Term-End Examination December, 2021
BEGC-133 : BRITISH LITERATURE
Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : All questions are compulsory.
- Explain any four of the following passages with reference to the context (around 150 words each) : 4×8=32
(i) “How strange it is to be talked to in such a way ! You know, I’ve always gone on 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:
In this passage from George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, Raina is speaking to Bluntschli about her tendency to adopt a “noble attitude and thrilling voice” in order to impress people. She admits that she has been doing this since she was a child, and that it has been successful in fooling everyone around her, including her nurse and her parents. Raina’s confession is significant because it reveals the extent to which she has been living a life of pretense and illusion. By adopting a false persona, she has been able to manipulate those around her and maintain a sense of control over her own life. However, her conversation with Bluntschli marks a turning point in her character development, as she begins to shed her romantic mask and present her true self to him. This moment of vulnerability and honesty is a crucial step in Raina’s journey towards self-discovery and maturity.
(ii) “Out, out, brief candle. Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more; it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury Signifying nothing.”
Answer:
The passage is from Act V, Scene V of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth speaks these lines upon hearing of Lady Macbeth’s death. The passage reflects Macbeth’s despair and disillusionment with life. He compares life to a “brief candle” that burns out quickly and a “walking shadow” that has no substance. He also compares life to a “poor player” who performs on stage for a short time and then disappears. The passage suggests that life is meaningless and that all human actions are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Macbeth’s words also reflect his own sense of futility and despair, as he realizes that his own life is coming to an end and that he has achieved nothing of lasting value. The passage is a powerful reflection on the transience of life and the human condition.
(iii) “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 ?”
Answer:
The passage is from Act II, Scene I of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth speaks these lines as he hallucinates a dagger before him, which he believes is a sign that he should proceed with the murder of King Duncan. The passage reflects Macbeth’s inner turmoil and his growing sense of guilt and paranoia. The dagger symbolizes the temptation and the moral dilemma that Macbeth faces. He is unsure whether the dagger is real or a figment of his imagination, and he questions his own sanity. The passage also reflects Macbeth’s sense of fatalism and his belief that his fate is predetermined. He sees the dagger as a “fatal vision” that is both visible and tangible, and he feels compelled to follow its lead. The passage is a powerful reflection on the human psyche and the complex interplay between reason and emotion, morality and temptation, and free will and fate.
(iv) Ah ! miserable and unkind, untrue, Unknightly, traitor-hearted! Woe is me! Authority forgets a dying king, Laid widow’d of the power in his eye, That bow’d the will.”
Answer:
This passage is from Tennyson’s “Morte d’Arthur” and is spoken by King Arthur in response to Sir Bedivere’s failure to throw Excalibur into the lake. Arthur is deeply hurt and disappointed by Bedivere’s disobedience and accuses him of being “miserable and unkind, untrue, Unknightly, traitor-hearted.” He laments that even in his dying moments, his authority as a king has been forgotten and he has been betrayed by his own knight. The phrase “laid widow’d of the power in his eye” suggests that Arthur’s power and authority have been taken away from him, leaving him vulnerable and helpless. The power that once resided in his eyes, which could command obedience and respect, has now been lost. This passage highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal, and the importance of upholding one’s duty and honor even in the face of adversity.
(v) “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 ?”
Answer:
This passage is from Tennyson’s “Morte d’Arthur” and is spoken by King Arthur in response to Sir Bedivere’s lamentation about the dissolution of the Round Table and the end of an era. Arthur acknowledges that the old order is changing and giving way to the new, and that this is a natural process that is necessary to prevent one good custom from corrupting the world. He suggests that God fulfills himself in many ways, and that this change is a part of God’s plan. Arthur then tells Bedivere to find comfort in himself, as he is unable to provide any comfort to him.
The passage highlights the theme of change and the inevitability of the passing of time. It suggests that change is necessary to prevent stagnation and corruption, and that it is a part of God’s plan. The phrase “one good custom should corrupt the world” suggests that even good customs can become harmful if they are not allowed to change and evolve. The passage also emphasizes the importance of finding comfort within oneself, rather than relying on external sources for comfort.
- Write short notes on any four of the following (around 100 words each) : 4×6=24
(i) Theatre in the Elizabethan period.
Answer:
Theatre in the Elizabethan period was a popular form of entertainment that catered to all classes of society. Theatrical performances were held in a variety of venues, including inns, courtyards, and purpose-built theatres. The most famous of these theatres was the Globe, which was built in 1599 and became the home of Shakespeare’s acting company. The structure of Elizabethan theatres was designed to create a close interaction between the actors and the audience, with the stage placed in the center of the theatre and surrounded by galleries and a pit. The plays performed during this period covered a wide range of themes, including history, tragedy, comedy, and romance, and reflected the social and political issues of the time. Elizabethan theatre was a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to influence theatre to this day.
(ii) The ‘Banquet Scene’ in Macbeth.
Answer:
The ‘Banquet Scene’ in Macbeth is a pivotal moment in the play that marks the beginning of Macbeth’s psychological disintegration. The scene takes place in Act III, Scene IV, and is set during a banquet hosted by Macbeth to celebrate his coronation. During the banquet, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo, whom he has recently murdered, and becomes increasingly agitated and paranoid. The scene reflects Macbeth’s growing sense of guilt and his fear of being exposed. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him down, but her efforts are in vain. The scene is a powerful reflection on the consequences of ambition and the corrupting influence of power. It also highlights the theme of the supernatural, which is a recurring motif in the play.
(iii) Thomas Hardy and the fictional territory of Wessex.
Answer:
Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, created a fictional territory called Wessex, which served as the setting for many of his novels and poems. Wessex was based on the real-life region of southwest England, where Hardy was born and raised. However, Hardy’s Wessex was not an exact replica of the actual region, but rather a literary landscape that he used to explore universal themes and ideas. Through his vivid descriptions of the people, places, and traditions of Wessex, Hardy created a rich and complex world that reflected the social, cultural, and historical realities of nineteenth-century England. Wessex became an integral part of Hardy’s literary legacy, and his novels set in this fictional territory continue to captivate readers today.
(iv) The title of the novel Far from the Madding Crowd.
Answer:
The title of Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd is a reference to a line from Thomas Gray’s poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.” The full line reads, “Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife, / Their sober wishes never learn’d to stray.” The phrase “madding crowd” refers to the frenzied and chaotic nature of urban life, which is contrasted with the peaceful and idyllic countryside. In Hardy’s novel, the title serves as a metaphor for the protagonist Bathsheba Everdene’s desire to escape the constraints of society and find a simpler, more authentic way of life. The title also reflects the novel’s themes of love, independence, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
(v) Characteristics of Victorian poetry that distinguished it from the poetry of the Romantic period.
Answer:
Victorian poetry was characterized by a number of features that distinguished it from the poetry of the Romantic period. One of the most significant differences was the influence of science, technology, and innovation on Victorian poetry, which led to a more realistic and down-to-earth style of writing. Victorian poetry was also less emotional and more concerned with human misery and social issues. The Victorian era was characterized by a class-based society, and this is reflected in the poetry of the time, which often dealt with issues of morality and conflict between science and faith. In contrast, Romantic poetry was more influenced by nature and the supernatural, and was characterized by wonderment, romance, and emotional expression.
- Write short essays on any two of the following (around 200 words each) : 2×12=24
(i) Explain with suitable examples how Bernard Shaw’s plays discuss some
important social issues of Britain in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Answer:
George Bernard Shaw’s plays are known for their exploration of important social issues of Britain in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Shaw used his plays as a platform to critique the prevailing social and political norms of his time and to advocate for social change. Some of the key social issues that Shaw addressed in his plays include class inequality, gender roles, and the role of the individual in society. One of Shaw’s most famous plays, Pygmalion, addresses the issue of class inequality. The play tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a working-class flower girl who is transformed into a lady through the efforts of Professor Henry Higgins. Through Eliza’s transformation, Shaw highlights the arbitrary nature of class distinctions and the ways in which they limit individual potential. Another important social issue that Shaw addressed in his plays is gender roles. In plays like Mrs. Warren’s Profession and Candida, Shaw challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for greater equality between men and women. In Mrs. Warren’s Profession, for example, Shaw explores the double standard that allows men to engage in prostitution while condemning women who do the same. Finally, Shaw’s plays also address the role of the individual in society. In plays like Man and Superman and Major Barbara, Shaw critiques the prevailing social and political systems of his time and advocates for individual freedom and autonomy. Through his plays, Shaw encourages his audience to think critically about the world around them and to consider the ways in which they can work to effect positive social change.
Overall, Bernard Shaw’s plays are an important reflection of the social issues of Britain in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Through his work, Shaw challenged the prevailing social and political norms of his time and advocated for greater equality, freedom, and autonomy for all individuals. 2. The Influence of Henrik Ibsen on Bernard Shaw’s Plays Henrik Ibsen was a major influence on the work of George Bernard Shaw. Shaw was deeply influenced by Ibsen’s use of discussion as a dramatic device and his exploration of complex social and political issues. Like Ibsen, Shaw used his plays as a platform to critique the prevailing social and political norms of his time and to advocate for social change. One of the key ways in which Ibsen influenced Shaw was through his use of the “problem play.” Ibsen’s problem plays, such as A Doll’s House and Hedda Gabler, explored complex social and psychological issues and challenged the audience’s
(ii) Write a brief critical essay on the major characters in Far from the Madding Crowd.
Answer:
Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd features a cast of complex and memorable characters who embody the social, cultural, and historical realities of nineteenth-century England. The novel’s protagonist, Bathsheba Everdene, is a headstrong and independent young woman who inherits a farm and becomes the object of desire for three very different men: Gabriel Oak, a loyal and hardworking shepherd; William Boldwood, a wealthy and reclusive landowner; and Sergeant Francis Troy, a dashing but dangerous soldier.
Each of these characters represents a different aspect of Victorian society and embodies a different set of values and beliefs. Gabriel Oak, for example, represents the virtues of hard work, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, while William Boldwood embodies the dangers of obsession and unrequited love. Sergeant Troy, on the other hand, represents the allure of passion and excitement, but also the destructive power of selfishness and deceit.
Through the interactions and conflicts between these characters, Hardy explores themes of love, independence, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. He also offers a critique of Victorian society and its rigid social hierarchies, showing how individuals can be trapped by their class, gender, and economic status. Overall, the major characters in Far from the Madding Crowd are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of human nature.
(iii) Explain how Tennyson relates the medieval values highlighted in the poem “Morte d’Arthur”, to the Victorian Age
Answer:
Tennyson’s poem “Morte d’Arthur” is based on the medieval legend of King Arthur, but it also reflects the values and concerns of the Victorian Age. Tennyson was writing during a time of great change and upheaval, and he was conscious of the schism between the Romantic emphasis on emotion, nature, and subjectivity, and the Victorian ideals of objectivity, science, and progress. In “Morte d’Arthur”, Tennyson sets the narrative of Arthur’s last battle within the frame of modern life, and he uses the legend of King Arthur to explore the themes of loyalty, honor, duty, and sacrifice that were central to Victorian society.
Tennyson’s portrayal of Arthur as a noble and selfless king who is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good reflects the Victorian ideal of duty and self-sacrifice. The poem also reflects the Victorian concern with morality and the conflict between science and faith, as seen in the character of Sir Bedivere, who is torn between his duty to his king and his desire to keep Excalibur for himself. Tennyson’s use of language and imagery also reflects the Victorian interest in medieval legends and the Gothic revival, as seen in his use of archaic language and his descriptions of the knights in their armor. Overall, Tennyson’s “Morte d’Arthur” is a reflection of the values and concerns of the Victorian Age, as seen through the lens of the medieval legend of King Arthur.
Explain the significance of the conflict between Science and Faith in Victorian poetry.
The Victorian era was marked by a conflict between science and faith, as new scientific discoveries challenged traditional religious beliefs and values. This conflict is reflected in the poetry of the time, which often dealt with issues of morality, spirituality, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Victorian poets such as Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold were deeply concerned with the impact of science and technology on society, and they often explored the tension between reason and faith in their work.
One of the key themes in Victorian poetry is the conflict between science and faith, and the tension between reason and emotion. Many Victorian poets were deeply skeptical of the claims of science, and they saw it as a threat to traditional religious beliefs and values. At the same time, they were also fascinated by the possibilities of science and technology, and they often used scientific imagery and metaphors in their poetry. For example, Tennyson’s poem “In Memoriam A.H.H.” deals with the themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a world that is increasingly dominated by science and technology. The poem reflects Tennyson’s own struggle with the loss of his friend, and his search for spiritual comfort in a world that seems to be devoid of meaning. Similarly, Robert Browning’s poem “Caliban upon Setebos” explores the conflict between science and faith through the character of Caliban, who is torn between his belief in the traditional gods and his fascination with the natural world. The poem reflects Browning’s own interest in science and technology, and his belief that the natural world is a source of wonder and mystery that can never be fully understood. Overall, the conflict between science and faith was a central theme in Victorian poetry, reflecting the concerns and anxieties of a society that was undergoing rapid change and transformation. Victorian poets were deeply engaged with the issues of their time, and they used their poetry to explore the complex and often contradictory nature of the human experience in a world that was increasingly dominated by science and technology.
- Answer any one of the following (in around 300 words) :
Discuss the dramatic significance of the soliloquy in Macbeth. Critically analyse any one soliloquy in the play. 10+10
Answer:
Soliloquies are an important dramatic device used by Shakespeare in Macbeth to reveal the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. They provide a window into the character’s psyche and allow the audience to understand their motivations and desires. Soliloquies also serve to advance the plot and create dramatic tension.
One of the most famous soliloquies in Macbeth is the “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech in Act V, Scene V. In this soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on the futility of life and the inevitability of death. He speaks these lines after he learns of Lady Macbeth’s death and realizes that his own downfall is imminent.
The soliloquy is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects Macbeth’s sense of despair and hopelessness. He sees life as a meaningless and empty existence, and his ambition has led him to a tragic end. Secondly, the soliloquy highlights the theme of time and its passage. Macbeth sees time as a relentless force that moves forward without regard for human desires or aspirations. He realizes that his own time is running out and that he has nothing to show for his life.
Thirdly, the soliloquy reflects the theme of appearance versus reality. Macbeth has been living a life of deception and illusion, and he now realizes that his actions have led him to a dead end. He sees the world as a place of darkness and evil, and he is unable to find any meaning or purpose in it.
Finally, the soliloquy reflects the tragic nature of Macbeth’s character. He is a man who has been consumed by his own ambition and has lost touch with his humanity. He is unable to find redemption or forgiveness, and his fate is sealed.
In conclusion, the “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” soliloquy is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It is a testament to Shakespeare’s skill as a playwright and his ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters. The soliloquy is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.
The soliloquy is also significant in terms of its structure and language. It is written in blank verse, which is a form of poetry that does not rhyme but has a regular meter. This gives the speech a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to its dramatic impact. The repetition of the phrase “tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” creates a sense of monotony and despair, which reflects Macbeth’s state of mind.
The soliloquy is also notable for its use of imagery. Macbeth compares life to a “walking shadow” and a “tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” These metaphors create a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness, which reflects Macbeth’s sense of despair. The image of the candle that is “out, out” is also significant, as it represents the extinguishing of life and the end of hope.
Overall, the “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” soliloquy is a powerful and poignant moment in Macbeth. It reflects the play’s themes of ambition, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power. It also highlights the tragic nature of Macbeth’s character and the consequences of his actions. The soliloquy is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.
“Bernard Shaw’s play Arms and the Man is a satire of romanticized notions of love and war.” Comment on this statement. 20
Answer:
George Bernard Shaw’s play Arms and the Man is a biting satire of the romanticized notions of love and war that were prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Through his play, Shaw critiques the idealized view of war as a noble and heroic endeavor and exposes the harsh realities of military conflict.
One of the key ways in which Shaw satirizes romanticized notions of war is through his portrayal of the play’s two male leads, Sergius Saranoff and Captain Bluntschli. Sergius is a dashing and heroic figure who embodies the romantic ideal of the soldier. He is theatrical and grandiose in his displays of military valor, and he is admired by all those around him for his bravery and courage. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Sergius is more concerned with his own image than with the actual realities of war. He is shown to be a hypocrite and a coward, and his grandiose displays of valor are revealed to be nothing more than empty posturing.
In contrast, Captain Bluntschli is a pragmatic and down-to-earth figure who embodies the reality of war. He is not concerned with grandiose displays of valor or with the romantic ideals of the soldier. Instead, he is focused on survival and on achieving his objectives in the most efficient way possible. Through his portrayal of Bluntschli, Shaw exposes the harsh realities of war and challenges the romanticized view of military conflict.
Shaw also satirizes romanticized notions of love in the play. Raina, the play’s female lead, is initially portrayed as a romantic and idealistic figure who is in love with Sergius. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Raina’s love for Sergius is based on an idealized view of him as a heroic and noble figure. When she discovers that Sergius is not the man she thought he was, she is forced to confront the reality of her situation and to reevaluate her own beliefs and values.
Overall, Arms and the Man is a powerful critique of the romanticized notions of love and war that were prevalent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Through his play, Shaw exposes the harsh realities of military conflict and challenges the idealized view of war as a noble and heroic endeavor.