Hello readers! I write this blog In response to a Thinking activity assigned by Dilip Barad sir, The Department of English MKBU. In this blog I am going to write about the 20th century settings, characteristics, Industrialisation, mechanism of human beings, death of craftsmanship and the major events of that era and also about frame study of film 'Modern Times' by Charlie Chaplin.

20th century:

The 20th century began on January 1, 1901 and ended on December 31, 2000, according to the Gregorian calendar. The twentieth century was a period of radical departure in almost every previous area of human activity. Accelerating scientific understanding, better communications, faster transportation transformed the world in those hundred years more than any time in the past. It was a century that started with steam powered ships as the most sophisticated means of transport, and ended with the space shuttle. Horses, and other pack animals, Western humanity's basic form of personal transportation for thousands of years were replaced by automobiles within the span of a few decades.

Characteristics of the Age:

The 20th century was characterized by rapid technological advancements and innovations that transformed almost every aspect of human life. Here I write Some of the defining characteristics of the 20th century.

Technological Advancements: The 20th century saw remarkable technological advancements in many fields such as transportation, communication, medicine, and entertainment. These advancements include the development of the automobile, airplane, television, computer, and the internet.

Globalization: The 20th century was marked by increased globalization, with the world becoming more interconnected through international trade, communication, and travel. This led to the spread of cultural exchange and the creation of a global economy.

Wars and Conflicts: The 20th century was marked by numerous wars and conflicts, including two world wars and the Cold War, which had a profound impact on the world order.

Social and Cultural Changes: The 20th century witnessed significant social and cultural changes, including the rise of feminism and civil rights movements, the increasing recognition of human rights, and the emergence of popular culture and mass media.

Environmental Concerns: The 20th century saw growing awareness and concern about environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and deforestation, leading to the emergence of environmental movements and sustainable development initiatives.

Overall, the 20th century was a time of significant change and transformation, characterized by technological, social, and cultural advancements, as well as challenges and conflicts that shaped the world we live in today.

Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin:

Modern Times is a 1936 American part-talkie satirical romantic black comedy film written and directed by Charlie Chaplin in which his iconic Little Tramp character struggles to survive in the modern, industrialized world. This silent movie shows mostly non diegetic sound, background music that coincides with action and movement of the film. 

Mechanism of human being:

The film satirizes the effects of mass production and the mechanization of labor on the human spirit, depicting workers as being reduced to mere cogs in a machine. The film's protagonist, played by Chaplin, is a factory worker who is driven insane by the monotony and repetitiveness of his job on an assembly line. He is subjected to dehumanizing working conditions and is constantly pressured to work faster and more efficiently, to the point where his mental and physical health deteriorates. Ultimately, the film suggests that the mechanization of human beings is a dehumanizing process that strips workers of their individuality and reduces them to mindless automatons.

Death of Craftsmanship:

In addition to the theme of mechanisation of human beings, Charlie Chaplin's film "Modern Times" also explores the theme of the death of craftsmanship, which is tied to the mechanization and dehumanization of labor. The film portrays the factory system as being antithetical to traditional craft practices, reducing workers to mere machines and eroding their ability to take pride in their work. the film depicts the factory system as being incompatible with the ideals of craftsmanship, which values quality and individuality. In one scene, Chaplin's character is shown painting numbers on the side of a truck, only to have his work immediately covered up by another worker painting over it. This suggests that in the factory system, there is no room for individuality or pride in one's work.

In the film, Chaplin also portrays the conflict between traditional craft practices and modern industrial methods. For example, in one scene, he is shown as a factory worker attempting to use a traditional tool to tighten bolts on a machine, only to be replaced by an automated wrench. This highlights the tension between traditional craft methods and modern industrial technology, which often values efficiency and speed over quality and skill. This scene suggests the death of craftsmanship.

At the end of the film Chaplin also suggests that there is hope for humanity. The final shot of Modern Times is that of The Tramp and The Gamin walking down an empty road together as the sun rises. The image shows us that they still have a long way to go in their search for a better life, but it also shows us that they will travel this road together; for the first time in his films, Chaplin has given the Tramp a companion. The rising sun shows that there is still hope that things will get better, and may have been a message to audiences during the Great Depression not to give up but to keep marching on, as things would get better soon. The protagonist and his love interest walk off into the sunset, suggesting the possibility of a brighter, more human future.

CLICK HERE For The Frame Study Of 'The Great Dictator'

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