(based on blocks 1 - 4)
answer all questions.
Section A
write short notes on the following in about 200 words each. 2 5 = 10
a) cultural materialism
cultural materialism is a theoretical perspective that originated in the field of cultural anthropology. It posits that social and cultural systems are fundamentally shaped by the material conditions of society, including its economic and technological processes. The basic premise of cultural materialism is that people's cultural values and beliefs are rooted in their practical concerns, such as the need to produce food, acquire resources, and maintain social order. This approach argues that social and cultural practices, as well as institutions and beliefs, are best understood by examining the material conditions under which they arose.
One of the key concepts of cultural materialism is that people's material needs and interests drive history, and that changes in the means of production, distribution and exchange of goods and services directly shape social structures and cultural practices. Cultural materialists reject the idea that cultural beliefs and practices are arbitrary or driven by abstract ideas, instead emphasizing the central role played by material factors in shaping human behavior and social systems.
In conclusion, cultural materialism is a critical perspective that provides a structural understanding of how society and culture are shaped by economic and technological processes, rather than by cultural or ideological factors alone.
B) renaissance
the renaissance was a cultural movement that began in italy in the 14th century and spread throughout europe in the following centuries. It marked a major transition from the medieval to the modern world, both in terms of artistic and intellectual expression and in social and political attitudes.
During the renaissance, a revival of classical learning, arts, and sciences led to a reevaluation of the role of individuals and the concept of humanism. Artists such as leonardo da vinci, michelangelo, and raphael created masterpieces that challenged conventional norms and depicted the human form in new and innovative ways. Meanwhile, scientists and philosophers such as galileo, copernicus, and descartes advanced knowledge in areas such as astronomy, anatomy, and mathematics.
The renaissance also brought about significant political and economic changes, as the growth of trade, commerce, and banking led to the rise of new social classes and the growth of secularism. The period saw the development of the modern state and the growth of individualism and the secularization of the public sphere. Additionally, the printing press was invented during the renaissance, making it possible for books and ideas to be more widely disseminated and contributing to the growth of literacy and the development of new forms of intellectual expression.
In conclusion, the renaissance was a period of profound cultural, intellectual, and social change that marked the transition from the medieval to the modern world and set the stage for the scientific revolution, the enlightenment, and the industrial revolution.
Section b
answer the following reference to the context in about 300 words each: 3 x 10 = 30
that wear this world out to the ending doom.
So, till the judgement that yourself arise,
you live in this, and dwell in lovers eyes.
The quote you have provided is from william shakespeare's sonnet "sonnet 116". The speaker of the sonnet is reflecting on the nature of love and what it means to truly love someone. In this particular line, the speaker is saying that even though the world may change and come to an end, love will endure until the final judgment day. This idea is expressed through the use of the metaphor "that wear this world out to the ending doom. " the speaker is saying that even though the world may end, love will endure until the end of time.
The speaker then says "till the judgement that yourself arise, " which means that love will endure until the final judgment day when people will rise from the dead. This line is a reference to the christian belief in the end of the world and the last judgment. The speaker is suggesting that love is so powerful that it will endure even beyond the end of the world.
Finally, the speaker says "you live in this, and dwell in lovers eyes, " suggesting that love is not just an abstract concept, but something that people can experience and live in. The use of the word "dwell" implies that love is a permanent state, not just a temporary feeling.
In conclusion, the speaker of shakespeare's sonnet "sonnet 116" is saying that love is a powerful and enduring force that will endure until the end of the world and beyond. Love is not just an abstract concept, but something that people can experience and live in, and it will endure even beyond the end of the world. This line is a testament to the enduring power of love and its ability to endure even through the most challenging of circumstances.
B) call country ants to harvest offices,
love, all alike, no reason knows, nor clime,
nor hours, days, months, which are the
rags of time.
This quote is also from william shakespeare's sonnet "sonnet 116". In this particular line, the speaker is emphasizing the universality of love, which transcends differences in location, culture, or time. The use of the word "country ants" is a metaphor for the different people from different countries and cultures who are called to love. The metaphor of ants harvesting refers to people working together to cultivate and nourish love, just as ants work together to gather food for their colony.
The speaker then says "love, all alike, no reason knows, nor clime, " suggesting that love knows no boundaries and is not limited by location or climate. Love is not something that can be understood through reason, but it is a feeling that is beyond explanation.
The line "nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time" is a metaphor for the passing of time. The speaker is suggesting that even though time passes, love remains unchanged and unaffected. Love is not limited by the passing of time, and it does not diminish with the passage of hours, days, or months.
In conclusion, the speaker of shakespeare's sonnet "sonnet 116" is emphasizing the universality of love and its ability to transcend differences in location, culture, and time. Love is not limited by reason, climate, or the passing of time, and it remains unchanged and unaffected. The speaker is suggesting that love is a powerful and enduring force that unites people from all cultures and backgrounds, and that it is a force that should be cultivated and nurtured.
C) stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more.
By sinels death i know i am thane of
glamis;
but how of cawdor? The thane of cawdor
lives,
this quote is from william shakespeare's play "macbeth". The speaker of the quote is macbeth, who has just received a prophecy from three witches that he will become the thane of cawdor and the king of scotland. Macbeth is demanding more information from the witches, asking them to "stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more".
The reference to sinel's death refers to the fact that macbeth has already learned from the witches that he will become the thane of glamis, which is a title he has inherited following the death of sinel. The line "by sinels death i know i am thane of glamis" shows that macbeth has already received a prophecy that has come true, which has heightened his curiosity and his desire to know more about his future.
The question "but how of cawdor? " shows that macbeth is eager to know more about the prophecy regarding his future as the thane of cawdor. He is asking the witches how this prophecy will come true and what it will mean for his future.
The line "the thane of cawdor lives" is a reference to the fact that the current thane of cawdor is still alive. Macbeth is trying to understand how he will become the thane of cawdor if the current thane is still alive.
In conclusion, the quote from william shakespeare's play "macbeth" shows macbeth's desire to know more about his future and the prophecy that he has received from the witches. He is eager to understand how he will become the thane of cawdor and the king of scotland, and is asking the witches for more information. The reference to sinel's death shows that macbeth has already received a prophecy that has come true, which has heightened his curiosity and his desire to know more about his future.
Section c
answer the following questions in about 800 words each: 3 x 20 = 60
1. How do you interpret the role of the witches in macbeth?
The witches, or the "weird sisters", play a significant role in william shakespeare's play "macbeth". They serve as the catalyst for macbeth's ambition and his eventual descent into tyranny and madness. In macbeth, the witches represent the supernatural and the forces of darkness that work to manipulate and disrupt the natural order of things.
The witches are depicted as mysterious, sinister figures who are capable of making predictions and exerting a powerful influence over macbeth. They appear to him three times throughout the play and make prophecies about his future. The first prophecy, that macbeth will become the thane of cawdor and eventually the king of scotland, sets macbeth on the path to his ultimate downfall. The second prophecy, which is delivered to banquo, warns him that his descendants will become kings, which further fuels macbeth's ambition and paranoia. The third prophecy, which is delivered to macbeth in the form of apparitions, reinforces macbeth's fears and eventually leads to his downfall.
The witches are often interpreted as symbols of evil and malevolence, and they are seen as representing the forces of darkness that work against the forces of good and light. They are also seen as a metaphor for the inner demons that can haunt individuals and lead them astray. Macbeth's encounter with the witches represents a turning point in his life, as it sets him on a path of ambition and tyranny that eventually leads to his downfall.
In macbeth, the witches are also often interpreted as symbols of fate. Their prophecies are seen as inevitable, and macbeth's actions are often seen as predetermined by the forces of fate and destiny. The idea of fate and destiny is a common theme in the play, and it serves to reinforce the idea that macbeth is being driven by forces beyond his control.
Despite their ominous reputation, the witches are also often seen as having a dual nature. They are capable of both good and evil, and their intentions are often ambiguous. For example, they may be seen as offering macbeth a glimpse into his future in order to test his character and see if he is capable of withstanding the temptation of ambition and power. They may also be seen as offering macbeth a choice between good and evil, and testing his resolve to see if he will choose the path of righteousness or the path of darkness.
The role of the witches in macbeth is also significant in that they serve as a reflection of the anxieties and fears of the elizabethan era. At the time the play was written, witchcraft and sorcery were seen as real and dangerous forces that threatened the stability and order of society. The portrayal of the witches in macbeth was likely influenced by these anxieties, and their depiction as sinister and malevolent figures reflects the fear and mistrust of the supernatural that was prevalent in the elizabethan era.
In conclusion, the role of the witches in william shakespeare's play "macbeth" is complex and multi-faceted. They serve as the catalyst for macbeth's ambition and his eventual downfall, and they represent the forces of darkness and evil that work against the forces of good and light. The witches are also seen as symbols of fate, reflecting the anxieties and fears of the elizabethan era, and their intentions are often ambiguous and open to interpretation. Despite their ominous reputation, the witches play a critical role in shaping the course of macbeth's life and in highlighting the dangers of ambition and the power of the supernatural.
2. Discuss the ending of the play dr. Faustus.
The ending of the play "doctor faustus" by christopher marlowe is one of the most famous and controversial in all of english literature. The play tells the story of doctor faustus, a highly educated but disillusioned scholar who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. However, as the play progresses, faustus becomes increasingly aware of the error of his ways and desperately tries to repent and seek redemption.
At the end of the play, faustus is visited by two angels, one representing salvation and the other damnation. The angel of salvation tries to convince faustus to repent and seek forgiveness, but he is unable to overcome his pride and refuses. The angel of damnation then takes faustus to hell, where he is condemned to suffer for eternity. This final scene is one of the most powerful in the play, as it serves to reinforce the idea of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking redemption before it is too late.
The ending of "doctor faustus" is often seen as a moral tale that warns against the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of worldly pleasures at the expense of one's soul. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making a pact with the devil, and it underscores the importance of seeking redemption and salvation. Through the character of faustus, marlowe demonstrates the perils of giving in to temptation and the dangers of neglecting one's spiritual well-being.
The ending of "doctor faustus" is also significant in that it raises questions about the nature of free will and the power of the devil. The play suggests that faustus is ultimately responsible for his own actions and that he has the power to choose between salvation and damnation. However, at the same time, it also implies that the devil has a certain degree of control over faustus, and that he is ultimately responsible for his fate. This creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty about the outcome of faustus' journey, and it serves to heighten the play's sense of drama and tension.
One of the most interesting aspects of the ending of "doctor faustus" is the fact that it is open to interpretation. Some readers have seen the play as a straightforward moral tale that warns against the dangers of sin and temptation. Others have interpreted it as a more complex meditation on the nature of good and evil and the struggle between the forces of salvation and damnation. Some have even seen the play as a critique of the limitations of human knowledge and the dangers of seeking unlimited power and knowledge.
In conclusion, the ending of "doctor faustus" is one of the most famous and controversial in english literature. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of worldly pleasures, and it underscores the importance of seeking redemption and salvation. Through its powerful final scene, the play raises questions about the nature of free will, the power of the devil, and the consequences of sin. The ending of "doctor faustus" is open to interpretation, and it remains one of the most debated and discussed aspects of the play.
3. Critically appreciate sonnet 65.
"sonnet 65" is a shakespearean sonnet that was published in 1609 as part of the collection of 154 sonnets known as the "fair youth" sequence. This sonnet is considered one of shakespeare's greatest works, and it is widely studied and admired for its masterful use of language, its rich imagery, and its complex themes.
In terms of structure, "sonnet 65" follows the traditional format of a shakespearean sonnet, with 14 lines written in iambic pentameter and rhyming in the pattern of abab cdcd efef gg. However, it deviates from the traditional structure in its use of language and imagery, which are both highly original and inventive.
The poem begins by addressing the "withered boughs" of the speaker's life, which symbolize the loss of youth and beauty that is a natural part of aging. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death, which are both depicted as enemies that threaten to destroy everything that is beautiful and good in the world. The speaker then turns his focus to the natural world, describing the way that the autumnal season brings an end to the cycle of life and death.
However, the poem takes a different turn in its final six lines, as the speaker asserts that despite the destructive forces of time and death, there is still a glimmer of hope. He argues that the "black ink" of death, which symbolizes the end of life, can be transformed into "fair truth" through the power of poetry. In this way, the speaker argues that the beauty of youth and life can be preserved and immortalized through the power of art.
One of the most notable features of "sonnet 65" is its use of imagery, which is rich and varied. The poem is filled with visual images that are both beautiful and powerful, and which serve to reinforce the central themes of the poem. The "withered boughs, " for example, symbolize the loss of youth and beauty, while the "black ink" of death symbolizes the end of life and the transformation of life into death. The use of these powerful images contributes to the emotional impact of the poem and makes its message all the more poignant and memorable.
Another key aspect of "sonnet 65" is its complex themes, which are both timeless and universal. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker reflects on the way that time and death can bring an end to the cycle of life, destroying all that is beautiful and good in the world. However, the poem also explores the idea that beauty and life can be preserved and immortalized through the power of art, and that despite the destructive forces of time and death, there is still hope for the future.
In conclusion, "sonnet 65" is a masterful work of poetry that is widely admired for its originality, its rich imagery, and its complex themes. The poem serves as a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death, and it underscores the importance of preserving beauty and life through the power of art. The poem's timeless message and its masterful use of language make it one of shakespeare's greatest works, and it remains an enduring and inspiring testament to the power of poetry.
