BEGLA 137 June 2023 Question Paper with Answers

B.A. GENERAL (BAG)

Term-End Examination

June, 2023

BEGLA-137 : LANGUAGE THROUGH LITERATURE

Time: 3 hours                                                                                             Maximum Marks: 100                                                                                              

Note: Attempt all questions.

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

As human beings, we are constantly interacting with one another and forming opinions about the characters of those around us. A character in literature and drama, is the representation of a person or people in a story or play. Characters can be fictional or based on real people, and they can be the protagonist, the main character in the story or the antagonist, the character who opposes the protagonist.

In literature and drama, the character is often described using physical, emotional and psychological traits. The physical traits of a character can be described using details such as their height, weight, hair colour and clothing. The emotional traits of a character can be described using details such as their mood, temperament and attitude. The psychological traits of a character can be described using details such as their motivations, beliefs and values.

It is important to note that a character’s trait can change throughout the story, as the character goes through different experiences and learns from them. This may be called character development.

Questions:  5×2 = 10 marks

1. a) What is a character in literature and drama?

Ans:

A character in literature and drama is the representation of a person or people in a story or play.

b) What are three main ways in which a character can be described?

Ans:

In literature and drama, the character is often described using physical, emotional and psychological traits.

c) How can a character’s trait change throughout a story?

Ans:

The character’s trait can change throughout the story as the character goes through different experiences and learns from them, this may be called character development.

d) How can a character’s psychological traits be described?

Ans:

The psychological traits of a character can be described using details such as their motivations, beliefs and values.

e) What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist in a story?

Ans:

The protagonist is the main character in a story and the antagonist is the character that opposes the protagonist.

2. Add prefixes to the following words to make opposites: 2*5=10

a) Comfortable

Ans: uncomfortable

b) Necessary

Ans: unnecessary

c) Like

Ans: Dislike

d) Valid

Ans: Invalid

e) Regard

Ans: Disregard

3. Complete the following sentences using appropriate conjunctions: 5×1=5

• He ran away ——— he was terrified.

     Ans: He ran away because he was terrified.

• He was ill ______ he did not come to school

      Ans: He was ill, so he did not come to school.

• He was short of money _____ he borrowed the required amount from a friend.

      Ans: He was short of money, so he borrowed the required amount from a friend.

• He works seven days a week ________ make both ends meet

      Ans: He works seven days a week to make both ends meet.

• Jupiter is bigger _______ Mars.

      Ans: Jupiter is bigger than Mars.

4. Define any two of the following literary devices with suitable examples in about 100 words each: 2×5 = 10

a) Synecdoche

Ans:

Synecdoche is a literary device where a part of something is used to represent the whole or vice versa. It’s a form of figurative language that creates a vivid and impactful image. For example, when someone refers to “all hands on deck,” they are using the word “hands” to represent the entire crew. Similarly, when someone says “nice wheels” to compliment a car, they are using “wheels” to refer to the entire vehicle. Synecdoche adds depth and creativity to language by using a part to represent the whole or the whole to represent a part.

b) Understatement

Ans:

Understatement is a literary device used to downplay the significance or magnitude of something, often for ironic or humorous effect. It involves presenting something as less important or serious than it actually is. For example, if someone says “It’s just a flesh wound” when referring to a serious injury, they are using understatement to downplay the severity of the situation. Similarly, if a person describes a catastrophic event as “not ideal,” they are employing understatement to convey the gravity of the situation in a subtle or ironic manner. Understatement is a powerful tool for creating emphasis and engaging the audience through subtle irony or humor.

c) Tension

Ans:

Tension is a literary device used to create a sense of anticipation, uncertainty, and anxiety in the reader or audience. It is often used to build suspense and keep the audience engaged in the story. Tension can be created through various means, such as through the use of foreshadowing, conflict, and pacing. For example, in a mystery novel, the author may use tension to keep the reader guessing about the identity of the killer. In a horror movie, tension may be created through the use of eerie music, dark lighting, and sudden jump scares. Tension is an effective tool for creating emotional engagement and keeping the audience invested in the story.

d) Paradox

Ans:

A paradox is a literary device that involves the use of a statement or situation that appears to be self-contradictory or illogical, but upon further examination, may reveal a deeper truth. Paradoxes are often used to provoke critical thinking and to create an element of surprise or irony in literature. For example, the statement “less is more” is a paradox, as it seems contradictory on the surface, but it conveys the idea that simplicity can be more effective than complexity. Similarly, the concept of “the beginning of the end” presents a paradoxical idea of starting and ending simultaneously. Paradoxes add depth and complexity to literary works by challenging the reader’s understanding and inviting contemplation on deeper meanings.

5. Write short notes on any two of the following with suitable examples in about 100 words each: 2×5 = 10 marks

a) Allegory

Ans:

Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, events, and settings to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. It is often used to convey complex ideas or messages in a more accessible and engaging way. For example, George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is an allegory that uses farm animals to represent political figures and events in the Soviet Union. The story of the animals’ rebellion against their human farmer and their subsequent struggle for power illustrates the corruption and abuse of power that can occur in political systems. Similarly, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” is an allegory that uses a man’s journey into the forest to represent his spiritual journey and the struggle between good and evil. Allegories can be powerful tools for conveying complex ideas and moral lessons in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

b) Hyperbole

Ans:

Hyperbole is a literary device that involves the use of exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It is often used for emphasis, humor, or to create a dramatic effect. Hyperbolic statements are intentionally exaggerated to make a point or to create a vivid impression. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is a hyperbolic expression of extreme hunger, not meant to be taken literally. Similarly, describing a mundane task as “taking forever” is a hyperbolic way of emphasizing the length of time it took. Hyperbole adds color and intensity to language, making it a valuable tool for writers to convey strong emotions or create memorable imagery.

c) Euphemism

Ans:

Euphemism is a literary device that involves the use of a mild or indirect word or expression in place of one that may be considered harsh, offensive, or unpleasant. It is often used to soften the impact of a statement or to avoid causing offense or discomfort. For example, saying “passed away” instead of “died” is a euphemism that is commonly used to convey the idea of death in a more gentle and respectful way. Similarly, saying “restroom” instead of “toilet” is a euphemism that is used to avoid using a word that may be considered vulgar or impolite. Euphemisms can be used for a variety of reasons, such as to show respect, to be polite, or to avoid causing discomfort or offense. They are a useful tool for writers to convey sensitive or difficult topics in a more tactful and respectful manner.

d) Onomatopoeia

Ans:

Onomatopoeia is a literary device that involves the use of words that imitate the sound they represent. These words are designed to mimic or resemble the actual sound of the object or action they describe. Onomatopoeic words are often used to create a sensory experience for the reader and to add vividness and realism to the writing. For example, words like “buzz,” “hiss,” “crash,” and “murmur” are all examples of onomatopoeia, as they imitate the sounds associated with bees, snakes, collisions, and soft, indistinct sounds, respectively. By incorporating onomatopoeic words, writers can bring their descriptions to life and engage the reader’s auditory imagination, making the writing more immersive and evocative.

6. Correct the following sentences: 2*5=10 marks

a) Me and my friends went to the park to play soccer.

Ans: My friends and I went to the park to play soccer.

b) She don’t like Pizza but she likes Pasta.

Ans: She doesn’t like pizza, but she likes pasta.

c) The book, which was written by J. K. Rowling is my favorite.

Ans: My favorite book is written by J.K. Rowling.

d) I went to the store to buy some apples and oranges, but they was all sold out.

Ans: I went to the store to buy some apples and oranges, but they were all sold out.

e) Me and my friends is going to the Mall today.

Ans: My friends and I are going to the mall today.

7. Fill in the blanks with suitable propositions: 10 marks

a) The cat is hiding ________ the couch.

Ans: The cat is hiding behind the couch.

b) The bird is sitting _______ the branch.

Ans: The bird is sitting on the branch.

c) He goes to bed _________ 10:00 PM  everyday.

Ans: He goes to bed at 10:00 PM every day.

d) The players practice running _____ the treadmill.

Ans: The players practice running on the treadmill.

e) He is going to market ________ foot.

Ans: He is going to the market on foot.

f) Rohan is reading a book _______ the beach.

Ans: Rohan is reading a book on the beach.

g) Most children are studying _______ the library these days.

Ans: Most children are studying at the library these days.

h) I am going to see a movie __________ my friends.

Ans: I am going to see a movie with my friends.

i) The cup was kept ______ the plate.

Ans: The cup was kept on the plate.

j) The flowers were arranged beautifully ______ the vase.

Ans: The flowers were arranged beautifully in the vase.

8. Make sentences with the following phrasal verbs: 5*2=10

a) Break down

Ans:

• The teacher had to break down the complex scientific concept into simpler terms for the students to understand.
• Unfortunately, the old car broke down on the side of the road, causing a delay in our journey.

b) Come across

Ans:

• While hiking in the forest, we unexpectedly came across a hidden waterfall, creating a magical moment.
• In my research, I recently came across an interesting article that shed light on the historical significance of the ancient ruins.

c) Take off

Ans:

• The airplane started to accelerate down the runway, and within seconds, it began to take off into the sky.
• Before entering the swimming pool, make sure to take off your shoes and any jewelry to avoid losing them in the water.

d) Wear off

Ans:

• The effects of the pain medication began to wear off, and she started to feel discomfort again.
• Over time, the novelty of the new gadget started to wear off, and it became just another part of daily life.

e) Get along

Ans:

• Despite their differences, the colleagues managed to get along well, creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
• It’s important for roommates to find common ground and learn how to get along to maintain a harmonious living arrangement.

9. Identify and explain the figures of speech in the following sentences in about 100 words each: 5*2=10 marks

a) Her eyes were stars shining in the night.

Ans:

The figure of speech used in the sentence “Her eyes were stars shining in the night” is a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another thing, without using the words “like” or “as”. In this sentence, the speaker is comparing the woman’s eyes to stars, suggesting that they are bright, sparkling, and beautiful. The metaphor creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind, allowing them to visualize the woman’s eyes as if they were actual stars shining in the night sky. By using this metaphor, the writer is able to convey the woman’s beauty and the intensity of her gaze in a powerful and memorable way.

b) She sells sea-shells by the seashore.

Ans:

The figure of speech used in the sentence “She sells sea-shells by the seashore” is an example of both alliteration and a tongue twister. Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, as seen in the repeated “s” sound in “she sells sea-shells.” This repetition creates a musical quality and rhythm in the sentence. Additionally, the sentence is a tongue twister, as it is challenging to articulate quickly and accurately due to the repeated “s” sounds and the similar word structures. This figure of speech adds a playful and rhythmic quality to the sentence, making it memorable and engaging for the reader or listener.

c) He has a heart like stone.

Ans:

The figure of speech used in the sentence “He has a heart like stone” is a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words “like” or “as” to create a vivid image or understanding. In this sentence, the comparison is made between the man’s heart and a stone, suggesting that his heart is cold, unfeeling, and unyielding, much like a stone. The simile effectively conveys the emotional state or character of the person being described, allowing the reader to understand the depth of the comparison and the emotional impact of the statement.

d) Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country ?

Ans:

The sentence “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country” contains an example of chiasmus, a figure of speech in which the order of the terms in the first of two parallel clauses is reversed in the second. This creates a “crisscross” or “mirror” structure, adding emphasis and balance to the sentence. In this case, the reversal of the terms “your country” and “you” in the second clause creates a rhetorical effect that encourages the listener to consider their responsibilities to their country before seeking benefits from it. This figure of speech is often used to convey a sense of balance and to make a memorable and persuasive statement.

e) It was raining cats and dogs.

Ans:

The expression “It was raining cats and dogs” is an example of an idiom. Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. In this case, the idiom “raining cats and dogs” is used to describe very heavy or intense rainfall. The phrase is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to convey the idea of a significant amount of rain falling from the sky. Idioms like this one add color and expressiveness to language, allowing speakers to convey ideas in a more vivid and imaginative way.

 

10. a) Add suffixes to make adjective forms: 5*1=5

i) Hope

Ans: Hopeful

ii) Care

Ans: Caring

iii) Green

Ans: Greenish

iv) Danger

Ans: Dangerous

v) Milk

Ans: Milky

 

b) Use the following words in sentences as directed: 5*2=10

i) Consume (adjective)

Ans: The word “consume” is primarily used as a verb, but it can also function as an adjective in certain contexts. Here are sentences using “consume” as an adjective:

1. The consumer electronics industry is driven by the demand for innovative and consume-friendly devices. (describing devices that are user-friendly and easy to use)
2. The nutritionist emphasized the importance of making healthy and consume choices when grocery shopping. (describing choices that are suitable for consumption)

In these sentences, “consume” is used to describe products and choices in a way that relates to their suitability for use or consumption.

Or 

“Consume” is typically used as a verb rather than an adjective. However, I can use it in a sentence with an adjective-like structure:

The voracious appetite of the crowd seemed insatiable as they consumed every last piece of the delicious cake at the event.

 

ii) Dance (adjective)

Ans:

The dance performance was mesmerizing, with its intricate choreography and vibrant costumes.

She wore a dance-inspired outfit to the party, complete with a flowing skirt and ballet flats.

The dance floor was crowded, filled with people swaying to the rhythm of the music.

His dance moves were so fluid and graceful that everyone stopped to watch in awe.

The dance instructor demonstrated the steps with such precision that the students quickly caught on.

 

iii) Defend (adjective)

Ans:

“Defend” is also primarily a verb, but I can create a sentence with an adjective-like structure:

The defender’s unwavering commitment to the team earned him the title of the most reliable and defend-oriented player in the league.

 

iv) Harvest (verb)

Ans:

The farmers worked diligently to harvest the ripe crops from the fields before the approaching storm.

 

v) Crush (adjective)

Ans:

While “crush” is typically used as a verb or a noun, I can create a sentence with an adjective-like structure:

The teenager had a crush-worthy smile that captured the attention of everyone in the room.