Maharaja Ganga Singh University 2009 M.A PA-2121,.(Final),ENGLISH LITERATURE,Fifth ,(Principles of Criticism) - Question Paper

Time allowed:3 hrs
Maximum marks:100
Attempt 5 ques. in all, selecting at lowest 1 ques. from every unit.All
ques. carry equal marks.
Unit- 1

1. define Aristotle's theory of catharsis.
or

"The plot, then, is the 1st principle and as it were, the soul of tragedy :Character holds the
2nd place." Comment.

2. Examine critically Longiness definition of the sublime. explain his views regarding the nature of
the sublime.
or
Distinguish ranging from the actual and the false sublime.
Unit-2

3. Evaluate the importance of Dryden's An Essay on Dramatic Poetry.

or
Why does Dryden consider English drama superior to French drama?

4. The preface to Shakespeare "is a classic of literary criticism." Justify and illustrate.
or
Consider Johnson's contribution to Shakespearean criticism.

Unit-3
5. elaborate the Wordsworth's views on poetic diction?How far, in your opinion are they tenable?

or
explain Wordsworth's assertion that "poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings :it
takes its origin from emotions recollected in tranquility."

6. provide a brief account of Coleridge's theory of poetry,clearly bringing out his views on the nature
and function of poetry.

or
Compare and contrast the views of Wordsworth and Coleridge on the theme and language of poetry.

Unit-4
7. provide an account of Arnold's touchstone method of determining excellence in poetry. Do you think
it is really effective?

or
"Poetry is the criticism of life under the conditions fixed for such a criticism by the laws of
poetic truth and poetic beauty." Justify.

8. What according to Eliot, is the relation ranging from tradition and individual talent?

or
"Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion.It is not the expression of
personality but an escape of personality." Comment.

Unit-5
9. Showalter in her essay "Feminist Criticism in Wilderness" suggests different models which are touchstones in themselves. Justify.

or
Summarize critically, Showalter's essay "Feminist Criticism in Wilderness".

10. Evaluate critically Derrida's views as expressed in "structure, sign and play in the discourse
of human sciences."

or
explain the important tenents of Derrida's theory as expressed in the essay "structure, sign and
play in the discourse of human sciences".

Earning:   Approval pending.