Suggestion of MJC-3 , Suggestion of MJC 3 English Hons Bankura University, Suggestion of English Hons Bankura University

Suggestion of MJC-3 ,

Suggestion of MJC 3 English Hons Bankura University,

Suggestion of English Hons Bankura University 

Course Code: A/ENG/301/MJC-3

Unit I

Edmund Spenser: Amoretti XXII: “This Holy Season” 

William Shakespeare: Sonnet No 65 & 118

a).Write a critical appreciation of Shakespeare’s Sonnet No 118.

(b) Analyse how Shakespeare shows the eternal conflict between Time and beauty in ‘Sonnet-65’. 

c) Consider Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 118” as a poem of self-exploration.

                           Geoffrey Chaucer: “Prologue” to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale

d)How does the “Prologue” reflect the larger concerns of The Canterbury Tales, such as the critique of societal norms and storytelling itself?

e)How is the Nun’s Priest described in the Prologue? What might Chaucer be satirizing through this description?

Unit II

William Shakespeare: Othello

1.How does Othello fit into the classical definition of a tragedy? What makes Othello a tragic hero?

Discuss Othello as domestic tragedy.

2.Sketch the character of Desdemona

3.Sketch the character of Othello 

4.Discuss imagery .

5.Role of female characters.

.William Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

3.History of English Literature (from Old English Period to Elizabethan Age)

a)Give an account of Old English Heroic Poetry. 

b)Analyse the different phases of Chaucer’s poetry with reference to at least one worker presenting each phase.

c)Write an essay on Anglo-Saxon prose with special emphasis on Alfred. 

d)Write a note on Anglo-Saxon Christian poetry.

e) Comment on the importance of Miracle, Mystery and Morality plays in the growth of English drama.

f)Assess the contribution of the University Wits to the history of English drama.

END

Geoffrey Chaucer: “Prologue” to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale

1. What is the significance of the narrator’s tone in "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale"?

2. How does Chaucer use animals to reflect human characteristics?

3. Analyze the role of irony in the prologue to "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale."

4. How does the tale reflect medieval attitudes toward dreams?

5. What is the moral lesson conveyed by the tale?

6. Explain the character of Chanticleer and his significance.

7. How is Pertelote depicted in the prologue?

8. Discuss the use of satire in "The Nun’s Priest’s Tale."

9. How does the prologue connect to the larger context of The Canterbury Tales?

10. What role does fate and fortune play in the story?

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Edmund Spenser: Amoretti XXII: “This Holy Season”

11. How does Spenser blend spiritual and romantic elements in this sonnet?

12. What is the significance of the phrase “This Holy Season” in the poem?

13. How does Spenser's style reflect the Renaissance ideals of love and divinity?

14. Analyze the poet's use of imagery in Amoretti XXII.

15. What is the role of religious allusion in this poem?

16. How does Spenser portray the relationship between love and faith?

17. Discuss the structural elements of the sonnet.

18. What themes are central to Amoretti XXII?

19. How does this poem fit into the larger sequence of the Amoretti sonnets?

20. Analyze the poet’s tone and mood in the sonnet.

________________________________________

William Shakespeare: Sonnet No. 65

21. What does the poet mean by “brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea”?

22. How does Shakespeare explore the theme of time in Sonnet 65?

23. Discuss the significance of imagery in the sonnet.

24. What role does love play in the fight against decay and mortality?

25. Analyze the rhetorical question in the couplet: “How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea?”

26. How is the sonnet structured to convey its central theme?

27. Compare Sonnet 65 with any other Shakespearean sonnet focusing on time.

28. What poetic devices does Shakespeare use to reinforce his themes?

29. Discuss the emotional tone of the sonnet.

30. How does the sonnet address the inevitability of aging?

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William Shakespeare: Sonnet No. 118

31. How does the poet use the metaphor of a physician in Sonnet 118?

32. Analyze the theme of love as a remedy and a disease in the sonnet.

33. What is the significance of “sharp medicines” in the poem?

34. How does the speaker portray the paradox of love?

35. Discuss the structural progression of the sonnet.

36. What is the poet’s attitude toward self-examination in relationships?

37. How does Sonnet 118 compare to other sonnets about love’s complexities?

38. Explore the imagery and its relevance to the poem's theme.

39. What is the role of trust and betrayal in the sonnet?

40. How does the closing couplet encapsulate the theme of the poem?

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William Shakespeare: Othello

41. Discuss the role of jealousy as a driving force in Othello.

42. How does Iago manipulate Othello throughout the play?

43. Analyze Desdemona’s character and her role in the tragedy.

44. What is the significance of the handkerchief in the play?

45. Discuss the theme of race and its impact on Othello’s character.

46. How does Shakespeare portray the relationship between Othello and Desdemona?

47. Explore the contrast between appearance and reality in Othello.

48. Analyze Emilia’s role in exposing Iago’s deceit.

49. How does the setting influence the events in the play?

50. Discuss Othello’s tragic flaw and its consequences.

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William Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

51. What is the role of justice and mercy in The Merchant of Venice?

52. Analyze Shylock’s character as both a villain and a victim.

53. What is the significance of the bond between Shylock and Antonio?

54. How does Portia’s intelligence shape the resolution of the play?

55. Discuss the role of the casket test in the play’s themes.

56. Explore the theme of friendship and loyalty in The Merchant of Venice.

57. What is the significance of Belmont and Venice as contrasting settings?

58. How does Shakespeare address the issue of prejudice in the play?

59. Discuss the importance of love and marriage in the play.

60. Analyze the role of disguises and their impact on the plot.

                                           William Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

                                                                                  PART-A

 1. What role does the “Prologue” to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale play within the structure of The Canterbury Tales?

2. How does Chaucer use humor and satire in the “Prologue” to prepare readers for the tone of the tale?

3. What does the characterization of the Nun’s Priest reveal about the narrator’s attitude toward clerical figures in medieval society?

4. How is the Nun’s Priest described in the “Prologue,” and what might this description suggest about his personality and role in the story?

5. Why do you think Chaucer chose the Nun’s Priest to tell this particular tale? How does his character align with the story he narrates?.

6. How does the “Prologue” introduce the themes of human folly and wisdom that are central to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?

7. What commentary on medieval social hierarchies can be found in the “Prologue”?

8. How does Chaucer use contrast and juxtaposition in the “Prologue” to heighten the audience’s expectations for The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?

9. What is the significance of the narrative voice in the “Prologue”? How does it reflect Chaucer’s overall style in The Canterbury Tales?

10. In what ways does the “Prologue” employ irony or parody to enhance the tale that follows?

11. How does the “Prologue” reflect the larger concerns of The Canterbury Tales, such as the critique of societal norms and storytelling itself?

12. What connections can be drawn between the “Prologue” and the other tales in terms of themes or characterization?.

PART-B

1. What is the position of The Nun’s Priest’s Tale in The Canterbury Tales?

2. How does Chaucer introduce the Nun’s Priest in the Prologue? What does his introduction reveal about his character?

3. What role does the Prologue play in setting the tone and themes of the tale?

4. Discuss the significance of humor and irony in the Prologue to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.

5. How is the Nun’s Priest described in the Prologue? What might Chaucer be satirizing through this description?

6. What can be inferred about the Nun’s Priest’s personality and social role from his interactions with other pilgrims?

7. How does the Prologue reflect the larger themes of The Canterbury Tales?

8. In what ways does the Prologue prepare the audience for the moral and allegorical elements of The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?

9. How does Chaucer use satire in the Prologue? Provide examples to illustrate.

10. Analyze the narrative voice in the Prologue. How does it contribute to the humor and tone of the tale?

11. How does Chaucer use descriptive detail to portray the Nun’s Priest and his role in the group of pilgrims?

12. Identify and explain the use of imagery and symbolism in the Prologue to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.

13. Discuss the use of irony in the portrayal of the Nun’s Priest in the Prologue.

14. How does the Prologue to The Nun’s Priest’s Tale compare to the other prologues in The Canterbury Tales?

15. What does the Prologue tell us about Chaucer’s perspective on storytelling and its role in society?

16. In what ways does the Prologue reflect medieval societal values and hierarchies?

17. How does the Prologue set up expectations for the tale that follows, and how are these expectations fulfilled or subverted?

William Shakespeare: Othello

What is the significance of Venice and Cyprus as settings in the play? How do they contribute to the themes of civilization and chaos?

How does Othello reflect the societal attitudes towards race, gender, and class during the Elizabethan era?

What role does the military context of the play serve in shaping the characters’ relationships and decisions?

How does Othello’s status as an outsider affect his relationships and his tragic downfall?

In what ways does Othello’s love for Desdemona evolve throughout the play?

What motivates Iago’s actions, and how does Shakespeare present him as a complex villain?

How does Iago manipulate other characters, and why are they so susceptible to his influence?

How is Desdemona portrayed as both strong and vulnerable?

What does Desdemona’s loyalty reveal about her character and the play’s larger themes?

What is Emilia’s role in revealing Iago’s schemes, and how does her perspective on gender dynamics differ from Desdemona’s?

How do these characters function as foils to Othello and Iago?

How does jealousy drive the plot of Othello? Compare how jealousy manifests in Othello and Iago.

How does Shakespeare explore the theme of deception in the play?

Discuss the role of misunderstandings and miscommunications in advancing the How does Othello’s identity as a Moor shape his interactions and self-perception?

How does the play address racial prejudice, and is it challenged or reinforced?

How are the roles of women, particularly Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, indicative of the societal attitudes of the time?

How does the male characters’ perception of women influence their actions?

To what extent is Othello’s downfall due to his own flaws versus external manipulation?

How does the theme of love manifest in different relationships, such as Othello and Desdemona, or Iago and Emilia?

How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to heighten the tension in Othello?

Discuss the symbolic significance of the handkerchief in the play.

How does Shakespeare’s use of language, such as Othello’s poetic imagery and Iago’s blunt speech, reveal their characters?

What role do soliloquies play in developing Iago’s character and revealing his motivations?

How does Shakespeare use contrasts (e.g., light and dark imagery, Venice vs. Cyprus) to enhance the play’s themes?

.

How does Othello fit into the classical definition of a tragedy? What makes Othello a tragic hero?

What commentary does Othello provide on the destructive power of manipulation and mistrust?

How relevant are the themes of Othello in today’s world, particularly in terms of racism, gender dynamics, and power struggles?

                                           William Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

General and Contextual Questions

1. How does The Merchant of Venice reflect the socio-economic and religious tensions of Elizabethan England?

2. In what ways does the setting of Venice serve as a symbol for commerce, law, and cultural diversity? How does Belmont contrast with Venice?

3. How do the themes of trade, wealth, and materialism underpin the play’s plot and character motivations?

________________________________________

Character Analysis

4. Shylock:

o How does Shakespeare portray Shylock as both a villain and a victim?

o What role does Shylock’s Jewish identity play in shaping his character and his conflict with Antonio?

o How does Shylock’s demand for a pound of flesh symbolize deeper themes of revenge and justice?

5. Antonio:

o How would you describe Antonio’s character? What are his motivations for borrowing money from Shylock?

o What does Antonio’s relationship with Bassanio reveal about his character?

6. Portia:

o How does Portia challenge traditional gender roles through her intelligence and resourcefulness?

o Analyze the significance of Portia’s disguise as a lawyer in the courtroom scene.

7. Bassanio:

o What are Bassanio’s true motivations for pursuing Portia? Is his love for her genuine or financially motivated?

8. Gratiano, Lorenzo, and Jessica:

o How do the subplots involving these characters complement or contrast with the main plot?

________________________________________

Themes and Motifs

9. Mercy vs. Justice:

o How does the courtroom scene encapsulate the conflict between mercy and justice?

o How do different characters interpret and apply these concepts?

10. Prejudice and Discrimination:

o How does The Merchant of Venice explore religious and racial prejudice?

o Is the play ultimately critical of or complicit in perpetuating these biases?

11. Love and Friendship:

o How do romantic and platonic relationships intertwine in the play?

o Compare the love between Bassanio and Portia with the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio.

12. Law and Morality:

o How does the legal contract between Shylock and Antonio drive the plot and expose moral dilemmas?

o Discuss the tension between strict adherence to the law and ethical considerations.

13. Wealth and Materialism:

o How is the pursuit of wealth portrayed in the play?

o What role do material possessions, such as the caskets and the ring, play in the narrative?

14. How does Shakespeare use irony in the play, particularly in the courtroom scene?

15. Analyze the role of symbols, such as the three caskets and the pound of flesh, in conveying the play’s themes.

16. What role do disguises and deception play in advancing the plot and developing the characters?

17. Examine the use of verse and prose in the play. How does Shakespeare differentiate characters and their social status through language?

18. Is The Merchant of Venice a comedy, a tragedy, or a “problem play”? Justify your answer.

19. How does the play’s ending, particularly Shylock’s forced conversion and the marriages of the Christian characters, reflect the play’s themes and tone?

20. What relevance does The Merchant of Venice hold in today’s world, especially in its treatment of justice, prejudice, and human relationships?

21. How does Shylock compare to other Shakespearean antagonists, such as Iago or Macbeth?

22. How does Portia’s intelligence and assertiveness compare to other Shakespearean heroines, such as Rosalind (As You Like It) or Viola (Twelfth Night)?