BEGC-134 December 2021 Reading the Novel Question Paper with Answer

December, 2021

BEGC-134 : READING THE NOVEL

Section—A

Note : Write short notes on any four of the following in about 70-100 words each.

1. Time in a novel
Answer:
Time in a novel is an essential element that helps to structure the narrative and create meaning. It
can be used in a linear fashion, moving forward chronologically, or it can be made disjunctive,
moving backwards and forwards in time. The use of flashbacks and foreshadowing can add depth to
the story and provide insight into character motivations. Time can also be used to create tension and
suspense, as events unfold over a period of time. The manipulation of time in a novel is a powerful
tool for authors to control the pace of the story and engage readers in the narrative.

2. Round characters
Answer:
Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional characters in a novel. They are fully developed
and have a range of emotions, motivations, and experiences that shape their actions and decisions.
Round characters are often the main characters in a story, and they undergo significant changes
throughout the narrative. They can be unpredictable and surprise readers with unexpected actions or
decisions that are not entirely improbable. Round characters are more relatable to readers as they
reflect the complexities of human nature. They add depth to the story and help to create a more
immersive reading experience for the audience.

3. Types of plots
Answer:
Types of plots are the different ways in which a story can be structured. There are several types of
plots, including linear, non-linear, episodic, and circular. A linear plot follows a chronological
sequence of events from beginning to end. A non-linear plot jumps back and forth in time, creating a
disjointed narrative structure. An episodic plot is made up of a series of loosely connected events or
episodes that may not have a clear overarching narrative. A circular plot begins and ends in the same
place, creating a sense of closure and completeness. The type of plot used in a novel can affect the
pacing, tone, and overall impact of the story on readers.

4. Style
Answer:
Style in a novel refers to the author’s unique way of using language to convey meaning and create an
emotional impact on readers. It includes elements such as word choice, sentence structure, tone,
and imagery. A writer’s style can be influenced by their personal experiences, cultural background,
and literary influences. Style is an essential aspect of a novel as it can affect the reader’s
engagement with the story. A distinctive style can make a novel memorable and help it stand out
from other works in the same genre. However, an overly complex or convoluted style can also make
a novel difficult to read and understand. The best writers strike a balance between creating a unique
style while still making their work accessible to readers.

5. The post-colonial novel
Answer:
The post-colonial novel is a literary genre that emerged in the mid-twentieth century from former
British colonies. It explores the social, cultural, and political effects of colonialism and imperialism
on colonized societies. Post-colonial novels often challenge dominant Western narratives and offer
alternative perspectives on history and identity. They may also address issues such as race, gender,
class, and power relations. Some notable post-colonial novels include Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall
Apart,” Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children,” and Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things.” The
post-colonial novel has had a significant impact on contemporary literature and has helped to shape
our understanding of the legacy of colonialism in the modern world.

6. Extradisciplinary novel
Answer:
The extra disciplinary novel is a literary genre that defies traditional categorization and draws on
multiple disciplines, including philosophy, science, and history. It challenges the boundaries of
conventional genres and explores complex themes such as identity, consciousness, and the nature
of reality. Extradisciplinary novels often employ experimental narrative techniques such as
stream-of-consciousness writing, nonlinear storytelling, and fragmented narratives. They may also
incorporate elements of other art forms such as music or visual art. Some notable examples of extra
disciplinary novels include James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” Thomas Pynchon’s “Gravity’s Rainbow,” and
David Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest.” The extra disciplinary novel is a challenging but rewarding
genre that offers readers a unique perspective on the world around them.

Section—B

Note : Answer any two questions in about 150-200 words

7. Write a detailed note on the use of symbolism in The Awakening.
Answer:
The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a novel that makes extensive use of symbolism to convey its
themes and ideas. The novel explores the life of Edna Pontellier, a woman who is struggling to find
her place in society and to reconcile her desires with the expectations placed upon her as a wife and
mother. Throughout the novel, Chopin uses a variety of symbols to represent different aspects of
Edna’s journey towards self-discovery.

One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the sea. The sea represents freedom, escape, and
possibility for Edna. It is where she first learns to swim, and it becomes a place where she can be
alone with her thoughts and desires. As she becomes more disillusioned with her life, she begins to
see the sea as a way out of her current situation.

Another important symbol in the novel is birds. Birds are used to represent freedom and escape, but
they also symbolize confinement and captivity. For example, when Edna sees a caged parrot at
Madame Lebrun’s house, she feels trapped by her own life.
The color green is also used as a symbol throughout the novel. Green represents growth, renewal,
and rebirth. When Edna moves into her own house on Esplanade Street, she decorates it with green
furnishings as a way of expressing her desire for change.
Finally, music is another important symbol in The Awakening. Music represents passion and
sensuality for Edna. She becomes enamored with Mademoiselle Reisz’s piano playing because it
speaks to something deep within her that she cannot express in words.

Overall, symbolism plays an important role in The Awakening by helping to convey its themes and
ideas in a way that is both subtle and powerful. Through its use of symbols such as the sea, birds,
greenery, and music, Chopin creates a richly layered narrative that invites readers to explore the
complexities of Edna’s journey towards self-discovery.

8. Comment on the plight of the tribals as represented in Paraja.
Answer:
Paraja, written by Gopinath Mohanty, is a novel that portrays the life of the Paraja tribe in Koraput,
Odisha. The novel depicts the socio-economic and cultural conditions of the tribal people and their
struggles to survive in a rapidly changing world. The plight of the tribals is represented through
various characters in the novel who face different challenges.

The tribals are shown to be living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. They are exploited by
moneylenders and landlords who take advantage of their lack of education and resources. The novel
also highlights the issue of landlessness among the tribals, which makes them vulnerable to
exploitation.

The cultural identity of the tribals is also under threat as they are forced to adapt to modern ways of
living. This leads to a loss of traditional knowledge and practices that have sustained them for
generations.

Overall, Paraja portrays a bleak picture of tribal life in India. It highlights the need for policies that
protect their rights and promote their development while respecting their cultural identity. The novel
serves as a reminder that we must not forget about these marginalized communities and work
towards creating a more equitable society for all.

9. Trace the development of the Nigerian Novel in English.
Answer:
The Nigerian Novel in English has a rich and complex history that reflects the country’s colonial past,
its struggle for independence, and its ongoing efforts to define itself as a nation. The first Nigerian
novel in English is often considered to be Amos Tutuola’s The Palm-Wine Drinkard, which was
published in 1952. This novel drew on traditional Yoruba folklore and storytelling techniques to
create a unique narrative voice that challenged Western literary conventions.

However, it was Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, published in 1958, that truly put Nigerian
literature on the map. This novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior who struggles to
adapt to the changes brought about by British colonialism. Achebe’s use of English as a medium for
African storytelling was groundbreaking, and his portrayal of African characters as complex and fully
realized individuals challenged Western stereotypes.

In the decades that followed, Nigerian literature continued to flourish. Writers like Wole Soyinka,
Buchi Emecheta, and Ben Okri explored themes of identity, politics, and social change in their novels
and plays. Many of these writers also grappled with issues related to gender and sexuality, reflecting
Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with homophobia and gender inequality.
Today, Nigerian literature continues to evolve and expand. Young writers like Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie have gained international acclaim for their work, while established authors like Achebe
continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike. Through their stories and voices,
Nigerian writers have helped shape not only the literary landscape of their own country but also that
of the world at large.

10. Would you agree that there are many folk elements in Things Fall Apart ?
Answer:
Yes, I would agree that there are many folk elements in Things Fall Apart. Chinua Achebe drew
heavily on the oral traditions and folklore of his Igbo culture to create a rich and complex narrative
that reflects the cultural heritage of his people. The novel is filled with proverbs, songs, and stories
that are passed down from generation to generation, and these elements help to create a sense of
continuity and tradition that is central to Igbo culture.
For example, the novel opens with a description of the “harmattan,” a dry and dusty wind that blows
across West Africa during the winter months. This wind is described as “the messenger of death,”
and it serves as a powerful symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death in Igbo culture. Similarly,
Okonkwo’s tragic fate is foreshadowed by a series of dreams and omens that are interpreted by the
village priestess.
Throughout the novel, Achebe also uses folktales and legends to explore themes related to power,
gender, and morality. For example, the story of Tortoise and his cunning attempts to steal food from
other animals serves as a cautionary tale about greed and selfishness. These folk elements not only
add depth and richness to the narrative but also help to situate it within a broader cultural context.

Section—C

Note : Answer any three questions in about 500-600 words each.

11. Attempt a feminist reading of The Awakening.
Ans:
The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a novel that has been widely interpreted through a feminist lens.
The novel explores the life of Edna Pontellier, a woman who is struggling to find her place in society
and to reconcile her desires with the expectations placed upon her as a wife and mother. Through its
portrayal of Edna’s journey towards self-discovery, The Awakening raises important questions about
gender roles, sexuality, and the limitations placed upon women in the late 19th century.

One of the key themes of The Awakening is the idea of female empowerment. Throughout the novel,
Edna struggles against the constraints placed upon her by society and by her own family. She
resents being treated as a possession by her husband and longs for independence and autonomy.
As she becomes more aware of her own desires and needs, she begins to assert herself more
forcefully, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.

Another important theme in The Awakening is sexuality. Edna’s sexual awakening is a central part of
her journey towards self-discovery. She becomes increasingly aware of her own desires and begins
to explore them more openly. This exploration takes many forms throughout the novel, from her
flirtation with Robert Lebrun to her affair with Alcee Arobin. Through these experiences, Edna comes
to understand herself more fully as a sexual being.

The novel also explores the idea of motherhood and its impact on women’s lives. Edna struggles
with the demands placed upon her as a mother, feeling trapped by the expectations that come with
this role. She resents being defined solely by her relationship to her children and longs for something
more fulfilling than domesticity.

One way in which The Awakening can be read through a feminist lens is by examining its portrayal of
male characters. Throughout the novel, men are depicted as controlling and domineering figures
who seek to exert power over women in various ways. For example, Edna’s husband, Leonce, treats
her as a possession rather than an equal partner. Robert Lebrun, while more sympathetic than
Leonce, still sees Edna primarily as an object of desire rather than a fully realized person. Even Alcee
Arobin, who is initially presented as a more progressive and open-minded character, ultimately seeks
to control Edna through their sexual relationship.
Another way in which The Awakening can be read through a feminist lens is by examining its
portrayal of female characters. The novel presents a range of women who are struggling to find their
place in society and to assert themselves in a world that is dominated by men.

12. Examine the man-woman relationships in Things Fall Apart.
Answer:

Man-woman relationships are a significant aspect of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. The novel
portrays the traditional gender roles and expectations in Igbo society, where men are expected to be
dominant and women are expected to be submissive. The novel explores the complexities of these
relationships through the character of Okonkwo and his three wives.
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Okonkwo as a man who rules his household with
a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, live in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so do
the little children. This establishes Okonkwo as a patriarchal figure who expects complete obedience
from his wives and children.

Okonkwo’s relationship with his first wife, Nwoye’s mother, is strained due to her inability to bear him
sons. In Igbo culture, sons are highly valued as they carry on the family name and inherit property.
Therefore, Okonkwo takes a second wife named Ekwefi who bears him a daughter named Ezinma.
Despite this, Okonkwo still desires more sons and takes a third wife named Ojiugo.
Okonkwo’s relationship with Ojiugo is particularly problematic as he beats her during the Week of
Peace for not preparing his meal on time. This act is considered sacrilegious in Igbo culture as it
violates the sacredness of the peace week. As punishment for this act, Okonkwo is required to make
sacrifices to appease the gods.

The novel also explores how women navigate their roles within this patriarchal society. For example,
Ekwefi defies gender norms by running away from her husband with her daughter Ezinma after she
learns that he plans to kill her due to an oracle’s prophecy that she will die young. Ekwefi’s actions
demonstrate her love for her daughter and her willingness to challenge the expectations placed on
her as a woman.

Another example of women challenging gender norms is seen in the character of Chielo, the
priestess of Agbala. Despite being a woman, Chielo holds a position of power and respect in the
community due to her religious role. She is able to command obedience from Okonkwo and other
men in the community, demonstrating that women can hold positions of authority within Igbo
society.
The novel also explores how gender roles impact relationships between men and women. For
example, Okonkwo’s relationship with his daughter Ezinma is one of tenderness and affection.

13. Comment on the socio-political structure in Paraja.
Answer:
Paraja, written by Gopinath Mohanty, is a novel that portrays the life of the Paraja tribe in Koraput,
Odisha. The novel depicts the socio-economic and cultural conditions of the tribal people and their
struggles to survive in a rapidly changing world. The socio-political structure in Paraja is complex
and multifaceted, with various power structures at play.

The political structure existing in Sarsupadar, where the Paraja tribe resides, is described as a
hierarchical system with different levels of authority. At the top of this hierarchy are the British
colonial rulers who exercise control over the region through their administrative machinery. Below
them are the local landlords who hold significant power over the tribal people. They are shown to be
exploitative and oppressive towards the tribals, using their position to extract resources from them
without providing adequate compensation.

The Sahukar or moneylender is another powerful figure in the socio-political structure of Paraja. They
provide loans to the tribals at exorbitant interest rates, which often leads to debt bondage and
further exploitation. The Sahukar also has close ties with local landlords and forest officials, which
allows them to exert even more control over the tribals.
The forest guard is another important figure in Paraja’s socio-political structure. They are responsible
for enforcing laws related to forest conservation and wildlife protection. However, they often abuse
their power by harassing and extorting money from tribal people who depend on forests for their
livelihoods.

The native community also plays a role in shaping Paraja’s socio-political structure. They are shown
to be divided along caste lines with some members holding more power than others. The higher
castes often discriminate against lower castes and tribals, further exacerbating existing inequalities.
Overall, Paraja’s socio-political structure is characterized by multiple layers of power dynamics that
work together to exploit and oppress tribal people. The novel highlights the need for policies that
protect the rights of marginalized communities and promote their development while respecting
their cultural identity. It also emphasizes the importance of empowering these communities to
participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In conclusion, Paraja is a powerful novel that sheds light on the socio-political structure of tribal
communities in India. It highlights the complex power dynamics at play and the need for policies that
promote social justice and equality. The novel serves as a reminder that we must work towards
creating a more equitable society where all individuals have access to basic human rights and
opportunities for growth and development.

14. Who is a ‘subaltern’ ? Is there a subaltern voice in Paraja ? Discuss.
Ans
The term ‘subaltern’ refers to individuals or groups who are marginalized and excluded from
mainstream society. These individuals or groups are often oppressed and exploited by those in
power, and their voices are silenced or ignored. The concept of the subaltern was first introduced by
Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, who argued that the working class was a subaltern group in
capitalist societies.
In Paraja, Gopinath Mohanty portrays the subaltern voice through the experiences of the tribal
people. The novel highlights the struggles of the Paraja tribe as they try to survive in a rapidly
changing world. The tribals are shown to be living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. They
are exploited by moneylenders and landlords who take advantage of their lack of education and
resources.

The novel also highlights the issue of landlessness among the tribals, which makes them vulnerable
to exploitation. The cultural identity of the tribals is also under threat as they are forced to adapt to
modern ways of living. This leads to a loss of traditional knowledge and practices that have
sustained them for generations.
Despite these challenges, there is a subaltern voice in Paraja that speaks out against oppression and
exploitation. This voice is represented through various characters in the novel who resist dominant
power structures and fight for their rights.
One such character is Sukru Jani, who refuses to accept his fate as a landless laborer and fights for
his right to own land. He challenges the authority of local landlords and moneylenders, even though
it puts him at great risk.

Another character who represents the subaltern voice is Jili Jani, Sukru’s wife. She is shown as a
strong-willed woman who refuses to be silenced by patriarchal norms that dictate her role in society.
She takes an active role in supporting her husband’s struggle for land ownership and becomes an
important figure in her community.
The novel also portrays other characters who represent the subaltern voice, such as the tribal elders
who resist attempts to modernize their way of life and the forest dwellers who fight against the
exploitation of natural resources.

Overall, Paraja is a powerful novel that gives voice to the subaltern. It highlights the struggles of
marginalized communities and their fight for social justice and equality. The novel serves as a
reminder that we must work towards creating a more equitable society where all individuals have
access to basic human rights and opportunities for growth and development.

15. Write a brief essay on the creole background in The Awakening.
Answer:
The Awakening by Kate Chopin is a novel that explores the life of Edna Pontellier, a
twenty-eight-year-old Creole woman living in New Orleans. The novel is set in the late 19th century, a
time when Creole culture was still prevalent in Louisiana. The Creole background plays an important
role in the novel, shaping Edna’s experiences and influencing her journey towards self-discovery.
Creole culture is a unique blend of French, Spanish, and African influences that developed in
Louisiana during the colonial period. The Creoles were descendants of European settlers who
intermarried with African slaves and Native Americans. They developed their own distinct language,
cuisine, music, and social customs.

In The Awakening, Edna’s Creole background is presented as both a source of pride and a source of
conflict. On the one hand, Edna takes pride in her heritage and identifies strongly with her Creole
roots. She speaks French fluently and enjoys the music and food of her culture. She also feels a
sense of belonging within the tight-knit Creole community.
On the other hand, Edna’s Creole background also creates tension between her and the other
characters in the novel. Her husband Leonce is not Creole and does not understand or appreciate
her cultural heritage. He sees it as something foreign and exotic rather than something to be
celebrated. This creates a sense of alienation for Edna within her own marriage.
Similarly, Edna’s relationship with Robert Lebrun is complicated by their different cultural
backgrounds. Robert is also Creole but comes from a more traditional family than Edna’s. He sees
himself as more aligned with mainstream American culture than with his own heritage. This creates
a sense of distance between him and Edna, who feels more connected to her roots.
Despite these conflicts, Edna’s Creole background also provides her with a sense of freedom and
independence that she would not have had otherwise. Creole women were often more independent
and assertive than their Anglo-American counterparts, and Edna embodies this spirit of
independence throughout the novel. She resents the limitations placed upon her by society and by
her own family, and she longs for the freedom to pursue her own desires.

In many ways, Edna’s journey towards self-discovery can be seen as a rejection of traditional Creole
values. Creole culture placed a strong emphasis on family and community, and women were
expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers above all else. Edna’s decision to pursue her
own desires, even at the expense of traditional values, represents a break from this cultural norm.
However, it is important to note that Edna’s rejection of traditional values is not a rejection of her
Creole heritage as a whole. Rather, it is a rejection of the patriarchal norms that were imposed upon
her by society.

Overall, the Creole background in The Awakening plays an important role in shaping Edna’s
experiences and influencing her journey towards self-discovery. It provides her with a sense of
identity and belonging, but also creates tension and conflict within her relationships. Ultimately,
Edna’s journey represents a challenge to traditional Creole values and a call for greater freedom and
independence for women