BEGLA-137
B. A. GENERAL (BAG)
Term-End Examination
December, 2021
BEGLA-137 : LANGUAGE THROUGH LITERATURE
Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Attempt all questions.
Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow :
1. A cardboard shows me how it was
When the two girl cousins went paddling,
Each one holding one of my mother’s hands
And she the big girl–some twenty years or so.
All three stood still to smile through their hair At the uncle with the camera. A sweet face,
My mother’s, that was before I was born
And the sea, which appears to have changed less,
Washed their terribly transient feet.
Some twenty-thirty years later
She’d laught at the snapshot.
“See betty and Dolly”, She’d say and look how
they
“Dressed us for the beach” The sea holiday
Was her past, mine is her daughter
Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.
(i) Who were the three persons in the photograph and who took the photograph ? 2
Answer:
The poem describes a photograph of “the two girl cousins” who went paddling with the
speaker’s mother, who was “the big girl” at the time. The uncle with the camera took the
photograph.
(ii) What do you understand by transient feet ? 2
Answer:
In the context of the poem, “transient feet” refers to the impermanence of the moment captured
in the photograph. The sea washed the feet of the three people in the photo, but the water and
the moment have both passed and are now just a memory. The phrase suggests that everything
in life is temporary and fleeting.
(iii) Comment on the mood/attitude of the poet. 2
Answer:
The mood of the poet is nostalgic and reflective. The poem is a meditation on the passage of
time and the fleeting nature of life. The poet seems to be looking back on a happy memory of
their mother’s youth and reflecting on how quickly time has passed. There is a sense of
wistfulness and sadness in the poem, as the poet realizes that the moment captured in the
photograph is gone forever. However, there is also a sense of acceptance and understanding
that this is the nature of life.
(iv) Explain, sea ….. have changed less. 2
Answer:
The line “And the sea, which appears to have changed less” suggests that while time has
passed and the people in the photograph have aged and changed, the sea remains relatively
unchanged. This could be interpreted in a few different ways. On one hand, it could be seen as
a symbol of the constancy of nature and the way that some things remain the same even as
everything else changes. On the other hand, it could be seen as a commentary on the
impermanence of human life and the way that we are constantly changing and evolving while
the natural world remains relatively constant.
(v) Suggest an appropriate title. 2
Answer:
An appropriate title for this poem might be “Transient Feet” or “The Impermanence of Life”. Both
titles capture the central theme of the poem, which is the fleeting nature of human experience
and the inevitability of change. The title “Transient Feet” specifically references the line in the
poem that describes the impermanence of the moment captured in the photograph, while “The
Impermanence of Life” speaks to the broader philosophical themes of the poem.
2. Write short notes in about 150 words each on any two of the following : 10×2=20
(i) Decorum
Answer:
Decorum is a term used to describe the quality of appropriateness in communication. It refers to
the idea that we should adjust our tone, gestures, and words to fit the occasion and the person
we are speaking to. In other words, we should be mindful of the context and the audience when
we communicate. Cicero, the Roman philosopher, stated that the universal rule in oratory and
life is to consider propriety.
In the western tradition, scholars have always emphasized decorum as the chief element of
style. The other important elements that contribute to decorum are purity, clarity, and ornament.
Purity refers to the correctness of language, while clarity helps with intelligibility. Ornament
provides decoration and can sometimes give an impression of superficiality, but it need not
always be so.
In summary, decorum is an essential aspect of effective communication. It involves being
mindful of the context and the audience and adjusting our tone, gestures, and words
accordingly. By doing so, we can ensure that our communication is appropriate, clear, and
effective.
(ii) Homonym
Answer:
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.
They are a type of homophone, which refers to words that sound the same but have different
meanings. Homonyms can be confusing because they can lead to ambiguity and
misunderstanding in communication.
There are two types of homonyms: homographs and homophones. Homographs are words that
are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations. For
example, the word “bow” can refer to a knot tied with a ribbon or a weapon used for shooting
arrows. Homophones, on the other hand, are words that sound the same but have different
meanings and spellings. For example, the words “flower” and “flour” sound the same but have
different meanings and spellings.
Homonyms can be challenging for language learners, but they are an essential part of the
English language. They add richness and complexity to the language and can be used to create
puns and wordplay. However, it is important to be aware of their potential for confusion and to
use them carefully in communication.
(iii) Euphemism
Answer:
Euphemism is a figure of speech that is used to replace a word or phrase that is considered
harsh, unpleasant, or offensive with a milder or more indirect expression. It is a way of
conveying a message without causing offense or discomfort to the listener or reader.
Euphemisms are commonly used in polite conversation, advertising, and politics.
Euphemisms can be used to soften the impact of negative or unpleasant events or situations.
For example, instead of saying that someone has died, we might say that they have “passed
away” or “gone to a better place.” Similarly, instead of saying that someone has been fired from
their job, we might say that they have been “let go” or “made redundant.”
Euphemisms can also be used to make something sound more positive or appealing than it
really is. For example, instead of saying that a product is “cheap,” we might say that it is
“affordable” or “economical.”
While euphemisms can be useful in certain situations, they can also be misleading or
manipulative. It is important to be aware of the potential for euphemisms to obscure the truth or
to be used to manipulate people’s perceptions.
(iv) Understatement
Answer:
Understatement is a figure of speech that is used to make a situation or event seem less
important, serious, or impressive than it really is. It is the opposite of hyperbole, which is an
exaggeration of a situation or event. Understatement is often used for humorous effect or to
downplay a situation that might otherwise be seen as negative or unpleasant.
For example, if someone were to win a major award, they might say, “It’s not a big deal, really.”
This is an example of understatement because winning a major award is a significant
achievement, but the speaker is downplaying its importance. Similarly, if someone were to
describe a hurricane as “a bit of a breeze,” this would be an example of understatement
because hurricanes are typically very powerful and destructive.
Understatement can be an effective way of communicating a message indirectly or of making a
situation seem less threatening or intimidating. However, it can also be used to minimize the
importance of a situation or to avoid taking responsibility for something. It is important to use
understatement carefully and appropriately in order to avoid confusion or miscommunication.
3. Identify and explain the figure of speech in the following sentences : 10
(i) Walter wondered where winnie was.
Answer:
The figure of speech in this sentence is alliteration, which is the repetition of the initial
consonant sound in two or more words in close proximity. In this case, the “w” sound is repeated
in “Walter wondered where Winnie was.”
(ii) I have told you to stop a thousand times.
Answer:
The figure of speech in this sentence is hyperbole, which is an exaggeration used for emphasis
or effect. In this case, the speaker is exaggerating the number of times they have told someone
to stop in order to emphasize their frustration.
(iii) Sometimes you have to spend money to
Answer:
The figure of speech in this sentence is a proverb, which is a short, well-known saying that
expresses a common truth or piece of wisdom. In this case, the proverb is “you have to spend
money to make money,” which means that sometimes you need to invest in order to see a
return.
(iv) The water danced across my window.
Answer:
The figure of speech in this sentence is personification, which is a figure of speech in which an
inanimate object or abstract concept is given human qualities or characteristics. In this case, the
water is given the human quality of dancing, which is a form of movement that is typically
associated with humans.
(v) That story is music to my ears.
Answer:
The figure of speech in this sentence is metaphor, which is a figure of speech in which a word or
phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. In this case, the
story is being compared to music, which is a form of art that is pleasing to the ear. The
comparison is used to emphasize the speaker’s enjoyment of the story.
4. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions : 10
(i) I was amazed ___by_____ her brilliant Performance.
(ii) They appealed ___to_____ us for help.
(iii) I don’t think we can bank ___on_____ him this time.
(iv) Please bear ___with_____ me until I finish this Work.
(v) We want the best candidate to be appointed ____to____ this post.
(vi) He will always remain grateful ____to____ his teachers.
(vii) Food was rationed ___during_____ the war.
(viii) He divided his property ___between_____ two sons.
(ix) He comes ___from_____ a royal family.
(x) He is tall __with______ black hair and brown Eyes.
5. Make sentences with the following phrasal verbs : 2×5=10
(i) Put off
I need to put off our meeting until next week.
(ii) Call off
The company had to call off the meeting due to a power outage.
(iii) Look into
The detective promised to look into the matter.
(iv) Break in
I need to break in my new shoes before I wear them to work.
(v) Do away with
The company decided to do away with its old policies and implement new ones.
6. (a) Add prefixes or suffixes to form nouns :1×5=5
(i) Safe
Safety
(ii) Honest
Honesty
(iii) Healthy
Unhealthy
(iv) Appear
Appearance
(v) Dance
Dancer
(b) Fill in the blanks with suitable articles :1×5=5
___The_____ men in ___a_____ black, worn out
coat, hobbled across ___the_____ street and
stood in front of __an______ open door from
which presently ___a_____ gentle, old lady
came out.
7. (a) Correct the following sentences : 1×5=5
(i) The food is indelible.
Ans: The food is inedible.
(ii) His performance was best than the others.
Ans: His performance was better than the others.
(iii) She solved the problem before the others even understood it.
Ans: She solved the problem before the others even understood it. (This sentence is already
correct.)
(iv) The manager sued his subordinate for deformation.
Ans: The manager sued his subordinate for defamation.
(v) The temperature of Chennai is hotter than Delhi.
Ans: The temperature of Chennai is hotter than that of Delhi.
(b) Fill in the blanks with correct form of words given in the brackets : 1×5=5
(i) Rohan’s car ________ (steal) by a thief.
Rohan’s car was stolen by a thief.
(ii) Rakesh ________ (slice) the tomatoes with a knife.
Rakesh sliced the tomatoes with a knife.
(iii) The wooden chair was ________ (lay) in the corner of the room.
The wooden chair was laid in the corner of the room.
(iv) Her parents were not ________ (concern) about her result.
Her parents were not concerned about her result.
(v) The management has ________ (agree) to all demands of the employees.
The management has agreed to all demands of the employees.
8. Write a short note on ‘Imagery’ in about 150 words. 10
Ans:
Imagery is a literary device that refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language to create
mental images in the reader’s mind. It is a powerful tool that writers use to appeal to the reader’s
senses and emotions, making their writing more engaging and memorable. Imagery can be
used to describe anything from a person, place, or thing to an abstract concept or emotion.
There are different types of imagery, including visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile.
Visual imagery is the most common type and involves creating mental pictures in the reader’s
mind. Auditory imagery, on the other hand, involves describing sounds, while olfactory imagery
describes smells, gustatory imagery describes tastes, and tactile imagery describes textures
and sensations.
Imagery is an essential element of poetry, prose, and other forms of literature. It helps to create
a more immersive reading experience, allowing readers to connect with the text on a deeper
level. By using imagery, writers can transport readers to different places and times, evoke
emotions, and convey complex ideas in a more accessible way.
Imagery is a literary device that involves the use of vivid sensory details to create mental
pictures in the reader’s mind. It is the representation of sense experience through language.
While visual imagery is the most common form, imagery can also depict other senses such as
sound, taste, smell, and touch. By using specific and colorful words, writers create images that
evoke emotions and enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement with the text.
Imagery plays a crucial role in literature as it helps to create a more immersive and vivid reading
experience. It allows readers to visualize and connect with the story on a deeper level. By
appealing to the senses, imagery brings the narrative to life, making it more engaging and
memorable. It helps to evoke emotions, set the mood, and convey the themes and messages of
the text. Through imagery, writers can paint a picture in the reader’s mind, making the story
more relatable and impactful.
In conclusion, imagery is a powerful tool used by writers to enhance the reader’s experience by
creating vivid mental pictures through the use of sensory details. It adds depth, emotion, and
clarity to the text, making it more engaging and memorable.
9. Define the following giving suitable examples : 2×5=10
(i) Symbol
(i) Symbol: A symbol is a literary device that represents something else, often an abstract
concept or idea. It is used to convey deeper meanings and create a richer and more complex
understanding of a text. Symbols can be objects, actions, or even words that have a deeper
significance beyond their literal meaning.
Example: In George Orwell’s novel “1984,” the Big Brother poster is a symbol of the oppressive
government and the loss of individual freedom. It represents the constant surveillance and
control exerted by the ruling party.
Or
(i) Symbol: A symbol is a literary device that represents an idea, object, or action beyond its literal
meaning. It is often used to convey complex ideas or emotions in a more accessible way. For
example, a dove is a symbol of peace, while a red rose is a symbol of love.
(ii) Metaphor
(ii) Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unrelated things by stating
that one thing is another. It creates a vivid and imaginative comparison by suggesting
similarities between the two things, even though they are not literally the same.
Example: “Her voice is music to my ears.” In this metaphor, the voice is compared to music,
suggesting that it is pleasing and enjoyable to listen to.
Or
(ii) Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things without using “like” or “as.”
It is used to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind and to convey complex ideas in a more
accessible way. For example, “Life is a journey” is a metaphor that compares life to a journey,
suggesting that both have ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected detours.
(iii) Pun
(iii) Pun: A pun is a play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds of a word to
create a humorous or witty effect. It often involves wordplay and relies on the use of double
entendre or homophones.
Example: “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.” In this pun, the word
“dough” has a double meaning – it refers to the money one earns and the dough used in baking.
Or
(iii) Pun: A pun is a play on words that exploits the multiple meanings of a term or phrase. It is
often used for humorous effect. For example, “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible
to put down” is a pun that plays on the multiple meanings of “put down.”
(iv) Metonymy
(iv) Metonymy: Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted with
another word or phrase that is closely associated with it. It is used to create a more vivid or
concise expression and relies on the understanding of the relationship between the substituted
word and the original word.
Example: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” In this phrase, “pen” is used as a metonymy for
writing or literature, while “sword” represents violence or military force.
Or
(iv) Metonymy: Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted for another
word or phrase that is closely related to it. For example, “The White House announced today” is a
metonymy that refers to the President or the administration of the United States.
(v) Irony
(v) Irony: Irony is a literary device that involves using words or situations to convey a meaning
that is opposite or different from what is expected. It often creates a contrast between
appearance and reality and can be humorous or sarcastic.
Example: “What a lovely weather!” said sarcastically on a rainy day. This is an example of
verbal irony, where the speaker expresses the opposite of what they actually mean.
Or
(v) Irony: Irony is a literary device in which the intended meaning is the opposite of, or at least in
sharp contrast to, the literal meaning. It is often used to create a humorous or satirical effect. For
example, “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink” is a line from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” that uses irony to convey the sailor’s predicament of being
surrounded by water but unable to drink it.