C11 Suggestion of English Honours, English Suggestion of C11 ,Bankura University 2024 ,SUGGESTION OF ENGLISH HONS PAPER C11

SUGGESTION OF ENGLISH HONS PAPER C11 

Suggestion of C11 ,

Bankura University 2024

A. Mrs Dalloway 

1. Sketch the character of Clarissa .

2.How does the novel handle the passage of time, and what role does memory play in shaping characters' perceptions of the past, present, and future?

3.What role do symbols and modernist narrative techniques play in the novel? How do these elements contribute to the overall meaning and structure of the story?

4.In what ways does the novel address the challenges and expectations placed on women in the early 20th century? How do the characters, particularly Clarissa Dalloway, navigate societal expectations?

5.How does the novel depict the characters' mental states? What insights does it provide into the characters' struggles with mental health and the societal attitudes towards mental illness?

B.Arms and the Man

1. Explore the symbolism of the chocolate cream soldier, Bluntschli, in the play./ How does Bluntschli's character challenge traditional perceptions of heroism? (Character of Bluntschli)

2.Explore the contrasting romantic and realistic elements in the play. How do the characters like Raina embody romantic ideals, while others like Bluntschli represent a more pragmatic and realistic view?

3.Analyze the portrayal of love and war in the play. How do characters' romantic ideals clash with or align with the practicalities of real-life relationships?

C.No Second Troy -W.B. Yeats

1. Discuss the title of the poem "No Second Troy" .

2.How does Yeats depict Maud Gonne in the poem, and what emotions does he associate with her?/In what ways does Maud Gonne embody the idea of Helen of Troy in Yeats's eyes?

3.Consider how the concept of beauty is explored in "No Second Troy." How does Yeats perceive Maud Gonne's beauty, and what impact does it have on the narrative?

D. "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

1.Discuss "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" as a modern poem .

2.Justify the title of the poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock".

3.Who is J. Alfred Prufrock, and how does Eliot present his character in the poem?

/In what ways does Prufrock grapple with his identity and place in society?

 E.

1) Write a note on the development of British poetic drama in the early twentieth century.

2) Assess the contribution of either T. S. Eliot or W. B. Yeats to English poetry

Write a note on the Inter-War poetry of the early twentieth century.

3) Briefly explore the stream-of-consciousness novel of the early twentieth century with 

reference to any one major British novelist of your choice.

Short Questions 

1) What gift did Richard buy for Clarissa and why?

2) “A narrow shave; but a miss is as good as a mile.” – Who said so and in what context?

3) “The broken wall, the burning roof and tower” – What do these images suggest?

4) “Raina, our romance is shattered. Life’s a farce.” – Why does the speaker say so?

5) “I should have been a pair of ragged claws…” – What does the phrase “ragged claws”

signify? Critically comment.

6) “Look at my father! He never had a bath in his life…” – Identify the speaker. What was the 

speaker’s idea about bathing? 

7) To whom is the poem ‘No Second Troy’ addressed? To what does the poet compare her 

beauty?

8) What is the source of the epigraph in Eliot’s poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’?

9) “I am Lazarus come from the dead.” Who was Lazarus? Why does the poet refer to Lazarus?

10) Whom did Clarissa refuse to marry and why?

11) Where and when is the action of the novel Mrs Dalloway set?

12) What is the subtitle of the play Arms and the Man? What does it signify?

13) What is Sergius’s disillusioned view about war?

14) “What a man! Is he a man!”— Who says so and about whom?

15) Who is Leda? What happened to her?

16) In what respect(s) does Yeats compare Maud Gonne with Helen of Troy?

17) When was the poem “No Second Troy” written and in which context?

18) What is Prufrock’s main dilemma in the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred 

Prufrock”?

19) What do the mermaids symbolise in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?

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Question: Who is the protagonist in "Arms and the Man"?
Answer: The protagonist is Captain Bluntschli.

Question: What is the central theme of the play?

Answer: The central theme is the critique of war and romanticism.

Question: What is Raina's attitude towards war at the beginning of the play?
Answer: Raina has a romanticized and idealistic view of war at the beginning of the play.

Question: Who is the rival of Captain Bluntschli in Raina's affections?
Answer: Major Sergius Saranoff is Captain Bluntschli's rival for Raina's affections.

Question: What is the significance of the "chocolate cream soldier"?
Answer: The "chocolate cream soldier" is a nickname for Bluntschli, emphasizing his practical and realistic nature in contrast to the romantic ideals associated with war.

Question: How does the play satirize the concept of heroism?
Answer: The play satirizes heroism by portraying Sergius as a conventional, but absurd hero, and Bluntschli as a pragmatic and realistic figure.

Question: What is the role of the balcony scene in the play?
Answer: The balcony scene is a comedic and ironic moment where Bluntschli seeks refuge in Raina's room, challenging traditional romantic conventions.

Question: How does Shaw comment on social class in "Arms and the Man"?
Answer: Shaw critiques social class distinctions by highlighting the pragmatic qualities of the lower-class character, Bluntschli, in contrast to the idealistic upper-class characters.

Question: Why does Raina choose Bluntschli over Sergius?
Answer: Raina chooses Bluntschli because of his practicality, honesty, and realistic approach to life, which contrasts with Sergius's romanticized ideals.

Question: How does the play end for Raina and Bluntschli?
Answer: The play ends with Raina choosing to marry Bluntschli, embracing practicality and rejecting romantic illusions.

Question: Who is the speaker in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"?
Answer: The speaker is J. Alfred Prufrock.
Question: How does Prufrock describe his own appearance in the poem?
Answer: Prufrock describes himself as balding with thin arms and legs.

Question: What is Prufrock's attitude towards social interaction?
Answer: Prufrock is anxious and hesitant, often questioning himself and fearing rejection in social situations.
Question: What is the significance of the phrase "Do I dare disturb the universe?" in the poem?
Answer: This phrase reflects Prufrock's internal struggle and fear of taking bold actions that might disrupt his carefully constructed world.
Question: Identify one of the recurring images in the poem and explain its significance.
Answer: The yellow fog is a recurring image, symbolizing the ambiguity and indecision in Prufrock's life.
Question: How does Eliot use allusions in the poem?

Answer: Eliot uses literary and cultural allusions to enrich the layers of meaning in the poem, such as referencing the Biblical figure Lazarus.
Question: What does Prufrock mean by the phrase "I have measured out my life with coffee spoons"?
Answer: This phrase suggests Prufrock's sense of monotony and routine, emphasizing the mundane nature of his existence.
Question: How does Prufrock view the women in the poem?
Answer: Prufrock admires and desires the women, but his anxiety prevents him from engaging with them on a deeper level.
Question: What is the poem's overall tone?
Answer: The poem has a tone of melancholy and introspection, reflecting Prufrock's internal struggles and existential questioning.
Question: What does Prufrock fear most in the poem?
Answer: Prufrock fears rejection and judgment from others, which inhibits his ability to act on his desires.
Question: Who is the subject of the poem "No Second Troy"?
Answer: The subject of the poem is Maud Gonne.
Question: How does Yeats compare Maud Gonne to Helen of Troy in the poem?
Answer: Yeats compares Maud Gonne to Helen of Troy by suggesting that both women have been responsible for causing destructive events in the lives of great men.
Question: What is the significance of the line "Why, what could she have done, being what she is?" in the poem?
Answer: This line suggests Yeats's acknowledgment of Maud Gonne's influential and captivating nature, which he believes inevitably led to societal and political turmoil.
Question: How does the poem explore themes of beauty and power?
Answer: The poem explores how Maud Gonne's beauty and charismatic presence hold a powerful sway over individuals, particularly Yeats, leading to consequences.
Question: What historical and political context influenced the writing of "No Second Troy"?
Answer: The poem was written during a period of political upheaval in Ireland, and Maud Gonne was involved in nationalist activities. Yeats was expressing his frustration with her influence on Irish politics.
Question: What is the speaker's emotional response to Maud Gonne in the poem?
Answer: The speaker expresses a mixture of admiration and frustration. While he is captivated by her beauty, he is also critical of the political consequences that he associates with her actions.
Question: How does Yeats use mythological and historical allusions in the poem?
Answer: Yeats alludes to Helen of Troy and other historical figures to emphasize the impact and consequences of Maud Gonne's actions on the political landscape.
Question: What is the central conflict presented in "No Second Troy"?
Answer: The central conflict revolves around the speaker's conflicting emotions about Maud Gonne and the societal and political repercussions of her actions.
Question: How does Yeats explore the theme of betrayal in the poem?
Answer: The poem suggests a sense of betrayal as Yeats grapples with the idea that Maud Gonne's beauty and influence have had negative consequences on the political ideals they once shared.
Question: Why does Yeats use the term "no second Troy" in the title?
Answer: The term "no second Troy" implies that the consequences of Maud Gonne's actions are so significant that they are comparable to the legendary destruction associated with the city of Troy.

Important Questions :

1.What gift did Richard buy for Clarissa and why?

Richard buys white roses for Clarissa as a gift. The white roses symbolize purity and innocence, and Richard hopes to express his love and admiration for Clarissa through this thoughtful gesture.

2.“A narrow shave; but a miss is as good as a mile.” – Who said so and in what context?

This expression is said by Lady Bruton in Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway." She uses this proverbial saying when discussing the success of her party. The phrase implies that although the success was close, the final result is what matters.

3.“The broken wall, the burning roof and tower” – What do these images suggest?

These images suggest destruction and chaos, possibly indicating the aftermath of war or conflict. The broken wall, burning roof, and tower evoke a sense of devastation and loss.

4.“Raina, our romance is shattered. Life’s a farce.” – Why does the speaker say so?

This line is spoken by Captain Bluntschli in George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man." Bluntschli says this when he reveals the truth about war and combat, shattering Raina's romanticized notions of heroism in battle.

5.“I should have been a pair of ragged claws…” – What does the phrase “ragged claws” signify? Critically comment.

This phrase is from T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." "Ragged claws" symbolize a sense of inadequacy and decay. Prufrock expresses a feeling of physical and emotional inadequacy, likening himself to something broken and worn.

6.“Look at my father! He never had a bath in his life…” – Identify the speaker. What was the speaker’s idea about bathing?

The speaker is John Marcher in Henry James's "The Beast in the Jungle." John Marcher expresses his disdain for bathing, viewing it as a frivolous and unnecessary activity. This reflects his eccentric and isolated personality.

7.To whom is the poem ‘No Second Troy’ addressed? To what does the poet compare her beauty?

The poem "No Second Troy" by W.B. Yeats is addressed to Maud Gonne. The poet compares her beauty to that of Helen of Troy, suggesting that, like Helen, her beauty has caused turmoil and conflict.

8.What is the source of the epigraph in Eliot’s poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’?

The epigraph is from Dante's "Inferno." It is a passage in Italian that describes the fate of Guido da Montefeltro, a corrupt advisor who provides false counsel. The epigraph sets the tone for Prufrock's own internal struggles and self-deception.

9.“I am Lazarus come from the dead.” Who was Lazarus? Why does the poet refer to Lazarus?

Lazarus was a biblical figure who was raised from the dead by Jesus. In T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," the speaker uses this reference to emphasize a sense of rebirth or resurrection, suggesting a new beginning or realization.

10.Whom did Clarissa refuse to marry and why?

Clarissa refused to marry Peter Walsh. The exact reasons for her refusal are complex, but they involve societal expectations, differences in character, and a sense of unfulfilled potential.

11.Where and when is the action of the novel Mrs Dalloway set?

The action of the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf is set in London, primarily in the affluent areas of Westminster and Bond Street. The events take place on a single day in June of 1923.

12.What is the subtitle of the play Arms and the Man? What does it signify?

The subtitle of "Arms and the Man" by George Bernard Shaw is "An Anti-Romantic Comedy." This signifies Shaw's intention to satirize and criticize romanticized notions of war, heroism, and love.

13.What is Sergius’s disillusioned view about war?

Sergius, in "Arms and the Man," becomes disillusioned with the romanticized ideals of war. He realizes that the heroic charges he led were more about showmanship than genuine heroism, and he becomes critical of the glorification of war.

14.“What a man! Is he a man!”— Who says so and about whom?

Catherine Petkoff says this line in "Arms and the Man," expressing her admiration for the unconventional and practical qualities of Captain Bluntschli.

15.Who is Leda? What happened to her?

Leda is a figure from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan. The union resulted in the birth of Helen of Troy. The reference to Leda is often associated with themes of seduction and betrayal.

15.In what respect(s) does Yeats compare Maud Gonne with Helen of Troy?

Yeats compares Maud Gonne to Helen of Troy in terms of her beauty and the impact she has on the world around her. Both women are seen as captivating figures whose influence leads to significant consequences.

16.When was the poem “No Second Troy” written and in which context?

"No Second Troy" was written by W.B. Yeats in 1910. It was written during a time when Yeats was romantically involved with Maud Gonne and reflects his complex emotions about her involvement in Irish politics.

17.What is Prufrock’s main dilemma in the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?

Prufrock's main dilemma is his internal struggle and fear of taking bold actions, particularly in the realm of love and social interaction. He is paralyzed by self-doubt and the fear of rejection.

18.What do the mermaids symbolize in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?

The mermaids in the poem symbolize unattainable desires and ideals. They represent a fantasy world that Prufrock can never fully enter, emphasizing his sense of isolation and the gap between his fantasies and reality.