NU 4th Year Suggestions & Notes 2020 -21

NU 4th Year Suggestions & Notes 2020 -21

Session: 2020-21

Exam: 2024

বিসমিল্লাহির রাহমানির রাহিম। যেহেতু এই বর্ষের পরীক্ষায় উত্তীর্ণ হয়ে অনেকেই অনেকেই নিজেদের কাঙ্ক্ষিত কর্মে নিযুক্ত হবেন, সেহেতু মহান করুণাময় সৃষ্টিকর্তার নিকট সকলের সুস্বাস্থ্য ও হালাল রিজিকের ফয়সালা প্রার্থনা করে ২০২০-২১ সেশানের সাজেশানের লক্ষ্য, উদ্দেশ্য ও কার্যকারিতা বর্ণনা করছি। 

“জাতীয় বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের পরীক্ষাগুলোতে ভালো ফলাফল করতে চাইলে বা প্রশ্নপত্র কমন পেতে চাইলে বিগত ৩-৫ বছরের প্রশ্ন অধ্যয়নই যথেষ্ট। এ অনুসারে বাজারে প্রচলিত প্রায় সকল সাজেশানই প্রশ্ন নির্ধারণ করে থাকে, যা থেকে কমনও আসে।” কিন্তু এই চিত্র কিছুটা পালটে গেছে। এখন হুবহু কমন ৩-৫ টি আসলে, বাকিগুল ঘুরিয়ে অথবা সম্পূর্ণ নতুন প্রশ্ন আসে। একটা উদাহরণের মাধ্যমে বিষয়টি পরিষ্কার করা যাকঃ 

“19th Century Novel” এর “Pride and Prejudice” থেকে একটি প্রচলিত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রশ্ন হলঃ How does Jane Austen depict the social and economic conditions of the Victorian age in “Pride and Prejudice?” [NU: 2015, 17, 21]

কিন্তু এবারের পরীক্ষায় এসেছে এভাবেঃ “In discussing the problem of a particular family, Jane Austen draws our attention to the social and economic reality of her age. Discuss with special reference to “Pride and Prejudice.” [NU: 2023]” 

এরকম ভাবে প্রতিটি কোর্সেই কিছু পরিবর্তন এসেছে। এগুলো নিয়ে ভয়ের কিছু নেই। আমাদের সাজেশান, Handnote এবং সামারি বই এমন ভাবে সাজানো হচ্ছে, ইনশাআল্লাহ যেভাবেই প্রশ্ন আসুক না কেন আপনারা তা মাথা ঠাণ্ডা রেখে উত্তর করতে পারবেন। পেইজে এবং গ্রুপে সক্রিয় থাকবেন। এখানে আমরা প্রশ্নের পরিবর্তিত রুপ নিয়ে বিস্তারিত আলোচনা (Live Class) এর আয়োজন করব। 

যাইহোক, বছরজুড়ে বিভিন্ন প্লাটফর্মের লাইভ ক্লাস, ইউটিউব লেকচার, বা অন্য কোন সহযোগীদের (বই এবং প্রতিষ্ঠানের শিক্ষকদের সহযোগিতার পাশাপাশি) মাধ্যমে আপনারা যথেষ্ট পড়াশোনা করেন। কিন্তু পরিক্ষার জন্য নির্দিষ্ট মাইন্ড ম্যাপ তৈরিতে অনেকেই ব্যর্থ হন। এই সমস্যা সমাধানের লক্ষে আমরাই প্রথম ২০১৮ সাল থেকে প্রত্যেক বর্ষের জন্য পরীক্ষার জন্য কিছু অতি সম্ভবনাময় প্রশ্ন পড়ার পরামর্শ দিয়ে থাকি, যার কার্যকারিতাও দৃশ্যমান। 

সবশেষে, বিশ্বাসের সাথে এই সাজেশান অনুসরণ করে সকলেই চূড়ান্ত পরীক্ষায় ভালো ফলাফল করুন সেই প্রত্যাশায় শেষ করছি। 

19th Century Novel

Part B

Pride and Prejudice

1. Why was Mrs. Bennet so desperate to see her daughters married? [NU: 2016, 19] ★★★ Or, Why does Mrs. Bennet try to persuade Mr. Bennet to visit Mr. Bingley? [NU: 2015]
2. How does Austen show the position of women in the social life of Regency England? [NU: 2014]
3. Describe Pemberley House as the setting in “Pride and Prejudice” and show the importance of Elizabeth’s visit there. [NU: 2018]
4. How did Darcy declare his love for Elizabeth and illustrate the importance of his love letter? [NU: 2017, 19, 22] ★★★
5. Describe Elizabeth’s first impression of Darcy. [NU: 2018, 20]
6. Why does Elizabeth turn down Darcy’s proposal? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
7. What kind of character is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and how does Elizabeth reject her proposal? [NU: 2018, 21]

A Tale of Two Cities

1. Who is Madame Defarge, and how does she die? Discuss the significance of her knitting. [NU: 2015]
2. Critically comment on the character of Charles Darnay. [NU: 2022]
3. What does the broken wine cask symbolize? [NU: 2018] ★★★
4. Write a short note on Tellson Bank. [NU: 2016, 17] ★★★
5. What is the significance of the lion and the jackal in “A Tale of Two Cities?” [NU: 2013]
6. Critically comment on the trial scene in “A Tale of Two Cities.” [NU: 2019]
7. Describe the attack on the Bastille. [NU: 2017] ★★★
8. Who was Doctor Manette, and what did he write in his letter of denunciation? [NU: 2014, 18, 21] ★★★

Jane Eyre

1. Describe the red room. What happened to Jane in the Red Room? [NU: 2013]
2. Describe Mr. Rochester’s proposal to Jane. Why couldn’t their marriage take place at first?  [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
3. How does Helen Burns influence Jane’s understanding of religion? [NU: 2022]
4. Why does Jane return to Mr. Rochester and marry him?  [NU: 2015]
5. How does Mr. Brocklehurst ill-treat Jane at Lowood school?  [NU: 2016, 17, 19, 22] ★★★
6. Write a short note on Lowood School.  [NU: 2014, 18, 20] ★★★
7. How did Jane save Mr. Rochester’s life?  [NU: 2013, 17, 20] ★★★
8. Describe Thornfield Hall. [NU: 2015]

Tess of the D’Urbervilles

1. How was Prince killed and what is its significance in “Tess of the D’Urbervilles?” [NU: 2014]
2. What led Tess to go to the d’Urbervilles at Trantridge? [NU: 2014, 22]
3. What do you know about Sorrow’s death and burial? [NU: 2022]
4. Who is more responsible for Tess’s death? [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★
5. What situation led Tess to murder Alec? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
6. Why did Tess agree to marry Angel? [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
7. How does Tess fall into the fire from a frying pan? [NU: 2015, 21]
8. Describe the sleepwalking scene. [NU: 2015]

 

Part C

Pride and Prejudice

1. What is the significance of the title of the novel “Pride and Prejudice?” [NU: 2015, 20, 22] ★★★
2. Elucidate the theme of love and marriage in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” [NU: 2016, 18, 22] ★★★
3. Comment on Jane Austen’s use of irony in “Pride and Prejudice.” [NU: 2016, 20]
4. Sketch the character of Elizabeth Bennet. [NU: 2017, 21]
5. Discuss how the Wickham-Lydia affair affects the Darcy-Elizabeth relationship. [NU: 2019]

A Tale of Two Cities

1. Would you call Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities a historical novel?” Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2013, 15, 17, 19, 22] ★★★
2. How does Charles Dickens present the character of Lucie Manette in his “A Tale of Two Cities?” [NU:2015, 20, 22] ★★★
3. What is Dickens’ attitude towards the French Revolution in “A Tale of Two Cities?” [NU: 2014, 16, 20]
4. Bring out the underlying theme of “A Tale of Two Cities.” [NU: 2018]

Jane Eyre

1. Write a note on Charlotte’s treatment of childhood in “Jane Eyre.” [NU: 2013, 15, 22] ★★★
2. Discuss the ups and downs of Jane Eyre’s life.  [NU: 2017, 19]
3. In what sense is “Jane Eyre” an unconventional novel? Discuss.  [NU: 2016, 19]
4. Bring out the autobiographical elements in Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.”  [NU: 2010, 14, 16, 20, 22] ★★★
5. What was the condition of women as you find in the novel “Jane Eyre?”  [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

Tess of the D’Urbervilles

1. Do you consider Tess as a pure woman? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
2. Bring out the dominant role nature plays in the novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” [NU: 2017, 21]
3. Would you call Thomas Hardy a pessimist or a realist? Give reasons for your answer in the light of “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” [NU: 2016]
4. Discuss the role of fate and chance as depicted in the novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles.” [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★
5. Discuss the influence of Alec and Angel on the life of Tess. [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★

[N.B.: এবারের প্রশ্ন সংখ্যা একটু বেশি। তবে তা দেখে ঘাবড়ে যাওয়ার কারণ নেই। প্রতি কোর্স থেকে পরীক্ষায় ২ টি করে প্রশ্ন আসবে। কেউ চাইলে যেকোনো তিনটি টপিক পড়তে পারেন শুধু পরীক্ষায় ভালো করার জন্য। সাজেশানের Short ও Broad প্রশ্ন মিলিয়ে Main Text গুলো কাভার করার চেষ্টা করেছি। চিন্তা মুক্ত থাকতে এই প্রশ্ন গুলোর পাশাপাশি আমাদের সামারি বই কার্যকরী ভূমিকা রাখবে। ঝুঁকি নিয়ে এখানে কিছু অতি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রশ্নের ক্রমিক নম্বর উল্লেখ করছি: Part B: 1, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29; Part C: 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19]

 

20th Century Poetry 

Part B

B. Yeats

1. Discuss Yeats’ concept of history. [NU: 2018]
2. How does W.B. Yeats desire for immortality and show his attitude to old age in “Sailing to Byzantium?” [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
3. What prayer does the poet make to the sages in “Byzantium?”  [NU: 2019, 21]
4. What does ‘Byzantium’ symbolize in the poem “Sailing to Byzantium?” [NU: 2016, 22]
5. Trace Yeats’ changing attitude to contemporary Irish revolutionaries. [NU: 2017] Or, Show how the poet pays a glowing tribute to the freedom fighters in “Easter 1916.” [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★
6. In what sense is “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” a poem about escapism, making it a pure romantic poem? [NU: 2016, 20, 21, 22] ★★★
7. Discuss the symbolic significance of the poem “The Second Coming.” [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★

T.S. Eliot

1. Bring out the ironical implications of the title “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”  [NU: 2019] Or, Evaluate the significance of the title “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Or, What are the elements of irony in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?” [NU: 2022]
2. Why is Prufrock unwilling to compare himself with Hamlet? [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★
3. How is “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” an interior monologue? [NU: 2022]
4. Comment on the inner conflict of Prufrock that makes him fail to propose the lady. [NU: 2016] Or, What is the problem with Prufrock? [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
5. Why is ‘April’ cruel to the Wastelanders?  [NU: 2019]
6. Why is London called the Unreal City? [NU: 2016]
7. How many sections are there in the poem “The Waste Land?” Write their names in the proper order with brief descriptions. [NU: 2017] [এই কবিতার ৫ খন্ডের যেকোনো একটি সম্পর্কে পরীক্ষায় লিখতে বলা হলে এখান থেকেই লেখা সম্ভব হবে। তাই Section ভিত্তিক অতিরিক্ত প্রশ্ন Avoid করা হলো।] ★★★
8. Justify the title of the poem “The Waste Land.” [NU: 2022] Or, “The Waste Land” is a sigh for the vanished glory of the past – Explain. [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★
9. What is the significance of the three ‘Da’s in “The Waste Land?” [NU: 2016, 22] ★★★
10. Depict the life of the Waste Landers. [NU: 2015, 18] ★★★

Dylan Thomas

1. Comment on the fantasy used in “Poem in October.”
2. Write a short note on Surrealism. [NU: 2015, 19] ★★★
3. What prayers does Dylan Thomas offer at the end of “Poem in October?” [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★
4. How is Nature depicted in “Poem in October?” [NU: 2015, 18, 21] ★★★

Sylvia Plath

1. What are the different stages of the journey in the poem “Crossing the Water?” [NU: 2016] Or, Describe the different stages of the journey in “Crossing the Water.” [NU: 2020] ★★★
2. How is the battle of the sexes reflected in the poem “The Rival?” [NU: 2017, 19, 22] ★★★
3. What features of song do you get in “Morning Song?” [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
4. How does Sylvia Plath reveal the emotional journey of her life through the poem “Words?” [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
5. Discuss the metaphors used in “Words” by Sylvia Plath to show the difficulties in writing poetry.
6. Discuss the treatment of nature in Sylvia Plath’s poems.

Explanation

1. Explain with reference to the context: “An aged man is but a paltry thing/ A tattered cloth upon a stick.” [NU: 2022]
2. Explain with reference: “I think we are in rats’ alley, Where the dead men lost their bones.” [NU: 2019, 21]
3. Explain with reference to the context- “In the room the women come and go talking of Michelangelo.” [NU: 2016]
4. Explain the following line: “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” [NU: 2017]
5. Explain the following lines:- “And I rose/ In rainy autumn/ And walked abroad in a shower of all my days.” [NU: 2018]

 

Part C

B. Yeats 

1. Write a critical appreciation of “Sailing to Byzantium.” [কিছু প্রশ্ন যেহেতে একটু ঘুরিয়ে আসে, সেহেতু এই কবিতাটি এমন ভাবে পড়তে হবে যেন যেকোনো প্রশ্ন লেখা যায় এখান থেকে।] Or, “Sailing to Byzantium” deals with Yeats’ journey from the sensual to the spiritual world. – Discuss. [NU: 2020]
2. Write a critical appreciation of the poem “The Second Coming.” [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
3. Critically comment on Yeats’s use of symbols. [NU: 2015, 20, 22] ★★★ Or, Write a note on the symbols used by Yeats with references to the poem you have read. [NU: 2017]
4. Evaluate W.B. Yeats as an Irish nationalist poet. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★
5. Trace the romantic elements in W.B. Yeats’ poetry. [NU: 2017, 19, 21] ★★★

T. S. Eliot

1. How does T. S. Eliot build up an atmosphere of futility and barrenness in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?” [NU: 2016]
2. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” represents the conflict of a modern man. Elucidate. [NU: 2015, 21] Or, How does Eliot express the conflict of modern man in the poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock?” [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★
3. What are the symbols used by the poet in “The Waste Land?” [NU: 2018]
4. Write a note on the theme of salvation in “The Waste Land.” [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★
5. How has the poet fused past and present in the poem “The Waste Land?” [NU: 2015, 17] Or, How does T.S. Eliot make a link between the past and present in “The Waste Land?” [NU: 2019] Or, Comment on T.S. Eliot’s use of myth in “The Waste Land.” [NU: 2015, 18, 21] ★★★  [ Eliot বিভিন্ন myth ব্যবহার করে অতীতের সাথে বর্তমানের সংযোগ স্থাপন করেছেন। তাই এই প্রশ্ন তিনটি একই।]\

Dylan Thomas

1. Critically appreciate the poem “Poem in October.” [NU: 2017] [এই প্রশ্নটি এমনভাবে পড়তে হবে যেন এই কবিতার থিম বা জন্মদিনে কবির অনুভূতি কেমন তা বিস্তারিত ভাবে জানা যায়। এতে করে অল্প প্রশ্ন পরে বেশি লেখার দক্ষতা বাড়বে যা অধিক পড়ার চাপ কমাবে।]
2. Mention and discuss the religious elements in Dylan Thomas’ poems. [NU: 2015] Or, Bring out the religious elements in the poem “Poem in October.” [NU: 2022]
3. Comment on the treatment of childhood in “Poem in October.” [NU: 2013, 15, 20] ★★★ Or, How does Dylan Thomas treat his childhood in his poem, “Poem in October?” [NU: 2018] Or, Write a note on Dylan Thomas’s idealization of childhood in “Poem in October.” [NU: 2022]
4. Discuss Dylan Thomas’ use of imagery in “Poem in October.” [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★
5. Write a note on Dylan Thomas as a modern poet. [NU: 2021]

Sylvia Plath

1. Write a critical appreciation of the poem “Morning Song.” [NU: 2015]
2. Discuss the use of myths and imagery in the poems of Sylvia Plath.  [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
3. How does Sylvia Plath present motherhood in her poem “Morning Song?” [NU: 2016, 19, 22] ★★★
4. What are the recurrent themes in Sylvia Plath’s poetry? [NU: 2017, 21] Or, Write a note on the themes of Sylvia Plath’s poetry. [NU: 2020]
5. Write a critical appreciation of the poem “Crossing the Water.” [NU: 2020]
6. Comment on the male-female relationship in Sylvia Plath’s poetry. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★

[N.B.: Yeats and Eliot অতি গুরুত্ব দিয়ে পড়তে হবে। Part B তে এই দুই লেখক থেকেই ৫ টি প্রশ্ন কমন আসবে ইনশাআল্লাহ। Part C তে ৫ টি না আসলেও ৪ টি অবশ্যই  আসবে। এর সাথে Dylan Thomas যুক্ত করলে পরীক্ষা নিয়ে আর দুশ্চিন্তা থাকবে না। এই সকল তথ্যই বিগত বছরের ইতিহাস ঘেঁটে উপস্থাপন করা হয়েছে। ব্যক্তিগত ভাবে সকল লেখকের লেখাই পড়ার আমন্ত্রণ রইল, যা আপনার জানার পরিধি সম্প্রসারিত করবে। কিছু অতি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রশ্নের ক্রমিক নম্বর এখানে দেওয়া হল: Part B: 2,6,7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; Part C: 2,3,4,5,7,9,10,13,14,17,18,21]

 

Modern Drama

Part B

The Importance of Being Earnest 

1. In what way is “The Importance of Being Earnest” a trivial comedy for serious people? [NU: 2016]
2. Trace the farcical absurdities in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” [NU: 2017] ★★★ Or, In what ways is “The Importance of Being Earnest” a farcical comedy?
3. What is the cause of Lady Bracknell’s rejection of Jack Worthing’s proposal to marry Gwendolen? [NU: 2019]
4. How is Jack’s identity revealed in “The Importance of Being Earnest?” [NU: 2016, 22] ★★★
5. In what sense is “The Importance of Being Earnest” anti-feminist and anti-romantic? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
6. What are the sources of laughter in “The Importance of Being Earnest?” [NU: 2020]
7. Discuss the use of pun in the title “The Importance of Being Earnest.” [NU: 2015, 21]

Waiting for Godot

1. Describe the setting of “Waiting for Godot.” [NU: 2018]
2. What are the significance of the road and the tree in “Waiting for Godot?”  [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
3. How does Samuel Beckett present Godot in “Waiting for Godot?” [NU: 2019]
4. How do Estragon and Vladimir pass the time while waiting for Godot? [NU: 2019]
5. Write a short note on “Theatre of the Absurd.” [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
6. Justify Didi and Gogo as parts of a divided self. [NU: 2017, 20, 21] ★★★
7. Explain Beckett’s view of the human condition in “Waiting for Godot.” [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★

The Caretaker

1. How does Harold Pinter present the theme of love for power through Davies, Mick, and Aston in “The Caretaker?” [NU: 2019]
2. How did Mick want to decorate his room? [NU: 2016, 18] ★★★
3. Why was Davies fired from his job at the café? [NU: 2015]
4. In what sense does Davies represent “everyman?”  [NU: 2017] Or, Comment on the role of Davies in “The Caretaker.” [NU: 2020]
5. Discuss the theme of isolation in “The Caretaker.” [NU: 2018, 20, 22] ★★★
6. What is the significance of the room in “The Caretaker?” [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★
7. Sketch the character of Mick. [NU: 2017, 21]
8. Describe the Davies-Aston relationship. [NU: 2016]

Look Back in Anger

1. Discuss the beast imagery in “Look Back in Anger.” [NU: 2016, 18] ★★★
2. What are the misfortunes in Alison’s life in “Look Back in Anger?” [NU: 2015, 17, 22] ★★★
3. What symbols are used in “Look Back in Anger?” [NU: 2019]
4. What role does Helena play in separating and uniting Jimmy Porter and Alison? [NU: 2019]
5. Why does Jimmy dislike religious practices? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
6. What does anti-feminist writing mean? [NU: 2020] 
7. What makes Jimmy angry and psychoneurotic in “Look Back in Anger?” [NU: 2015, 17, 18, 21] ★★★
8. Analyze the relationship between Cliff and Alison in “Look Back in Anger.” [NU: 2022]

 

Part C

The Importance of Being Earnest

1. To what extent is “The Importance of Being Earnest” a picture of the contemporary upper-class society? [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
2. Assess the role of Jack Worthing in the play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” [NU: 2017, 21]
3. Sketch the character of Lady Bracknell. [NU: 2016, 18, 20] ★★★
4. Comment on the treatment of love and marriage in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20, 22] 
5. Evaluate Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” as a social satire. [NU: 2016, 17, 21] ★★★

Waiting for Godot

1. What is absurd drama? Consider “Waiting for Godot” as an absurd drama, showing its international appeal. [NU: 2019]
2. “Estragon and Vladimir’s waiting for Godot is everybody’s waiting for something unattainable.” Discuss. [NU: 2019] Or, How does the play “Waiting for Godot” represent the human condition? Clarify your ideas with textual references. [NU: 2021]
3. Write a note on the theme of nothingness in “Waiting for Godot.” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
4. Elaborate the concept of time and place in “Waiting for Godot.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
5. Who or what is Godot in ‘Waiting for Godot? What purpose does he serve in Beckett’s play? [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
6. Write a note on Beckett as a social critic on the basis of your reading of “Waiting for Godot.” [NU: 2016]

The Caretaker

1. How far is Harold Pinter’s play “The Caretaker” a drama of violence and menace? [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★
2. How far is “The Caretaker” an absurd drama? Illustrate. [NU: 2015, 18] ★★★
3. How does Harold Pinter achieve his comic effects in “The Caretaker?” [NU: 2017, 20]
4. How is “The Caretaker” a critique of contemporary society? [NU: 2021] Or, How does “The Caretaker” represent contemporary society? [NU: 2016, 18] ★★★

Look Back in Anger

1. Trace the autobiographical elements in “Look Back in Anger.” [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★ 
2. In what sense is Jimmy Porter an unheroic hero? Elucidate. [NU: 2019]
3. Discuss “Look Back in Anger” as a play of class distinction. [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
4. Comment on the significance of the Bear-Squirrel game in “Look Back in Anger.” [NU: 2015, 17, 19, 21] ★★★
5. How does “Look Back in Anger” reflect the post-First World War situation? [NU: 2015]
6. In “Look Back in Anger,” Jimmy is more obsessed with the past than he is concerned with the future. Do you agree? [NU: 2022] 

 

20th Century Novel

Part B

Heart of Darkness

1. Comment on the setting of the novel “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★
2. What does the knitting of black wool in “Heart of Darkness” signify? [NU: 2017]
3. What do you know about the Manager of the Central Station in Heart of Darkness?
4. What do you know about Mr. Kurtz and his intended? [NU:  2019, 21, 22] ★★★
5. Write a short note on the theme of “Hollow Men” in Heart of Darkness. [NU: 2016]
6. Comment on the meaning and significance of the title “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2016, 19] ★★★ Or, How does Joseph Conrad explore the different shades of meanings of “Darkness” in the novel “Heart of Darkness?”
7. What does ivory symbolize in “Heart of Darkness?” [NU: 2017, 20]
8. What impression do you form of the Chief Accountant at the company’s station in “Heart of Darkness?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

A Passage to India

1. Why did the ‘Bridge Party’ fail to bridge the gap between the English and the Indians in “A Passage to India?” [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★
2. Briefly describe the ‘Marabar Caves’ in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2015, 22] 
3. Sketch briefly the character of Adela Quested in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2014]
4. Discuss the underlying significance of the collision of the boats after the Janmasthami ceremony at Mau.
5. Why does the friendship/relationship between Aziz and Fielding fail? [NU: 2015, 17, 20] ★★★ Or, Examine and estimate the Aziz–Fielding relationship in “A Passage to India.”
6. What is the significance of the friendship between Dr. Aziz and Mrs. Moore? [NU: 2018, 19, 21] ★★★
7. Describe the trial scene in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★

To the Lighthouse

1. Why is Lily Briscoe dissatisfied with her picture? [NU: 2020]
2. Discuss briefly the role of Mrs. Ramsay. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
3. How does Lily Briscoe experience an epiphany at the close of the novel “To the Lighthouse?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
4. Discuss the use of symbols in “To the Lighthouse.”
5. Compare and contrast Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
6. Comment on the modern elements in the novel “To the Light House.” [NU: 2022]
7. Why does William Bankes think the Dinner-Party to be a sheer waste of time?

Sons and Lovers

1. What is Lawrence’s idea about the man-woman conflict in “Sons and Lovers?” [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★ Or, show the autobiographical elements of the novel. 
2. How does Lawrence employ the stream of consciousness technique in “Sons and Lovers?” [NU: 2017]
3. Why was Gertrude Morel unhappy with her husband? [NU: 2018]
4. In what sense is “Sons and Lovers” a novel about class? [NU: 2022]
5. Bring out the significance of the Paul-Clara relationship in “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
6. Discuss the symbolic use of ‘Coal-Pits’ in “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
7. Describe the Paul-Miriam relationship and put down the significance of this episode. [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
8. How does Lawrence apply ‘impressionism’ or the impressionistic technique in “Sons and Lovers?”

The Grass is Singing

1. How does Charlie Slatter take control of the murder case of Mary Turner? [NU: 2014]
2. Write a short note on apartheid. [NU: 2019]
3. Describe the murder of Mary in “The Grass is Singing.” [NU: 2016, 18, 19, 21] ★★★
4. Trace the autobiographical elements in “The Grass is Singing.” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★

 

Part C

Heart of Darkness

1. Comment on Conrad’s narrative technique in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2015] Or, Discuss the role of Marlow as a narrator. Or,  Comment on the role of Marlow in the novel “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2017] Or, Write on the character and role of Marlow in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2019] ★★★
2. How does Conrad treat the theme of imperialism in “Heart of Darkness?” [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
3. Explicate the significance of the dying words of Kurtz: “The horror! The horror!” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★ Or, Bring out the full significance of the last words of Kurtz: The Horror! The Horror! in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2022]
4. Analyze Conrad’s use of symbols in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2019, 21]
5. Comment on Conrad’s treatment of evil in “Heart of Darkness.” [NU: 2016]

A Passage to India

1. Comment on the British Raj in India in the novel “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2013, 16]
2. Discuss Forster’s use of symbols in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2017] 
3. Comment on the theme of conflict of cultures in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2019] ★★★ Or, “A Passage to India is basically about the clash of two cultures.” Do you agree? Give reasons in favour of your answer. [NU: 2022] Or, “A Passage to India” is a novel of the clash of cultures. Discuss. [NU: 2015]
4. Justify the title of the novel “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
5. How is the theme of separation represented in “A Passage to India?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
6. Critically examine Forster’s depiction of the Anglo-Indian community in Chandrapore. [NU: 2019, 21]

To the Lighthouse

1. Critically analyze the significance of the journey to the Lighthouse. [NU: 2019]
2. Discuss the major themes of the novel “To the Lighthouse.” [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
3. Justify the title of the novel, “To the Lighthouse.” [NU: 2021] Or, Examine the aptness of the title “To the Lighthouse.” [NU: 2017]
4. Discuss the character of Lily Briscoe. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
5. What do you mean by ‘Stream of Consciousness technique’? How does Virginia Woolf use this technique in her novel “To the Lighthouse?” [NU: 2022] ★★★

Sons and Lovers

1. Analyze the father–son relationship in “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2017]
2. Comment on the character of Walter Morel. [NU: 2018] Or, Discuss Walter Morel as a tragic character. [NU: 2016]
3. Comment on the theme of Mother-Fixation in “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2017, 20, 22] ★★★ Or, Illustrate the term’ Oedipus Complex’ in the context of “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2015]
4. Discuss the treatment of love and marriage in “Sons and Lovers.” [NU: 2015, 18, 21] ★★★

The Grass is Singing

1. Comment on the significance of the title, “The Grass is Singing.” [NU: 2017]
2. Discuss the theme of colonialism or racism in “The Grass is Singing.” Or, “The Grass is Singing” deals with the theme of Colonialism. Elucidate. [NU: 2016] Or, How are the black Africans treated in “The Grass is Singing?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
3. The novel “The Grass is Singing” is a story of a failed marriage. Discuss. [NU: 2019]
4. What picture of social life do you get in Doris Lessing’s “The Grass is Singing?” [NU: 2016, 20, 22] ★★★
5. Portray the character of Mary, focusing on her development, education, and feminist ideals, in Doris Lessing’s “The Grass is Singing.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20, 22]  ★★★

 

American Poetry 

Part B

Emily Dickinson

1. Find out the mystic, religious, and elements of love in the poem “Wild Nights – Wild Nights.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20] ★★★
2. How long will the poet continue drinking the alcohol or nectar from Nature? [NU: 2016, 18] Or, How does the poet express her enthusiasm for drinking the alcohol of the beauties of Nature? [NU: 2022]
3. How does Dickinson treat immortality in her poems? [NU: 2020]
4. Critically analyze the poem “I Felt a Funeral in My Brain” by Emily Dickinson.
5. Describe the mourners and how they affect the poet in “I Felt a Funeral in My Brain.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
6. How did the poet feel when the coffin was lifted by the mourners? [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★

Walt Whitman

1. How does Walt Whitman describe the lilac bush? [NU: 2017, 19]
2. How does Whitman describe the beauty of his “Own Manhattan?” [NU: 2022]
3. How does Whitman express his grief over the death of the captain? [NU: 2018]
4. Write a note on Whitman’s use of images and symbols. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
5. What is the background of the poem “O Captain! My Captain!?” [NU: 2016, 20, 22] ★★★
6. What does the poet mean by “Our fearful trip is done?” [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★

Robert Frost

1. What did the poet and his neighbour do in “Mending Wall?” [NU: 2016] Or, What are the arguments of the two men in “Mending Wall?” [NU: 2013]
2. What message does Frost convey through his poem “Mending Wall?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
3. What does the speaker of “After Apple-Picking” foretell about his dreaming? [NU: 2015, 19] ★★★
4. What idea does the poet convey by “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall”? [NU: 2019]  Or, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.”-Discuss. [NU: 2022]
5. Why was Warren unwilling to hire Silas anymore? [NU: 2016, 20]
6. What is Frost’s attitude to nature in “Tree at My Window?” [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
7. Analyze the theme of the poem “The Road Not Taken.” [NU: 2020]
8. Was Robert Frost wise in choosing the road not frequented by people in “The Road Not Taken?” [NU: 2018] Or, Why did Robert Frost choose the road not frequented by people? [NU: 2022]

Langston Hughes

1. What did Langston Hughes learn from his visit to the rivers? [NU: 2015, 18] ★★★
2. How are the rivers in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” associated with Negro slavery? [NU: 2019] Or, How, according to Langston Hughes, are the rivers related to Negro slavery in “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” [NU: 2022]
3. How was the singer singing on Lenox Avenue at night? What was the subject matter of his songs? [NU: 2018]
4. Show the racial inequality in the poem “I, Too, Sing America.” [NU: 2020] Or, What picture of a Black American do you get from the poem “I, Too, Sing America?”
5. “I am the darker brother” — Who said this and in what context? [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
6. Do you think “I, Too, Sing America” expresses the optimistic view of the Black American slave? [NU: 2016] Or, Do you think Langston Hughes is an optimistic poet? [NU: 2020]
7. How does the poet use colour as a symbol of race? [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★

 

Part C

Emily Dickinson

1. What are the distinctive features of the poetic diction of Emily Dickinson? [NU: 2017]
2. Discuss the major themes in Dickinson’s poems you have read. [NU: 2015, 18]
3. Discuss the mysticism used in Dickinson’s poetry. [NU: 2016, 20, 22] ★★★
4. Death is the recurring symbol of Emily Dickinson’s poetry — Illustrate. [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★ Or, How does Dickinson treat death in her poems? [NU: 2022] Or, Write a note on Dickinson’s treatment of death in her poems. [NU: 2015]
5. Discuss Dickinson as a poet of nature. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
6. Write a critical appreciation of Dickinson’s “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed.” [NU: 2018]  

Walt Whitman

1. Evaluate Whitman as a poet of democracy. [NU: 2018, 20, 22] ★★★
2. Consider “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” as an elegy. [NU: 2017, 20, 22] ★★★ Or, Do you think “When Lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” is an elegy? Substantiate your answer. [NU: 2015]
3. Examine “O Captain! My Captain!” as an elegy. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★
4. How does Whitman express the grief of Americans during the funeral procession of Lincoln? [NU: 2015]
5. Discuss Whitman as a modern poet. [NU: 2016, 19, 21]

Robert Frost

1. Depict the theme of alienation in the poems of Robert Frost. [NU: 2018]
2. Analyze the rural settings in the poems of Robert Frost. [NU: 2019, 22] Or, “Frost’s poems are local in color but universal in appeal.” Discuss.
3. Point out the characteristics of Frost’s poetry that mark him as a poet of nature. [NU: 2018, 20] Or, Evaluate Robert Frost as a poet of nature. [NU: 2016, 21]
4. Evaluate Robert Frost as a modern poet. [NU: 2020, 22] Or, In what sense is Robert Frost a modern poet? [NU: 2017] Or, Frost’s poetry reflects modern life despite its pastoral settings. ★★★
5. Evaluate Frost as a poet of the common man. [NU: 2015]
6. Write a critical appreciation of the poem “The Death of the Hired Man.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★

Langston Hughes

1. How does Langston Hughes expose the ugly aspects of American life? [NU: 2015, 18, 22] ★★★
2. Give an estimation of Langston Hughes as an American poet with reference to the poems you have read. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★ Or, Discuss the socio-political conditions of America as the background to Langston Hughes’ poetry.
3. Discuss the major themes of Langston Hughes’ poems you have read. [NU: 2020, 22]
4. Describe the liberal attitude of Langston Hughes towards America. [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★
5. What is symbolism? What symbolic elements do you find in the poems of Langston Hughes? [NU: 2017, 19, 21] ★★★

 

American Literature: Fiction and Drama

Part B 

Young Goodman Brown 

1. How does Faith try to stop Young Goodman Brown from taking the journey on that evening? [NU: 2016]
2. What do “the Pink Ribbons,” “the Staff,” and “the Forest” signify? [NU: 2017, 18, 19] ★★★
3. Where does Young Goodman Brown go wrong? [NU: 2019]
4. Does the character Faith really bear faith? Discuss. [NU: 2015, 20, 22] ★★★
5. What is the symbolic importance of the character Goody Cloyse in “Young Goodman Brown?” [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★
6. Depict the dark side of Salem village. [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

The Hairy Ape

1. Write a short note on Paddy. [NU: 2016]
2. Write what you know about Mildred Douglas. [NU: 2017] ★★★ Or, Analyze the character of Mildred Douglas. [NU: 2019]
3. What is the significance of Fifth Avenue in “The Hairy Ape?” [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★

The Sun Also Rises

1. Compare and contrast the two characters, Jake and Cohn. [NU: 2015]
2. How can you describe the Parisian café culture in “The Sun Also Rises?”
3. Do you think that Brett is a sympathetic character? Give reasons. Or, Do you feel any sympathy for Brett in “The Sun Also Rises?” Give reasons. [NU: 2022]
4. What conflicts do we find in “The Sun Also Rises?” [NU: 2015, 20, 22] ★★★
5. Is the novel “The Sun Also Rises” a tragedy or a satire? Evaluate. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
6. What kind of lifestyle does Lady Brett Ashley maintain? [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
7. How is the relationship between Jake Barnes and Lady Brett? [NU: 2016]
8. Show the differences between Jake Barnes and Pedro Romero. [NU: 2018]

Seize the Day

1. What influence does Dr. Tamkin have on Wilhelm? [NU: 2015]
2. What are the reasons for Wilhelm’s failure in the modern competition? [NU: 2017] ★★★
3. Write a short note on Hotel Gloriana. [NU: 2017]
4. Is “Seize the Day” a novella? Why? [NU: 2020]
5. Comment on the funeral scene in “Seize the Day.” [NU: 2020, 22] ★★★ Or, What is the significance of the funeral scene of “Seize the Day?” [NU: 2018]
6. How is Tommy Wilhelm regenerated at last? [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
7. Why did Dr. Adler refuse to provide any financial assistance to his son Tommy Wilhelm? [NU: 2018]
8. Assess the relation between Dr. Adler and Tommy Wilhelm. [NU: 2016]

Beloved

1. Analyze the character of Baby Suggs. How does she treat Sethe? [NU: 2016, 19] ★★★
2. How does Beloved help Denver gain an independent identity? [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
3. Write on the theme of memory in “Beloved.” [NU: 2015, 20]
4. Give a brief description of Denver in “Beloved.” [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
5. Describe Beloved as an allegorical figure. [NU: 2017, 21]

 

Part C

Young Goodman Brown

1. How was Young Goodman Brown taken into the world of evil? Or, How is Young Goodman Brown tempted to sin by curiosity? [NU: 2016] Or, Why must Young Goodman Brown make his journey into the forest?
2. The inherent tendency to evil of human nature has been depicted in the story “Young Goodman Brown” — discuss. [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★ Or, “Evil is the nature of mankind” — Discuss.
3. What is an allegory? Evaluate “Young Goodman Brown” as an allegory. [NU: 2020] Or, What allegorical elements do you find in “Young Goodman Brown?” [NU: 2018]
4. Comment on the use of symbols in the story “Young Goodman Brown.” [NU: 2017, 19, 21] ★★★

The Hairy Ape

1. Consider Yank as a tragic character. [NU: 2016] Or, Who is Yank? How does he meet his tragedy? 
2. Evaluate “The Hairy Ape” as a modern tragedy. [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★
3. Discuss the major themes of “The Hairy Ape.” [NU: 2017]
4. Comment on the crisis of identity and isolation in the play “The Hairy Ape.” [NU: 2015]
5. Describe the class conflicts in “The Hairy Ape.” [NU: 2018, 20]
6. Describe the human regression by industrialization in “The Hairy Ape.” [NU: 2020, 22] ★★★
7. Consider “The Hairy Ape” as a social satire. [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★

The Sun Also Rises

1. Evaluate “The Sun Also Rises” as a fictional chronicle of a “lost generation.” [NU: 2015]
2. What is the significance of the title of “The Sun Also Rises?” [NU: 2019] Or, Justify the title “The Sun Also Rises.” [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★
3. Discuss the impact of World War I on the lives of the characters in “The Sun Also Rises.” [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
4. How can Jake Barnes be treated as a Hemingway Code Hero? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★ Or, How does Hemingway define a Code Hero? Comment on how the writer makes use of his concept of the Code Hero in “The Sun Also Rises.” [NU: 2022]
5. Discuss Hemingway’s treatment of religion in “The Sun Also Rises.” [NU: 2021]
6. What is the significance of bullfighting and bullfighters in “The Sun Also Rises?” [NU: 2016, 21]
7. How did the idea of masculinity change after World War I, as you find in “The Sun Also Rises?” [NU: 2018]

Seize the Day

1. Write a note on American life and society as depicted in Saul Bellow’s “Seize the Day.” [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★ Or, Discuss Bellow’s attitude towards contemporary American society in “Seize the Day.” [NU: 2017]
2. How did Tommy Wilhelm get his freedom in “Seize the Day?” [NU: 2018] Or, Examine the ending of “Seize the Day” and explain whether or not Tommy Wilhelm finds consolation and salvation at the end.
3. Justify the title of the novel “Seize the Day.” [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★
4. What is the “American Dream”? How does Wilhelm become a victim of it? [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★
5. How did Mr. Tamkin convince Tommy to invest money in “Seize the Day?” [NU: 2018]

Beloved

1. Critically discuss the role of Paul D in Beloved. [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
2. Why did Sethe try to kill Beloved? [NU: 2018]
3. Discuss the treatment of supernatural elements in “Beloved.” [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
4. Give a pen picture of the house in Morrison’s “Beloved.” [NU: 2020]
5. What picture of racial violence do you find in “Beloved?” [NU: 2015, 19, 21] ★★★
6. How does Toni Morrison present the white people’s attitude towards the black people in American society? [NU: 2016]  

 

Classics in Translation

Part-B

The Iliad

1. Who would you consider the protagonist of “The Iliad?” Give reasons. [NU: 2017]
2. Discuss the involvement of Patroclus in the Trojan War. Or, Describe the funeral ceremony of Patroclus. [NU: 2019]
3. What was Queen Hecuba’s dream when she had conceived Paris? [NU: 2015]
4. What was Hector’s attitude to Paris? [NU:  2013, 15] ★★★
5. Why did Achilles withdraw from the war and later return? [NU: 2014, 19, 20] ★★★
6. Critically comment on the duel between Paris and Menelaus. [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
7. Write short notes on these topics: “Thetis,” “Zeus,” “Andromache.” [NU: 2017, 19, 22]
8. What was Hector’s last request to Achilles? [NU: 2020]
9. Write a note on Homeric similes. [NU: 2016, 18, 21] ★★★
10. Write a note on Achilles’ shield. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★

Agamemnon

1. What is the guilt of Agamemnon that brings miseries in his life? [NU:  2013, 22] ★★★
2. Trace the origin of Greek tragedy with special reference to Aeschylus. [NU: 2014]
3. Write in brief about Aeschylus’s gods and goddesses. [NU: 2018]
4. Bring out the dramatic significance of the Red Carpet Episode in “Agamemnon.” [NU:  2013, 17, 18] ★★★
5. Evaluate the illicit relationship between Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. [NU: 2017, 19] ★★★
6. Write a short note on Cassandra as you found in “Agamemnon.” [NU:  2015, 18, 20, 22] ★★★ Or, Who was Cassandra, and how did she die? [NU: 2017]
7. Discuss the importance of the opening scene of “Agamemnon.” [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★
8. Can Agamemnon’s murder be justified? [NU: 2021] Or, How would you justify Clytemnestra’s murder of her husband, Agamemnon?

Medea

1. Is Medea a wife only, or also a mother? Discuss. [NU:  2014]
2. Why did Jason marry Glauce in “Medea?” [NU: 2016, 18] ★★★ Or, Why does Jason turn from Medea to Glauce? What is its outcome?
3. “Medea is more sinned against than sinning.” Justify the statement. [NU: 2015, 22] ★★★
4. Write what you know about Jason. [NU:  2014]
5. Describe the death scene of Glauce. [NU:  2013, 20, 22] ★★★
6. Write a short note on the Medea–Jason relationship. [NU: 2021]
7. What suspicions did Creon have against Medea? [NU: 2022]

The Frogs

1. What role does Pluto play in “The Frogs?” [NU: 2018]
2. Why did Aeschylus and Euripides attack each other? What was the result? Or, How did Dionysus resolve the dispute between Aeschylus and Euripides? [NU:  2014, 16] ★★★
3. What role does Dionysus play in “The Frogs?” [NU: 2014, 17] ★★★
4. Who are the intellectuals in “The Frogs?” [NU: 2015] Or, In “The Frogs,” Aristophanes criticises the intellectuals of his own period. Discuss.
5. Consider “The Frogs” as an Old Comedy. Or,  Analyse the salient features of “The Frogs” in the light of the definition of old comedy. [NU: 2018]
6. Write a short note on Hades. [NU: 2010]
7. What was Aristophanes’ attitude to women? [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★

Phaedra

1. How does Neptune fulfill Theseus’s prayer? [NU: 2016]
2. Why does Hippolytus feel a strong dislike for womenfolk? [NU: 2013, 15] ★★★
3. What happened when Phaedra tried to embrace Hippolytus? [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★
4. Sketch the character of Phaedra as a woman of high passion. [NU: 2021] Or, Why is Phaedra still a tragic character despite her questionable conduct?
5. Comment on the way of life of Hippolytus. [NU: 2021] ★★★ Or, Discuss the pattern of life spent by Hippolytus. [NU: 2018] Or, Justify Hippolytus as a tragic hero.

 

Part-C

The Iliad

1. “The subject of The Iliad is the wrath of Achilles.” Discuss.[NU: 2012, 17, 19] ★★★
2. Write on Homer as a realist with reference to his epic poem “The Iliad.” [NU: 2012, 16]
3. How does Homer delineate Olympian gods and goddesses in “The Iliad?” [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★
4. Discuss how the action in “The Iliad” is influenced by the immortals. [NU: 2019] Or, “In The Iliad, the immortals behave like the mortals.” Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2015]
5. Make a note on the picture of society you find in Homer’s “The Iliad.” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

Agamemnon

1. Comment on the role and function of the Chorus in the play “Agamemnon.” [NU: 2022] ★★★ Or, Assess the role of the chorus in Agamemnon. [NU: 2019]
2. How does Aeschylus treat the theme of hereditary guilt in “Agamemnon?” [NU: 2014, 17, 20, 22] ★★★
3. Write a note on the use of dramatic irony in “Agamemnon.” [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★

Medea

1. Consider Medea as a revenge tragedy. [NU: 2016, 18, 22] ★★★
2. Evaluate Medea as a tragic heroine. [NU: 2013, 17, 20] ★★★
3. Who is responsible for the tragedy of Medea? Illustrate. [NU: 2021] Or, Is Jason fully responsible for the tragedy of Medea? [NU: 2015]
4. What role does Chorus play in the play “Medea?” [NU: 2018] ★★★ Or, Discuss the role of the Chorus in “Medea.” [NU: 2021]

The Frogs

1. “The Frogs, as a comedy, evokes laughter; it has no malice.” Elucidate. [NU: 2008, 15] Or, “The Frogs” as a comedy, evokes laughter without malice. Elucidate. [NU: 2022]
2. Narrate the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★ Or, Bring out the dramatic significance of the debate scene in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2019] Or, Summarize the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides. [NU: 2022]
3. Do you think “The Frogs” is a satire? If so, elaborate. [NU: 2014, 20] ★★★ Or, How does Aristophanes blend satire and fantasy in “The Frogs?” [NU: 2016]
4. Describe the journey of Dionysus to Hades. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★

Phaedra

1. Write a note on the role of the Chorus in “Phaedra” by Seneca. [NU: 2017] ★★★ Or, How does Chorus contribute to the development of the plot in Seneca’s “Phaedra?” [NU: 2016, 18]
2. Consider “Phaedra” as a tragedy of unrequited love. [NU: 2015, 17,  20] ★★★
3. Do you agree that Seneca’s Phaedra is full of moral discourse? [NU: 2018] Or, Is “Phaedra” a tragedy of passions?
4. Who is to blame for the tragedy of Phaedra? Why? [NU: 2020]
5. Consider “Phaedra” as a revenge tragedy. [NU: 2021] ★★★

 

Literary Criticism

Part B

The Study of Poetry

1. What are the different estimates enunciated by Arnold? [NU: 2017]
2. How does Arnold describe the 18th-century literature or poetry? [NU: 2018]
3. What is Arnold’s view of Chaucer as a poet? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
4. What are the limitations of Victorian criticism? [NU: 2019, 21, 22] ★★★

The Metaphysical Poets

1. What are the influences of Milton and Dryden on the poets of the later ages? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★ Or, What are the two effects of Milton and Dryden on the poets of the later ages that Eliot talks about? [NU: 2020]
2. How did Eliot assess Johnson as a critic of the metaphysical poets? [NU: 2017] Or, What is Eliot’s assessment of Johnson as a critic of the metaphysical poet? [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
3. Eliot shows some similarities between some Elizabethan dramatists and some metaphysical poets like Donne and Herbert. What are the similarities? [NU: 2020]
4. Write a short note on metaphysical poetry. [NU: 2017, 20, 22] ★★★
5. How does Eliot distinguish between ‘the unification of sensibility’ and the ‘dissociation of sensibility’? [NU: 2019, 21]

Introduction to Culture and Imperialism

1. How, according to Edward Said, does culture serve as an instrument of imperialism? [NU: 2018]
2. Trace, after Edward Said, the relationship between the novel and the Western Empire. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
3. How does Edward Said define ‘culture’ with its twofold implications? [NU: 2020] Or, What, according to Edward Said, are the two-fold implications of culture? [NU: 2017]
4. Why does Edward Said admire Joseph Conrad? [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★

The Rise of English

1. What, according to Eagleton, was the literary background of eighteenth-century England? [NU: 2018]
2. How did the development of English help British Imperialism flourish in the 19th century and onwards? [NU: 2019]
3. Why was the Scrutiny project an absurd movement in the context of “The Rise of English?” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
4. What is Eagleton’s attitude to Romanticism? [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
5. What are Terry Eagleton’s views on Eliot’s contribution to English poetry? Or, Discuss Eagleton’s evaluation of T.S. Eliot as a great modern poet.

 

Part C

The Study of Poetry

1. What, according to Matthew Arnold, are the functions of poetry? How far are they acceptable? [NU: 2019, 22]
2. Give an account of Matthew Arnold as a critic. [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★ Or, Evaluate Matthew Arnold as a critic. [NU: 2022]
3. Write a critical note on the “Touchstone Method.” [NU: 2020, 22] Or, What is the touchstone method? What are its merits and demerits? [NU: 2018]
4. “Poetry is the criticism of life, governed by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty.” Discuss. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★ Or, Do you agree with Matthew Arnold that poetry is the criticism of life? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2019]

The Metaphysical Poets

1. What does Eliot mean by ‘dissociation of sensibility’? Discuss. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
2. What method does Eliot suggest for the assessment of the poets wrongly called the metaphysicals by Johnson? What would such a method lead to? [NU: 2019]
3. How does Eliot justify that the Elizabethan and the Jacobean poets were intelligent and the later poets were reflective? [NU: 2019, 22]
4. What similarities does Eliot discover between the modern poets and the metaphysicals? [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
5. How does T. S. Eliot praise Donne’s ability to unify the intellectual thoughts and sensations of feelings? Elucidate. [NU: 2017, 21]

Introduction to Culture and Imperialism

1. Discuss the role of the English novels in perpetuating imperial rule. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
2. What nature of Western Imperialism is highlighted by Edward Said in his “Introduction to Culture and Imperialism?” [NU: 2019] ★★★ Or, What made Said write his book “Culture and Imperialism?” [NU: 2017]
3. What light does Said throw in the ‘Introduction’ about the major themes of “Culture and Imperialism?” [NU: 2020]
4. Explain and illustrate the influence of post-colonialism on Edward Said. [NU: 2021] Or, What is the influence of post-colonialism on Edward Said? [NU: 2017]

The Rise of English

1. Discuss the prose style of Terry Eagleton with reference to “The Rise of English.” [NU: 2017]
2. “The rise of English” is connected with the growth and consolidation of imperialism. Explain. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★ Or, Discuss, after Eagleton, how the “Rise of English” is connected with the growth and consolidation of Imperialism. [NU: 2017]
3. Discuss the evolution of English from the 18th century to the present with reference to Terry Eagleton’s “The Rise of English.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★

Continental Literature 

Part -A

The Metamorphosis Brief  

Part B

Metamorphosis 

1. What was the predicament faced by Mr. Samsa immediately after Gregor’s transformation? [NU: 2019]
2. How does Gregor entertain himself? [NU: 2018]
3. How was Gregor treated when all the members of his family were forced to work? [NU: 2018]
4. How is Gregor’s metamorphosis similar to Grete’s, and how does it differ? [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★
5. Comment on the comic and crime elements in “The Metamorphosis.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
6. How has Gregor’s attitude towards his family changed? [NU: 2020, 22] ★★★
7. What obstacles does Gregor face after turning into an insect? [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★ Or, What is the significance of Gregor’s metamorphosis into an insect?
8. How did Gregor die? How does Kafka project his alienation in “The Metamorphosis?” [NU: 2021]

The Outsider

1. Write a short note on Meursault’s realisation of the absurdity of life. [NU: 2017] ★★★ Or, How does Camus, in his “The Outsider,” attempt to portray the absurdity of man’s existence in the universe?
2. What message do you get from “The Outsider?” [NU: 2018] ★★★
3. What is Meursault’s idea of an afterlife? [NU: 2018]
4. Discuss the European–Arab relation in Camus’ novel “The Stranger/The Outsider” [NU: 2019]
5. What are the themes and motifs in “The Stranger” by Albert Camus? [NU: 2020]
6. What does the sun symbolize in “The Outsider?” [NU: 2022] ★★★
7. What conflict do you notice in the relationship between Meursault and Marie? [NU: 2021]
8. Discuss Camus’ symbolic use of light as you find in his novel. [NU: 2021]

Mother Courage and Her Children

1. Write the historical context of “Mother Courage and Her Children.” [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
2. Discuss briefly the relationship between maternity and war as illustrated in “Mother Courage and Her Children.” [NU: 2017] ★★★
3. What role does religion play in the drama “Mother Courage and Her Children?” [NU: 2019]
4. Why was Swiss Cheese sentenced to death? [NU: 2022]
5. Why does Mother Courage refuse to marry the Cook? [NU: 2019]
6. Describe the situation that leads Kattrin to her death. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
7. What was the crime of Eilif, and why did he die? [NU: 2021]

A Doll’s House

1. Who is the doll Ibsen refers to? [NU: 2018] ★★★
2. How does Torvald react when he finds out about Nora’s debts? [NU: 2017] 
3. What, according to you, is the message of the play “A Doll’s House?”  [NU: 2019]
4. Who is Nora? Why does she not forgive Torvald in “A Doll’s House?”  [NU: 2020] ★★★
5. What role does hereditary disease play in “A Doll’s House?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

Crime and Punishment

1. Why does Raskolnikov decide to confess his crime? [NU: 2017]
2. What is the significance of a yellow passport? [NU: 2018]
3. Write briefly about Dostoevsky’s concept of ethics as traced in “Crime and Punishment.” Or, Discuss in brief Dostoevsky’s concept of ethics as you trace in his novel “Crime and Punishment.” [NU: 2019] ★★★
4. Comment on Sonia’s contribution to Raskolnikov’s redemption. [NU: 2022]
5. Write a short note on Dostoevsky’s use of coincidence. [NU: 2017, 20, 21] ★★★ Or, Discuss the significant role of coincidences in “Crime and Punishment.”
6. What is the significance of Raskolnikov’s dream? [NU: 2021]

 

Part C

The Metamorphosis

1. Bring out the tragic and comic elements in “The Metamorphosis.” [NU: 2019]
2. How far does the transformation of Gregor’s personality affect you? [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
3. Gregor Samsa is presented as a tragic character in “The Metamorphosis.” Do you agree? [NU: 2020]
4. Is Kafka in his “Metamorphosis” cynical? Give reasons for your answer. [NU: 2017, 21] ★★★
5. “Gregor’s metamorphosis is a metaphor of his dehumanization.” Discuss. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★

The Outsider

1. Discuss the character of Meursault in detail. [NB: This question must show his view of society as well as his trial. This also must prove him as an existential and anti-hero.] ★★★
2. Write an essay on Albert Camus’ treatment of alienation in “The Outsider.” [NU: 2020]  Or, Write elaborately on Albert Camus’ treatment of alienation in “The Outsider.” [NU: 2017] ★★★
3. Do you think that the title of “The Outsider” is justified? [NU: 2020] ★★★ Or, Describe the significance of the title “The Outsider.” [NU: 2018] Or, Justify the title of Camus’ novel, “The Outsider.”

Mother Courage and Her Children

1. How do the songs in “Mother Courage and Her Children” relate to the play and Brecht’s conception of epic theatre? [NU: 2017]
2. In Brecht’s play, the life of Mother Courage is plainly an open contradiction. Discuss. Or, “The life of Mother Courage is plainly an open contradiction.”- Discuss. [NU: 2022]
3. Do you consider “Mother Courage and Her Children” a tragedy? Give reasons for your answer. Or, Consider “Mother Courage and Her Children” as a tragedy. [NU: 2019] ★★★
4. Consider Brecht as an innovative playwright with special reference to “Mother Courage and Her Children.” [NU: 2017] ★★★
5. Explain the conflict between the mother and the tradeswoman in “Mother Courage and Her Children.” [NU: 2020]
6. “Mother Courage and Her Children” is an anti-war play. Discuss. [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

A Doll’s House

1. Discuss how Ibsen provides suspense in “A Doll’s House.” [NU: 2017]
2. Evaluate A Doll’s House as a play of social criticism. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★ Or, discuss the conflict between freedom and social conventions in “A Doll’s House.”  Or, consider A Doll’s House as a feminist play.
3. How could “A Doll’s House” be considered a modern tragedy? [NU: 2020, 22] ★★★ Or, Consider “A Doll’s House” as a modern tragedy. [NU: 2017]
4. Write a note on the dramatic irony in “A Doll’s House.” [NU: 2020]
5. “A Doll’s House” is a play about a woman’s self-discovery and liberation. Discuss.  [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
6. Justify the appropriateness of the title “A Doll’s House.” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★

Crime and Punishment

1. Comment on Dostoevsky’s use of irony in “Crime and Punishment.” [NU: 2019, 22]
2. “Crime and Punishment” is a psychological novel. Discuss. [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
3. Consider “Crime and Punishment” as a story of sin, suffering, and redemption. [NU: 2017, 20, 22] ★★★
4. Analyze the split personality of Raskolnikov. [NU: 2021] ★★★ Or, describe Raskolnikov as a dual character. [NU: 2018]

 

Approaches and Methods of Language Teaching

Part B

1. What is the relation between language and culture? [NU: 2021]
2. Write a note on Innatism or Nativism.
3. What is the ‘Critical Period’ or ‘Critical Period Hypothesis’? [NU: 2017, 19, 21] ★★★
4. Distinguish between Acquisition and Learning. [NU: 2015, 17, 18, 20] ★★★
5. What do you know by Language Learning Strategies? [NU: 2021]
6. Why should a teacher know the theories of language teaching methods? [NU: 2018]
7. Discuss the goals of the Grammar Translation Method. [NU: 2015, 18]
8. What are the basic differences between CLT and GTM? [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
9. What are the fundamental differences between the Audio-Lingual Method and the Direct Method? [NU: 2016, 18]
10. What is the role of a teacher in CLT? Discuss the salient techniques of CLT. [NU: 2015, 18, 21] ★★★
11. What is communicative competence? [NU: 2016, 20, 22] ★★★
12. What is the teaching method commonly used in EFL countries? [NU: 2022]
13. What is meant by ‘Post-Method Pedagogy’? Discuss the aims of it. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★
14. What is meant by ‘tissue rejection’ in language teaching methodology? [NU: 2016, 19]
15. What is social context in language teaching? [NU: 2022]
16. What is the difference between learning style and learning strategies? [NU: 2022]
17. Do you think English is a threat to other languages? [NU: 2016, 22] ★★★
18. Does reading in a foreign language differ from reading in L1? [NU: 2022]
19. What are the problems in teaching in a large class? Mention a few suggestions for teaching a large class and discuss the importance of using teaching aids in a language learning classroom. [NU: 2017, 18] 
20. What are the purposes of teaching vocabulary? How can synonyms and antonyms be used in teaching vocabulary? [NU: 2015, 17, 19] ★★★

 

Part C

1. Discuss the structural, functional, and interactional views of language. [NU: 2019]
2. Make a note on the main principles of the Behaviourism Theory of Language Acquisition. [NU: 2015, 17, 21] ★★★
3. Which theory of first language development do you find most attractive or balanced? Why? [NU: 2022]
4. Discuss and evaluate the five hypotheses of Krashen’s Monitor Model. Do you agree with McLaughlin that Krashen’s Theory is seriously flawed in many respects? [NU: 2016, 21]
5. What are the problems of teaching English as a second language in Bangladesh? [NU: 2018]
6. Evaluate the role of the Reform Movement in the history of English Language Teaching, focusing on its main principles. [NU: 2016, 21]
7. Evaluate the Grammar Translation Method, focusing on its characteristics, techniques, strengths, and weaknesses. [NU: 2016, 19, 20] ★★★
8. What are the key features, techniques, and goals of the Direct Method? What are its advantages and limitations? [NU: 2020]
9. What are the goals, techniques, and principles of the Audio-Lingual Method? Discuss its advantages and disadvantages. [NU: 2016, 20, 22] ★★★
10. What is Situational Language Teaching (SLT)? Discuss the approach, design, and procedures of SLT. [NU: 2018, 20]
11. Discuss the main principles of Communicative Language Teaching. Why is CLT considered an approach rather than a method? [NU: 2016, 18, 21] ★★★
12. What are the roles played by learners and teachers in CLT? [NU: 2019, 22]
13. What is meant by ‘Desuggestopedia’? Identify its objectives, main principles, and key features. Evaluate their relevance to mainstream Bangladeshi classrooms. [NU: 2015, 21]
14. Discuss the main concerns and procedures along with the strengths and limitations of the Natural Approach in teaching language. What are the four basic stages of SLA mentioned in this approach? [NU: 2015, 17, 18, 22] ★★★
15. What is Task-Based Language Teaching? Discuss its theoretical principles, chief features, and stages of TBLT. [NU: 2018, 22] ★★★
16. What is Task-Based Language Teaching? Discuss the types of tasks with special reference to Focused Tasks. [NU: 2015, 17]
17. Discuss the importance of ‘pair work’ and ‘group work’ in a language classroom. [NU: 2018, 20]
18. Define Linguistic Imperialism. Discuss the role of English Language Teaching in Linguistic Imperialism. [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★
19. What are the different ways of teaching grammar? Discuss. [NU: 2020]
20. Discuss the major methods, strategies, and techniques of developing vocabulary. [NU: 2017, 22] ★★★