Max. Marks: 100
Answer all questions in this assignment.
SECTION A
1“For, now that it was all over, truce signed, and the dead buried, he had, especially in the evening, these sudden thunder-claps of fear. He could not feel. As he opened the door of the room where the Italian girls sat making hats, he could see them; could hear them; they were rubbing wires among coloured beads in saucers; they were turning buckram shapes this way and that; the table was all strewn with feathers, spangles, silks, ribbons; scissors were rapping on the table; but something failed him; he could not feel. Still, scissors rapping, girls laughing, hats being made protected him; he was assured of safety; he had a refuge.”
Ans – Reference: In the context of the War, the war-veteran Septimus Warren Smith becomes a symbol of the modern-day violence and cynicism. That is where the First World War comes out in its true colours. At first, it appeared a necessary event to Septimus. In spite of losing his close friend Evans on the front, Septimus remained unruffled by the loss and thought of bright prospects. He thought nothing of the destructiveness he witnessed first-hand.
Explanation: See the effect of the War on Septimus’ mind. Septimus is not deprived of affects, since he is struck by “thunder-claps of fear”; he also perceives and identifies his surroundings precisely, so that his lack of feeling refers in fact to the discrepancy he feels between his mood and the young women’s, Similarly, in the next passage. his wife's tears plunge him into despair but his feeling nothing means that he is unable to reach out to her, Septimus’s “feeling nothing” suggests by contrast that feeling involves sharing and empathizing,
2. “But no, he would not give in. Turning sharply, he walked towards the city’s gold phosphorescence. His fists were shut, his mouth set fast. He would not take that direction, to the darkness, to follow her. He walked towards the faintly humming, glowing town, quickly.”
Ans – The novel is written in two parts: Part 1has six chapters which describe the early married life of the Morels, the birth and childhood of Paul Morel, the relationships and tensions within their family, and the death of the eldest son William. Part 2 (nine chapters) focuses more on Paul’s relationships with Miriam and Clara and the death of Mrs. Morel, which leaves Paul “derelict”. Chapter 1 (“The Early Married Life of the Morels”), begins with the famous description of the mining village of Bestwood (the fictional locality based on Lawrence’s own village of Eastwood): “‘The Bottoms’ succeeded to ‘Hell Row’. Hell Row was a block of thatched, bulging cottages that stood by the brook-side on Greenhill Lane. There lived the colliers who worked in the little gin-pits two fields away” (Sons and Lovers 9)
The passage goes on to describe the “sudden change” that happened ‘some sixty years’ before the action of the novel begins. Helen and Carl Baron in their Introduction to Sons and Lovers point out that, in time and place, the novel spans the transition in the English Midlands from a predominantly agricultural economy to an industrial one. They note that there is a combination of a geographical survey and a historicist perspective in the opening pages of the novel (SL: xvii). The tone of transition is implied in the very first sentence: ‘The Bottoms succeeded to Hell Row’ (Sons and Lovers: 9) – which clearly suggests the transition of the cultural landscape from rural-agricultural interspersed with small-scale industry to an industrial capitalist one.
At the end of the novel, Paul is lost and faced with a sense of great despondence, but with a great effort tries to avoid the “darkness” of despair. The novel concludes with the famous lines: “But no, he would not give in. Turning sharply, he walked towards the city’s gold phosphorescence. … He would not take that direction, to the darkness, to follow her. He walked towards the faintly humming, glowing town, quickly” (Sons and Lovers 464). Andrew Harrison remarks: “The ending to the novel in which he walks determinedly towards the bright lights of Nottingham, is an act of assertion in a phase of Paul’s life, when the strongest pull is towards death. These final pages of the novel contain some of Lawrence’s most ambitious writing. … he is attempting to describe a disturbed state of being in which the mind feels alienated from the world around it” (2007,45).
3. “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worstAre full of passionate intensity.”
This is a quote from the poem "The Second Coming" by W.B. Yeats, published in 1919. It reflects Yeats' sense of disillusionment and despair in the aftermath of World War I and the social and political upheavals of the time. The phrase "the centre cannot hold" suggests that the established order is breaking down, and "mere anarchy" refers to the chaos that results from this breakdown. The "ceremony of innocence" refers to traditional values and ways of life being lost, while the "best lack all conviction" suggests that even the best people are uncertain and lack direction. The "worst" are described as being full of intense passion, which only serves to exacerbate the chaos and confusion. Overall, the poem reflects a sense of fragmentation and instability in the world.
4“Our researchers into Public Opinion are content That he held the proper opinions for the time of year; When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went. He was married and added five children to the population,Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation. And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education. Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd: Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.”
This quote is from a dystopian novel, "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, which was first published in 1932. In the novel, the speaker is referring to a character named the "Eugenist," who believes that having only one child is the appropriate number for his generation. Despite this, the teachers report that he never interfered with their education. The speaker then poses the question of whether the Eugenist was free and happy, but dismisses the question as absurd, suggesting that if there had been any problems, they would have heard about it.
In "Brave New World," the government controls all aspects of society, including procreation and child-rearing, and individuality is suppressed in favor of conformity. The speaker's dismissal of the question of the Eugenist's freedom and happiness reflects the larger themes of the novel, which critique the loss of individual freedom in a society that values efficiency and stability over personal fulfillment and happiness.
SECTION B
II. Write short notes on the following: (4x5=20)
Modernism and postmodernism are two literary and cultural movements that emerged in the 20th century. Here are some of the key characteristics of each:
Modernism:
Experimentation with form and structure: modernist writers often rejected traditional narrative forms, such as the linear plot, and instead experimented with new and unconventional structures.
Focus on the interior world of the individual: modernist literature often explores the subjective and introspective experiences of the individual, rather than the external world.
Interest in the fragmented and the chaotic: modernist writers often depicted fragmented and fragmented reality, reflecting the disillusionment and instability of the modern world.
Rejection of traditional values: modernist writers often rejected traditional values and institutions, such as religion and the family, in favor of exploring new, individualistic perspectives.
Use of irony and parody: modernist writers often employed irony and parody to question and subvert traditional forms and ideas.
Postmodernism:
Skepticism towards grand narratives: postmodernism is characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives, such as ideologies and political systems, which it views as unreliable and subject to interpretation. Rejection of objectivity: postmodernism questions the idea of objectivity and absolute truth, instead emphasizing the subjective and interpretive nature of reality. Deconstruction of binary oppositions: postmodernism often deconstructs binary oppositions, such as reason vs. Emotion, self vs. Other, and high culture vs. Low culture, to reveal their constructed and arbitrary nature. Use of pastiche and intertextuality: postmodernism often employs pastiche and intertextuality, borrowing and remixing elements from multiple sources and styles to create a new, eclectic work. Emphasis on the role of language: postmodernism places a significant emphasis on the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world, recognizing that words, images, and symbols can never fully represent reality.
B. The “Stream of Consciousness Technique” and early twentieth century British fiction.
The "Stream of Consciousness" technique is a narrative style that was popular in early 20th century British fiction. It is characterized by the representation of a character's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions in a continuous and unbroken flow, mimicking the natural and chaotic flow of human consciousness. This technique was used by writers such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and D.H. Lawrence to convey the subjective and interior experiences of their characters in a more intimate and immediate way.
The use of the "Stream of Consciousness" technique was part of a larger movement towards modernism in British literature, which rejected traditional forms and conventions in favor of more experimental and innovative approaches. By using this technique, writers were able to challenge the prevailing Victorian notion of a stable and rational self, instead presenting a fragmented and fluid sense of identity that reflected the complexities of modern life.
One of the key examples of this technique is James Joyce's "Ulysses," which is widely considered a masterpiece of modernist literature. In this novel, Joyce uses a series of interior monologues to explore the thoughts and feelings of his characters in a way that creates a rich and immersive reading experience.
Overall, the "Stream of Consciousness" technique remains an important and influential aspect of British fiction, and continues to shape the way that writers approach character development and narrative form.
C. Modern British drama of the early twentieth century.
Modern British drama of the early 20th century was characterized by a rejection of traditional forms and a search for new and innovative ways of representing the contemporary world. The period saw the emergence of several important playwrights, including George Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy, and Harley Granville Barker, who brought a new realism to the stage.
One of the key features of modern British drama was its focus on social issues and its critique of contemporary society. Shaw, for example, used his plays as a platform to comment on political and social issues, such as poverty, class, and gender. He famously combined serious themes with humor, satire, and irony to create a new form of "comic drama."
Another important development was the emergence of the "drawing room drama," which took place in the intimate setting of a private home and focused on the interpersonal relationships and emotional lives of the characters. This genre was popularized by writers such as Oscar Wilde, Noël Coward, and Terence Rattigan, and remains an important aspect of modern British drama.
The period also saw the rise of experimental and avant-garde theater, with the establishment of the London-based Stage Society, which commissioned and produced new works by contemporary playwrights. This helped to create an environment of artistic innovation and experimentation, and paved the way for future generations of British playwrights.
Overall, the early 20th century was a period of great change and innovation in British drama, as writers sought to capture the complexities and contradictions of modern life in new and exciting ways.
D. The major themes and concerns of the novel Mrs. Dalloway
"Mrs. Dalloway" is a modernist novel by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1925. The novel is set in London on a single day in June, and follows the experiences of Clarissa Dalloway, a middle-aged high-society hostess, as she prepares for a party she is giving that evening. The novel also explores the experiences of a shell-shocked World War I veteran, Septimus Warren Smith.
One of the major themes of the novel is the nature of time and memory. Woolf experiments with the narrative form, moving back and forth in time and shifting between the inner lives of her characters, to create a fragmented and multi-layered representation of time and experience. The novel is also concerned with the themes of identity, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships.
Another major theme of the novel is the critique of society and its values. Woolf explores the emptiness and shallowness of the lives of the upper-class characters, and contrasts this with the more authentic and meaningful experiences of the marginalized and outsider characters, such as Septimus.
The novel also explores the idea of mental illness and the impact of trauma on the human psyche. Septimus's experiences as a war veteran are used to highlight the lack of support and understanding for those suffering from mental illness in the early 20th century.
In conclusion, "Mrs. Dalloway" is a complex and innovative novel that explores a range of themes and concerns relevant to the modernist period, including the nature of time and memory, the critique of society and its values, and the impact of trauma on the human psyche.
III. Write short essays on the following: (10x2=20)
A. “The early years of the twentieth century were significant for the movement for women’s rights.” Discuss how the literary texts that you have studied in this course, reflect the developments in the contemporary movement for women’s rights.
The literary texts from the early years of the 20th century reflect the significant developments in the contemporary movement for women's rights. During this period, women were seeking greater equality and freedom, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations, and demanding the right to vote and to participate fully in public life.
In "Mrs. Dalloway," Virginia Woolf explores the experiences of women in a patriarchal society and critiques the limitations placed on women's lives. The character of Clarissa Dalloway represents the complexities and contradictions of women's experiences, and the novel suggests that women's lives are limited by the restrictions placed on them by society.
Similarly, the works of feminist playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw and suffrage playwrights such as Cicely Hamilton also reflect the growing movement for women's rights. Shaw's play "Pygmalion" critiques the limitations placed on women by society and the limitations of gender roles, while Hamilton's play "Dawn" was written in support of the suffrage movement and celebrates the contributions of women to society.
The works of modernist writers such as T.S. Eliot and James Joyce also reflect the impact of the movement for women's rights on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time. In "The Waste Land," Eliot explores the disorientation and fragmentation of modern life, including the challenges faced by women in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, the literary texts from the early years of the 20th century reflect the significant developments in the contemporary movement for women's rights. Through their themes and characters, these texts offer a rich and nuanced representation of the experiences of women and the challenges they faced in a rapidly changing world.
B. Explain the title of the poem “I think continually of those who are truly great”.
The poem "I Think Continually of Those Who are Truly Great" was written by the British poet and writer Stevie Smith. The title of the poem is a significant aspect of the work, and it sets the tone for the theme and meaning of the poem.
The title "I Think Continually of Those Who are Truly Great" reflects the speaker's admiration and reverence for those individuals who are truly great, meaning those who have achieved greatness in the sense of being noble, virtuous, and exceptional. The use of the word "continually" suggests that the speaker is constantly preoccupied with these great individuals and is inspired by their example.
The poem, in general, is a meditation on greatness and its meaning. The speaker reflects on what it means to be truly great, and considers the qualities that define this greatness, such as courage, compassion, and wisdom. The poem suggests that these qualities are more important than external markers of success, such as wealth and fame.
In contrast to the truly great individuals, the speaker also reflects on those who are "falsely great," meaning those who have achieved success through superficial means, such as wealth or fame. The speaker suggests that these individuals are not truly great, and their greatness is superficial and fleeting.
The title of the poem, therefore, reflects the speaker's deep admiration for those who are truly great, and her conviction that these individuals are the ones who truly matter in life. The title serves as an invitation to reflect on the meaning of greatness and what it means to be truly great.
In conclusion, the title "I Think Continually of Those Who are Truly Great" is a significant aspect of the poem, and it reflects the speaker's reverence for those who are truly great and her preoccupation with their example. The title sets the tone for the theme and meaning of the poem, and it invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of greatness and what it means to be truly great.
SECTION C
IV. Discuss the central theme of the poem “Journey of the Magi” and comment on the symbolism in the poem. (20)
The central theme of the T.S. Eliot's poem "Journey of the Magi" is the journey of life, specifically the journey of the spiritual and religious. The poem is written from the perspective of one of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who traveled to Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. Through the narrative of this journey, Eliot explores the idea of a spiritual pilgrimage and the transformation that it can bring.
One of the key symbols in the poem is the journey itself, which represents the journey of life and the search for meaning and fulfillment. The journey is described as difficult and arduous, with the Magi facing numerous obstacles and hardships along the way. This mirrors the difficulties and challenges that people face in their own lives, as they search for meaning and purpose.
Another key symbol in the poem is the gifts that the Magi bring to the baby Jesus. The gifts symbolize the offerings and sacrifices that people make in their own lives as they journey towards spiritual fulfillment. The gifts also symbolize the spiritual wealth that people can gain through their journey, and the idea that true wealth is not material but spiritual.
The imagery of the poem is also rich in symbolism, with the use of winter and cold weather representing the harshness of the journey and the lack of comfort that the Magi face. The birth of Jesus is described as a "hard birth," emphasizing the difficulties and challenges that are involved in spiritual growth and transformation.
The idea of sacrifice is also a central theme in the poem, with the Magi having to leave behind the comforts of their own lives in order to undertake their journey. This mirrors the idea that in order to gain spiritual fulfillment, one must be willing to make sacrifices and give up certain aspects of their lives.
The poem also explores the idea of regret and disappointment, with the speaker expressing regret at having made the journey and wishing that he could return to his old life. This represents the idea that the journey of life can bring both joy and sorrow, and that the search for spiritual fulfillment is not always easy or straightforward.
In conclusion, the central theme of "Journey of the Magi" is the journey of life, specifically the journey of the spiritual and religious. The poem is rich in symbolism, with the journey, gifts, winter imagery, sacrifice, and regret all representing different aspects of the journey towards spiritual fulfillment. Through this poem, Eliot explores the idea of a spiritual pilgrimage and the transformation that it can bring, and invites the reader to reflect on their own journey and the sacrifices that they may need to make in order to gain spiritual fulfillment.