Term-End Examination
December, 2022
BEGC-133 : BRITISH LITERATURE
Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Answer all questions. All questions are compulsory.
The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great Nature’s second course,
Chief nourisher in life’s feast.”
Answer:
This passage is from Act II, Scene II of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. It is spoken by Macbeth after he has murdered King Duncan and is feeling guilty and tormented. The passage is a soliloquy in which Macbeth reflects on the restorative power of sleep. He describes sleep as a “knitter” that repairs the damage done by the stresses of daily life, a “bath” that soothes the aches and pains of hard work, a “balm” that heals the wounds of the mind, and a “nourisher” that sustains life. The context of this passage is important because it highlights the contrast between Macbeth’s current state of mind and his previous attitude towards sleep. Earlier in the play, Macbeth had dismissed sleep as “the innocent sleep” that he had “murdered” by killing Duncan. Now, however, he realizes the value of sleep and longs for the peace it can bring. This passage also foreshadows Macbeth’s descent into madness, as his guilt and paranoia will soon prevent him from sleeping at all.
perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little
Hand.”
Answer:
This passage is from Act V, Scene I of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Lady Macbeth speaks these lines while sleepwalking and trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. The passage reflects Lady Macbeth’s guilt and remorse over the murders that she and Macbeth have committed.
The context of this passage is crucial in understanding its significance. Earlier in the play, Lady Macbeth had encouraged Macbeth to commit the regicide, and she had shown a strong and ruthless character. However, as the play progresses, the weight of their actions begins to take a toll on her conscience. In this scene, Lady Macbeth is tormented by the guilt and cannot escape the haunting smell of blood on her hands. She realizes that no amount of perfumes or sweet scents can mask the stench of the bloodshed. This passage serves as a powerful symbol of the inescapable consequences of their actions and the psychological torment that Lady Macbeth experiences as a result. It highlights the theme of guilt and the inability to wash away the sins committed.
drum major, thinking he’d done the cleverest
thing ever known, whereas he ought to be
court-martialled for it. Of all the fools ever let
loose on a field of battle, that man must be the
very maddest.”
Answer:
This passage is a reference to the character of Sergius, a Bulgarian officer who led a charge against the Serbs in the play Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw. The charge was successful, but only because the Serbs had been sent the wrong-sized cartridges and were unable to defend themselves. The passage compares Sergius to Don Quixote, the central figure of the Spanish classic Don Quixote by Cervantes, who is known for his delusions of grandeur and his tendency to imagine himself as a heroic knight. The comparison presents Sergius as a foolish and misguided character who is more concerned with appearing heroic than with actually achieving victory on the battlefield. The passage also suggests that Sergius should be court-martialled for his actions, as they were reckless and put his own men in danger. Overall, the passage highlights the absurdity of war and the foolishness of those who seek glory on the battlefield.
Tho’ Merlin sware that I should come again
To rule once more — but let what will be, be,
I am so deeply smitten thro’ the helm
That without help I cannot last till morn.”
Answer:
This passage is from the poem “Morte d’Arthur” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which tells the story of King Arthur’s final battle and death. In this passage, King Arthur is speaking to his knight, Sir Bedivere, and expressing his despair at the fact that he is about to die at the hands of the very people he had created and ruled over. He also mentions that Merlin had promised him that he would return to rule again, but he is resigned to his fate and accepts that he will not survive until morning. The phrase “so deeply smitten thro’ the helm” refers to the fact that Arthur has been mortally wounded in battle, and the “helm” is his helmet. The passage highlights the tragic nature of Arthur’s death and his sense of betrayal by his own people. It also suggests that Arthur has come to terms with his fate and is ready to accept whatever comes next.
Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.”
Answer:
This passage is from the poem “Morte d’Arthur” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which tells the story of King Arthur’s final battle and death. In this passage, King Arthur is speaking to his knight, Sir Bedivere, and asking him to pray for his soul if they never see each other again. Arthur believes that prayer is a powerful force that can have a greater impact than people realize, and he asks Sir Bedivere to pray for him constantly, day and night. The phrase “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of” suggests that prayer can have a profound effect on the world, even if its power is not fully understood or appreciated. The passage highlights Arthur’s faith and his belief in the power of prayer, even in the face of death. It also emphasizes the importance of spiritual matters and the afterlife in Arthurian legend.
Answer:
The Porter scene in Macbeth is a brief comic interlude that occurs in Act II, Scene III, immediately after the murder of King Duncan. The scene features a drunken Porter who is the gatekeeper of Macbeth’s castle. He imagines himself as the gatekeeper of hell and engages in a humorous exchange with Macduff and Lennox, who have come to see the king. The significance of the Porter scene lies in its function as a comic relief after the intense and dramatic murder scene. It provides a moment of levity and allows the audience to catch their breath before the play’s action resumes. Additionally, the Porter’s speech contains several references to the play’s themes of equivocation and deception. The scene also serves as a commentary on the social hierarchy of the time, as the Porter’s drunkenness and lowly position contrast with the nobility of the other characters.
Answer:
Henrik Ibsen was a major influence on the drama of George Bernard Shaw. Shaw was deeply impressed by Ibsen’s use of realistic dialogue and his exploration of social issues in his plays. Like Ibsen, Shaw used his plays to critique society and challenge conventional ideas about morality and social norms. Shaw was particularly influenced by Ibsen’s concept of the “problem play,” which explores complex social issues and presents them in a realistic and thought-provoking way. Shaw’s plays, such as “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” and “Pygmalion,” reflect Ibsen’s influence in their use of realistic dialogue, complex characters, and social commentary. Overall, Ibsen’s influence on Shaw helped to shape the modern drama and paved the way for other playwrights to explore social issues in their work.
Answer:
Thomas Hardy’s Wessex is a fictional region of rural southwest England that serves as the setting for many of his novels. The landscape of Wessex is an integral part of Hardy’s writing, and he uses it to reflect the moods and destinies of his characters. Hardy’s descriptions of the countryside are often picturesque, and he uses nature to echo human feelings and thoughts. In his novels, Hardy examines the social conventions that hinder the lives of the poor rural folk in Victorian England, and criticizes such conventions, especially those relating to marriage, education, and religion, that constrained the aspirations of those people and caused them unhappiness.
Answer:
“Idylls of the King” is a collection of twelve narrative poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson that retell the story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Tennyson was fascinated by the Arthurian legend and based his poem on Thomas Malory’s work “Le Morte d’Arthur.” The poem traces the life and history of King Arthur, his lady love Guinevere, and his twelve knights, symbolic of equal status enjoyed by each one of them. Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King” is a romantic and epic poem that explores themes of chivalry, love, betrayal, and the struggle for power. It is considered one of the most significant works of Victorian literature and has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and retellings of the Arthurian legend.
Answer:
The Victorian era was marked by a period of conflict between old and new ideas, and this conflict is evident in the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson’s poetry reflects the tension between faith and doubt, morality, and the rights of women. In his poem “In Memoriam A.H.H.,” Tennyson grapples with the loss of his friend and the question of whether there is an afterlife. In “The Lady of Shalott,” he explores the conflict between individualism and collective responsibility. Tennyson’s poetry also reflects the changing role of women in society, as seen in his poem “The Princess,” which critiques the limitations placed on women in Victorian society. Overall, Tennyson’s poetry captures the spirit of the Victorian era and the conflicts that defined it.
III. Write short essays on any two of the following in around 200 words each : 212=24
Answer:
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy is a novel that portrays the rural English society of the nineteenth century through its characters. The novel’s protagonist, Bathsheba Everdene, is a strong-willed and independent woman who inherits a farm and becomes a successful farmer. She is courted by three men: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd who becomes her loyal friend and advisor; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner who becomes obsessed with her; and Sergeant Troy, a dashing soldier who seduces her and then abandons her.
Through these characters, Hardy portrays the different social classes and their attitudes towards love, marriage, and work. Gabriel Oak represents the working-class, and his loyalty and hard work are contrasted with Boldwood’s obsession with wealth and status. Troy represents the military class, and his reckless behavior and lack of responsibility are contrasted with Bathsheba’s determination and independence.
The novel also explores the role of women in society, as Bathsheba challenges the traditional gender roles of her time by becoming a successful farmer and rejecting the advances of men who try to control her. The novel’s themes of love, marriage, and social class are all intertwined with the characters and their interactions, creating a vivid picture of rural English society in the nineteenth century. Overall, Far From the Madding Crowd is a powerful portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and the social structures that shape them.
Answer:
“Morte d’Arthur” is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson that tells the story of King Arthur’s final battle and death. The poem explores several central themes, including the nature of heroism, the inevitability of death, and the importance of loyalty and honor. The poem also reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with the medieval period and the idea of chivalry.
One of the most significant themes of the poem is the nature of heroism. Tennyson portrays King Arthur as a tragic hero who is ultimately defeated by his own flaws and the changing times. The poem suggests that true heroism is not just about physical strength and bravery but also about moral integrity and the ability to inspire others.
Another important theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. Tennyson portrays death as a natural part of life and suggests that it is something that all people must face. The poem also explores the idea of immortality and suggests that true immortality comes not from physical life but from the legacy that one leaves behind.
The poem’s allegorical significance lies in its exploration of the conflict between the old and the new. Tennyson uses the story of King Arthur to reflect the Victorian era’s struggle to reconcile traditional values with the changing times. The poem suggests that the ideals of chivalry and honor are timeless and that they can still inspire people even in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, “Morte d’Arthur” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most significant themes of the Victorian era. Its allegorical significance lies in its ability to reflect the era’s struggle to reconcile the old with the new and to find meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Answer:
“Arms and the Man” is a play by George Bernard Shaw that explores the themes of class distinctions and mobility between classes. The play is set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885 and follows the story of Raina Petkoff, a young Bulgarian woman from an aristocratic family, and Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who is fighting for the Serbian army.
One of the central concerns of the play is the rigid class distinctions that existed in European society during the late 19th century. Shaw uses the characters of Raina and her fiancé Sergius to highlight the absurdity of these class distinctions. Raina is portrayed as a spoiled and naive young woman who is obsessed with the idea of nobility and chivalry, while Sergius is a vain and arrogant military officer who is more concerned with his own reputation than with the lives of his soldiers.
The play also explores the idea of mobility between classes. Shaw suggests that social mobility is possible but that it requires individuals to challenge the existing social order and to be willing to take risks. The character of Captain Bluntschli represents this idea of social mobility. He is a mercenary who has risen to a position of power and influence through his own hard work and determination.
Overall, “Arms and the Man” is a play that explores some of the most significant concerns of the late 19th century, including class distinctions and mobility between classes. Shaw uses the characters and the plot to highlight the absurdity of the existing social order and to suggest that change is possible but that it requires individuals to be willing to challenge the status quo.
Answer:
Lady Macbeth is a complex character in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, and her role in the story has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. Some critics have referred to her as the “fourth witch” due to her association with the supernatural and her use of language that is similar to that of the witches. However, this view is not entirely accurate, as Lady Macbeth is a distinct character with her own motivations and desires.
Lady Macbeth is a powerful and ambitious woman who is determined to help her husband achieve his goals. She is the driving force behind Macbeth’s decision to kill King Duncan and take the throne. Lady Macbeth’s ambition and desire for power are evident in her soliloquy in Act I, Scene V, where she calls on the spirits to “unsex” her and fill her with “direst cruelty.” She is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, even if it means committing murder.
However, Lady Macbeth’s ambition and desire for power ultimately lead to her downfall. She is consumed by guilt and remorse after the murder of Duncan, and her mental state deteriorates as the play progresses. Her sleepwalking scene in Act V, Scene I, where she imagines washing the bloodstains from her hands, is a powerful symbol of her guilt and the psychological toll that her actions have taken on her.
While Lady Macbeth shares some similarities with the witches in the play, such as her use of language and her association with the supernatural, she is a distinct character with her own motivations and desires. She is a tragic figure who is ultimately undone by her own ambition and desire for power.
In conclusion, while Lady Macbeth is not a witch, she is a complex and fascinating character who plays a significant role in the story of Macbeth. Her ambition and desire for power drive the plot of the play, and her eventual downfall serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
OR
Explain why Arms and the Man is considered to be an anti-Romantic comedy. 20
Answer:
“Arms and the Man” is considered to be an anti-Romantic comedy because it challenges the traditional ideals of love and war that were popular during the Romantic era. The play was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1894, during a time when the Romantic movement was still influential in literature and art.
One of the ways in which the play challenges Romantic ideals is by satirizing the idea of heroism in war. Shaw portrays war as a brutal and senseless activity that is driven by greed and self-interest rather than by noble ideals. The character of Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who is fighting for the Serbian army, is portrayed as a pragmatic and cynical figure who is more concerned with his own survival than with any sense of duty or honor.
The play also challenges Romantic ideals of love and romance. Shaw portrays love as a complex and often contradictory emotion that is not always based on physical attraction or idealized notions of beauty. The character of Raina Petkoff, a young Bulgarian woman from an aristocratic family, is portrayed as a spoiled and naive young woman who is obsessed with the idea of nobility and chivalry. Her fiancé, Sergius Saranoff, is portrayed as a vain and arrogant military officer who is more concerned with his own reputation than with the lives of his soldiers.
Overall, “Arms and the Man” is considered to be an anti-Romantic comedy because it challenges the traditional ideals of love and war that were popular during the Romantic era. Shaw uses satire and irony to expose the absurdity of these ideals and to suggest that they are not always based on reality. The play is a critique of the Romantic movement and a reflection of the changing attitudes and values of the late 19th century.
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