B.A Punjab University 2014 English (Paper-A) Second Group
Time: 3:30 Hrs. Max. Marks: 100
All questions carry equal marks. Be strictly relevant.
1. Explain with reference to context any Two of the following:
(a)
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree.
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem “A Poison Tree" by William Blake.
Context:
The
poem is about the nourishment of hatred which is the result of a lack
of trust. Friends forgive and forget each other’s follies but enemies do
not. They go on nurturing their anger and take sadistic pleasure in
destroying each other. The same was the case with the poet. He fostered
hatred for his enemy and with deceitful tactics and hypocrisy succeeded
in destroying him.
Explanation:
His
foe stealthily slipped into night, envy and curiosity forced the foe to
sneak into the garden as darkness enveloped the tree. The reader waits
with anticipation and dread for the final blow. The final image conveyed
in the last two lines is of the foe lying, “outstretched under the
tree" the following morning the speaker was glad to see his foe dead,
apparently by eating the poison apple. The speaker was satisfied that
his scheme of deception had worked. He got rid of his source of wrath by
poisoning it with his unchecked anger and desire for revenge.
(b)
Ahead, shelf above shelf;
Its silence I hear and obey
That I may lose my way And myself.
Reference:
These lines have been selected from the poem “Lights Out" by Edward Thomas.
context:
In
this poem, the poet gives us a very interesting view of sleep. He says
that when the lights are out, all come to sleep to take rest. Sleep is
like a thick forest and all the people have to come to the border of
this jungle.
Explanation:
In the given lines, the poet says that when man is on the border of sleep, there is complete silence. There is no noise.
In
silence, man has to obey it that he loses himself in the valley of
sleep. The poet says that when he is under the influence of sleep, he
does not know where he is going or where his body is.
(c)
But O that I were young again
And held her In my arms
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Politics" by W.B. Yeats.
Context:
In
this poem W B. Yeats is of the view that politics is less important
than youth and love. He does not agree with Thomas Mann who considers
man merely political animal. Yeats dreams of a beautiful young girl and
wishes to ignore world politics. To him, love and beauty are more
important than politics that leads to war and disaster.
Explanation:
In
these lines, the poet compares the passion of love with that of
politics. In his view, a widely travelled man possess correct knowledge
about the affairs of the world. In the same manner, a politician may
warm us about war and the destruction caused by war. Even the traveller
and the politician cannot yield before the force of love. They too will
ignore the appeal of their views on politics and war but they cannot
ignore the appeal of the passion of love. The poet believes that
intellectual pursuits have their own importance but nothing is
comparable to the dominating influence of love. The poet wishes to
become young again. He wants to hold a beautiful girl in his arms and
express his love in the most passionate manner.
(d) If
it's only a bit of breakfast, I don’t say but
what might n’t get it, if I’m asked decent
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the “Breakfast” by Steinbeck, a famous American novelist and short story writer.
Context:
In
the “Breakfast”, Steinbeck has portrayed the sentiments and feelings of
a poor family working contentedly and merely to brighten its future.
They have no complaint against any person or agency on account of their
poverty. They are God-fearing people living upon cotton-picking which
brings them prosperity only during the period and later on when they out
of job, they have to suffer from utter poverty. However, they feel
contented and do not complain about their miserable condition.
Explanation:
Once
the writer was walking along a country roadside in the morning. On his
way, he met a poor family which offers him breakfast. The writer was
very much impressed by the simplicity and hospitality of the family. The
younger man also asked the writer if he wants the job of
cotton-picking, then he could arrange for him. The writer refused the
offered job. He thanked for the delicious breakfast and returned to
roadside again.
(e) It is another of our fatal weakness and has kept us
out of law and politics and diplomacy - in fact, everything but church.
Reference:
These lines have been taken from “Something To Talk About" by Eden Phillpotts.
Context:
In
the play, we are told about an act of burglary, the burglar enters the
library of Redchester. Redchester had the gifts of Christmas in a safe.
This is something exciting and thrilling for the whole family.
Explanation:
Guy Sydney is speaking with the burglar. He welcomes his visit to his house. He tells him that their life is dull, boring but
now he colours their life. The burglar suspects the foul play but Guy
tells him that their family is trustworthy. They have always been loyal
to the king and the state. Truthfulness and straightforwardness are
their greatest qualities. They have never been lawful and do not like
politics and diplomacy.
Q. 2. Attempt any two of the following questions:
(Your answers should be around 150-200 words each).
(I) Critically analyze the ending of “Rappaccinl’s Daughter”.
Ans: click on this link for answer
“Rappaccinl’s Daughter”.
(ii)
“Take Pity” gives the idea of male superiority. Give your own opinion.
Ans: click on this link for answer
“Take Pity”
(iii)
Discuss the element of humour and absurdity in “The Bear”.
Ans: click on this link for answer
“The Bear”.
Q.3. Attempt any two of the following questions. (150 - 200 words each)
(i) How does Emily Dickinson view death in "Because I Could Not Stop For Death"?
Ans: click on this link for answer
"Because I Could Not Stop For Death"
(II)
Can leisure be helpful in rejuvenating life? (Leisure) (HI) "
Ans: click on this link for answer
(Leisure) (HI) "
(iii) After
Apple-Picking" traces
the journey from ______ conscious to subconscious. Discuss.
Ans: click on this link for answer
After Apple-Picking"
Q.4 Attempt any two questions. (150-200 words each)
(i) “Take the Plunge” deals with human desire to do something unusual. Discuss. (Take the Plunge)
Ans: click on this link for answer
“Take the Plunge”
(ii) The rebuilding of civilization arduous and impossible without tolerance. Discuss. (Tolerance)
Ans: click on this link for answer
tolerance
(iii) “Discuss the difference between host and the guest.
(Hosts and the Guest)
Ans: click on this link for answer
Hosts and the Guest
Q.5. Attempt any Two of the following questions:
(Your answers should be around 150 -200 words each)
(i) What, according to you, is really inspiring in the novel ‘The Old Man and The Sea”?
Ans: click on this link for answer
The Old Man and The Sea”?
(ii) Discuss the Sea as a living entity in the novel.
Ans: click on this link for answer
Sea as a living entity "The Old Man and The Sea”?
( Write a note on the importance of dreaming in the text
Ans: click on this link for answer
importance of dreaming in "The Old Man and The Sea”?