BEGC-133 British Literature Assignment Answer for 2023

ASSIGNMENT BRITISH LITERATURE BEGC-133

Programme: BAG/2022/2023        Course Code: BEGC 133 Max. Marks: 100

Answer all questions in this assignment.

SECTION A

I Explain the following passages with reference to the context. 10×4=40

1.“Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more. By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis;
But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be king
stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe
this strange intelligence? Or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic
greeting.”
Answer:

This passage is from Act 1, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. In this scene, Macbeth
and Banquo have just encountered the three witches on a heath. The witches have prophesied
that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king. In this particular passage,
Macbeth is responding to the witches’ prophecy. He acknowledges that he is already Thane of
Glamis because of Sinel’s death, but he questions how he could become Thane of Cawdor
since the current Thane is still alive and well. He also expresses disbelief at the idea of
becoming king, as it goes against the normal order of succession. Macbeth demands to know
where the witches got their information from and why they are stopping them on their journey
with such a strange greeting. This passage shows Macbeth’s curiosity about his future and his
skepticism about the witches’ prophecy. It also foreshadows his eventual ambition to become
king and his willingness to take drastic measures to achieve that goal.

Explain the following passages with reference to the context
“Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee:
– I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to
sight? Or art thou but A dagger of the mind? A false creation, Proceeding from the
heat-oppressed brain?”
Answer:

This passage is from Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. In this scene, Macbeth is
alone in his castle, preparing to murder King Duncan. As he contemplates the act, he sees a
vision of a dagger floating before him. In this particular passage, Macbeth questions whether the
dagger he sees is real or just a figment of his imagination. He wonders if it is a “fatal vision” that
he can both see and feel, or if it is simply a “dagger of the mind,” a false creation brought on by
his own mental state. This passage highlights Macbeth’s inner turmoil and his descent into
madness as he prepares to commit murder. It also foreshadows the bloody violence that will
follow as Macbeth becomes increasingly consumed by his own ambition and guilt.
Explain the following passages with reference to the context

“How strange it is to be talked to in such a way! You know, I’ve always gone on like that. I mean
the noble attitude and the thrilling voice. I did it when I was a tiny child to my nurse. She
believed in it. I do it before my parents. They believe in it.”
Answer:

This passage is from Act 1, Scene 3 of Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest. In
this scene, Algernon and his butler Lane are discussing Algernon’s habit of pretending to be
someone else in order to avoid social obligations. In this particular passage, Algernon is
reflecting on his own behavior and how he has always put on a “noble attitude” and used a
“thrilling voice” when speaking to others. He admits that he has been doing this since he was a
child, even with his nurse and parents. He acknowledges that others have believed in this
persona he has created for himself, but he seems to be questioning the authenticity of it. This
passage highlights the theme of appearance versus reality in the play. Algernon’s behavior is
not genuine, but rather a performance meant to impress others. It also suggests that social
conventions and expectations can be stifling and lead people to behave in ways that are not
true to themselves.

Explain the following passages with reference to the context
“The old order changeth, yielding place to new, And God fulfils himself in many ways, Lest one
good custom should corrupt the world. Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me? I have lived my
life, and that which I have done
May He within himself make pure!”
Answer:

This passage is from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Passing of Arthur.” In this poem, King
Arthur has been mortally wounded in battle and is being taken to the mystical island of Avalon to
be healed. In this particular passage, King Arthur is speaking to his trusted knight Sir Bedivere.
He reflects on the changing of the old order and the emergence of new ways. He suggests that
God works in mysterious ways to prevent one good custom from corrupting the world. He then
turns his attention to himself, acknowledging that he has lived his life and done what he could.
He hopes that God will make his actions pure. This passage highlights the theme of change and
renewal in the face of death. King Arthur recognizes that his time has come and that a new era
will emerge after him. He also acknowledges his own mortality and seeks comfort in the idea
that God will purify his actions after he is gone. The passage also suggests a sense of
resignation and acceptance in the face of death, as King Arthur prepares to pass on into legend.

Section B

II. Write short notes on the following: 5×4=20

Write short notes on the following:

“Thomas Hardy and the fictional region of Wessex.”
Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet who lived from 1840 to 1928. He is known for
his realistic portrayals of rural life in England, particularly in the fictional region of Wessex.
Wessex is a region in southwestern England that encompasses parts of modern-day Dorset,
Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Devon. Hardy used this region as the setting for many of
his novels and poems, creating a fictional landscape that was both familiar and symbolic.
Hardy’s Wessex is a place of natural beauty and rural simplicity, but it is also a place of hardship
and struggle. His characters are often poor farmers or laborers who face difficult circumstances
and social constraints. Through his writing, Hardy explores themes such as love, loss, class
conflict, and the changing nature of society. Hardy’s use of Wessex as a setting helped to
establish him as one of the foremost writers of his time. His work has had a lasting impact on
English literature and continues to be studied and appreciated today.
Write short notes on the following:
“Hardy’s classification of his own novels.”
Answer:

Thomas Hardy, the English novelist and poet, classified his own novels into two categories:
“Novels of Character and Environment” and “Romances and Fantasies.” The “Novels of
Character and Environment” category includes Hardy’s more realistic works, such as “Tess of
the d’Urbervilles,” “Jude the Obscure,” and “Far from the Madding Crowd.” These novels are set
in rural England, often in the fictional region of Wessex, and focus on the lives of ordinary
people. They explore themes such as social class, gender roles, and the impact of
modernization on traditional ways of life. The “Romances and Fantasies” category includes
Hardy’s more imaginative works, such as “The Return of the Native,” “The Woodlanders,” and
“Two on a Tower.” These novels are often set in Wessex as well but feature more fantastical
elements such as ghosts or supernatural occurrences. They explore themes such as love, fate,
and the power of nature. Hardy’s classification system reflects his belief that literature should be
both realistic and imaginative. He saw his own work as a blend of these two elements, with
some novels being more grounded in reality while others allowed for greater flights of fancy.
This approach helped to establish Hardy as one of the most important writers of his time and
continues to influence literary criticism today.
Thomas Hardy, the British author, classified his novels into three groups based on their themes
and styles. The first group is “Novels of character and Environment (Rural Studies),” which
includes Under the Greenwood Tree, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native,
The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and Jude the Obscure. These novels
explore rural life and its impact on characters’ lives. The second group is “Romances and
Fantasies,” which includes A Pair of Blue Eyes, A Group of Noble Dames, and The Well
Beloved. These novels are more imaginative and explore themes such as love and desire. The
third group is “Novels of Ingenuity,” which includes The Hand of Ethelberta, A Laodicean, and A
Changed Man. These novels experiment with narrative techniques and explore themes such as
social mobility and identity. Hardy’s classification provides insight into his writing style and
thematic concerns throughout his career as a novelist.

Write short notes on the following:
The ‘Porter Scene’ in Macbeth.
Answer:

The “Porter Scene” is a famous scene in William Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.” It occurs in Act
II, Scene III and features a drunken porter who is the gatekeeper of Macbeth’s castle. The
scene is often seen as a comic relief from the intense drama of the rest of the play. In the scene,
the porter imagines himself as the gatekeeper to hell and makes several jokes about drinking
and sex. He also engages in wordplay with Macduff, who has just arrived at the castle to
discover King Duncan’s murder. The porter’s jokes and puns provide a contrast to the serious
nature of Macduff’s discovery. The Porter Scene has been interpreted in many ways over the
years. Some critics see it as an example of Shakespeare’s use of comic relief to heighten
dramatic tension. Others see it as a commentary on social class or an exploration of themes
such as guilt and redemption. Regardless of its interpretation, the Porter Scene remains one of
the most memorable scenes in “Macbeth” and is often cited as an example of Shakespeare’s
skill at blending comedy and tragedy.

The “Porter Scene” is a famous scene in William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. It occurs in Act
II, Scene III, immediately after the murder of King Duncan. The scene features a drunken porter
who is responsible for opening the gate to Macbeth’s castle. The porter’s rambling monologue
provides comic relief after the intense and dramatic murder scene. He imagines himself as the
gatekeeper of hell and makes several jokes about drinking and sex. However, his speech also
contains subtle references to the themes of guilt and sin that pervade the play. The Porter
Scene serves as a contrast to the serious tone of the rest of the play and provides a momentary
break from its tension. It also serves as an example of Shakespeare’s ability to blend tragedy
and comedy seamlessly in his plays.

Write short notes on the following:

Tennyson as a representative poet of Victorian England.
Answer

Alfred Lord Tennyson was a poet who lived during the Victorian era in England, from
1837 to 1901. He is considered one of the most representative poets of this time period, as his
work reflects many of the themes and concerns of Victorian England. Tennyson’s poetry often
dealt with issues such as faith, morality, and social change. He was deeply influenced by the
Romantic poets who came before him, but he also embraced many of the values and ideals of
Victorian society. His poetry often celebrated traditional values such as duty, honor, and
patriotism. Tennyson’s most famous works include “In Memoriam A.H.H.,” a long poem about
grief and loss; “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” a poem about a military disaster during the
Crimean War; and “Idylls of the King,” a series of poems about King Arthur and his knights.
Tennyson’s poetry was widely read and admired during his lifetime, and he was appointed Poet
Laureate in 1850. His work continues to be studied and appreciated today for its beauty, its
insight into Victorian society, and its enduring themes.

Alfred Lord Tennyson was a prominent poet of the Victorian era and is considered a
representative poet of Victorian England. His poetry reflects the values, concerns, and ideals of
the Victorian age. Tennyson’s poetry often explores themes such as love, nature, death, and
faith. He was known for his use of vivid imagery and musical language, which appealed to the
Victorian readers’ sensibilities. His most famous works include “The Lady of Shalott,” “Ulysses,”
“In Memoriam A.H.H.,” and “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” Tennyson’s poetry also reflects
the social changes that occurred during the Victorian era, such as industrialization and
urbanization. His work often portrays a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time while also
acknowledging the challenges of modernity. Overall, Tennyson’s poetry captures the spirit of
Victorian England and remains an important part of English literature today.
you stop oIII. Write short essays on the following:

Write short essays on the following:

Justify the title of Bernard Shaw’s play Arms and the Man.

Answer:

Arms and the Man is a play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894. The title of the play is
derived from the opening line of Virgil’s Aeneid, which reads, “Arma virumque cano” (I sing of
arms and the man). The title is significant as it reflects one of the central themes of the play,
which is the contrast between romantic ideals and reality. The play is set during the
Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885 and follows the story of Raina Petkoff, a young Bulgarian woman
engaged to a war hero named Sergius Saranoff. However, when a Swiss mercenary named
Captain Bluntschli enters her life, Raina begins to question her romantic ideals and falls in love
with him instead. The title “Arms and the Man” refers to both the literal meaning of weapons
used in war and also to the figurative meaning of romantic ideals. Shaw uses this contrast to
explore how people’s perceptions of war and love are often based on unrealistic ideals rather
than reality. The characters in the play are forced to confront their own illusions about love and
war as they navigate their relationships with each other. Furthermore, Shaw uses humor
throughout the play to satirize society’s obsession with romanticism. He portrays Sergius as a
caricature of a heroic soldier who is more concerned with his reputation than his actual actions
on the battlefield. In contrast, Captain Bluntschli is portrayed as a pragmatic realist who sees
through Raina’s illusions about love and war. In conclusion, Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man
justifies its title by exploring how people’s perceptions of love and war are often based on
unrealistic ideals rather than reality. The contrast between romanticism and realism is central to
the play’s themes, which are reflected in its title.

Write short essays on the following:

Explain the significance of the symbols employed in ‘Morte d’Arthur’.

Answer

“Morte d’Arthur” is a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson that tells the story of King Arthur’s
death and his journey to Avalon. The poem makes use of several symbols that are significant in
understanding its themes and message. One of the most important symbols in the poem is
Excalibur, King Arthur’s sword. Excalibur represents Arthur’s power and authority as king, as
well as his sense of duty to his people. When Arthur realizes that he is dying, he orders Sir
Bedivere to return Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake. This act symbolizes Arthur’s acceptance of
his fate and his willingness to let go of his power. Another important symbol in the poem is
Avalon, the mythical island where Arthur goes to die. Avalon represents a place of rest and
healing, where Arthur can be free from the burdens of kingship and war. It also represents a
place of hope, as it is suggested that Arthur may one day return from Avalon to save England in
its time of need. The Round Table is another significant symbol in the poem. It represents unity
and equality among Arthur’s knights, who are all seated at equal distances from each other. The
Round Table also represents justice, as it is said that no one who sat at the table could be
unjust or cruel. Finally, the image of a ship sailing into the sunset at the end of the poem is a
powerful symbol. It suggests that Arthur’s journey to Avalon is not an end but a beginning, as he
sets sail for a new life beyond death. In conclusion, “Morte d’Arthur” employs several symbols
that are significant in understanding its themes and message. These symbols represent power,
duty, hope, unity, equality, justice, rest, healing and new beginnings. They help us understand
Tennyson’s vision for King Arthur’s legacy and what it means for humanity as a whole.

Section C

Discuss Hardy’s approach to the natural world, as expressed in Far from the Madding Crowd.
Answer:

Thomas Hardy’s novel “Far from the Madding Crowd” is known for its vivid descriptions of the
natural world and its impact on the characters and events of the story. Hardy’s approach to
nature in this novel is complex, reflecting both his love of the natural world and his awareness of
its power to shape human lives. One of the key themes in “Far from the Madding Crowd” is the
idea that nature is indifferent to human desires and ambitions. The novel’s protagonist,
Bathsheba Everdene, learns this lesson early on when she tries to control her farm and her
relationships with men. She soon realizes that nature has a will of its own, and that her attempts
to bend it to her own desires are futile. At the same time, however, Hardy also celebrates the
beauty and power of nature in “Far from the Madding Crowd.” He describes the landscape of
rural England in loving detail, emphasizing its changing moods and seasons. He also shows
how nature can be a source of comfort and healing for his characters, particularly when they are
facing difficult times. Overall, Hardy’s approach to nature in “Far from the Madding Crowd”
reflects his belief that humans are part of a larger natural world that they cannot fully control or
understand. His descriptions of nature are both realistic and symbolic, showing how it can both
challenge and inspire us as we navigate our lives.
phetic greeting.