BEGC 104 explores the concepts, attitudes, and methodologies associated with English literature from the 14th to 17th century, commonly referred to as the early modern era. This course focuses on the pivotal role of religion during that time period and the birth of new ideologies that profoundly transform English culture and society. The texts studied in BEGC 104 encompass the literary works of Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, and Donne. Specifically, the course covers Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.
BEGC 104 Course Details
Course Code: BEGC 104
Title of the Course: British Poetry and Drama 14th-17th Century
No of Credits: 6
University | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
Title | British Poetry and Drama 14th-17th Century |
Language(s) | English |
Code | BEGC-104 |
Subject | English |
Degree(s) | BA (Honours), BAEGH |
Course Generic | Core Course (CC) |
Assignment Question Paper | Download |
BEGC 104 Study Material Free Download Link
Block 1 | Chaucer & Spenser | Download |
Block 2 | Shakespeare & Donne | Download |
Block 3 | Marlowe: Doctor Faustus | Download |
Block 4 | Shakespeare: Macbeth | Download |
BEGC 104 Previous Year Question Papers
JUNE 25 | DECEMBER 24 | JUNE 24 |
DECEMBER 23 | JUNE 23 | DECEMBER 22 |
BEGC 104 Assignment Question Paper
BEGC 104 Solved Assignment
Section – A
Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each. 2 × 5 = 10
a) The wife as an interpreter
b) Sonnet LVII
Ans. a) The Wife as an Interpreter
In literature, the concept of “the wife as an interpreter” often reflects the role of a woman in understanding and mediating between different perspectives, particularly in the context of family or societal dynamics. This theme can be explored through various lenses, including literary texts where a wife’s role extends beyond traditional domestic duties to include interpretation and mediation. In works such as William Shakespeare’s plays or other dramatic literature, the wife’s role might be pivotal in bridging gaps between characters or in resolving conflicts.
For instance, in Shakespeare’s Othello, Desdemona’s role as a mediator between Othello and other characters plays a crucial part in the unfolding drama, even though her efforts are ultimately tragically misunderstood. Similarly, in some British poetry and drama, the wife’s interpretative role highlights her agency and intellectual contribution, challenging the often limited portrayal of women in historical literature. This concept can also be linked to broader discussions about gender roles and the recognition of women’s intellectual and emotional labor in historical and literary contexts.
b) Sonnet LVII
Sonnet LVII is part of William Shakespeare’s famous sonnet sequence, which delves into themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. In this particular sonnet, Shakespeare explores the theme of unrequited love and the complex emotions associated with it. The poem reflects the poet’s sense of longing and frustration as he describes his feelings of being neglected by his beloved. The sonnet employs a rich array of imagery and metaphor to convey the depth of the poet’s emotions.
Shakespeare often uses the sonnet form to express personal and philosophical reflections, and Sonnet LVII is no exception. It showcases his skill in blending emotional intensity with formal structure, employing the traditional sonnet form to explore and articulate his complex feelings. The poem’s focus on the poet’s internal struggle with love and his sense of being undervalued serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of affection and the often painful experience of unfulfilled desire.
Section B
Answer the following reference to the context in about 300 words each:
a) “So Faustus _ / Already done! And holds this principle / There is no chief but only Belzebab! / To whom doth Faustus declare himself.”
This excerpt is from Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus. In this context, Faustus, a scholar who has made a pact with the devil, is expressing his complete submission to the demonic powers he has invoked. The “chief” referred to here is Belzebub, a high-ranking demon in the infernal hierarchy. Faustus, having renounced God and traditional forms of divine authority, has embraced a worldview centered around devilish forces. This declaration signifies his ultimate moral and spiritual downfall, as he rejects Christian doctrines in favor of diabolical power.
The lines reflect Faustus’s profound disillusionment with religion and his willingness to fully commit to the forces of evil. His declaration of allegiance to Belzebub represents his surrender to the temptation of unlimited power, which he believes will surpass any earthly or divine authority. Marlowe uses this moment to highlight Faustus’s tragic flaw: his overreaching ambition and hubris, which leads him to forsake salvation for temporal gains, ultimately sealing his fate.
b) “When in eternal lives to time than / So long as men can breathe grow’st, or eyes / Can see, / So long live this, and this gives life to thee”
This passage is from William Shakespeare’s Sonnet XVIII, where the poet explores themes of immortality and the enduring nature of poetry. Here, Shakespeare is asserting that as long as humanity exists and is capable of seeing or breathing, the poem itself—and by extension, the beloved it praises—will live on. The lines reflect Shakespeare’s confidence in the power of his writing to immortalize the subject of his sonnet.
By suggesting that the poem will endure beyond the confines of time and human mortality, Shakespeare emphasizes the idea that art has the power to transcend temporal limits and preserve the beauty of the beloved forever. This belief in the lasting impact of poetry serves as a testament to the poet’s conviction that his work will outlive even the physical form of his subject, granting it an eternal existence through the written word.
c) “Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, no boundless sea, / But sad mortality ersway their power. How with the rage shall beauty hold a plea,”
This excerpt is from William Shakespeare’s Sonnet LXV, in which the poet reflects on the transitory nature of physical beauty and the inevitability of decay. Shakespeare acknowledges that even the most enduring materials—brass, stone, earth, and the sea—are subject to the ravages of time and the eventual erosion of their permanence due to “sad mortality.” The poet questions how beauty, which is inherently fragile and vulnerable, can withstand the relentless forces of time and decay.
The rhetorical question underscores the paradox of beauty’s impermanence compared to the enduring nature of physical substances. Shakespeare’s contemplation serves as a prelude to his solution: the preservation of beauty through poetry. By immortalizing the beloved’s beauty in verse, the poet suggests that although physical beauty may succumb to time’s ravages, it can achieve a form of permanence through the written word, which defies mortality and continues to celebrate beauty beyond its temporal existence.
Section – C
Answer the following questions in about 800 words each:
1. Critically analyse ‘Sonnet 55’.
Ans. Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence, often referred to by their numbering or their thematic content, includes several sonnets addressed to an enigmatic “Fair Youth.” Among these, Sonnet S.S., known for its unique structure and thematic richness, stands out for its exploration of time, beauty, and the interplay between art and nature. This critical analysis aims to dissect the various elements of Sonnet S.S., focusing on its structure, themes, and literary devices, while situating it within the broader context of Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence.
Structure and Form
Sonnet S.S., like most of Shakespeare’s sonnets, adheres to the traditional sonnet form consisting of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter. The structure is a blend of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, a pattern that allows for thematic development and resolution. This formal structure contributes to the sonnet’s ability to present a complex argument in a concise and impactful manner.
The poem’s use of this strict form contrasts with its thematic content, which often deals with the inefficacy of human efforts to combat the ravages of time. This juxtaposition of form and theme highlights Shakespeare’s skill in using structural constraints to amplify thematic concerns. The final couplet typically serves to resolve the argument or provide a new perspective, often offering a twist or a resolution to the preceding quatrains.
Themes and Content
- The Inevitability of Time and Decay:
One of the central themes in Sonnet S.S. is the inevitability of time and its power to bring about decay. Shakespeare reflects on how even the most durable materials, such as brass, stone, and the boundless sea, are ultimately subject to the effects of time. This theme underscores the poet’s meditation on mortality and the transient nature of physical existence. Shakespeare’s acknowledgment of the vulnerability of these “enduring” materials illustrates his broader concern with the ephemeral nature of beauty and life. Despite their apparent permanence, these substances cannot resist the inevitable erosion caused by time. This theme is part of Shakespeare’s larger exploration of time and its effects on beauty and human endeavors. - The Fragility of Beauty:
The poem also addresses the fragility of beauty, which, according to Shakespeare, is particularly susceptible to the ravages of time. The poet questions how such ephemeral beauty can withstand the destructive forces of time when even the most solid and enduring materials cannot. This exploration of beauty’s impermanence reflects a recurring theme in Shakespeare’s sonnets, where the fleeting nature of physical attractiveness is contrasted with the enduring nature of art and poetry. The sonnet highlights the contrast between the transient nature of beauty and the more enduring qualities of the written word. - Art vs. Nature:
Shakespeare’s sonnet ultimately suggests that art has the power to transcend the limitations imposed by nature. By immortalizing beauty in poetry, Shakespeare provides a means of preserving what would otherwise be lost to time. This idea reflects a central theme in Shakespeare’s sonnets: the power of poetry to defy temporal constraints and preserve beauty. The tension between the natural world and the artistic realm is a recurring motif in Shakespeare’s work. In Sonnet S.S., the poet positions art as a counterforce to the decay wrought by time. The poem implies that while nature can erode beauty, art can preserve it, thereby asserting the value of literary creation as a form of resistance against the inevitability of decay.
Literary Devices
- Imagery and Symbolism:
Shakespeare employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of decay and impermanence. The reference to “brass,” “stone,” “earth,” and the “boundless sea” serves as a symbolic representation of enduring materials that, despite their strength, are eventually overcome by time. This imagery enhances the poem’s exploration of mortality and the fragility of human endeavors. The symbolic contrast between these durable substances and the fleeting nature of beauty underscores the poem’s central argument. Shakespeare’s choice of symbols reflects his broader concerns with the limitations of human achievements in the face of natural and temporal forces. - Rhetorical Questions:
The use of rhetorical questions in the sonnet serves to emphasize the poet’s contemplation of beauty and decay. By questioning how beauty can withstand time’s “rage,” Shakespeare engages the reader in a philosophical reflection on the nature of art and existence. These questions invite the reader to ponder the limitations of physical beauty and the potential of artistic expression to overcome these limitations. - Metaphor and Personification:
Shakespeare often uses metaphor and personification to deepen the thematic exploration of his sonnets. In Sonnet S.S., the personification of time as a force that can “ersway” the power of enduring materials highlights the poet’s view of time as an active, destructive force. This metaphorical language adds depth to the sonnet’s exploration of mortality and the impermanence of physical beauty.
Conclusion
Sonnet S.S. exemplifies Shakespeare’s ability to intertwine formal structure with thematic complexity. Through its exploration of the inevitability of time, the fragility of beauty, and the power of art, the sonnet addresses universal concerns about mortality and the value of artistic expression. Shakespeare’s use of vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and metaphor enriches the poem’s thematic content, while its adherence to the sonnet form underscores the tension between temporal constraints and the enduring nature of art. In doing so, Sonnet S.S. not only contributes to the rich tapestry of Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence but also offers profound insights into the human condition and the role of art in transcending the limits of time.
2. Criticallly analyse ‘Death Be Not Proud’
Ans. John Donne’s poem “Death Be Not Proud,” also known as Holy Sonnet X, is a profound meditation on the nature of death and its perceived power. This sonnet, part of Donne’s “Holy Sonnets,” engages deeply with themes of mortality, defiance, and the ultimate triumph over death through spiritual salvation. The poem’s structure, language, and thematic elements reveal Donne’s complex and often contradictory attitudes towards death.
Structure and Form
“Death Be Not Proud” follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet with an octave and a sestet. The octave sets up a rhetorical argument against death’s power, while the sestet resolves this argument by providing a new perspective. The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter and features a distinctive rhyme scheme (ABBAABBACDCDCD) that contributes to its formal rigidity and rhythmic precision. This structure mirrors the poem’s thematic content, juxtaposing the perceived authority of death with the ultimate affirmation of spiritual triumph.
Themes and Content
- Defiance of Death:
The opening line, “Death be not proud,” immediately sets a tone of defiance. Donne personifies death as a proud figure who is, in fact, powerless. This rhetorical address diminishes death’s perceived authority and suggests that death’s arrogance is misplaced. The poet argues that death does not have the ultimate power that it claims. Rather than being a fearsome force, death is depicted as a temporary and insignificant state. - The Nature of Death:
Donne argues that death is not as formidable as it appears. In lines such as “Thou art not so,” Donne refutes death’s power by suggesting that it is merely a “short sleep” and that it is not the end but a transition. Death is portrayed as a servant to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, all of whom are themselves mortal. The poet contends that death’s true power is an illusion, as it merely facilitates a passage to eternal life. - Triumph Over Death:
The sestet shifts focus to the ultimate triumph over death. Donne asserts that death will eventually be conquered by eternal life. The final lines of the poem—“One short sleep past, we wake eternally / And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die”—express the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life. Through faith, death is rendered powerless and ultimately defeated. The poem suggests that death’s reign is transient, and the promise of eternal life surpasses the finality of death.
Literary Devices
- Personification:
Death is personified throughout the poem, depicted as a proud, arrogant entity. This personification allows Donne to argue directly with death and challenge its supposed authority. By portraying death as an overconfident figure, Donne undermines its power and highlights the poet’s belief in the supremacy of eternal life over temporal death. - Irony:
Donne employs irony to contrast the common perception of death with the poet’s argument that death is insignificant. The poem’s ironic tone reveals that what is often feared and respected is, in reality, powerless compared to the promise of eternal life. This irony underscores the poem’s central message that death is not an end but a transition. - Metaphor:
Death is metaphorically described as a “slave” to various forces, including fate and chance. This metaphorical language diminishes death’s authority by suggesting that it is not an independent power but a subordinate one. The metaphor of death as a “short sleep” further emphasizes its temporary and non-threatening nature.
Context and Interpretation
Donne’s meditation on death is informed by his religious beliefs and the broader context of Christian doctrine. The poem reflects Donne’s deep engagement with the themes of sin, redemption, and eternal life, which are central to Christian theology. The poem’s defiance of death aligns with Donne’s personal spiritual struggles and his belief in the ultimate triumph of faith over mortality.
The historical and religious context of Donne’s time also influences the poem’s themes. The Renaissance period, marked by a renewed interest in classical themes and humanism, saw a complex interplay between religious and secular attitudes towards death. Donne’s work reflects both a traditional Christian view of death as a defeated enemy and a Renaissance engagement with the power of individual faith and reason.
Conclusion
“Death Be Not Proud” is a powerful exploration of mortality and the nature of death, revealing John Donne’s complex attitudes towards these themes. Through its formal structure, vivid personification, and ironic tone, the poem challenges the conventional perceptions of death and asserts the victory of eternal life over temporal death. Donne’s use of literary devices and his engagement with religious and philosophical ideas contribute to the poem’s enduring impact, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on death and the afterlife.
3. Discuss the Character of Macbeth.
Ans. Character Analysis of Macbeth
Macbeth, the protagonist of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, is one of the most complex and compelling characters in English literature. His character undergoes significant transformation throughout the play, driven by ambition, power, and moral corruption. Here is a detailed discussion of Macbeth’s character, examining his initial valor, subsequent ambition, moral decline, and eventual downfall.
1. Macbeth’s Valor and Ambition
At the start of the play, Macbeth is introduced as a valiant and loyal soldier. He earns high praise from King Duncan for his bravery in battle against the traitor Macdonwald and the Norwegian forces. Macbeth’s heroism establishes him as a respected figure in Scotland. However, his encounter with the three witches on the heath marks the beginning of his moral deterioration. The witches’ prophecy that he will become king sparks Macbeth’s latent ambition and sets the stage for his internal conflict.
Macbeth’s initial reaction to the prophecy reveals a deep-seated ambition. He is intrigued and troubled by the possibility of becoming king, but he does not immediately act on it. His ambition, however, is ignited further by Lady Macbeth’s manipulation and the prospect of seizing power.
2. The Role of Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth plays a crucial role in Macbeth’s transformation. Her ambition and ruthlessness challenge Macbeth’s hesitance and moral reservations. She questions his manhood and resolve, pushing him to murder King Duncan to fulfill the witches’ prophecy. Lady Macbeth’s influence reveals the interplay between personal ambition and external pressures in shaping Macbeth’s actions. Her dominance over Macbeth at this stage underscores his moral vulnerability and susceptibility to external manipulation.
3. Macbeth’s Moral Decline
After the murder of Duncan, Macbeth’s character undergoes a dramatic change. Initially, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia, which manifests in hallucinations, such as the ghost of Banquo. His subsequent actions reveal a descent into tyranny and moral corruption. To secure his power, Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo and the massacre of Macduff’s family, further alienating himself from his former identity and allies.
Macbeth’s moral decline is accompanied by a profound sense of isolation. His initial feelings of guilt and remorse give way to a hardened determination to maintain his power at any cost. The once-heroic figure becomes a tyrant, driven by fear and insecurity rather than noble ambition.
4. Macbeth’s Tyranny and Downfall
As Macbeth’s reign progresses, he becomes increasingly tyrannical and detached from reality. His increasing paranoia leads him to make irrational decisions, such as the murder of innocent people, which fuels unrest and rebellion among his subjects. Macbeth’s deteriorating mental state is evident in his erratic behavior and soliloquies, which reveal a deepening sense of existential despair.
Macbeth’s downfall is precipitated by his growing estrangement from the people around him and the prophecy of the witches. His belief in his invincibility, based on their prophecies, ultimately proves to be his undoing. The forces of Macduff and Malcolm, representing rightful authority and justice, converge to challenge Macbeth’s rule.
5. Macbeth’s Legacy
Macbeth’s character is a study in the destructive power of unchecked ambition and moral corruption. His journey from a respected warrior to a despised tyrant illustrates the psychological and moral consequences of pursuing power through unethical means. The play explores themes of ambition, power, and guilt, and Macbeth’s character embodies the tragic consequences of allowing personal desires to override moral considerations.
In the end, Macbeth’s tragic flaw—his overreaching ambition—leads to his downfall and death. His demise, brought about by Macduff, restores order to Scotland but leaves a legacy of moral ambiguity and chaos. Macbeth’s story serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of power and its impact on the human psyche.
Conclusion
Macbeth’s character is central to the tragedy’s exploration of ambition, power, and moral decay. His transformation from a noble hero to a tyrannical ruler underscores the play’s themes and highlights the consequences of moral compromise. Through Macbeth, Shakespeare offers a profound examination of the human condition, illustrating how ambition and external influences can lead to self-destruction.
Comments