B.A. GENERAL (BAG)
Term-End Examination June, 2022
BEGLA-137 : LANGUAGE THROUGH LITERATURE
Time : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Answer all questions.
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : 5×2=10
Filling up a bronze water-pot, a bucket and
a watering can by turns, my grandmother
transported water from a tap at the backyard
impartially to all her plants, and finally through
a brass syringe shot into the air a grand column
of water which would descend like a gift from
the heavens on the whole garden, dampening
down the mud and stirring up an earthy smell
(which tempted one to taste the mud), the foliage
glittering in the Sun like finely cut diamonds as
water dripped off their edges. The peacock busily
kept pace with us as we moved up and down
bearing the water-pots. When a shower of water
descended, the peacock fanned out its tail,
parading its color.
(a) Suggest an appropriate title to the passage.
Answer :
The appropriate title for the passage could be “Watering the Garden with Grandmother”.
(b) Give two examples of personification as used in the passage.
Answer :
One example of personification in the passage is “the foliage glittering in the Sun like finely cut
diamonds as water dripped off their edges.” Here, the foliage is personified as if it is capable of
glittering like diamonds. Another example is “the peacock busily kept pace with us as we moved
up and down bearing the water-pots.” Here, the peacock is personified as if it is capable of
keeping pace with humans.
(c) Suggest a parallel word for ‘transported’. What kind of transportation has taken place?
Answer :
The word “carried” could be a parallel word for “transported” in the passage. The transportation
that has taken place is the act of carrying water from a tap to the plants using a bronze
water-pot, a bucket, and a watering can.
(d) What is the meaning of ‘heavens’ in the passage ?
Answer :
In the passage, the word “heavens” refers to the sky or the atmosphere above the garden.
When the grandmother shoots water into the air using a brass syringe, the water descends from
above like a gift from the sky, dampening down the mud and stirring up an earthy smell.
(e) In what sense are the words ‘stirring’ and ‘parading’ used in the passage ?
Answer :
In the passage, the word “stirring” is used to describe the action of the water falling on the
garden and creating an earthy smell. The word “parading” is used to describe the action of the
peacock fanning out its tail when a shower of water descends. Both words are used in a
figurative sense to describe the actions of the water and the peacock, respectively.
2. Add prefixes to the following words to make opposites : 5
Appropriate – Inappropriate,
Regard – Disregard
Place – Displace
Relevant – Irrelevant
Entity – Nonentity
3. Complete the following sentences using appropriate conjunctions : 5
(a) He fled ___because_____ he was afraid.
(b) We will miss the train ___if_____ we hurry.
(c) I cannot give you any money, ___as_____ I have none.
(d) I did not go ___because_____, she did not invite me.
(e) Jupiter is bigger ____than____ Mars.
4. Define any two of the following literary devices, with suitable examples : 2×5=10
Metonymy, Understatement, Paradox, Irony
Metonymy: Metonymy is a literary device in which a word or phrase is substituted with another
word or phrase that is closely associated with it, in order to convey a particular meaning or idea.
It is a form of figurative language that relies on the reader’s or listener’s understanding of the
relationship between the substituted word and the intended meaning.
Example: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” In this famous quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton,
the word “pen” is used as a metonymy for writing or communication, while the word “sword”
represents violence or force. The phrase suggests that the power of words and ideas can have
a greater impact than physical force.
Or
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 pen is mightier than the sword” is
a metonymy that uses “pen” to represent the power of the written word, while “sword”
represents the power of military force.
——
Understatement: Understatement is a figure of speech in which a situation, event, or idea is
intentionally represented as less significant or serious than it actually is. It is often used for ironic
or comedic effect, as it creates a contrast between the stated and the implied meaning.
Example: “I have to wait a little while.” This statement is an understatement if the person has
been waiting for a long time. By downplaying the length of time, the speaker emphasizes the
frustration or impatience they feel.
Or
Understatement: Understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately
makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is. For example, if someone wins a
million dollars in the lottery and says, “It’s just a little bit of money,” that is an understatement.
—————
Paradox: A paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or absurd, but
upon closer examination, reveals a hidden truth or a deeper meaning. It is used to provoke
thought and challenge conventional thinking.
Example: “Less is more.” This paradoxical phrase suggests that simplicity and minimalism can
have a greater impact or be more valuable than complexity or excess. It challenges the notion
that more is always better.
Or
Paradox: A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or absurd but in reality
expresses a possible truth. For example, “Less is more” is a paradox that suggests that
simplicity and minimalism can be more effective than complexity and excess.
—————-
Irony: Irony is a literary device in which there is a contrast between what is expected or
intended and what actually happens or is said. It often involves a discrepancy between
appearance and reality, resulting in a humorous, sarcastic, or poignant effect.
Example: “I can’t wait to spend my vacation at work.” This statement is ironic because vacations
are typically associated with relaxation and time away from work, but the speaker expresses
enthusiasm for spending their vacation working. The contrast between the expected and the
actual situation creates irony.
Or
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. 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.
5. Write short notes on any two of the following, with suitable examples. 2×5=10
Literal vs. Metaphorical Meaning,
Literal meaning refers to the actual, straightforward definition of a word or phrase. It is the
meaning that is found in a dictionary. For example, the literal meaning of the word “book” is a
collection of written or printed pages that are bound together.
Metaphorical meaning, on the other hand, refers to a non-literal or figurative interpretation of a
word or phrase. It is a comparison between two things that are not usually thought of as similar.
For example, the phrase “life is a journey” is a metaphor that compares the experience of living
to a journey, suggesting that life has its ups and downs, twists and turns, and that we are all on
a path that leads to a destination.
Metaphorical meaning can be used to create vivid imagery, to convey complex ideas, and to add
depth and richness to language. It is often used in literature, poetry, and other forms of creative
writing to create a deeper emotional impact on the reader.
In conclusion, while literal meaning is the straightforward definition of a word or phrase,
metaphorical meaning is a non-literal interpretation that compares two things to create vivid
imagery and convey complex ideas.
Rhetoric,
Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively and persuasively. It involves the use of various
techniques and strategies to communicate ideas, influence opinions, and persuade others to
take a particular course of action. Rhetoric is often used in public speaking, writing, and other
forms of communication to achieve a specific goal.
One of the most common rhetorical techniques is repetition, which involves repeating a word or
phrase to emphasize its importance or to create a memorable effect. For example, Martin Luther
King Jr.’s famous speech “I Have a Dream” uses repetition to emphasize his vision of a world
free from racial discrimination.
Another common rhetorical technique is the use of rhetorical questions, which are questions
that are not meant to be answered but are used to make a point or to provoke thought. For
example, “Are you going to let this injustice continue?” is a rhetorical question that is used to
encourage action against an injustice.
Metaphors and analogies are also commonly used in rhetoric to help people understand
complex ideas by comparing them to something more familiar. For example, Winston Churchill’s
famous metaphor “Iron Curtain” was used to describe the division between Western Europe and
the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
In conclusion, rhetoric is the art of using language effectively and persuasively to communicate
ideas, influence opinions, and persuade others to take a particular course of action. It involves
the use of various techniques and strategies, such as repetition, rhetorical questions, and
metaphors, to achieve a specific goal.
Alliteration,
Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of the same sound or letter at the
beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. It is often used in poetry, prose, and
advertising to create a musical or rhythmic effect, to emphasize certain words or phrases, or to
make a passage more memorable.
For example, the tongue twister “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” is an example of
alliteration because of the repetition of the “p” sound. Another example is the line from Edgar
Allan Poe’s “The Raven”: “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain” which
uses the repetition of the “s” sound.
Alliteration can also be used to create a mood or tone in a piece of writing. For example, the
repeated “s” sounds in the line “Sweet and sour sauce” create a soft and soothing tone, while
the repeated “t” sounds in the line “The tiny turtle tickled the tall tiger’s toes” create a playful and
lighthearted tone.
In conclusion, alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of the same sound or
letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. It is often used in poetry, prose,
and advertising to create a musical or rhythmic effect, to emphasize certain words or phrases, or
to make a passage more memorable.
Pun
A pun is a form of wordplay that involves using a word or phrase in a way that creates a
humorous effect by exploiting multiple meanings or the similarity of sound between two words.
Puns are often used in jokes, riddles, and other forms of humor to create a play on words that is
both clever and amusing.
For example, “Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!” is a pun that
plays on the multiple meanings of the word “dressing” as both a type of sauce and the act of
getting dressed. Another example is “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put
down!” which plays on the multiple meanings of the phrase “put down” as both to physically put
something down and to stop reading a book.
Puns can also be used to create clever wordplay in advertising and marketing. For example, the
slogan “I’m a fungi” for a mushroom farm plays on the similarity of sound between “fungi” and
“fun guy” to create a memorable and humorous tagline.
In conclusion, puns are a form of wordplay that involves using a word or phrase in a way that
creates a humorous effect by exploiting multiple meanings or the similarity of sound between
two words. They are often used in jokes, riddles, and advertising to create a clever and amusing
play on words.
6. Correct the following sentences : 5×2=10
(a) One of my friend visited my home yesterday.
Answer :
One of my friends visited my home yesterday. (Use plural form of friend)
(b) The height of Ram is more than Shyam.
Ans:
Ram is taller than Shyam. (Use comparative form of adjective)
(c) He has been working in this office since twenty years.
Ans:
He has been working in this office for twenty years. (Use “for” to indicate duration)
(d) He do not have a laptop.
Ans:
He does not have a laptop. (Use correct form of auxiliary verb “do”)
(e) He did not wrote the test last week.
Ans:
He did not write the test last week. (Use past tense of verb “write”)
7. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions : 10×1=10
(a) He has returned ________ his home town.
He has returned to his home town.
(b) The plane landed ________ the runway.
The plane landed on the runway.
(c) The kids climbed ________ the tree without any help.
The kids climbed up the tree without any help
(d) Rohan and Asha moved the table ________ the dining room.
Rohan and Asha moved the table into the dining room.
(e) She was relieved ________ the pain after taking the medicine.
She was relieved of the pain after taking the medicine.
(f) In the forest, the bat flew low ________ their heads.
In the forest, the bat flew low above their heads.
(g) He will have finished his work ________ Friday.
He will have finished his work by Friday.
(h) My friend has been living in Canada ________ two years.
My friend has been living in Canada for two years.
(i) There is no point in walking alone in the streets ________ night.
There is no point in walking alone in the streets at night
(j) He has been waiting for you ________ seven o’clock.
He has been waiting for you since seven o’clock.
8. (a) Identify and explain the figures of speech in the following sentences : 5×2=10
(i) She is all nations and world to me.
Ans:
The figure of speech used in this sentence is a metaphor. The phrase “she is all nations and
world to me” compares the person being referred to with all nations and the entire world. It
conveys the idea th;at the person holds great importance and significance in the speaker’s life, encompassing the qualities and attributes associated with nations and the world.
(ii) Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Ans:
The figure of speech used in this sentence is an oxymoron. The phrase “cruel to be kind”
combines contradictory or contrasting words, “cruel” and “kind,” to convey the idea that
sometimes being harsh or tough in the short term can ultimately lead to a better or kinder
outcome in the long run.
(iii) The suitcase weighs a ton.
Ans:
The figure of speech used in this sentence is hyperbole. The statement “the suitcase weighs a
ton” exaggerates the weight of the suitcase to emphasize how heavy it is. It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey the idea that the suitcase is extremely heavy.
(iv) I asked him not to open the Pandora’s box of his complaints.
Ans:
The figure of speech used in this sentence is an allusion. The phrase “Pandora’s box” refers to
a Greek myth where Pandora opens a box containing all the evils of the world, subsequently
releasing them. In this sentence, it represents a metaphorical box symbolizing someone’s
negative or troubling thoughts and complaints. By using this allusion, the speaker emphasizes the potential consequences or negative effects of the person opening up and expressing their complaints.
(v) My sister and I had a friendly fight over the ice-cream.
Ans:
The figure of speech used in this sentence is personification. The phrase “friendly fight” assigns
human qualities or characteristics of a fight to describe a playful or lighthearted disagreement
between two people. It suggests that the disagreement over the ice cream was not serious or
aggressive but rather a fun and spirited interaction.
(b) Fill in the blanks with correct forms of words given in the brackets : 5×1=5
(i) He ________ (fall) asleep while he was studying.
He fell asleep while he was studying.
(ii) The coffee is being ________ (prepare).
The coffee is being prepared.
(iii) She is ________ (gift) a mobile phone to her brother on his birthday.
She is gifting a mobile phone to her brother on his birthday.
(iv) Mohan ________ (wash) the floor on weekends.
Mohan washes the floor on weekends.
(v) His watch was ________ (break) in a street fight.
His watch was broken in a street fight.
9. Make sentences with the following phrasal verbs : 5×2=10
fall apart,
Sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for better things.
get away,
I had to get away from the party, to attend a meeting.
hang in,
Hang in there, everything will be fine.
make up,
Normally they wore little make-up.
work out
I told her I think things would eventually work out between us.
10. (a) Add suffixes to make adjective forms : 5×1=5
delight, care, child, culture, method
delightful, careful, childish, cultural, methodical
(b) Use the following words in sentences as directed : 5×2=10
(i) Empty (verb)
I need to empty the trash before it overflows. (used as a verb)
(ii) Press (verb)
Please press the button to start the machine. (used as a verb)
(iii) Harvest (verb)
The farmers are ready to harvest the crops. (used as a verb)
(iv) Harm (adjective)
The harmful chemicals in the air are causing health problems. (used as an adjective)
(v) Defend (adjective)
The defensive strategy of the team helped them win the game. (used as an adjective)