Maharashi Dayanand University (MDU) 2009 M.A English Literature & Gender of (Final) annual held in y, - Question Paper

Time allowed: three hours

Maximum marks: 80

Note: Attempt 5 ques. in all, including the compulsory ques. No. 1. select 1 ques. every from parts A, B, C and D. All ques. carry equal marks.

1. Write a brief note (about 200 words each) on the following:

a) Simone de Beauvoir's idea of an Independent Woman.

Or

'The false images of women in fiction' according to Toril Moi.

b) Use of symbolism in Mrs Dalloway.

Or

Role of women-bonding in Colour Purple.

Or

Significance of Jaya-Kamat relationship.

c) Significance of the ending of The Street Car Named Desire.

Or

Character of Appanna.

d) Title of 'The Old Play House'.

Or

The theme of 'Everyday Use'.

part A

2. Attempt a detailed critique of sexual politics as reflected in Toril Moi's Sexual/Texual Politics.

Or

How does Toril Moi advocate Virginia Woolf's case in her 'Anglo-American Feminist Criticism'?

3. The Myth of Woman is in large part discussed by its usefulness to man. explain this statement in the light of your studying of 'Myth and Reality'.

Or

Do you think Simone de Beauvoir's views on woman's situation and character as rendered in The 2nd Sex, are applicable to today's society. Has there been a significant improvement in the way men and woman relate to 1 a different today. explain giving examples.

part B

4. Write an extended note on the stream of consciousness technique with reference to Mrs. Dalloway.

Or

Write a detailed critique of the treatment of the theme of love in Mrs. Dalloway.

5. That Long Silence is the story of Jaya's solitary crusade against the deafening silence that has entrapped the likes of her for generations. what are on the title in the light of above observation.

Or

explain the novel That Long Silence as a rendering of the Indian version of feminism.

6. explain in detail the treatment of the themes of racism and sexism in the novel.

Or

"The Colour Purple is encoded in the novel as a sign of female spirit". Elucidate.

part C

7. What is the myth of the south as reflected in the play The Street Car Named Desire? Does it have a sexist bias? discuss referring to specific situations and characters.

Or

explain the play as a study in maladjustment.

8. The play Nagamandal depicts the predicament of women in the patriarchal society. explain.

Or

explain the triangle of relationship ranging from Rani, Appanna and Naga.

part D

9. explain Kamla Das as a poet in the feminist tradition giving examples from the poems you have learn.

Or

Love in its different shades continues to be the list motif of Kamla Das's poetry. explain and illustrate.

10. Write a critical note on the theme of the story 'The Will'.

Or

Critically examine Mahasweta Devi's 'Draupadi' using the feminist approach, as suggested in the course.

Earning:   Approval pending.