Answer all questions.
Section A
a. Shakespearean tragedy
shakespearean tragedy is a type of play written by william shakespeare in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These plays often center around a powerful central character, or tragic hero, who experiences a downfall as a result of their own flaws or misfortunes. Common themes in shakespearean tragedy include love and betrayal, power and ambition, and the struggle between fate and free will. Examples of shakespeare's tragedies include "romeo and juliet, " "macbeth, " "hamlet, " "othello, " and "king lear. " these plays typically end with the death of the protagonist, as well as several other characters, and often leave the audience with a sense of tragedy and loss. Shakespeare's mastery of language, character development, and storytelling has made his tragedies enduring works of literature, and they continue to be performed and studied today.
B. The metaphysical poets
the metaphysical poets were a group of 17th-century english poets who wrote during the late renaissance period. They are characterized by their use of complex and elaborate imagery, as well as their philosophical and spiritual themes. The name "metaphysical poets" was coined by samuel johnson in the 18th century, and refers to the poets' use of abstract and intellectual ideas, as well as their interest in metaphysics and the nature of reality. The most famous metaphysical poets include john donne, andrew marvell, george herbert, and henry vaughan. These poets often wrote about love, religion, and morality, using unconventional and highly imaginative imagery to explore complex ideas. Their works often blend wit and intellect with emotion, and their poems often feature extended metaphors, paradoxes, and intellectual puzzles. Despite being criticized for their challenging style and unconventional form, the metaphysical poets have had a lasting impact on english literature, and their works continue to be widely read and studied today.
Section b
answer the following reference to the context in about 300 words each: 3 x 10 = 30
a) forget thyself to marble, till
with a sad leaden downward cast
thou fix them on the earth as fast.
And join with thee calm peace and quiet,
spare fast, that oft with gods doth diet,
and hears the muses in a ring
aye round about joves altar sing;
this excerpt is a part of the poem "to the pool of bethesda" by george herbert, a prominent metaphysical poet. In this poem, the speaker is addressing the pool of bethesda, asking it to become like marble so that it can attract peace and quiet. The pool of bethesda was a place of healing in the bible, and herbert is using it as a metaphor for the soul. The speaker is asking the pool to become still and solid, like marble, so that it can become a place for peace and quiet to reside.
By asking the pool to "forget thyself to marble, " the speaker is suggesting that the pool should let go of its fluidity and become still, so that peace and quiet can be attracted to it. The "sad leaden downward cast" refers to the stillness and gravity of marble, and the idea that the pool should become as heavy and unyielding as marble. The phrase "fix them on the earth as fast" emphasizes the idea that the pool should become rooted and solid.
The poem continues by asking peace and quiet to join the pool, as well as the goddess of fasting, who is often associated with the muses. The muses, who are the greek goddesses of the arts, are described as singing "aye round about jove's altar, " emphasizing the idea that the pool should become a place of spiritual and creative inspiration.
In conclusion, this excerpt from herbert's poem "to the pool of bethesda" reflects the metaphysical poets' use of complex imagery and intellectual themes. Herbert is using the metaphor of the pool of bethesda to explore the idea of stillness, peace, and spirituality, and is asking the pool to become a place where these qualities can flourish.
B) heavens bless my son, from ireland let him reign
to farr barbadoes on the western main;
of his dominion may no end be known,
and greater than his fathers be his throne.
This excerpt is from the poem "upon appleton house" by andrew marvell, a prominent metaphysical poet. In this poem, marvell is addressing the lord fairfax, the owner of appleton house, and blessing his son with good fortune and success. The speaker is asking the heavens to bless the son, and to let him reign over a vast empire, with no end to his dominion.
The first line, "heavens bless my son, " sets the tone for the poem, as marvell is asking for divine intervention on behalf of the son. The reference to "ireland" and "barbados on the western main" suggest that the son's empire will be vast, spanning both the old world and the new world. The idea that the son's reign should "be known" suggests that he will be a figure of prominence and importance, and the reference to his throne being "greater than his father's" emphasizes the idea that the son will surpass his father in terms of power and wealth.
In conclusion, this excerpt from marvell's poem "upon appleton house" reflects the metaphysical poets' interest in exploring complex themes and intellectual ideas. Marvell is using the form of a blessing to explore the idea of wealth, power, and success, and is asking the heavens to bless the son with these qualities. The use of the metaphor of empire and throne emphasizes the idea of greatness and the idea that the son will be a figure of importance and influence.
C) the hoary prince in majesty appeared
high on a throne of his own labours reared,
at his right hand our young ascanius sat
romes other hope and pillar of the state
his brows thick fogs instead of glories grace,
and lambent dullness played around his face.
This excerpt is from the poem "on time" by john dryden, a prominent poet of the restoration period in england. The poem is a meditation on the passing of time, and in this excerpt, the speaker is describing a scene in which an elderly prince is sitting on a throne that he has built himself.
The phrase "hoary prince" refers to the fact that the prince is old, and the word "hoary" is often used to describe someone who is white-haired or elderly. The phrase "majesty appeared" emphasizes the idea of the prince's grandeur, and the fact that he is sitting on a throne "of his own labours reared" suggests that he has achieved his position through his own hard work and efforts.
The presence of the young ascanius, who is described as "rome's other hope and pillar of the state, " suggests that there is a contrast between the old prince and the young prince, who represents the future and hope for the state. The phrase "his brows thick fogs instead of glories grace" suggests that the old prince is no longer able to enjoy the same level of glory and success as he once did, and the "lambent dullness" that plays around his face suggests that his once-brilliant spirit has grown dim.
In conclusion, this excerpt from dryden's poem "on time" reflects the poet's interest in exploring the themes of aging, time, and the passing of greatness. The description of the old prince on his throne, with the young prince beside him, is a powerful metaphor for the idea that all things must pass, and that even the greatest of men will eventually grow old and fade away. The use of vivid imagery, such as the "thick fogs" and "lambent dullness, " emphasizes the idea of the passing of time, and the inevitability of change.
Section c
answer the following questions in about 800 words each: 3 x 20 = 60
1. Discuss the character of bosola in the duchess of malfi.
Bosola is a complex and multi-faceted character in john webster's play "the duchess of malfi. " he serves as a central figure in the play, both as a servant to the powerful brothers, ferdinand and the cardinal, and as the narrator of much of the action. Throughout the play, bosola's motivations and actions are often shrouded in ambiguity, making him one of the most intriguing characters in the play.
At first, bosola appears to be a loyal and obedient servant to the powerful brothers. He is willing to do their bidding, no matter how immoral or unethical their demands may be. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that bosola is much more complex than he first appears. He is deeply troubled by the corruption and cruelty of the brothers, and is increasingly drawn to the duchess and her cause. This inner conflict is evident in his soliloquies, where he rails against the evil of the brothers, but is unable to bring himself to act against them.
Bosola's character also serves as a metaphor for the larger themes of the play. He is a symbol of the corruption and decadence of the aristocracy, and represents the moral decay of society. Through bosola's actions, webster is able to critique the values and morals of the time, and to question the motivations and actions of those in power.
Despite his many flaws, bosola is also a sympathetic character. He is deeply flawed, and is haunted by the guilt and remorse of his actions. He is a victim of circumstance, trapped in a world where his only options are to serve the corrupt aristocracy or to suffer their wrath. Through bosola's struggles, webster is able to explore the idea of the human condition, and to show the impact of social, political, and economic forces on individual lives.
In the final act of the play, bosola transforms from a servant to a moral hero. He finally takes a stand against the corrupt aristocracy, and sacrifices himself in order to bring about justice for the duchess and her children. This transformation is a testament to bosola's inner strength and resilience, and to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
In conclusion, the character of bosola in john webster's "the duchess of malfi" is a complex and multi-faceted figure, who serves as both a symbol of the corruption and decadence of the aristocracy and as a complex, moral hero. Through his character, webster is able to explore a range of themes, including the human condition, the impact of social, political, and economic forces, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Bosola's journey from servant to moral hero is one of the most powerful and compelling elements of the play, and is a testament to webster's skill as a writer and his ability to create complex and nuanced characters.
2. Write a critical appreciation on on his blindness.
"on his blindness" is a sonnet written by john milton in the seventeenth century. It is one of milton's most famous and well-regarded works, and is considered a masterpiece of english literature. The sonnet is a powerful and moving meditation on the nature of blindness and the role of art and creativity in the face of adversity.
The sonnet is written in the first person, and reflects milton's own experiences as he struggled with blindness in his later years. The speaker laments his inability to write and to create as he once did, and wonders why god has chosen to take away his sight. He expresses frustration and anger at his situation, and fears that he will be unable to fulfill his purpose in life.
Despite this sense of despair, the speaker is able to find solace in his faith, and is ultimately able to embrace his blindness as a form of divine grace. He comes to see his blindness not as a hindrance, but as a gift, and realizes that he can still serve god through his thoughts and his words. In the final lines of the sonnet, the speaker declares his unwavering commitment to his calling, and affirms his belief that his words will continue to inspire and comfort others, even after he is gone.
"on his blindness" is notable for its powerful use of language and its ability to evoke deep emotions. Milton's use of first-person narration allows the reader to experience the speaker's feelings and thoughts in a deeply personal and intimate way. The sonnet's rhyme scheme and meter are perfectly suited to the speaker's voice, and help to create a sense of rhythm and momentum that carries the reader through the poem.
In addition to its formal qualities, "on his blindness" is also notable for its spiritual depth. The sonnet is infused with a sense of religious devotion and spiritual reflection, and reflects milton's deep commitment to his faith. The speaker's journey from despair to acceptance is a testament to his resilience and his unwavering belief in god, and is a powerful expression of the human spirit.
The themes of "on his blindness" are timeless and universal, and continue to resonate with readers today. The poem's exploration of the relationship between art and adversity, and its meditation on the role of the artist in society, make it relevant and thought-provoking for contemporary audiences. The speaker's journey from frustration to acceptance, and his unwavering commitment to his calling, serve as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
In conclusion, "on his blindness" is a masterpiece of english literature, and a powerful expression of the human spirit. Its powerful use of language, its spiritual depth, and its timeless themes make it one of milton's most memorable and well-regarded works. It continues to inspire and challenge readers, and serves as a testament to milton's skill as a poet and his unwavering commitment to his faith.
3. Discuss paradise lost as an epic.
"paradise lost" is an epic poem written by john milton in the seventeenth century. It is widely considered one of the greatest works of english literature, and is a masterpiece of the epic genre. In this poem, milton tells the story of the fall of man from grace, as described in the bible, and explores the complex relationship between god, humanity, and evil.
As an epic, "paradise lost" is characterized by several key elements. First, it has a grand and elevated subject matter, dealing with universal themes such as the nature of sin, the existence of evil, and the relationship between god and humanity. Second, it is written in a elevated and formal style, using grandiose language and elaborate verse forms to evoke a sense of grandeur and majesty. Third, the poem features a wide cast of characters, including both divine beings and human figures, who interact with one another and help to drive the narrative forward.
One of the defining features of "paradise lost" is its complex and nuanced portrayal of evil. In the poem, satan is not simply a villain, but a complex and multi-dimensional character who is motivated by a range of emotions and desires. Through his portrayal of satan, milton raises important questions about the nature of evil, and explores the various factors that contribute to its existence.
Another key element of "paradise lost" is its exploration of the nature of god and humanity. Through the poem, milton offers a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of the relationship between god and humanity, and the responsibilities and obligations that each owes to the other. He also explores the ways in which humanity can fall from grace, and the consequences that result from that fall.
In addition to its complex characters and thought-provoking themes, "paradise lost" is also notable for its powerful and evocative language. Milton's use of grandiose and elevated language, combined with his intricate verse forms, helps to create a sense of grandeur and majesty that is perfectly suited to the epic genre. The poem's language is both beautiful and rich, and helps to bring the story to life in a vivid and memorable way.
In conclusion, "paradise lost" is a masterpiece of english literature and a towering example of the epic genre. Its grand and elevated subject matter, its complex and nuanced portrayal of evil, and its powerful and evocative language all contribute to its lasting legacy as one of the greatest works of english literature. Through its exploration of the relationship between god, humanity, and evil, and its meditation on the nature of sin and grace, "paradise lost" continues to challenge and inspire readers, and serves as a testament to milton's skill as a poet and his profound understanding of the human condition.