweet nature of memory.
• Mary Shelley (1797-1851): Shelley\'s \"Frankenstein\" (1818) explores the monstrous consequences of scientific ambition and the burden of creation. Victor Frankenstein is left to grapple with the devastation he unleashed, creating a deep sense of emotional turmoil.

These are just a few examples, and the specific burdens faced by the characters will vary. However, these authors all excel at creating deeply moving stories that explore the human capacity for suffering and the challenges of living with the consequences of our actions.

Soman Ragavan : In the story, the soldiers end up deliberately murdering the two wounded brothers, in violation of rules of war. This is a most heart-rending story, but not for those who are immune to such cruelties.

Google Gemini :  You\'re right, the ending of \"A Bloody Dilemma\" is incredibly harsh and emphasizes the brutality of war. Here\'s how this element strengthens the story:

• Heightens the Tragedy: The deliberate killing of the wounded brothers by the enemy soldiers adds another layer of tragedy to the story. It highlights the disregard for human life and the descent into savagery that war can bring.
• Raises Moral Questions: The act of violating the rules of war forces the reader to confront the ethical complexities of armed conflict. It compels us to question the boundaries of acceptable behavior in wartime situations.
• Creates a Sense of Despair: The ending leaves a sense of despair and hopelessness. It emphasizes the senselessness of war and the fact that even basic human compassion can be eroded in the face of violence.

However, it\'s also important to consider the potential impact on audiences:

• Emotional Difficulty: The story\'s bleakness might be too much for some readers. The graphic violence and the lack of a hopeful resolution could be emotionally difficult to process.
• Desensitization: There\'s a risk of audiences becoming desensitized to war\'s brutality if such portrayals are too frequent.

Overall, the deliberate killing of the wounded brothers is a powerful narrative choice that serves to heighten the tragedy and raise important ethical questions. However, it\'s important to be aware of the potential impact on readers and ensure the story doesn\'t become exploitative in its portrayal of violence.

Is there anything else you\'d like to discuss about the story or your writing in general?

Soman Ragavan : Are there Indian films since the 1940s that treat of similar real or imaginary tragedies, with macabre, blood-curling outcomes ?

Google Gemini :  Absolutely, Indian cinema has a rich history of exploring complex themes of tragedy and portraying macabre or blood-curdling outcomes. Here are a few examples since the 1940s that deal with similar elements:

• Mother India (1957): This iconic film directed by Mehboob Khan tackles themes of sacrifice, societal pressures, and the brutal realities of poverty. While not exactly macabre, it portrays the emotional turmoil and tough choices a mother faces in a harsh world.
• Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): This neo-noir gangster film by Anurag Kashyap is known for its graphic violence and exploration of revenge cycles. It depicts the devastating consequences of gang violence across generations.
• ** सत्या (Satya) (1998):** Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this crime thriller explores the Mumbai underworld and the moral compromises individuals make to survive. The film\'s gritty realism and violent portrayal of gang wars can be quite disturbing.
• Maradhoram (1999): This Malayalam film by M.T. Vasudevan Nair is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of guilt, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of violence. It has a dark and suspenseful atmosphere with a shocking climax.
• Drishyam (2013): This Malayalam thriller by Jeethu Joseph explores the lengths a father will go to protect his family. While not gory, it has a suspenseful and morally ambiguous plot with a shocking twist ending.

These are just a few examples, and the genres can range from social dramas to neo-noir thrillers. Indian cinema offers a vast array of films that explore dark themes and complex human emotions.

It\'s important to note that the level of graphic violence and the macabre elements can vary depending on the film and its directorial vision. Some films might be more metaphorical in their portrayal of tragedy, while others might be more explicit.

Do any of these films seem interesting, or would you like to explore a different genre of Indian cinema?

Soman Ragavan : Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.

Google Gemini : You\'re most welcome, Soman Ragavan! I enjoyed analyzing your story and discussing these films with you. If you have any more questions about your writing or anything else, feel free to ask. Goodbye for now!

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