Model Question Paper English Literature Literary Texts: CHARLES LAMB'S DREAM CHILDREN

DREAM CHILDREN: A REVERIE
 by Charles Lamb

 Difficulty Level: Post Graduation        Time: 2hr 

Each Question: Word Limit: 30  

DREAM CHILDREN: A REVERIE by Charles Lamb- Short Questions - Answers

Question: It was in this spirit that my little ones crept about me - Who is the speaker? What was the spirit referred to in this sentence?

Answer: The speaker is Charles Lamb. The spirit referred to in this sentence is the spirit of playfulness and imagination that his children possessed as they quietly moved around him.

Question: Certain it is that the whole story of the children and their cruel uncle was to be fairly carved out in wood upon the chimney-piece of the great hall - What is the story referred to in this sentence? Which hall is mentioned here?

Answer: The story referred to in this sentence is the tale of the children and their cruel uncle. The hall mentioned is the great hall of the house, where the wooden carving depicting the story was to be placed on the chimney-piece.

Question: Here John smiled as much as to say; that would be foolish indeed! - What would be foolish? Why was it thought to be so?

Answer: John smiled to imply that it would be foolish to expect the children to stay still and silent during the storytelling. It was considered foolish because children are typically known for their restlessness and inability to remain quiet for long periods.

Question: She knew all the Psaltery by heart - What is Psaltery? What does it indicate here?

Answer: Psaltery refers to a musical instrument, typically a stringed instrument similar to a harp or zither. In this context, it indicates that the woman being referred to was well-versed in playing the Psaltery and knew all the songs associated with it.

Question: Those innocents would do her no harm - Who were the innocents? To whom would they not do any harm and why?

Answer: The innocents mentioned here are the dream children, who represent the speaker's imaginary children. They would not do any harm to the woman because they are merely figments of the speaker's imagination and cannot cause any real harm.

Question: I had more pleasure in these busy-idea diversions - Who is the speaker? What were his busy idea diversions?

Answer: The speaker is Charles Lamb. His busy idea diversions refer to his imaginative thoughts and fantasies about having children, which bring him great pleasure and serve as a source of joy and entertainment for him.

Question: Who came to attend Mrs. Field's funeral and why did they come?

Answer: Friends and family members came to attend Mrs. Field's funeral to pay their respects and express their condolences for her loss. They came to offer support and share in the grief of her passing.

Question: ...how when he died... - Who died? What was the effect of his death upon the speaker?

Answer: The person who died in this sentence is the speaker's elder brother, John Lamb. The effect of John's death upon the speaker was profound grief and a sense of loss. It left the speaker feeling lonely and deprived of a beloved companion.

Question: Why did Lamb's dream children "wail Bertram father"?

Answer: Lamb's dream children wailed for Bertram father because they were longing for a father figure and wanted Bertram to be their father in their imaginary world. It reflects Lamb's own desire for having children and the longing for a family bond.

Question: We are only what might have been, and must wait upon the tedious shores of Lethe for the boon of oblivion - Who are the speaker? What is Lethe? Why must the speaker wait upon the shores of Lethe?

Answer: The speaker is Charles Lamb. Lethe is a river in Greek mythology associated with forgetfulness and oblivion. The speaker must wait upon the shores of Lethe because he believes that he can only exist in the realm of imagination and what could have been, and he must wait for the eventual release of such revierie. 

Question: Comment critically on Lamb's essay, "Dream Children: A Reverie."

Answer: Charles Lamb's essay, "Dream Children: A Reverie," is a deeply introspective and melancholic piece of writing. It explores the theme of loss, imagination, and the longing for a family bond. Lamb's skillful use of language and his ability to evoke emotions make this essay a poignant and thought-provoking read. The essay captures the essence of Lamb's personal struggles and desires, making it relatable to readers. However, some may find the essay overly sentimental and introspective, and its heavy reliance on imagination and fictional characters might make it challenging for readers seeking a more concrete narrative.

Question: What are the characteristic features of the essay?

Answer: The essay "Dream Children: A Reverie" by Charles Lamb exhibits several characteristic features. It is written in a reflective and introspective tone, where Lamb delves into his inner thoughts and emotions. The essay also displays Lamb's mastery of language and his ability to create vivid imagery, transporting the reader into his imaginative world. The theme of loss and longing is prominent throughout the essay, and Lamb's use of imagination and storytelling adds a touch of whimsy. Additionally, the essay showcases Lamb's fondness for blending reality and fiction, blurring the lines between the two.

Question: Write a short note on Lamb as an essayist.

Answer: Charles Lamb, an English writer of the 19th century, is renowned for his essays. Lamb's essays are marked by their personal and introspective nature, exploring themes of love, loss, and human relationships. His style is characterized by a blend of wit, humor, and melancholy. Lamb's essays often exhibit a conversational tone, making them engaging and relatable to readers. He possesses a remarkable ability to infuse his personal experiences with universal emotions, making his essays enduring and thought-provoking. Lamb's essays are a testament to his literary genius and continue to be celebrated for their unique blend of insight, wit, and emotion.

Question: What do you find in Lamb's essay, "Dream Children" - wit, humor, or fun?

Answer: In Lamb's essay, "Dream Children: A Reverie," while there are moments of wit and humor, the overall tone leans more toward melancholy and introspection. The essay is not primarily focused on providing light-hearted entertainment or fun. Instead, it explores themes of loss, longing, and the complexities of human emotions. While there are elements of imagination and whimsy, the underlying emotions are tinged with a sense of sadness. Lamb's use of wit and humor serves as a counterbalance to the weightier themes, adding moments of levity and providing relief amidst the somber reflections.

Question: Why is the essay, "Dream Children," named 'a reverie'?

Answer: The essay is named "Dream Children: A Reverie" because it captures the essence of a reverie, which refers to a state of daydreaming or deep contemplation. Lamb's essay is a reflection of his own musings, fantasies, and introspection, as he delves into the realm of imagination and explores his longings and regrets. The title suggests that the essay is a product of Lamb's reverie-like state, where he blends reality and imagination to create a deeply reflective and personal narrative.

Question: Certain it is...upon it - bring out the significance?

Answer: The phrase "Certain it is...upon it" emphasizes the certainty and importance of the story that is to be carved out on the chimney-piece of the great hall. By stating that it will be fairly carved out in wood, Lamb highlights the significance of this story and its enduring presence in his life forever.

Question: Give an account of Lamb's childhood.

Answer: Charles Lamb's childhood was marked by both joy and tragedy. He was born on February 10, 1775, in London, England. Lamb and his sister, Mary, experienced a difficult childhood due to their mother's mental illness. At the age of seven, Lamb entered Christ's Hospital, a boarding school where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a love for literature. However, his time at the school was marred by harsh discipline and the death of his father.

After leaving school, Lamb worked as a clerk and later became a writer. Despite his successes, Lamb endured periods of mental and emotional turmoil. The loss of his beloved sister, Mary, to mental illness and his own struggles with depression had a profound impact on his life and writing.

Question: Write a note on Melancholy.

Answer: Melancholy is a recurring theme in Charles Lamb's works, including his essay "Dream Children: A Reverie." It refers to a state of deep sadness, reflection, and introspection. Lamb often expressed his melancholic tendencies through his writing, exploring the complexities of human emotions and the fragility of life. Melancholy serves as a lens through which Lamb examines themes such as loss, longing, and the transient nature of happiness. It adds depth and introspection to his works, evoking a sense of empathy and resonance in readers.

Question: What is meant by 'Dream Children'?

Answer: In Charles Lamb's essay, "Dream Children: A Reverie," 'Dream Children' refers to the imaginary offspring that Lamb envisions in his reverie. They represent the children he never had in reality but longed for. These dream children exist solely in the realm of his imagination, serving as a source of joy, love, and companionship. They symbolize Lamb's yearning for a family and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled desires.

Question: What are the children fond of listening to?

Answer: The children in Lamb's essay, "Dream Children: A Reverie," are fond of listening to stories about their ancestors. They are particularly interested in hearing about their great-grandmother, Field, and her life. These tales captivate their imaginations and provide a sense of connection to their family's history.

Question: Why did the children of Lamb creep about him the other evening?

Answer: The children of Lamb crept around him in a playful manner because they wanted to surprise and delight him. They sought to bring joy and happiness to their imaginary father figure by creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Question: Where did Mrs. Field live?

Answer: Mrs. Field, the great-grandmother mentioned in Lamb's essay, lived in Norfolk, England.

Question: What was the story associated with Norfolk?

Answer: The story associated with Norfolk revolves around Lamb's great-grandmother, Mrs. Field, and her romantic involvement with a young and wealthy man from Norfolk. The story hints at a tragic event in their relationship, which adds an element of mystery and sorrow to Mrs. Field's life.

Question: What did the rich foolish person do?

Answer: The rich foolish person mentioned in Lamb's essay is depicted as a spendthrift who squandered his wealth recklessly. He indulged in lavish expenses, such as building a large house and maintaining an extravagant lifestyle, without considering the consequences. His foolishness is a cautionary tale about the dangers of imprudent behavior and materialistic pursuits.

Question: How was Mrs. Field?

Answer: Mrs. Field, Lamb's great-grandmother, is portrayed as a beautiful and virtuous woman. She possessed a charming personality and was admired by many suitors. She possessed a charming personality that attracted numerous suitors, making her a beloved and admired figure in Lamb's family history.

Question: How did Mrs. Field function as a caretaker?

Answer: Mrs. Field, in addition to being a beloved figure in Lamb's family history, also functioned as a caretaker for Lamb's imaginary dream children. In his reverie, Lamb imagines her taking care of the children and being a nurturing presence in their lives. She embodies the qualities of a loving and attentive caretaker, providing them with a sense of comfort, security, and affection.

Question: What happened after Mrs. Field's death?

Answer: After Mrs. Field's death, her house in Norfolk was left vacant, and Lamb's dream children could no longer visit her or enjoy her company. The loss of Mrs. Field's presence and the connection to their ancestral stories added to the melancholic tone of Lamb's reverie.

Question: How did young Lamb pass his time in the garden?

Answer: Young Lamb, in his reverie, recalls spending time in the garden with his dream children. They would engage in playful activities, such as chasing butterflies, plucking flowers, and enjoying the beauty of nature. The garden symbolizes a space of innocence, joy, and imaginative exploration for young Lamb and his dream children.

Question: How did John create young hand?

Answer: John, Lamb's elder brother, is described as having a remarkable talent for drawing. In the essay, it is mentioned that John was able to create a drawing of a young hand that was almost lifelike in its accuracy and detail. This artistic ability showcases John's skill and adds a touch of wonder and admiration to his character.

Question: How did Lamb treat his elder brother John?

Answer: Lamb held a deep affection and admiration for his elder brother John. He regarded him as a source of inspiration and guidance in his life. Lamb cherished their bond and regarded John's talents, particularly his artistic abilities, with great admiration and respect. Throughout the essay, Lamb reminisces about their shared experiences and highlights the significance of their relationship.

   Ardhendu De