Model Question Paper English Literature Literary Texts: Entrance Examination

Difficulty Level: Post Graduation        Time: 1hr 30 Mnt

Each Question: Word Limit: 30 

PhD, M Phill Entrance Examination

Question: Describe, in brief, the beauty of the poet's friend as it is depicted in the sonnet 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day'?

Answer: In the sonnet 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day' by William Shakespeare, the poet describes the beauty of his friend as surpassing that of a summer's day. The friend's beauty is eternal, unlike the fleeting and imperfect nature of summer. The poet's friend possesses a timeless and radiant beauty that defies comparison.

Question: "The night has been unruly." - Why does the speaker think that 'the night has been unruly'? Why do you think that the earth was unruly? (Macbeth)

Answer: The speaker believes that 'the night has been unruly' because of the chaotic and disruptive events that have taken place during the night. The reference to an unruly night suggests that there has been turmoil, disturbances, or unsettling occurrences. The mention of an unruly earth could imply that natural phenomena such as storms, earthquakes, or other disturbances have contributed to the disorderly state of the night.

Question: Why does Louka say she is not ashamed of eavesdropping? (Arms and The Man)

Answer: Louka, a character in George Bernard Shaw's play "Arms and The Man," says she is not ashamed of eavesdropping because she believes that it is a necessary means of acquiring information and gaining an advantage. She sees eavesdropping as a way to gather valuable knowledge about the people around her and to potentially manipulate situations to her benefit.

Question: What techniques have been adopted by Synge to create a supernatural atmosphere in 'Riders to The Sea'?

Answer: In J.M. Synge's play "Riders to The Sea," the supernatural atmosphere is created through various techniques. Synge employs elements such as eerie settings, symbolic imagery, haunting music, and mysterious characters like the ghostly figures of drowned men as seen by Maurya. These techniques work together to evoke a sense of otherworldliness, tragedy, and the presence of unseen forces.

Question: Conflict is the essence of drama. Do you find any conflict in Synge's 'Riders to The Sea'?

Answer: Yes, conflict is indeed present in Synge's "Riders to The Sea." The play revolves around the central conflict between the characters and the relentless power of the sea. The characters face the constant threat of losing loved ones to the sea, and their struggle to reconcile with their fate and the forces of nature creates dramatic tension throughout the play.

Question: How long was Christabel under the influence of Geraldine? What happened after the allotted time was over? (Christabel)

Answer: In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Christabel," the duration of Christabel's encounter with Geraldine is not explicitly stated. However, it is implied that she spends the night under Geraldine's influence. After the allotted time is over, Christabel's father discovers them, and Geraldine's supernatural powers are broken. Geraldine's true nature is revealed, and she is forced to leave.

Question: A heavy weight of hours has chain'd and bow'd one too like thee - tameless, and swift, and proud." - Whose uttering is this? Describe his present state.

Answer: The utterance "A heavy weight of hours has chain'd and bow'd one too like thee - tameless, and swift, and proud" is spoken by the speaker in Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The speaker describes his present state as burdened by the weight of time and experiences. He sees himself as having become tamed, subdued, and aged by the passage of time, contrasting it with the qualities of being untamed, swift, and proud that he once possessed.

Question: "When the night is bare...heaven is overflow'd" - Explain the situation imagined by the poet.

Answer: The line "When the night is bare...heaven is overflow'd" is from John Keats' poem "Ode to a Nightingale." Here, the poet imagines a situation where the night is devoid of its usual distractions, such as the sounds of human activity. In this quiet and empty night, the poet perceives the nightingale's song as filling the entire expanse of heaven, overflowing with its beauty and enchantment.

Question: "Like a poet hidden/In the light of thought." - Explain the simile used by the poet. (To A Skylark)

Answer: The simile "Like a poet hidden/In the light of thought" is from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "To a Skylark." The poet compares the skylark to a hidden poet who exists in the realm of thought and imagination. Just as the poet's true essence is concealed within their thoughts and emotions, the skylark's true essence and its song, which inspires the poet, are concealed within its being and the realm of nature.

Question: What is Shelley's view of the world's reaction to the bird's song? (To A Skylark)

Answer: Shelley's view of the world's reaction to the bird's song in "To a Skylark" is that the world fails to fully appreciate the skylark's transcendent song. He believes that humans are incapable of fully comprehending the skylark's beauty and the profound emotions it evokes. Shelley suggests that the world is distracted by material concerns and cannot grasp the true significance and power of the skylark's song.

Question: What picture of Ruth does "Ode to Nightingale" paint?

 Answer: The speaker suggests that the same song that captivates the nightingale's audience may have also touched the heart of Ruth in a similar way. Ruth, described as being sick for home and standing in tears amidst unfamiliar surroundings, found solace and comfort in the song. The speaker further alludes to the song's enchanting power, comparing it to a magical window that opens onto dangerous seas and desolate lands in the realm of fairy tales. This imagery emphasizes the transformative and transcendent nature of the nightingale's song, which has the ability to transport and uplift the listener's spirit, just as it did for Ruth.

Question: How has Austen used the method of showing characters by contrast in 'Pride and Prejudice'?

Answer: In 'Pride and Prejudice,' Jane Austen effectively employs the method of showing characters through contrast. She juxtaposes characters with opposing traits, such as the refined and gentle Jane Bennet with the proud and arrogant Mr. Darcy, or the vivacious and impulsive Lydia Bennet with the sensible and level-headed Elizabeth Bennet. This technique allows Austen to highlight the distinctive qualities of each character and emphasize the themes of social class, manners, and personal growth.

Question: Point out the difference between the two different educational institutions where David was sent in his boyhood days in 'David Copperfield.'

Answer: In 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens, David is sent to two different educational institutions. The first is the strict Salem House boarding school, where he experiences harsh discipline and mistreatment from the headmaster, Mr. Creakle. The second is Dr. Strong's school in Canterbury, which provides a more nurturing and supportive environment. Dr. Strong's school encourages intellectual growth, fosters friendships, and provides a more positive educational experience for David.

Question: What role does Traddles play in the novel 'David Copperfield'?

Answer: In 'David Copperfield,' Traddles is a close friend of David's from their school days. Traddles is portrayed as a kind-hearted and somewhat bumbling character who faces financial difficulties throughout the novel. He serves as a contrast to the more ambitious and worldly characters in the story. Traddles also provides support and assistance to David at various points, and his enduring friendship highlights the importance of genuine companionship and loyalty.

Question: What is hyperbaton?

Answer: Hyperbaton is a figure of speech characterized by the intentional rearrangement of the normal word order in a sentence or phrase. It involves placing words or phrases in an unusual or unexpected sequence for stylistic or rhetorical effect. By employing hyperbaton, writers and poets can emphasize certain words, create emphasis or suspense, or add a poetic or dramatic quality to their writing.

Here's an example of hyperbaton:

Normal Word Order: "She sang a beautiful melody."

Hyperbaton: "A beautiful melody she sang."

In this example, the normal word order is rearranged for emphasis and stylistic effect. By placing the object "a beautiful melody" before the verb "she sang," the hyperbaton draws attention to the description of the melody and adds a poetic quality to the sentence.

Question: What's the function of Banquo in 'Macbeth'?

Answer: In 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare, Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth. He is a loyal and noble character who, like Macbeth, encounters the three witches and hears their prophecies. However, unlike Macbeth, Banquo resists the temptation to take action to fulfill the prophecies and remains morally upright. Banquo's presence highlights the contrast between his integrity and Macbeth's descent into tyranny and murder. Additionally, Banquo's ghost later appears to haunt Macbeth, serving as a symbol of guilt and a reminder of the consequences of his actions.

Question: What type of society is depicted by Jane Austen in 'Pride and Prejudice'?

Answer: Jane Austen depicts the society of early 19th-century England, particularly the upper-middle-class society of the landed gentry, in 'Pride and Prejudice.' The novel portrays a society structured by strict social hierarchies, where wealth, status, and manners play crucial roles in determining one's social standing. Austen satirizes the pretensions, biases, and hypocrisy prevalent in this society while also highlighting the importance of personal virtues and genuine connections in the pursuit of happiness and love.

Question: What are the characteristics of Donne's poetry?

Answer: John Donne's poetry is characterized by its metaphysical nature, wit, intellectual complexity, and use of conceits. His poems often explore profound themes such as love, religion, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. Donne's poetry is known for its intricate use of metaphysical conceits, which are elaborate comparisons or extended metaphors that link seemingly unrelated ideas. His work also demonstrates a sharp wit, clever wordplay, and a blending of emotional depth with intellectual exploration.

Question: Where is Tintern Abbey situated? Which poem is composed in memory of 'Tintern Abbey'?

Answer: Tintern Abbey is situated in the Wye Valley, in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is a ruined medieval abbey that holds historical and cultural significance. The poem composed in memory of Tintern Abbey is titled "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey" by William Wordsworth. The poem reflects upon the poet's return to the abbey after a five-year absence and explores themes of memory, nature, and the transformative power of natural landscapes.

Question: Compare Shelley's "Ode to a Skylark" and Wordsworth's "Ode to The Skylark."

Answer: Both Shelley's "Ode to a Skylark" and Wordsworth's "Ode to The Skylark" are poems that celebrate the beauty and symbolism of the skylark. However, they differ in their approach and focus. Shelley's poem explores the ethereal and transcendent qualities of the skylark's song, viewing it as a source of inspiration and a metaphor for the poet's desire for immortality. Wordsworth's poem, on the other hand, emphasizes the skylark's connection to the natural world and its ability to bring joy and uplift the human spirit. Wordsworth presents the skylark as a symbol of natural harmony and a reminder of the profound impact of nature on human emotions.

Ardhendu De