BEGE 105 is a course code for a foundation course in English offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Please note that information might have changed, and it’s advisable to check the official IGNOU website or contact the university directly for the most up-to-date information.
Join Our WhatsApp ChannelHere are some general details about BEGE 105:
- Course Title: BEGE 105 – Understanding Prose
- Credits: 8
- Objective: The course is designed to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of prose literature in English.
| University | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
| Title | Understanding PROSE |
| Language(s) | English |
| Code | BEGE-105 |
| Subject | English |
| Degree(s) | BA |
| Course Generic | Electives (GE) |
| Assignment Question Paper | Click Here |
Exploring BEGE 105
1. Diverse Literary Selections
BEGE 105 introduces students to a diverse selection of prose works, ranging from classic to contemporary. The aim is to expose students to different styles, themes, and narrative techniques employed by various authors.
2. Analytical Skills Development
The course goes beyond mere reading and encourages students to develop critical analytical skills. Through close examination of prose pieces, students learn to dissect and appreciate the nuances of literary expression.
3. Cultural and Historical Contexts
Understanding prose literature is not just about the words on the page. BEGE 105 delves into the cultural and historical contexts of the selected works, providing students with a holistic view of the societal influences that shape literature.
Key Components of BEGE 105
1. Study Material
IGNOU provides comprehensive study material that serves as a guide throughout the course. This material includes excerpts from various prose works, critical analyses, and study questions to aid in understanding and interpretation.
2. Assignments and Assessments
BEGE 105 typically involves assignments and assessments to gauge students’ comprehension and analytical abilities. These assignments may include essay writing, critical reviews, and other forms of literary analysis.
3. Tutor Support
To enhance the learning experience, IGNOU offers tutor support. Students can seek guidance from their assigned tutors, facilitating a more interactive and engaging learning process.
Why BEGE 105 Matters
1. Literary Appreciation
BEGE 105 serves as a gateway to literary appreciation. By immersing students in the world of prose literature, the course nurtures a love for reading and a deeper understanding of the beauty inherent in written expression.
2. Critical Thinking Skills
The analytical nature of the BEGE 105 course cultivates critical thinking skills. Students learn to question, interpret, and form well-founded opinions about the literature they encounter, skills that are valuable in various academic and professional pursuits.
3. Communication Proficiency
Engaging with prose literature inherently improves language and communication skills. BEGE 105 hones students’ ability to articulate thoughts coherently and express ideas effectively, skills that transcend the boundaries of literature.
Join Our Telegram ChannelBEGE 105 Questions And Answers (Solved)
Q1) Comment on the dominant variety of prose (narrative, expository or descriptive) present in each of the following passages. Write a brief critical appreciation of each passage in about 250 words each:
Ans. a) The dominant variety of prose present in this passage is expository prose. The author is presenting an argument about the importance of maintaining mental independence and self-respect. The passage is structured around the author’s central thesis, which is that individuals should exercise their own reason and judgment when forming their opinions, rather than blindly following the opinions of others. The author supports this argument by providing examples and explanations that illustrate the dangers of being overly reliant on the opinions of others.
This passage is a well-written and persuasive argument about the importance of mental independence. The author’s use of language is clear and concise, and the structure of the passage is well-organized and easy to follow. The author’s message is relevant and important, as it highlights the dangers of blindly following the opinions of others, and encourages readers to think critically and independently.
b) The dominant variety of prose present in this passage is descriptive prose. The author is describing a series of rooms that have been prepared for an unknown occasion. The passage is structured around a series of detailed descriptions of the objects and furnishings in each room, such as the pictures on the walls, the red carpet on the floors, and the plush chairs in the drawing-room. The author’s descriptions are rich and vivid, and they paint a clear picture of the rooms in the reader’s mind.
This passage is a great example of descriptive prose, as the author’s descriptions are detailed and evocative. The author uses a variety of sensory details to create a vivid picture of the rooms, and the reader can easily imagine themselves in this space. The author’s descriptions also create a sense of anticipation and mystery, as the purpose of the prepared rooms is not revealed.
c) The dominant variety of prose present in this passage is narrative prose. The author is telling a story about a musician who is preparing for a concert. The passage is structured around a series of events that occur before the concert begins, such as the author’s attempts to get the musician to give her the notes to be played, and the musician’s interactions with others who are present. The author’s descriptions of these events are detailed and engaging, and they create a sense of tension and anticipation as the reader waits to see what will happen next.
This passage is a well-written and engaging example of narrative prose. The author’s descriptions of the events that occur before the concert are vivid and engaging, and the reader can easily imagine themselves in the scene. The author’s use of language is also effective, as it creates a sense of tension and anticipation that keeps the reader engaged throughout the passage. Overall, this passage is a great example of how narrative prose can be used to tell a compelling story.
Q2) ‘On Seeing England for the First Time’ is laced with sarcasm and irony with a thread of pathos running through it’. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer quoting examples from the text.
Ans. Yes, I agree that “On Seeing England for the First Time” by Jamaica Kincaid is laced with sarcasm and irony, with a thread of pathos running through it. The essay, which reflects on the impact of British colonialism on the author’s homeland, Antigua, employs various literary devices to convey a mix of emotions, including resentment, bitterness, and a sense of loss.
1. Sarcasm: Kincaid uses sarcasm to highlight the contradictions and absurdities of British colonialism. She points out the irony of being taught about England and British culture while living in a colonized land. For instance, she writes, “The map of England that I looked at in a geography book, when I was a child, suggested a country that was to me a most desirable place, but it also suggested a place that was vaguely unattractive and cold and rainy.” This portrayal of England as both “desirable” and “vaguely unattractive” adds a touch of sarcasm, suggesting that the colonial education idealized the colonizer while subtly criticizing its flaws.
2. Irony: Throughout the essay, Kincaid employs irony to showcase the discrepancies between the romanticized image of England and the harsh reality of colonial exploitation. She describes how she was “taught to be proud of being a colonial subject,” revealing the ironic indoctrination that colonial subjects were subjected to. The fact that she was “taught to think that everything that was being done to me and the people I knew was the good work of England” further exemplifies this ironic perspective.
3. Pathos: Amidst the sarcasm and irony, there is an underlying thread of pathos in Kincaid’s portrayal of the impact of colonialism on her identity and cultural heritage. She expresses how the “hunger to see the England I was taught to want to see” was met with disappointment when she actually visited the country. This disappointment and disillusionment evoke a sense of loss and sadness, as her idealized vision of England clashes with the reality she encounters.
In conclusion, “On Seeing England for the First Time” masterfully weaves together sarcasm, irony, and pathos to create a powerful commentary on the complexities of colonialism. Kincaid’s essay challenges colonial perspectives, exposes the contradictions of the colonial education system, and reflects on the emotional toll of cultural erasure and subjugation, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Q3. Describe Orwell’s experience of shooting an elephant in Burma in detail.
Ans. George Orwell’s essay titled “Shooting an Elephant” recounts his experience as a British police officer in Burma (now Myanmar) and the moral dilemma he faced when he was compelled to shoot an elephant. The essay is a powerful reflection on the dehumanizing effects of imperialism and the conflict between personal conscience and societal expectations.
Orwell begins by setting the scene in Moulmein, a town in Burma, during the time of British colonial rule. As a police officer, he describes the resentment and animosity felt by the Burmese towards their British rulers, and he himself admits to feeling ambivalent about his role as a representative of the British Empire.
One day, Orwell receives a call about an elephant that has gone “must” and is causing havoc in a nearby village. He decides to investigate, partly out of a sense of duty to maintain order, but also to satisfy the expectations of the local crowd that eagerly follows him, hoping to witness the spectacle of an elephant being killed. Here, the tension between the oppressed Burmese and their colonizers is palpable.
Upon reaching the scene, Orwell observes the destruction caused by the rampaging elephant, but he realizes that the elephant is now calm and not posing an immediate threat. He faces a moral dilemma: whether to kill the elephant, as expected of him as a colonial officer, or to spare its life, which he knows is the right thing to do.
In this moment of conflict, Orwell brilliantly portrays the weight of his decision. He describes feeling like an “absurd puppet” controlled by the expectations of the Burmese onlookers, who demand him to act in accordance with the role assigned to him by the colonial system. He is torn between his personal beliefs and the need to assert his authority as a representative of the imperial power.
In the end, succumbing to the pressure and not wanting to appear weak, Orwell decides to shoot the elephant. However, the act itself is agonizing for him, as he knows the elephant is no longer dangerous. The majestic creature takes time to die, and Orwell is haunted by its suffering and the realization of his own complicity in the unjust system of imperialism.
Orwell’s experience of shooting the elephant becomes a profound metaphor for the destructive nature of colonialism, where both the oppressor and the oppressed suffer. The essay serves as a critique of imperialism and a powerful exploration of the complexities of human conscience and the struggle between individual morality and the expectations of society.
Q4. Discuss the character of Gilbert Clandon as he goes from illusion to reality in the short story “The Legacy”.
Ans. In the short story “The Legacy” by Virginia Woolf, Gilbert Clandon undergoes a significant transformation as he transitions from living in illusion to facing harsh realities. The story revolves around Gilbert’s expectations and dreams, which ultimately give way to the truth of his circumstances and his own self-discovery.
At the beginning of the story, Gilbert is portrayed as a young man with grand illusions about his future. He believes that he is destined for greatness and envisions a life filled with success and admiration. He is fixated on the idea of receiving a substantial inheritance, the “legacy” of the title, which he believes will be the key to achieving his dreams.
Gilbert’s illusion is shattered when he finally receives the inheritance, but it turns out to be a mere pittance. The reality of his financial situation hits him hard, and he is forced to confront the fact that his dreams of grandeur may never be realized. Woolf effectively portrays the contrast between Gilbert’s hopeful expectations and the disappointing reality, highlighting the fragility of human aspirations and the unpredictability of life.
As Gilbert faces this harsh reality, his character evolves. He initially responds with disbelief and anger, feeling betrayed by the discrepancy between what he imagined and what actually happened. However, as the story progresses, Gilbert begins to come to terms with his situation and starts to revaluate his priorities.
In this process of self-discovery, Gilbert’s character displays resilience and a capacity for growth. He starts to reassess his ambitions and finds a sense of liberation in the realization that his future is no longer bound by the constraints of his illusions. He begins to embrace the present and finds contentment in simpler pleasures, such as spending time with his dog and appreciating the beauty of nature.
By the end of the story, Gilbert has come to a point of acceptance and self-awareness. He recognizes that his previous illusions were limiting him and preventing him from truly experiencing life. Woolf’s portrayal of Gilbert’s journey from illusion to reality is a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the transformative power of facing one’s own truths.
In conclusion, “The Legacy” by Virginia Woolf presents Gilbert Clandon as a character who undergoes a significant transformation as he moves from living in illusion to confronting harsh realities. The story beautifully captures the human experience of dreams and disappointments and offers insights into the process of self-discovery and acceptance. Through Gilbert’s journey, Woolf delivers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human emotions and the nature of illusions and reality.
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Q5. Discuss some of the main features of Margaret Laurence’s speech “My Final Hour”.
Ans. Margaret Laurence’s speech “My Final Hour” is a powerful and emotional piece of writing that reflects on the author’s life experiences and her views on the human condition. Here are some of the main features of the speech:
1. Personal Storytelling: Laurence uses personal anecdotes and stories from her own life to illustrate her points and connect with her audience. She talks about her childhood in Africa, her struggles as a writer, and her experiences with illness and death.
2. Reflection on Mortality: The speech is centred around Laurence’s impending death and her reflections on what it means to face one’s own mortality. She speaks candidly about her fears and regrets, but also about the beauty and meaning she has found in life.
3. Critique of Society: Laurence is critical of many aspects of society, particularly its focus on materialism and consumerism. She argues that these values have led to a lack of compassion and empathy for others, and a disregard for the natural world.
4. Call to Action: Despite her own impending death, Laurence is not resigned to despair or hopelessness. Instead, she calls on her audience to take action to make the world a better place, whether through political activism, environmental stewardship, or simply being kind to one another.
5. Literary Style: Laurence’s prose is poetic and evocative, with vivid imagery and a strong emotional impact. She uses repetition and parallel structure to emphasize her points, and her language is often metaphorical and symbolic.
Overall, “My Final Hour” is a moving and thought-provoking speech that reflects Laurence’s deep humanity and her commitment to social justice and environmentalism.
Q6. Write a detailed note on how Gandhi spent his days in Calcutta and in Burma as is seen from his An Autobiography.
Ans. In Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” he provides insights into how he spent his days in Calcutta and Burma during significant periods of his life.
Calcutta Days:
During his time in Calcutta, Gandhi faced various challenges and underwent personal growth that shaped his philosophy and actions. He arrived in Calcutta in 1890 to pursue his law studies. While in the city, he struggled to adapt to the urban environment and faced financial difficulties. To save money, he lived a simple life and tried to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Gandhi immersed himself in his studies, and his dedication to the legal profession led him to pass his examinations with success. However, he also began to question the ethics of certain legal practices and became disillusioned with the profession’s focus on financial gain. This internal conflict ultimately prompted him to return to his hometown, Porbandar, after completing his studies in Calcutta.
Burma Days:
Gandhi’s experience in Burma (now Myanmar) marked a turning point in his life. He moved to Burma in 1893 to work as a lawyer. While there, he continued his dedication to his work, but he also developed a keen interest in social issues and humanitarian concerns.
During his time in Burma, Gandhi became actively involved in the Indian community’s affairs and sought to address the injustices faced by Indian laborers and workers. He campaigned for their rights and advocated for fair treatment and improved working conditions. His compassion and empathy for the suffering of others started to shape his commitment to social justice and nonviolent activism.
Gandhi’s experiences in Calcutta and Burma were crucial in shaping his character and ideology. His exposure to the struggles of the common people and witnessing the injustices of society deeply impacted him, planting the seeds of his later movement for nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India.
Throughout his autobiography, Gandhi emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, truth, and nonviolence in his personal and political life. His days in Calcutta and Burma provided valuable life lessons and insights, leading him on the path to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the fight for India’s independence and a symbol of nonviolent resistance worldwide.
In summary, Mahatma Gandhi’s days in Calcutta and Burma were marked by personal challenges, self-reflection, and the development of his commitment to social justice. These experiences laid the foundation for his later advocacy of nonviolent resistance, which played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and left a lasting impact on the world’s history of peaceful activism.
Q7. What do you understand by the stream-of-consciousness novel? Explain with reference to The Binding Vine.
Ans. The stream-of-consciousness novel is a narrative technique in which the author presents the thoughts, feelings, and inner experiences of a character in a continuous and uninterrupted flow. It seeks to replicate the unfiltered and often disjointed nature of human consciousness, providing insight into the character’s mind and psyche. This literary technique allows readers to delve deeply into a character’s thoughts, memories, and associations, providing a more profound understanding of their emotions and motivations.
“The Binding Vine” is a novel written by Shashi Deshpande, an acclaimed Indian author. Although “The Binding Vine” is not typically classified as a pure stream-of-consciousness novel, it incorporates elements of the technique to offer readers a glimpse into the minds and emotions of its characters.
In the novel, Deshpande explores the lives of three women: Urmila, Aparna, and Milind. Through their interconnected stories, Deshpande delves into themes of love, marriage, family, and societal expectations. The narrative employs a fluid and introspective style, allowing readers to follow the characters’ inner thought processes and emotional struggles.
The stream-of-consciousness technique is evident in the way the characters’ thoughts meander from one subject to another, mirroring the way real human minds tend to wander and make connections. For instance, as Urmila reflects on her life and her relationship with her husband, her thoughts might shift rapidly from memories of their early romance to worries about her children’s future to her feelings of suffocation within her marriage.
The novel’s narrative structure is not purely linear but rather a series of interconnected and layered monologues and internal reflections. This approach enables readers to empathize with the characters on a deeper level, understanding the complexity of their emotions and the internal conflicts they face.
In conclusion, “The Binding Vine” by Shashi Deshpande employs elements of the stream-of-consciousness technique to provide a rich and immersive exploration of its characters’ inner worlds. Through this literary approach, Deshpande enhances the depth and realism of the novel, making it a poignant and introspective work that delves into the complexities of human relationships and emotions.
Q8. Boswell’s Life of Johnson is a piece of art. Discuss.
Ans. “Boswell’s Life of Johnson” is indeed considered a masterpiece of biographical literature and a remarkable piece of art. Written by James Boswell, a close friend and biographer of the renowned English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson, the work is celebrated for its depth, richness, and artistry.
1. Literary Craftsmanship: Boswell’s writing style and literary craftsmanship are outstanding. He expertly weaves together personal anecdotes, conversations, and vivid descriptions to create a compelling and engaging narrative. His use of dialogue, in particular, brings Johnson and other characters to life, making the reader feel as if they are witnessing these historical figures first-hand.
2. Psychological Insight: Boswell demonstrates a profound understanding of human psychology, especially in his portrayal of Samuel Johnson. Through meticulous observation and intimate conversations, Boswell captures Johnson’s quirks, strengths, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. He delves into the complexities of Johnson’s character, presenting a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrait of the man behind the literary legend.
3. Intimacy and Authenticity: Boswell’s deep friendship with Johnson grants the biography a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Their closeness allows Boswell to access Johnson’s innermost thoughts and feelings, resulting in a portrayal that feels genuine and unfiltered. This authenticity adds to the work’s artistic merit, as it offers readers a rare glimpse into the private life of a prominent literary figure.
4. Historical and Cultural Significance: “Boswell’s Life of Johnson” is not only a biographical masterpiece but also a valuable historical and cultural document. Through his meticulous research and first-hand experiences, Boswell provides insights into 18th-century England, its intellectual circles, and the literary scene of the time. The work is a window into the lives of some of the most influential figures of the era.
5. Enduring Legacy: The enduring popularity and influence of “Boswell’s Life of Johnson” attest to its status as a piece of art. The biography has been cherished by readers across generations, inspiring subsequent biographers and contributing to the literary canon. Its impact on the art of biography cannot be overstated, as it set new standards for the genre and remains a benchmark for biographical writing.
In conclusion, “Boswell’s Life of Johnson” is undoubtedly a piece of art, characterized by literary brilliance, psychological insight, intimacy, historical significance, and enduring legacy. James Boswell’s masterful portrayal of Samuel Johnson’s life and personality, combined with his exceptional storytelling, has secured the biography’s place as one of the greatest works in English literature and a timeless example of biographical artistry.
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