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

Time allowed: three hours

Maximum marks: 80

Note: Attempt 5 ques. in all, choosing 1 ques. every from parts – A, B, C and D. ques. No. one is compulsory.

1. ans any 4 of the following, choosing 1 from every part:

a) Comment on 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" as an interior monologue.

Or

Comment on the imagery in 'Sea Trout and Butterfish"

Or

What is Langston Hughes's prediction in 'I too, Sing America'?

b) Attempt a note on the title of 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Or

explain rain as a symbol in 'A Farewell to Arms'.

Or

explain the element of 'Pastrol' in Herzog.

c) Bring out the symbolic significance of the title of 'The Iceman Cometh'.

Or

Sum up your impression of Amanda in 'The Glass Menagerie'.

d) Comment on Emerson's emphasis on self-reliance.

Or

explain 'Waldon Pond' as a metaphor in Thoreau's 'Walden'.

part A

2. "Frost is at his best when he keeps conflicting moods and attitudes in a delicately poised balance". Substantiate the statement drawing illustrations from the prescribed poems.

Or

"Frost is deceptively simple". Do you agree with the statement? provide your reasons picking examples from the prescribed poems.

3. Attempt a critique of William Carlos Williams' "Preface to Paterson, Book One".

Or

Write a detailed note on the major themes taken up by William Carlos Williams.

4. "I want to be a poet, not a Negro poet". Does Hughes succeed in this attempt? Illustrate your argument from the poems you have learn.

Or

Write an essay on the 'Harlem Renaissance'. Highlight Langston Hughe's contribution to the movement.

part B

5. "A Farewell to Arms' by Hemingway is a well-crafted novel". Do you agree with the statement? provide examples to prove your point.

Or

Trace the growth of Frederic Henry in 'A Farewell to Arms' from 'Hemingway Hero' to 'Code Hero'.

6. Write an essay on the role played by women in John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Or

"The Grapes of Wrath' is a ruthless comment on the poverty and misery of the working classes". Comment.

7. 'Herzog' by Saul Bellow is a critique of the modern age. Comment.

Or

Examine 'Herzog' as a satire on the family values in America.

part C

8. Write an essay on the art of characterization in 'The Iceman Cometh'.

Or

Comment on the use of symbols and images in 'The Iceman Cometh'.

9. Write a note on Tennessee Williams's art of characterization with special reference to 'The Glass Managerie'.

Or

Write an essay on the dramatic techniques employed by Tennessee Williams in 'The Glass Managerie'.

part D

10. What are, according to Emerson, the characteristics of a profound American scholar?

Or

Why does Emerson regard self-reliance as a part of transcendental philosophy? provide a reasoned ans.

11. Sum up Thoreau's ideas on Economy in 'Walden'.

Or

Write an essay on Thoreau's rewarding experiences in 'Walden'.

Earning:   Approval pending.