1. Write notes on any two of the following (250 words each): 10x2=20
i) Tragedy and Heroism in Rhinoceros
"rhinoceros" is a play by french playwright eugene ionesco that explores themes of tragedy and heroism. The play is set in a small town where the inhabitants are gradually turning into rhinoceroses. This transformation symbolizes the loss of individuality and the herd mentality that can often be seen in society.
At the center of the play is the character of berenger, who is one of the few people in the town who has not yet transformed into a rhinoceros. He is depicted as a flawed but well-intentioned individual who is struggling to maintain his humanity in the face of this overwhelming change. Berenger is often portrayed as the play's hero, as he is the only character who is trying to resist the transformation and stand up for his individuality.
However, berenger is not a traditional hero, as he is portrayed as being weak-willed and indecisive. He is not a shining example of bravery and determination, but rather a flawed individual who is trying to do what is right in the face of great adversity. This adds to the tragedy of the play, as berenger's struggle to maintain his humanity is ultimately futile.
The play ultimately ends with berenger being the last person in the town to transform into a rhinoceros, symbolizing the complete loss of individuality and the triumph of the herd mentality. The tragedy of this outcome is heightened by the fact that berenger was one of the few people who was trying to resist the transformation, making his ultimate defeat all the more poignant.
In conclusion, "rhinoceros" is a play that explores the themes of tragedy and heroism through the character of berenger. The play depicts the loss of individuality and the triumph of the herd mentality, and berenger's struggle to resist this change highlights the tragedy of this outcome.
ii) Structure of the Play Waiting for Godot
"Waiting for Godot" is a play by Samuel Beckett that is widely considered a landmark of 20th-century drama. The play's structure is often described as minimalist, as it features only two characters, minimal dialogue, and a simple set.
The play is divided into two acts, each of which consists of a series of vignettes that revolve around the characters waiting for the arrival of a mysterious figure named Godot. Throughout the play, the characters engage in various activities to pass the time, including conversation, singing, and games. Despite their efforts, Godot never arrives, and the play ends with the characters still waiting for him.
The structure of "Waiting for Godot" is characterized by a repetitive cycle of waiting and inaction, which serves to reinforce the play's themes of boredom, futility, and the meaninglessness of existence. The minimal dialogue and simple set also contribute to this atmosphere, as they strip the play of any distractions and focus the audience's attention on the characters and their actions.
Despite its minimalist structure, "Waiting for Godot" is a complex and multi-layered work that invites multiple interpretations. The play's open-ended structure and elusive themes have made it a staple of modern theater and a classic of 20th-century drama.
In conclusion, the structure of "Waiting for Godot" is characterized by its minimalist approach, which features two characters, minimal dialogue, and a simple set. The repetitive cycle of waiting and inaction reinforces the play's themes of boredom, futility, and the meaninglessness of existence, while its open-ended structure invites multiple interpretations.
iii) Characterization in Ibsen’s Ghosts
"Ghosts" is a play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen that features a range of complex and well-developed characters. The play explores themes of family, morality, and social responsibility, and the characters serve as a means to explore these themes in depth.
One of the main characters in "Ghosts" is Mrs. Alving, a widow who is trying to come to terms with her past and her present. Mrs. Alving is a strong-willed and independent woman who is haunted by the memory of her late husband and the realization that her son Oswald is suffering from a hereditary disease. Her character is a complex mixture of determination, regret, and guilt, and her actions serve to highlight the central themes of the play.
Oswald is another central character in "Ghosts". He is a sensitive and intelligent young man who is struggling with the legacy of his family's past and his own personal demons. Oswald's character is complex, as he is torn between his desire to escape his family's history and his own sense of duty and responsibility to his family.
Pastor Manders is another key character in "Ghosts". He is a strict and moralistic man who is seen as the voice of tradition and the status quo. Despite his outward appearance, however, Pastor Manders is revealed to be a flawed and hypocritical character, whose actions serve to question the conventional wisdom of his time.
In conclusion, "Ghosts" is a play that features a range of complex and well-developed characters. The characters of Mrs. Alving, Oswald, and Pastor Manders serve as a means to explore the play's central themes of family, morality, and social responsibility, and their complex and multi-layered nature adds depth and nuance to the play's central ideas.
2. Critically examine, with reference to the context, any two of the following: 2x10=20
Daisy: They’re singing.
Berenger: they’re roaring, I tell you.
Daisy: you’re mad; they’re singing
This exchange between Daisy and Berenger takes place in the play "Rhinoceros" by Eugène Ionesco. The context of the play is a small town where the inhabitants are gradually turning into rhinoceroses, symbolizing the loss of individuality and the herd mentality that can often be seen in society.
In this exchange, Daisy and Berenger have a disagreement over what the rhinoceroses are doing. Daisy believes that they are singing, while Berenger believes that they are roaring. This disagreement highlights the central theme of the play, which is the loss of individuality and the triumph of the herd mentality.
The fact that Daisy believes that the rhinoceroses are singing is significant, as it shows her willingness to accept the transformation and go along with the crowd. This is in contrast to Berenger, who is depicted as the only character who is trying to resist the transformation and stand up for his individuality.
The disagreement between Daisy and Berenger also serves to reinforce the theme of the play, as it shows that even individuals who were once close can have different perceptions and beliefs. This highlights the loss of individuality and the triumph of the herd mentality, as even close friends and family members can be swayed by the majority.
In conclusion, the exchange between Daisy and Berenger in "Rhinoceros" highlights the central theme of the play, which is the loss of individuality and the triumph of the herd mentality. This disagreement serves to reinforce this theme by showing that even close friends and family members can have different perceptions and beliefs, highlighting the power of the majority to sway individual thought and behavior.
To win one’s mid-day meal
One needs the toughness which elsewhere builds empires.
Except twelve others be trampled down
The unfortunate cannot be helped
The quote is referring to the cutthroat competition in life, where one needs to be tough in order to succeed. The toughness that is required to win one's daily meal, which is considered as a basic necessity, is similar to the strength and determination needed to build empires. In order to succeed and achieve your goals, you need to be willing to put in the effort, work hard, and face challenges head on.
However, this success often comes at a cost. The quote mentions that in order to win, one needs to trample over twelve others. This means that in order to achieve your own success, you may have to hurt or push others aside. This can be a difficult moral dilemma for many, as it means that your own success may come at the expense of others.
The quote also touches upon the fact that the unfortunate cannot be helped. This means that in a world where competition is so fierce, those who are weaker or less fortunate may be left behind. This is a harsh reality, but it is important to remember that success is not guaranteed, and it often requires hard work and sacrifice.
SECTION B
Answer any three of the following questions:
1. Discuss Ghosts as a Problem play. 20
A "problem play" is a term used in theatrical criticism to describe a genre of play that tackles societal issues, moral dilemmas, or human problems that defy resolution. One of the most famous examples of a problem play is Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts".
"Ghosts" was first performed in 1882 and is considered a landmark work in modern drama. The play explores a range of societal and personal issues such as incest, venereal disease, and the consequences of living a life of lies and deceit. The central character, Mrs. Alving, is a woman who has lived a life of unhappiness and has been oppressed by her husband's infidelity and moral decay.
The play's central theme is the legacy of the past, and how the actions of one generation can impact the next. The ghost in the play represents the ghosts of Mrs. Alving's past, her late husband's extramarital affairs and moral corruption, which continue to haunt her and her family. The play suggests that the past cannot be escaped and that the effects of past actions will continue to be felt in the present.
Ibsen uses the character of Mrs. Alving to challenge traditional Victorian gender roles and expectations. Mrs. Alving is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who refuses to be oppressed by her husband's moral decay and takes control of her own life. The play also explores the themes of personal responsibility and the consequences of living a life of deceit. Mrs. Alving's decision to build an orphanage in memory of her husband serves as a means of atoning for her own past mistakes, as well as his.
"Ghosts" also explores the theme of morality and the impact of societal norms and expectations on personal behavior. Ibsen raises the question of whether a person's actions are determined by societal norms or by personal morality. The play suggests that societal expectations can lead people to live a life of deceit, and that personal morality is the only true guide for behavior.
In conclusion, "Ghosts" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that tackles a range of societal and personal issues. Through its exploration of themes such as the legacy of the past, personal responsibility, and the impact of societal norms and expectations, the play challenges traditional Victorian values and expectations and forces audiences to confront their own beliefs and values. The play remains relevant and thought-provoking even today, more than a century after its first performance, and is a testament to Ibsen's mastery as a playwright.
2. Write a detailed note of Characterization in Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Szechuan. 20
"The Good Woman of Szechwan" is a play written by German playwright Bertolt Brecht. The play was first performed in 1943 and is considered one of Brecht's most important works. It is a complex play that explores a range of themes, including morality, capitalism, and the corrupting influence of money. The play's characters are central to its themes, and Brecht uses characterization to convey his political and social commentary.
The central character of the play is Shen Te, a poor but virtuous prostitute who is trying to survive in a capitalist society. Shen Te is a complex and multi-faceted character who embodies many contradictions. She is kind and compassionate, but also resourceful and cunning. She is a victim of society's injustices, but also an agent of change. Brecht uses Shen Te's character to highlight the struggles of working-class people in a capitalist society and to show how difficult it is for people to maintain their morality in such a society.
Another key character in the play is Yang Sun, a wealthy businessman who takes advantage of Shen Te's kindness. Yang Sun is a classic example of the corrupting influence of money in a capitalist society. He is ruthless and manipulative, using his wealth to exploit others for his own gain. Brecht uses Yang Sun's character to illustrate the dangers of capitalism and the way in which wealth can lead people to behave immorally.
The character of Shui Ta, Shen Te's alter ego, is also an important aspect of the play's characterization. Shui Ta is a tough and assertive businesswoman who is created by Shen Te as a means of surviving in a capitalist society. Shui Ta is the opposite of Shen Te, embodying the ruthless and selfish qualities that Shen Te lacks. Shui Ta represents the corruption that can come from living in a capitalist society, and Brecht uses her character to show the devastating impact that capitalism can have on people's morals and values.
In addition to the central characters, Brecht also uses a range of minor characters to develop his themes and to highlight the corrupting influence of capitalism. The play's other characters include landlords, businessmen, and workers, all of whom are struggling to survive in a society that is dominated by money and greed. Brecht uses these characters to show the widespread effects of capitalism and to illustrate how difficult it is for people to maintain their morality in such a society.
In conclusion, the characterization in "The Good Woman of Szechwan" is a central aspect of Brecht's political and social commentary. Through his portrayal of characters such as Shen Te, Yang Sun, and Shui Ta, Brecht highlights the difficulties faced by working-class people in a capitalist society and the corrupting influence of money. He also shows the devastating impact that capitalism can have on people's morals and values, and the way in which it can lead people to behave immorally. Brecht's characterization is an essential aspect of his storytelling and helps to bring his political and social commentary to life in a powerful and impactful way.
3. Discuss the effects of the French Revolution and the Romantic Movement on Realism and
Naturalism. 20
The French Revolution and the Romantic Movement had a profound impact on the development of Realism and Naturalism in literature and the arts. The French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799, was a time of great social and political upheaval, marked by the fall of the French monarchy and the rise of a new democratic republic. The Romantic Movement, which emerged in Europe in the late 18th century, was a response to the Enlightenment and was characterized by a focus on emotion, imagination, and individualism.
The French Revolution had a significant impact on the development of Realism in literature. Realism was a literary movement that emerged in France in the mid-19th century and was characterized by a focus on everyday life and the representation of social and political realities. The French Revolution had challenged the existing social and political structures and created a new reality in which people were seeking to understand their place in society. Realist writers responded to this by representing the lives of ordinary people and the complexities of their experiences in a straightforward and unromanticized manner. The focus on social and political realities in Realist literature was a direct result of the impact of the French Revolution on French society.
The Romantic Movement also had a significant impact on the development of Realism and Naturalism. The Romantic emphasis on individualism and the celebration of the emotions and imagination challenged the Enlightenment focus on reason and rationality. This challenge to Enlightenment values was reflected in Realist literature, which sought to depict characters and situations in a more nuanced and complex manner, without romanticizing or idealizing them. Realist writers used their characters to explore the complexities of the human experience and to represent the reality of the world in a way that was true to life.
The Romantic Movement also had an impact on the development of Naturalism, which was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century. Naturalism was characterized by a focus on the scientific and biological determinants of human behavior and a rejection of Romantic idealism. The influence of the Romantic Movement on Naturalism can be seen in the way that Naturalist writers used their characters to explore the psychological and social realities of their time. Naturalist writers sought to understand the underlying causes of human behavior and to represent their characters in a way that was true to life.
In conclusion, the French Revolution and the Romantic Movement had a profound impact on the development of Realism and Naturalism in literature and the arts. The French Revolution challenged the existing social and political structures and created a new reality in which people were seeking to understand their place in society. The Romantic Movement challenged the Enlightenment focus on reason and rationality and celebrated the emotions and imagination. These challenges to traditional values were reflected in the development of Realism and Naturalism, which sought to depict the complexities of the human experience in a straightforward and unromanticized manner. The French Revolution and the Romantic Movement had a lasting impact on the development of Realism and Naturalism and continue to influence the arts and literature to this day.