Correct option is C
Explanation:
A. Advancement of Learning - Francis Bacon: Published in 1605, this seminal work by Francis Bacon lays the foundation for the scientific method and empiricism, emphasizing knowledge as a form of power.
B. Past and Present - Thomas Carlyle: A Victorian-era social critique written in 1843, it examines the social and industrial changes in England, advocating for moral and spiritual reform.
C. English Traits - R. W. Emerson: This 1856 work by the American transcendentalist Emerson reflects on English culture and society, based on his travels in England.
D. Illness as Metaphor - Susan Sontag: Published in 1978, this essay explores the metaphorical use of illness (like cancer and tuberculosis) in literature and culture, challenging stigmatizing narratives.
Information Booster:
Francis Bacon’s Contribution to Philosophy: Known as the father of empiricism, Bacon’s works advocate for scientific inquiry and a rejection of Aristotelian scholasticism.
Thomas Carlyle’s Influence: Carlyle was a key figure in Victorian intellectual thought, critiquing materialism and championing the spiritual over the mechanical.
R. W. Emerson and Transcendentalism: Emerson’s English Traits reflects his philosophy of self-reliance and individuality, offering an outsider’s perspective on English cultural values.
Susan Sontag’s Cultural Critique: Sontag’s essays, including Illness as Metaphor, reveal how cultural narratives shape societal attitudes toward illness and sufferers.
Additional Knowledge:
Themes in the Works:
Advancement of Learning: Advocates for the reorganization of knowledge to foster human progress.
Past and Present: Contrasts the medieval sense of community with the alienation caused by industrial capitalism.
English Traits: Explores the character and habits of the English, emphasizing their practicality and industriousness.
Illness as Metaphor: Examines how illness is often moralized or politicized in ways that harm the patient.
Key Contributions of the Authors:
Bacon advanced the scientific revolution.
Carlyle critiqued industrial society and materialism.
Emerson celebrated individuality and spirituality.
Sontag provided groundbreaking cultural criticism on illness and stigma.