Maharashi Dayanand University (MDU) 2009 M.A English Literature in 1798 - 1914 of (Previous) annual held in y, - Question Paper

Time allowed: three hours

Maximum marks: 80

Note: Attempt ques. No. one which is compulsory. From every of the 4 parts – A, B, C and D, attempt 1 ques. every. All 5 ques. carry equal marks.

1. Write brief critical notes on the following:

a) Wordsworth's notion of "still, sad music of humanity".

Or

Keats's imagery.

Or

The ardent wish for "the instant made eternity" in Browning's "The Last Ride Together".

b) "Fog" and "Soot" symbols in "Bleak House".

Or

Mr. Lockwood's dream towards the beginning of "Wuthering Heights".

Or

Pater's views on Wordsworth's poetry.

c) The character of Pansy in "the Portrait of a Lady".

Or

Walt Whitman's notion of self.

d) The character of Leon in "Madame Bovary".

Or

The title of "The playboy of the Western World".

part A

2. explain Wordsworth's "Intimations of Immortality" as a poem dealing with an emotional and spiritual crisis in the poet's life.

Or

explain Keats as a sensuous poet.

3. explain the strength and weakness of the note of optimism sounded by Browning in his poetry.

Or

explain the strong points and weaknesses of Browning's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb" as a dramatic monologue.

part B

4. Examine "Bleak House" as a thesis novel, woven around a specific theme.

Or

explain Dickens's treatment of the character of Esther Summerson in "Bleak House".

5. Examine critically the narrative technique employed by Emily Bronte in "Wuthering Heights".

Or

Does "Wuthering Heights" seem to be Catherine's story of Healthcliff's? Or would you argue that the novel has 2 protagonists?

6. explain the characteristics of Pater's prose style with illustrations from the essays you have learn.

Or

provide your assessment of Walter Pater's contribution as a literary critic.

part C

7. Critically examine the implications of the manner in which "The Portrait of a Lady" ends.

Or

Critically examine the treatment of the "international theme" in "The Portrait of a Lady".

8. Critically examine Whitman's treatment of the theme of love and death.

Or

How far does Walt Whitman succeed in celebrating his own self in his poetry without giving the impression of being egotistical or self-centred?

part D

9. explain Madame Bovary as a woman of false poetry and false sentiments.

Or

Detachment and involvement, realism and romanticism are foregrounded in Flaubert's style in "Madame Bovary". explain.

10. explain "The Playboy of the Western World" as a satirical comedy.

Or

Write a note on the type of language that Synge has employed in the writing of "The Playboy of the Western World

Earning:   Approval pending.