BEGC 134 Solved Assignment: Reading the Novel is a beneficial journey through the world’s literature that introduces students to the art of reading and analyzing novels. The course from IGNOU attempts to direct students to various genres, historical contexts, and literary styles on the one hand and develop critical thinking and interpretative skills on the other.
Whether you are a fiction seeker or a novice to the novel as a genre, BEGC 134 enables you to make sense of the levels of storytelling, narrative techniques, and character development. Through readings that are both challenging and thought-provoking assignments, students will realize how novels enable them to understand cultural, social, and personal narratives in varied time periods. Fuelling your literary analysis skills and acquiring the knowledge of novels that go beyond the plot.
BEGC 134 Course Details
| University | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
| Title | Reading The Novel |
| Language(s) | English |
| Code | BEGC 134 |
| Subject | ENGLISH |
| Degree(s) | BAG |
| Course Generic | Core Course (CC) |
BEGC 134 Study Material Free Download
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Candidates are expected to complete their individual assignments using the books given by IGNOU. These study materials/books are advantageous for completing tasks and preparing for their particular TEE.
| BEGC 133 ENGLISH STUDY MATERIAL | |
|---|---|
| Block 1 | The Novel: An Introduction |
| Block 2 | Kate Chopin: The Awakening |
| Block 3 | Gopinath Mohanty : Paraja |
| Block 4 | Chinua Achebe : Things Fall Apart |
| DOWNLOAD FULL BOOK IN ONE CLICK | |
BEGC 134 Previous Year Question Papers
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BEGC 133 Solved Assignment Question Paper
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BEGC 134 Solved Assignment Free
Answer all questions.
Section A
Q1. Write short notes in about 200 words each:
Ans. 1. Narrative Modes
Narrative modes refer to the different ways stories are told in literature. Commonly, these modes include first-person, third-person, and omniscient perspectives. The first-person mode involves a narrator who is also a character in the story, offering personal insights and emotions. The third-person mode presents the story through an external observer, either focusing on a single character (limited) or providing a broader view of all characters (omniscient).
In the omniscient mode, the narrator can access all characters’ thoughts and events, often providing commentary. Additionally, there are variations like stream-of-consciousness, where thoughts are presented in a flowing, often fragmented manner, and epistolary, where the story is told through letters or diary entries. Each narrative mode affects how readers experience the story, creating different levels of intimacy, insight, and emotional engagement.
2. Novel of the Diaspora
The novel of the diaspora explores the experiences of individuals who are part of a displaced community due to migration, war, or colonization. These novels reflect themes of identity, belonging, alienation, and cultural conflict as characters navigate their relationships between the homeland and the new world. Authors of diaspora novels often depict the emotional and psychological struggles of balancing the past with the present and maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to new environments.
A notable example is Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake, which follows the journey of a young man torn between his Bengali heritage and his American upbringing. These novels contribute to understanding globalization and its impact on individuals and communities, highlighting issues such as racism, class struggles, and the search for a new sense of home.
3. Origins of the Novel
The novel as a literary form emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, though its roots trace back to ancient storytelling traditions like epic poems and romances. The early novel was shaped by various genres such as the picaresque, the moral tale, and the short story. In England, works like Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740) marked the rise of the novel as we know it today.
These works focused on individual experiences, psychological depth, and realistic plots, breaking away from earlier literature’s idealized and allegorical narratives. Over time, the novel became a platform for exploring complex characters, social issues, and human nature, which cemented its place as the dominant literary form of the modern world.
4. Literary Trends in 18th and 19th Century England
England’s 18th and 19th centuries witnessed significant literary developments, including the rise of the novel and Romanticism. The 18th century saw the flourishing of the novel with authors like Defoe, Richardson, and Fielding. Satire also gained prominence, with writers like Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels) critiquing social and political issues. The Romantic period (late 18th to early 19th century) shifted focus toward individualism, nature, and emotion, with poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge leading the movement.
The Victorian era (19th century) was marked by industrialization, social reform, and realism, with authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot exploring class struggles, morality, and the human condition. This period also saw the rise of the Gothic novel, exemplified by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Collectively, these trends helped shape modern English literature, influencing themes, character portrayal, and narrative structures.
Section B
Answer the following in about 600 words each:
Q1. Critically comment on the nineteenth century, which may be helpful in understanding The
Awakening by Kate Chopin.
Ans. Critical Commentary on the Nineteenth Century:
The nineteenth century was a period of profound social, cultural, and political change, especially in the Western world. This century saw the Industrial Revolution, shifts in gender roles, the rise of feminism, and significant changes in the social fabric of societies, particularly in the United States. Understanding these transformations is essential to analyzing Kate Chopin’s The Awakening (1899), as the novel critically reflects the period’s tensions, particularly regarding gender, sexuality, and personal autonomy.
Social Structure and Gender Norms
The nineteenth century in America was dominated by rigid gender roles. The concept of “true womanhood” or “cult of domesticity” shaped the expectations placed on women, confining them to the roles of wives, mothers, and caretakers. Women were expected to be submissive, nurturing, and self-sacrificing, their value measured by their ability to uphold the family unit and the moral fabric of society. The domestic sphere was seen as their realm, while the public sphere – politics, business, intellectual life – was the province of men.
In The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, challenges these societal expectations. Throughout the novel, Edna’s desire for personal freedom and sexual autonomy comes into conflict with the prescribed role of women in late nineteenth-century society. Her marriage to Léonce Pontellier, a wealthy, business-minded man, initially offers material comfort, but it stifles her personal growth and self-discovery. Edna’s growing dissatisfaction with her domestic role reflects the frustration many women of the era felt with the limitations placed upon them.
The Rise of Feminism
The nineteenth century also witnessed the emergence of the feminist movement, particularly in the later part of the century, as women began to demand more rights and freedoms. The first-wave feminist movement, which focused on legal issues such as suffrage, property rights, and marriage laws, gained momentum in the 1840s and 1850s with figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth. By the time The Awakening was published, these early feminists had begun challenging the legal and societal restrictions on women.
Edna’s desire for independence, both emotional and financial, can be seen as a direct response to these growing feminist ideals. Her affair with Robert Lebrun is not only an emotional and sexual awakening but also a rebellion against the constraints of her marriage. Her search for a sense of self that transcends the roles of wife and mother highlights the early stirrings of feminist thought and reflects the tension between societal expectations and individual desires. However, unlike some of the feminist figures of the time, Edna does not overtly seek public change but instead seeks personal liberation, which may be seen as a more subtle form of resistance.
Sexuality and the Changing Moral Landscape
The nineteenth century also saw changing attitudes toward sexuality. Although Victorian society was known for its prudishness and repression of overt sexual expression, the period also witnessed a growing sense of individualism, which affected views on personal freedom, including sexual autonomy. Authors like Henry James and even the more radical figures like the French naturalist writers were beginning to explore themes of desire, sexuality, and individual freedom in their works.
Chopin’s treatment of sexuality in The Awakening is central to Edna’s personal crisis. Edna’s sexual liberation through her affair with Robert and her exploration of her own desires mark a sharp contrast to the puritanical moral codes of the time. This rebellion against the norms of sexual propriety was scandalous for its time. Yet, it resonates with the early stirrings of what would later become a more open discourse on women’s sexual freedom. The portrayal of Edna’s relationship with Robert, and later her brief encounters with Alcée Arobin, reveals the complexity of a woman attempting to understand her own sexual identity in a world that seeks to suppress it.
Artistic and Intellectual Movements
The nineteenth century also saw various artistic and intellectual movements flourishing, such as Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism. These movements encouraged the exploration of individual consciousness, emotions, and the human condition. Chopin’s The Awakening can be situated within the Realist and Naturalist traditions, which sought to portray characters as products of their environment and internal drives. Edna’s struggle is as much psychological as it is societal, representing the naturalist concern with how external forces (marriage, family, and society) shape and confine the individual.
Chopin’s use of symbolism, especially through the sea and birds, further reflects the intellectual currents of the time. The sea symbolizes freedom and the unconscious, while birds represent both the potential for flight and the entrapment that comes with societal roles. These motifs, embedded within a broader intellectual and artistic landscape, reflect the growing exploration of the human psyche during the late nineteenth-century
The Awakening is a novel deeply embedded in the nineteenth century’s cultural, social, and intellectual currents. Chopin’s portrayal of Edna’s search for personal freedom and her rejection of traditional gender roles reflects the growing discontent among women during the period. Her exploration of sexuality, independence, and personal identity challenges the strict moral codes of the time, positioning The Awakening as a feminist text, even if subtle in its critique.
The novel thus provides a lens through which we can understand the changing societal values of the late nineteenth century, offering a critique of the limitations imposed on women, both by society and by the traditional expectations of marriage and motherhood, especially regarding social criticism and the exploration of moral dilemmas.
Q2. Give a detailed comment on the style used by Chinua Achebe in Things.
Ans. Detailed Commentary on the Style Used by Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is regarded as one of the most significant works of African literature, not only because of its powerful storytelling but also due to Achebe’s distinctive narrative style. Achebe employs a multifaceted style that blends traditional African oral storytelling techniques with the formal structure of the Western novel. His use of language, symbolism, narrative structure, and characterization reflects his aim to authentically present African culture while also critiquing colonialism’s effects on individuals and societies.
Language and Tone
Achebe’s mastery of language in Things Fall Apart is one of the novel’s most striking features. He writes in English, but his style is infused with elements of Igbo language and culture. This blend creates a unique narrative voice that bridges the gap between African and Western literary traditions. Achebe uses simple, clear English, making the novel accessible, yet he frequently incorporates Igbo words and phrases, often with immediate translation or contextual clarification, preserving the novel’s cultural authenticity. This bilingual approach allows readers to experience the rhythm and nuance of Igbo life while still engaging with the novel in a familiar language.
The novel’s tone is authoritative and detached, with Achebe adopting a narrative stance emphasizing objectivity. While there is no overt emotional manipulation, the narrative tone invites readers to reflect critically on the unfolding events. Achebe’s choice of tone is essential in demonstrating the clash between traditional Igbo customs and colonial influences without overly sentimentalizing or demonizing either side. The detached tone also allows for an exploration of the complexity of the novel’s central character, Okonkwo, and the societal structures around him.
Use of Oral Tradition and Storytelling
One of the most important stylistic features of Things Fall Apart is Achebe’s integration of oral storytelling traditions. As a member of the Igbo culture, Achebe was well-versed in the storytelling practices passed down through generations. In Things Fall Apart, he incorporates elements of these oral traditions, such as proverbs, folktales, and chants, which serve to reinforce the themes and social fabric of Igbo society.
For example, Achebe frequently uses proverbs to convey moral lessons or wisdom, a hallmark of African oral tradition. Proverbs are highly regarded in Igbo culture as a means of communicating complex ideas succinctly and with authority. An example from the novel is the proverb, “The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them,” which reflects the novel’s broader themes of fate and hierarchy. By using proverbs, Achebe not only enriches the text but also deepens the cultural authenticity of the work, grounding it in the traditions of the Igbo people.
Narrative Structure and Point of View
Another key aspect of Achebe’s style is his narrative structure. The novel is written in the third-person omniscient point of view, which allows Achebe to present a comprehensive and objective view of Igbo society. The omniscient narrator provides insights into the thoughts and actions of the central character, Okonkwo, and other characters’ lives, thus giving readers a broader understanding of the community’s dynamics.
Achebe also uses a cyclical structure in Things Fall Apart, mirroring the rise and fall of Okonkwo. The narrative begins with Okonkwo at the height of his power and prestige in the Igbo community, and the story traces his downfall due to personal flaws, external pressures, and, ultimately, the impact of colonialism. This cyclical nature is reinforced by the structure of the novel, which is divided into three parts, representing different stages of Okonkwo’s life: his rise, exile, and tragic end.
Symbolism
Achebe’s symbolic use of imagery is another prominent feature of his writing style. Symbols such as the yam, the forest, and the egwugwu (ancestral spirits) are crucial in reflecting Igbo cosmology and social practices. The yam, for instance, represents male success and power. Okonkwo’s obsession with yams and his agricultural prowess symbolize his attempt to assert dominance and control over his world, including his family and community. The forest, on the other hand, is associated with mystery, the unknown, and the ancestral spirits, representing a sacred and forbidden world.
The egwugwu, representing the ancestral spirits of the Igbo community, symbolizes the communal nature of Igbo justice and culture. In this sense, the egwugwu are a living embodiment of Igbo tradition and law, and their ritualized dances and decisions highlight the importance of community consensus in maintaining social order.
Characterization and Themes
Achebe’s characterization is central to his style. Okonkwo, the protagonist, is a complex character whose actions are driven by his fear of weakness and his desire to succeed. His pride, strength, and adherence to traditional values make him both admirable and tragic. The portrayal of Okonkwo’s relationships with his family, especially his treatment of his wives and children, reflects the patriarchal nature of Igbo society and also highlights the tensions that arise when tradition clashes with individual desire.
Q3. Analyse critically the socio-political structure in Paraja, giving suitable examples from the
text.
Ans. Critical Analysis of the Socio-Political Structure in Paraja by Gopinath Mohanty
Gopinath Mohanty’s Paraja (1956) powerfully depicts the socio-political structure within the Paraja tribal community in Odisha, India. The novel explores the Parajas’ traditional life, their social organization, and the disruption caused by external influences like colonialism and feudalism. Through vivid character portrayals and a deep understanding of tribal customs, Mohanty critiques the impact of these forces on the community’s governance, social relations, and identity.
Traditional Tribal Governance
In Paraja, the socio-political structure of the tribe is primarily based on traditional governance led by elders and the chief. This decentralized system functions through consensus and collective decision-making. The chief, chosen for his wisdom and respect within the community, is seen as the guiding force, not through coercive power but through moral authority. The elders play a significant role in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony. For instance, Kedar, a respected leader in the tribe, embodies this traditional form of leadership, where decisions are made with communal consent rather than authoritarian rule. This system ensures that the community’s values, like fairness, justice, and cooperation, guide its political structure.
Caste Hierarchy and Social Stratification
Despite the relatively egalitarian nature of tribal communities, Paraja reveals some level of social stratification. Though not as rigid as caste systems in mainstream Hindu society, there are divisions within the Paraja tribe based on land ownership, wealth, and social status. The wealthier members, like Rathindra, who own significant land, enjoy greater power and privileges, while the poorer Parajas struggle with debt and exploitation. This socio-economic inequality grew with the increasing influence of feudal landlords and the colonial government, highlighting the tension between traditional communal equality and the emergence of social hierarchy based on economic status.
Impact of Colonialism and Feudal Exploitation
The novel also highlights the destructive influence of colonialism and feudal exploitation on the Paraja community. The arrival of the British and their policies of land revenue collection destabilized the tribal economy and governance. The Parajas, once self-sufficient and governed by customary law, find themselves caught in a web of debt and dependency due to the imposition of taxes and the seizure of land. Bhabani, a feudal landlord, represents the exploitation faced by the Parajas under both colonial and local power structures. His collaboration with the British authorities ensures that the Parajas remain impoverished and indebted, reflecting the larger forces of colonial and feudal oppression that strip the tribe of its autonomy and resources.
This external exploitation worsens the tribe’s economic conditions, leading to increased impoverishment and social unrest. The Parajas’ inability to maintain control over their land or manage their economic resources underlines the growing inequality and the decline of their traditional self-governance.
Political Transformation and Resistance
As the novel progresses, Paraja explores the beginning of political awareness among the Parajas. The introduction of nationalist ideas and the post-independence political structure begins to challenge the status quo. Characters like Rama and Hari embody the emerging resistance to both colonial exploitation and the social changes occurring within the tribe. They become increasingly aware of the need for change in the face of exploitation by landlords and the colonial state.
However, post-independence India’s political system fails to fully address the needs and rights of tribal people. Promises of independence and social justice are often disregarded, as tribal issues remain marginalized in the larger political discourse. The Parajas, who were once isolated from the mainstream, now confront a new form of political neglect, reflecting the difficulties of integrating marginalized communities into a nation-state.
Social Change and Identity Crisis
The socio-political changes in Paraja led to an identity crisis for the Paraja people. The intrusion of external forces—whether through colonial policies, capitalist market systems, or political neglect—creates a clash between their traditional way of life and the pressures of modernity. The younger generation, represented by characters like Nira and Hari, struggles to reconcile these changes. They are caught between their ancestral heritage and the external demands for economic and social integration, leading to a sense of alienation and loss of identity.
Paraja offers a profound critique of the socio-political structure of the Paraja tribe, highlighting how external forces like colonialism, feudalism, and post-independence politics disrupt traditional governance, social cohesion, and economic autonomy. Through characters and narrative, Mohanty portrays the tragic consequences of exploitation and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world. The novel not only critiques the power dynamics within the tribe but also the failure of broader political systems to address the specific needs of tribal communities.
Q4. Attempt a detailed note on Africa’s first contact with the outside world in the context of
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
Ans. Africa’s First Contact with the Outside World in the Context of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is a powerful exploration of the initial contact between the indigenous Igbo society of Umuofia and European colonial forces. Set in the late 19th century, Achebe portrays the profound disruption caused by the arrival of Christian missionaries and British colonial administrators to an African society with rich traditions, governance systems, and spiritual beliefs. Through the tragic story of Okonkwo, Achebe examines the cultural, religious, and political consequences of this first encounter with the outside world.
The Arrival of the Europeans
In Things Fall Apart, the first significant contact with the outside world occurs through the arrival of Christian missionaries. The missionaries, representing the colonial and Western presence, established their mission in Umuofia. Their approach is peaceful at first, using education and the promise of salvation to convert the Igbo people. The missionaries’ primary goal is religious conversion, which directly challenges the Igbo people’s polytheistic beliefs. Christianity, with its emphasis on rejecting traditional Igbo gods and practices, becomes a symbol of the cultural invasion.
At first, the missionaries’ presence seems minimal. They begin by preaching to a few marginalized individuals, particularly the outcasts, and offering them a new sense of belonging. However, as their influence spreads, tensions rise within the community, particularly with Okonkwo, who represents the values of the old ways. The arrival of the missionaries marks the beginning of significant cultural upheaval.
Religious Conflict and Cultural Disintegration
The clash between Christianity and the Igbo traditional religion is one of the novel’s central conflicts. The Igbo religion is rooted in a complex system of ancestral worship, gods, and spiritual customs that govern every aspect of life, from agriculture to justice. The missionaries challenge these beliefs, offering a monotheistic religion that disregards the Igbo spiritual system as “savage” and “primitive.”
The character of Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, symbolizes the impact of Christianity on the younger generation. Nwoye is drawn to the new faith partly because it offers an escape from his father’s culture’s rigid and often harsh traditions. Nwoye’s conversion to Christianity highlights the growing divide between the old and new ways. This marks a deep personal betrayal for Okonkwo, as it signifies the erosion of the values he has spent his life upholding. The missionaries’ success in converting some Igbo people represents the beginning of a spiritual and cultural fracture within the tribe.
Political and Social Disintegration
The arrival of the British colonial administrators further compounds the disruption caused by Christianity. The British introduced their own political systems, which undermined the traditional governance structures of the Igbo. The Igbo people traditionally govern themselves through a council of elders and chiefs, with decisions made based on consensus and respect for tradition. However, the British replaced this system with a colonial administration that centralized power in the hands of British officials.
Another key moment of political disruption is the British colonizers’ establishment of a court system that replaces Igbo judicial practices. The British authorities enforce laws that ignore Igbo customs and impose foreign punishments, weakening the traditional social fabric. A key example is the destruction of the egwugwu, the ancestral spirits who serve as the tribe’s judges. The British arrest and humiliate the egwugwu, symbolizing the collapse of traditional Igbo governance and the increasing control of the colonial state.
Resistance and Tragic Consequences
Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist, embodies the resistance to the changes brought by the outside world. He represents the traditional Igbo values of strength, masculinity, and honour. Throughout the novel, Okonkwo rejects the influence of Christianity and the British colonial authorities, believing that resistance is the only way to preserve Igbo culture. However, his determination and pride ultimately lead to his downfall.
When Okonkwo kills a British messenger in a final act of defiance, he finds that his tribe no longer supports his resistance. The tribal leaders, now under the influence of the colonial authorities, do not respond as they would have in the past. Realizing that his world has irrevocably changed, Okonkwo takes his own life, symbolizing the tragic end of the traditional Igbo society. His death is a poignant commentary on the destructive effects of colonialism, showing that while resistance may have once been an option, it is now futile in the face of overwhelming colonial power.
In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe masterfully depicts Africa’s first contact with the outside world and the devastating impact of European colonialism. Through the arrival of missionaries and colonial administrators, the Igbo society of Umuofia faces a profound cultural, religious, and political upheaval. The novel illustrates the destructive effects of colonialism on indigenous African societies, revealing how European powers undermined traditional systems of governance, religion, and identity. Okonkwo’s tragic death symbolizes the collapse of the old order and the painful transformation of African societies in the face of external domination. Achebe’s work remains a crucial commentary on the complexities of cultural encounters and the long-lasting consequences of colonialism.
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