MA 1st SEM SMU Spring 2024 Solved Assignments

SESSION SPRING 2024

PROGRAM MASTER OF ARTS (MA) – ENGLISH

SEMESTER I

COURSE CODE & NAME MAEC101– DRAMA I

Assignment Set – 1ST

Questions

 

 

  1. Discuss the representation of society in The Rivals?

Ans: “The Rivals” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a classic comedy of manners that offers a satirical portrayal of late 18th-century British society. Through its colourful characters, witty dialogue, and intricate plot, the play provides a humorous yet incisive commentary on the social norms, values, and foibles of the time. 

Class and Social Hierarchy: “The Rivals” depicts a society stratified by class and social status, where distinctions of birth, wealth, and reputation are paramount.

Characters like Sir Anthony

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  1. Is King Lear a Tragedy? Justify your answer.

Ans: Yes, “King Lear” is widely considered to be a tragedy, and there are several key elements within the play that justify this classification: 

Tragic Hero: King Lear himself fits the archetype of the tragic hero. He is a figure of high rank and status, possessing noble qualities such as wisdom and authority.

However, Lear’s tragic flaw, his hubris and inability to see beyond his own pride, leads to his downfall. His journey from power to madness and eventual death is central to the tragic trajectory of the play.

Fatal Flaw and Reversal of Fortune: As with many tragic heroes, Lear’s downfall is precipitated by his own fatal flaw. In his case, it is his misguided decision to divide his kingdom among his

 

  1. What is Comedy of Humours? Elaborate with reference to Volpone.

Ans: The Comedy of Humours is a genre of comedy popularized in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, particularly by English playwrights such as Ben Jonson. It is characterized by its focus on exaggerated characters who embody specific traits or “humours,” representing different aspects of human behaviour or personality. These characters often find themselves in absurd situations, leading to humorous misunderstandings and satirical commentary on society.

In “Volpone” by Ben

 

Assignment Set – 2ND

Questions

 

  1. Analyse the character of Tamburlaine in Marlowe’s play.

Ans: The character of Tamburlaine in Christopher Marlowe’s play “Tamburlaine the Great” is a towering figure of ambition, power, and ruthlessness. Tamburlaine, also known as Timur or Tamerlane, is a shepherd who rises from humble origins to become a conqueror of vast territories, embodying the archetype of the Renaissance “overreacher” or “superman.” 

Ambition and Hubris: Tamburlaine’s defining characteristic is his boundless ambition. From the outset of the play, he declares his

 

  1. Summarise the role of the characters Flamineo and Vittoria in The White Devil.

Ans: Tamburlaine, the protagonist of Christopher Marlowe’s “Tamburlaine the Great,” is a complex and compelling character whose actions and motivations drive the plot of the play.

Here’s a detailed analysis of his character:

Ambition and Power:

Tamburlaine is characterized by his insatiable ambition and hunger for power. He starts as a lowly shepherd but rises to become a mighty conqueror, driven by his desire to carve out an empire for himself. His ambition knows no bounds, and he is willing to use any means necessary, including violence and deception, to achieve his goals.

Ruthlessness and Violence: Tamburlaine is depicted as a ruthless and merciless leader on the battlefield. He shows no mercy to his enemies and is willing to kill and plunder to expand his empire. His acts of

 

  1. “The characters Hieronimo and Bel-Imperia are central to the narrative of the Play”. Elaborate.

Ans: Absolutely, in Thomas Kyd’s play “The Spanish Tragedy,” both Hieronimo and Bel-Imperia are central figures whose actions and motivations drive the narrative forward.

Let’s delve into their significance: 

Hieronimo: 

Tragic Hero: Hieronimo is the tragic hero of the play. His grief over the murder of his son, Horatio, propels him into a quest for vengeance that ultimately consumes him. As the play progresses,

SESSION SPRING 2024

PROGRAM MASTER OF ARTS- ENGLISH

SEMESTER I

COURSE CODE & NAME MAEC 102 POETRY-1

Assignment Set – 1st

Questions

 

  1. Write a short note on the features of Shakespearean sonnet.

Ans: The Shakespearean sonnet, also known as the English sonnet, is a distinct poetic form that has specific structural and thematic features. Named after William Shakespeare, who popularized this form, the Shakespearean sonnet is renowned for its unique rhyme scheme and thematic versatility.

Here are the key features of the Shakespearean sonnet: 

Structure Fourteen Lines:  Like all traditional sonnets, a Shakespearean sonnet consists of fourteen lines.

Iambic Pentameter:  Each line is written in iambic pentameter, which means it has ten syllables with a

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  1. What are the characteristics of John Donne’s poetry that qualifies him to be a ‘metaphysical poet’?

Ans: John Donne is often considered a quintessential “metaphysical poet” due to several distinctive characteristics present in his poetry. The term “metaphysical poetry” refers to a style of poetry that emerged in the early 17th century, characterized by its intellectual playfulness, use of complex metaphors, and exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes.

Here are the key features of Donne’s poetry that qualify him as a metaphysical poet: 

  1. Use of Metaphysical Conceits Metaphysical Conceits: Donne’s poetry is renowned for its elaborate and

 

  1. Discuss significant religious connotations in George Herbert’s Easter Wings.

Ans: “Easter Wings” by George Herbert is a poem rich with religious connotations, reflecting the poet’s deep Christian faith and his reflections on the themes of fall and redemption. Written in the shape of wings, the poem visually represents its spiritual themes, enhancing its religious significance.

Here’s a detailed discussion of the significant religious connotations in “Easter Wings”: 

 

Assignment Set – 2nd

Questions

 

  1. Give a brief outline of Edmund Spencer’s Faerie Queene Book 1.

Ans: Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene” is a seminal work in English literature, blending allegory, epic, and romance. Book 1, titled “The Legend of the Knight of the Red Crosse, or Of Holiness,” follows the journey of the Redcrosse Knight, symbolizing the virtue of Holiness, as he strives to achieve spiritual and moral integrity.

Here’s a brief outline of the key events and characters in Book 1:

 Canto 1: The

 

 

  1. Give a general outline of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.

Ans: Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Prologue to The Canterbury Tales” serves as an introduction to his collection of stories, setting the stage for the tales that follow. It provides a vivid description of the various pilgrims who are traveling together to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

Here is a general outline of the “Prologue”: 

Introduction (Lines 1-42) Setting and Occasion:

The prologue begins with a description of April and springtime, symbolizing renewal and pilgrimage. People from all walks of life set out on journeys, particularly pilgrimages to holy sites.

 

  1. How has Henry Vaughan glorified childhood in his poem The Retreat?

Ans: Henry Vaughan’s poem “The Retreat” glorifies childhood by portraying it as a time of purity, innocence, and spiritual closeness to the divine. Vaughan, a Welsh metaphysical poet, uses the poem to express a longing for the simplicity and grace of early life, which he views as a period when the soul is more connected to heaven.

Here are the key ways Vaughan glorifies childhood in “The Retreat”: 

  1. Idealization of Childhood Innocence Pure and Unspoiled State: Vaughan describes childhood as a time when

SESSION SPRING 2024

PROGRAM MASTER OF ARTS (MA) – ENGLISH

SEMESTER I

COURSE CODE & NAME MAEC103– FICTION I

Assignment Set – 1st

Questions

 

  1. Discuss briefly the characters in the novel Joseph Andrews.

Ans: “Joseph Andrews,” written by Henry Fielding, is a novel that satirizes various aspects of 18th-century English society through its characters.

Here’s a brief overview of the main characters: 

Joseph Andrews: The titular character, Joseph is a paragon of virtue and the brother of Pamela Andrews from Samuel Richardson’s novel “Pamela.” He is handsome, good-natured, and steadfastly maintains his chastity despite numerous temptations and trials. 

Fanny Goodwill: Joseph’s beloved, Fanny is a beautiful and virtuous country girl. She is loyal and pure, embodying

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  1. Comment on the narrative structure of Wuthering Heights.

Ans: The narrative structure of “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë is complex and multifaceted, employing a frame narrative and multiple narrators to convey the story.

Here’s an overview of its structure: 

Frame Narrative: The novel begins and ends with the perspective of Mr. Lockwood, a gentleman from London who rents Thrush cross Grange. His journal entries bookend the main narrative, providing a frame for the central story. Lockwood’s narration sets the stage and offers an outsider’s

 

  1. Write a note on Mary Wollstonecraft.

Ans: Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was an influential English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women’s rights. She is best known for her ground-breaking work, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792), which is considered one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. 

Early Life and Education Mary Wollstonecraft was born on April 27, 1759, in Spitalfields, London. Her early life was marked by financial instability and domestic strife, as her father was abusive and often mismanaged the family’s resources. Despite these challenges, Wollstonecraft was

 

 

 

Assignment Set – 2nd

Questions

  1. Critically analyse the novel Frankenstein.

Ans: Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” first published in 1818, is a seminal work in the Gothic and science fiction genres. The novel is a profound exploration of ambition, hubris, and the consequences of defying natural laws.

Here’s a critical analysis of its major themes, characters, narrative structure, and cultural impact: 

Themes Creation and Responsibility:  The central theme of “Frankenstein” is the ethical responsibility of

 

  1. How has Dickens represented ambition in Great Expectations?

Ans: In “Great Expectations,” Charles Dickens explores the theme of ambition through various characters and their personal journeys. The novel delves into the consequences of ambition, examining both its potential for positive change and its capacity to lead to personal downfall. 

Pip’s Ambition Transformation and Discontent:  Pip’s ambition to rise above his social class and become a gentleman is a central focus of the novel. Initially content with his life as a blacksmith’s apprentice, Pip becomes dissatisfied after visiting Satis House and meeting Estella and Miss Havisha

  1. ‘The Gothic Novel is a distinct genre of its own.’ Elaborate.

Ans: The Gothic novel is indeed a distinct literary genre, characterized by a specific set of themes, settings, and stylistic features that differentiate it from other genres. Emerging in the late 18th century, Gothic literature has captivated readers with its blend of horror, romance, and the supernatural.

Here are the key elements that define the Gothic novel as a distinct genre: 

Historical Origins and Development Origins:  The Gothic novel originated in the late 18th century with

 

SESSION SPRING 2024 PROGRAM MASTER OF ARTS

SEMESTER I

COURSE CODE & NAME MAEC104 LITERARY THEORY AND CRITICISM

 

Assignment Set – 1

Questions

 

  1. Elaborate briefly on the concept of hamartia mentioned by Aristotle in his Poetics.

Ans: In Aristotle’s “Poetics,” the term “hamartia” refers to a character’s tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to their downfall. It is a key element in the structure of a tragedy, serving as the protagonist’s significant moral or intellectual failing that precipitates their misfortune. Aristotle suggests that this flaw is not necessarily a character defect, but rather a mistake or miscalculation. The concept underscores the idea that the protagonist’s downfall is often a result of their inherent qualities and choices, making their fate both inevitable and poignant. This evokes pity and fear in the audience, which are essential emotions in the experience of catharsis, the purging

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  1. Write a concise remark on the concept of figures of thoughts opined by Longinus in the Treatise on the Sublime.

Ans: In “On the Sublime,” Longinus discusses “figures of thought” as rhetorical strategies that enhance the emotional impact and persuasive power of a text. These figures involve the arrangement and expression of ideas in ways that elevate the style and evoke a profound response from the audience.

By using figures of thought, a writer or speaker can convey passion, urgency, and grandeur, contributing to the overall sublimity of their work. Longinus emphasizes that these figures, when used skillfully

  1. Write a brief remark on Word worth’s definition of poetry.

Ans: William Wordsworth defined poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” This definition emphasizes poetry’s deep connection to emotion and personal experience. Wordsworth believed that poetry should capture genuine human emotions and that reflecting on these emotions in a calm state allows the poet to express them more profoundly and authentically. His definition underscores the Romantic

 

Assignment Set – 2nd

Questions

  1. What did Matthew Arnold mean when he said that poetry is a criticism of life? Elaborate briefly.

Ans: When Matthew Arnold stated that poetry is a “criticism of life,” he meant that poetry should provide insightful reflections on the human condition and society. According to Arnold, poetry goes beyond mere aesthetic pleasure; it should engage with moral and philosophical issues, offering wisdom and understanding about life and its complexities. Through this lens, poetry acts as a means of evaluating and interpreting life, guiding readers toward deeper truths and ethical considerations. Arnold believed that great poetry helps individuals navigate their

 

  1. Analyze briefly the core motifs of the treatise called ‘Occasional Discourse on the Negro Question’ by Thomas Carlyle.

Ans: Thomas Carlyle’s “Occasional Discourse on the Negro Question,” published in 1849, presents several core motifs centered around his controversial views on race, labour, and society.

Key motifs include: 

Racial Superiority and Inferiority: Carlyle argues from a position of racial superiority, asserting that Black people are inherently inferior and suited only for labour under the control of superior races. His views reflect the prevalent racist ideologies of his time. 

Critique of Emancipation:

 

  1. What are the ideas propounded by T. S. Eliot about the Dynamic Relationship between Past and Present Writers?

Ans: T. S. Eliot, in his essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” elaborates on the dynamic relationship between past and present writers through several key ideas:

  Tradition and Continuity: Eliot argues that tradition is not a passive inheritance but a dynamic process where the past and present constantly interact. He believes that a good poet must understand and appreciate the literary tradition to contribute meaningfully to it.

Historical Sense: Eliot introduces the concept of the “historical sense,” which involves a perception of the timelessness

 

SESSIONSPRING 2024

PROGRAM- Master of Arts

SEMESTER- Ist

COURSE CODE & NAMEMAEC105 GENDER STUDIES IN LITERATURE

 

Assignment Set – 1ST

Questions

 

  1. Critically analyse the poem Mad Girl’s Love Song and show how the tension between the internal world and the external world takes the Centre stage in this poem of Plath.

Ans: “Mad Girl’s Love Song” is a villanelle by Sylvia Plath, showcasing the poet’s mastery in intertwining form and content to explore themes of love, loss, and mental turmoil. The tension between the internal world and the external world is a central theme in the poem, reflecting Plath’s own struggles with depression and the fragmented nature of her inner life.

Here is a critical analysis of the poem with a focus on this tension: 

Structure and Form Villanelle: The poem is written in the form of a villanelle, a 19-line poetic form with a specific rhyme

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  1. Write about the literary legacy of Maya Angelou.

Ans: Maya Angelou, an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, left a profound and enduring literary legacy. Her works resonate with themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit, reflecting her experiences as a Black woman in America. Angelou’s literary contributions extend across various genres, including poetry, autobiographies, essays, and plays.

Here are key aspects of her literary legacy: 

  1. Autobiographical Series “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”:

Published in 1969, this is

 

  1. Write a short note on the historical significance of A Room of One’s Own.

Ans: “A Room of One’s Own” is a seminal essay by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1929. Its historical significance lies in its pioneering exploration of the intersection between women, literature, and economic independence.

Woolf argues that women need both financial independence and private space to produce creative work, famously stating, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to

 

 

Assignment Set – 2ND

Questions

  1. “Marge Piercy fiercely criticises the “ultimate lady fantasy” constructed by fashion magazines.” Analyse the statement with reference to the poem “What are big girls made of”.

Ans: Marge Piercy’s poem “What Are Big Girls Made Of?” offers a potent critique of the “ultimate lady fantasy” constructed by fashion magazines. In this Piercy’s work can be analyzed for its deconstruction of the unrealistic and often oppressive ideals of femininity propagated by media and fashion industries. 

Analysis of the Critique in “What Are Big Girls Made Of?” 

Deconstruction of

 

  1. Write your own reflection on the style and theme adopted by Rupi Kaur in her literary creations.

Ans: Rupi Kaur’s literary creations, particularly her poetry collections “Milk and Honey” and “The Sun and Her Flowers,” have resonated widely with contemporary readers, and their appeal lies in a distinctive style and a set of recurring themes that reflect both personal and universal experiences.  Style Minimalist and Visual Presentation: Kaur’s poetry is characterized by its minimalist style. She often uses short, succinct lines that pack a punch with their brevity. This stripped-down approach allows her words to resonate deeply, giving readers space to

 

 

  1. Explain the connection between Alice Walker’s gender perspectives and the civil rights movement?

Ans: Alice Walker, a prominent writer and activist, is known for her exploration of intersecting issues of gender, race, and social justice.

Her perspectives on gender are deeply intertwined with her involvement in the civil rights movement, and the connection between the two is evident in several key aspects:

Intersectionality: Walker’s understanding of gender perspectives is rooted in the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes that individuals hold multiple social identities (such as race, gender, class, sexuality) that intersect and interact to shape their experiences.

As a Black woman, Walker embodies intersecting identities and experiences the unique challenges and oppressions faced by women of color. Her writings often reflect this intersectional lens, highlighting the ways in which gender oppression is compounded by racial discrimination