Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023

Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

Answer any five of the following in a sentence or two. Each question carries 2
marks.

1. Give two examples of alliteration.

Alliteration is the repetition of a speech sound in a sequence of nearby words.

This literary device typically applies to consonants at the beginning of a word or
stressed syllable. Two examples of alliteration are "Peter Piper picked a peck of
pickled peppers" and "Sally sells seashells by the seashore".

2. What is meant by objective poetry?

Objective poetry emphasizes the object of the poem rather than the poet’s
personal feelings about it. The poet aims to present the object in a detached and
impersonal manner.

3. How does rhythm support poetry?

Rhythm, created by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, enhances

the musicality of poetry. It adds to the poem's aesthetic appeal, helps to
emphasize certain words or phrases, and can also contribute to the overall mood
and tone of the poem.

4. Write the names of two Japanese poets who popularized haiku.

Two Japanese poets who helped to popularize haiku are Matsuo Bashō,
Kobayashi Issa and Yosa Buson. They lived during the Edo period in Japan, and
their haiku are still widely read and appreciated today.

5. Write two examples of rhyme schemes which are familiar to you.

Two common rhyme schemes in poetry are AABB and ABAB. AABB indicates that
every other line in a stanza rhymes, such as in a simple rhyming quatrain. ABAB
indicates alternating rhymes in a stanza.

6. How do you distinguish between metaphor and simile?

Simile and metaphor are both figures of speech that compare two unlike things.
A simile uses words such as "like" or "as" to make the comparison explicit, while
a metaphor makes an implicit comparison without using those words. For
example, "He is as brave as a lion" is a simile, while "He is a lion in battle" is a
metaphor.

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Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

7. What is the peculiarity of a monologue?

A monologue is a long speech given by a single character, often in a play or other

dramatic work. It is characterized by its uninterrupted flow and its focus on the
speaker's thoughts and feelings. A monologue offers insights into the character's
mind, revealing their motivations, conflicts, and perspective on events.

8. Mention two famous lyric poems in English.

"Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats and "Tintern Abbey" by William Wordsworth

are famous lyric poems in English. Lyric poetry is characterized by its musicality
and its focus on emotions, thoughts, and personal experiences of the speaker.

9. What is the significance of symbols in poetry?

Symbols in poetry offer a deeper layer of meaning, enabling poets to express

complex ideas and emotions in a concise and evocative way. A symbol can
represent an abstract concept, a feeling, or a significant idea within the poem,
enriching the reader's understanding and creating a multi-layered interpretation.

Write paragraphs of about 100 words on any five choosing at least two from each
group. Each question carries 6 marks.

Group – A

1. Discuss the poem “A Subaltern” as a strong criticism of war.

Sassoon's "A Subaltern" presents a scathing critique of war through its poignant
juxtaposition of youthful innocence and the brutalising realities of trench
warfare. The poem opens with a warm recollection of the subaltern's childhood,
marked by camaraderie and carefree cricket matches under a "brightening"
summer sky. This idyllic setting, imbued with a sense of peace and joy, acts as a
foil to the harsh present. The subaltern is now trapped in the trenches, enduring
relentless weather and witnessing the physical and psychological destruction
wrought by war. Vivid imagery, such as "squeaking rats" and "crouching" soldiers,
paints a picture of fear and degradation. The war has shattered the subaltern's
"stale philosophies," leaving him disillusioned and burdened with despair. The
concluding couplet encapsulates his emotional breakdown, as he loses
composure and confesses to uttering "tripe," or meaningless words. This
confession, stemming from his privileged upbringing, exposes the profound
damage that war inflicts upon individuals, stripping them of their former selves
and reducing their lofty ideals to mere "tripe". Through this stark contrast,

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Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023
Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

Sassoon underscores the dehumanising nature of war and its devastating

impact on the human psyche.

2. Analyze “Porphyria’s Lover” as a dramatic monologue.

Browning's "Porphyria's Lover" stands as a chilling example of a dramatic

monologue, offering a disconcerting window into the psyche of a possessive and
deranged individual. The poem unfolds entirely through the lover's uninterrupted
narration, revealing his warped perception of reality and his chillingly calm
justification for murder. The lover describes Porphyria's arrival at his cottage, her
attempts to comfort him, and his eventual decision to strangle her with her own
hair. His matter-of-fact tone and the absence of any external perspective create
an unsettling effect, forcing the reader to confront the disturbing reality
presented solely through the speaker's words. The lover believes that by killing
Porphyria, he preserves their fleeting moment of perfect love, denying her the
possibility of abandoning him. This delusional act, born out of possessiveness
and a desire to control, underscores the psychological complexity of the
speaker. The lack of an authorial voice or any counterpoint to the lover's
narration amplifies the subjective nature of the monologue, leaving the reader to
grapple with the disturbing implications of his actions and the unsettling power
of his self-deception.

3. Comment on the use of metaphysical conceits in the poem “A Valediction

Forbidding Mourning”.

Donne's "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning" masterfully employs metaphysical

conceits to elevate love to a spiritual and intellectual realm, transcending the
limitations of physical separation. These conceits, characterised by their
intellectual complexity and unconventional comparisons, challenge the reader
to engage with the poem on a deeper level. One of the most striking conceits
likens the speaker and his beloved to the two legs of a compass. Even when
physically apart, their souls remain united through their love, just as the
compass's legs are always connected at a central point. This analogy
emphasizes the transcendent nature of their bond, suggesting that their love is
not bound by earthly constraints. Another prominent conceit involves the image
of gold beaten into "airy thinness". This image symbolises the resilience and
adaptability of their love, capable of expanding and stretching without breaking,
even when tested by distance. The gold's malleability mirrors the strength and
enduring nature of their connection. These intellectually stimulating conceits, a
hallmark of metaphysical poetry, serve to distinguish the speaker's profound and

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Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

enduring love from the more conventional and sentimental expressions of the
time.

4. How is the poem “A Consumer’s Report” satirical in its tone?

"A Consumer's Report" employs a satirical tone to critique the superficiality and
artificiality of modern consumer culture and the spiritual emptiness of modern
life. The poem mocks the marketing strategies used to lure consumers into
believing their lives will be enhanced by purchasing products. The narrator uses
a detached and ironic voice, highlighting the absurdity of consumerism by
comparing human skin to waterproof labels. The poem also satirizes religious
teachings and modern society's obsession with speed and efficiency, suggesting
that these elements contribute to the alienation and dissatisfaction of modern
life.

5. How does the Second World War influence the poet’s thoughts in the “Prayer
Before Birth”?

MacNeice's "Prayer Before Birth," written during the tumultuous period of World
War II, is profoundly shaped by the poet's anxieties and despair regarding the
state of the world. The poem, through the voice of an unborn child, expresses a
deep-seated fear of entering a world ravaged by conflict and dominated by
oppressive forces. References to "blood-sucking bats" and "ghouls" evoke a
sense of terror and foreshadow the brutality and inhumanity that awaits the
child. The child's plea for protection from the "tall walls" of societal constraints,
the "dope" of propaganda, and the "racks" of torture alludes to the totalitarian
regimes and the dehumanising practices that characterised the war. The poem
serves as a powerful indictment of the destructive forces unleashed by war and a
lament for the loss of innocence and humanity in a world consumed by
darkness. The unborn child's voice acts as a poignant symbol of vulnerability and
hope, urging readers to confront the horrors of their time and strive for a better
future.

Group – B

6. Haiku
The haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form that embodies the essence of
brevity and evocative imagery. It consists of three lines with a syllable structure
of 5-7-5, totalling 17 syllables. A key feature of haiku is its focus on nature. Often
capturing a fleeting moment or a vivid sensory experience, haiku use
juxtaposition to create a sense of depth and resonance within a limited space.
While the haiku originated in Japanese, poets writing in English have adapted the

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Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023
Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

form, often relaxing the strict syllable count to accommodate the differences
between the languages. Ezra Pound's "In a Station of the Metro," though not
adhering to the 5-7-5 structure, exemplifies the haiku's spirit of concise imagery.

7. The Ballad
The ballad, a narrative poem often steeped in folk traditions, tells a compelling
story using simple language and a dramatic plot. Centred around themes of love,
loss, betrayal, heroism, and the supernatural, ballads are designed to be sung,
enhancing their emotional impact on the listener. A defining feature of the ballad
is its use of a refrain, a repeated line or phrase that underscores key ideas or
emotions, adding to the poem's musicality. Traditional ballads, often transmitted
orally, are frequently characterised by anonymous authorship and variations in
their telling. The enduring power of the ballad lies in its ability to connect with
universal human experiences, resonating across generations. The traditional
ballad has had a significant influence on lyric poetry and has given rise to the
literary ballad, a poem crafted in deliberate imitation of the form, language, and
spirit of the folk ballad.

8. The Mock Epic

The mock epic, a playful yet insightful form of parody, takes the grand style and
conventions of epic poetry and applies them to trivial or mundane subject
matter. This deliberate incongruity generates a satirical effect, mocking the
seriousness and grandeur of traditional epics. The humor arises from the
mismatch between the elevated style and the insignificant events being
described. Key elements of the mock epic include elevated language, epic
similes, invocations to the muse, supernatural machinery, and heroic battles—
all employed to depict commonplace occurrences. This deflation of heroic
ideals often serves as a critique of societal norms and human foibles. A prime
example of the mock epic is Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock. Pope
employs all the pomp and circumstance of epic poetry to recount a petty quarrel
between two families over a lock of hair, exposing the vanity and absurdity of the
upper class.

9. Subjective Poetry
Subjective poetry, as its name suggests, prioritises the poet's personal
emotions, thoughts, and experiences, often blurring the distinction between the
speaker and the poet. This intimate and introspective approach stands in
contrast to objective poetry, which aims for a detached and impersonal
presentation of the subject. In subjective poetry, the speaker's "I" takes centre

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Paper I: Poetry
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stage, becoming a vehicle for exploring personal feelings and forging a direct
connection with the reader. The poet's personality and worldview permeate the
poem, shaping its themes and language. Romantic poetry, with its emphasis on
individual expression and the exploration of the inner self, frequently exemplifies
the characteristics of subjective poetry. Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey," for
instance, centres around the speaker's personal reflections on nature and
memory, revealing his emotional and spiritual journey.

10. Image
In poetry, an image is more than just a picture; it is a vivid and sensory
description that ignites the reader's imagination and creates a lasting impact.
Images move beyond mere visual representation, employing language that
evokes sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell, grounding abstract ideas in concrete
sensory experiences. This appeal to the senses immerses the reader in the world
of the poem, creating a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance. Skilled
poets use imagery to deepen a poem's meaning, conveying emotions and ideas
in a way that transcends literal language. John Keats, in his odes, is renowned for
his mastery of imagery. For example, in "Ode to a Nightingale," he describes
"beaded bubbles winking at the brim" of a wine goblet and the "embalmed
darkness" of the forest, enveloping the reader in the poem's sensory landscape.
Images can take various forms, including descriptions of visible objects and
scenes, and figurative language such as metaphors and similes. The
effectiveness of an image lies in its ability to create a visceral response in the
reader, leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after the poem is
finished.

Write an essay in about 250 words on any two of the following. Each question
carries 15 marks.

1. Discuss how Bertolt Brecht’s poem “General – Your Tank” is a commentary on

human nature.
Bertolt Brecht's "General – Your Tank" offers a poignant commentary on human
nature, juxtaposing the destructive potential of technology with the enduring
hope for individual freedom and dignity. The poem's central metaphor, the tank,
embodies the power and ruthlessness of modern warfare, representing an
"aeroplane equipped to carry and drop bombs". The tank, a symbol of
technological advancement, is depicted as being "in sore need of repair" and
having "gone out of control", suggesting that human progress can lead to

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Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023
Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

unintended consequences, becoming a force of destruction rather than

liberation.
Brecht's critique extends to the human tendency towards violence and
oppression. The poem's opening lines, "The implication is that the person driving
the tank is a ruthless criminal", expose the capacity for cruelty inherent in human
nature. This detachment from the consequences of violence is further
emphasized by the narrator's observation that for the person driving the tank "the
difference between driving a tank and a ruthless crowd does not matter". The
poem's ironic tone, evident in the repeated phrase "your tank", underscores the
disconnect between the individual and the destructive forces they unleash. The
narrator points out that "the adjective 'your' is conspicuously missing" in the line
"Note that the man is independent and your bomber can". This deliberate
omission of the possessive pronoun 'your' before 'bomber' serves to highlight the
narrator's view that the tank, symbolic of the destructive power of technology, is
not owned or controlled by any individual, but rather operates independently,
wreaking havoc on humanity.
Despite the bleak portrayal of human actions, "General – Your Tank" ends on a
note of hope. The poem's concluding sentence, "'General – Your Tank' thus
embraces both his complaint and his hope", suggests that even in the face of
oppression and violence, the human spirit retains its capacity for resistance and
the yearning for a better future.

2. Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” is about wise choices – comment on this
statement.
Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" is often interpreted as a poem about making
wise choices, but a closer examination reveals a more complex and nuanced
perspective. The poem's speaker, standing at a fork in the road, contemplates
the two paths before him. He is "sorry" he "could not travel both" roads, as "one
traveler" is limited in the number of paths they can take. The choice, however, is
presented as arbitrary, with both roads being "worn...about the same". This
suggests that the significance of our choices may lie not in their inherent
wisdom, but in the meaning we ascribe to them.
The poem's famous line, "And that has made all the difference," reveals the
human tendency to romanticize the past and to imbue our choices with greater
weight than they might deserve. The speaker's decision is portrayed as a
moment of self-deception, acknowledging that "I shall be telling this with a sigh /
Somewhere ages and ages hence". This implies that the notion of the "road less
travelled" is a construct we create to justify our past actions and to find meaning
in our lives. Ultimately, "The Road Not Taken" challenges the idea of wise

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Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

choices, suggesting that the paths we choose are often more similar than we
perceive them to be, and that the significance we attach to our decisions is often
a product of hindsight and self-justification.

3. Describe the structure, form and literary devices used in Donne’s poem “A
Valediction Forbidding Mourning”.
John Donne's "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning" is a masterful example of
metaphysical poetry, characterized by its intricate structure, unconventional
imagery, and intellectual argument. The poem takes the form of a dramatic
monologue, with the speaker addressing his beloved as he prepares to depart on
a journey. The poem's title itself is a paradox, as 'valediction' means farewell, and
'mourning' is an expression of grief, and the speaker is forbidding the expression
of grief at his farewell.
The poem's structure is carefully crafted to mirror the speaker's argument. It
consists of nine quatrains in iambic tetrameter, with a regular rhyme scheme of
ABAB CDCD EFEF, and so on. This formal structure reflects the speaker's
attempt to impose order and control over the pain of separation.
Donne employs a range of literary devices, including metaphysical conceits, to
convey the depth and complexity of his love. He compares the parting of their
souls to the movement of the celestial spheres, an image that elevates their love
to a cosmic level, transcending the physical realm. This is contrasted with the
love of "sublunary lovers", which is "inferior" and "earthy". The poem's central
conceit, the compass, further elaborates on the nature of their connection. Just
as the legs of a compass remain linked even when separated, the speaker and
his beloved are bound by an invisible force that defies physical distance.
The poem's concluding lines reaffirm the strength of their bond: "Thy firmness
makes my circle just, / And makes me end where I begun". Through its intricate
structure, unconventional imagery, and intellectual argument, "A Valediction
Forbidding Mourning" celebrates a love that transcends physical limitations and
embraces spiritual unity.

4. Attempt a critical analysis of Kamala Das’s poem “An Introduction”.

Kamala Das's "An Introduction" is a powerful and confessional poem that
explores themes of identity, gender, and rebellion. The poem's title is ironic, as it
delves into the complexities of the poet's selfhood, defying any simple
introduction.
Das's poem is autobiographical, drawing on personal experiences to create a raw
and honest portrait of her life, making it a confessional poem. It focuses on the
"intimate mental and physical experiences" of the speaker, revealing her "sexual

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Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023
Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

experiences" and "mental anguish". This is achieved through "a self-portrait,

recounting the major incidents of her life". The poet takes the reader "into
confidence and speaks about her intensely personal and private matters".
The poem's structure is fragmented, mirroring the fractured nature of the
speaker's identity. She shifts between past and present, personal and political,
highlighting the multiple facets of her selfhood. This is reflected in the varying
lengths of the lines and stanzas.
Das employs a range of literary devices to convey her experiences. The poem's
opening lines establish her disdain for politics, contrasting it with her deep
connection to her Indian heritage: "I don't know politics but I know the names /
Of those in power, and can repeat them like / Days of week, or names of months,
beginning with Nehru". This juxtaposition reveals the speaker's struggle to
reconcile her individual voice with the expectations of society.
Das's use of vivid imagery and metaphor further enhances the poem's impact.
She describes English as a language that "crows and roars to the lions". The
poem's concluding lines assert the speaker's right to define herself on her own
terms: "Betrayed, I have no joys. I too call myself I".
"An Introduction" is a bold assertion of feminine sensibility, challenging societal
norms and embracing the complexities of selfhood.

Read the following extract and answer the questions given below. Each question
carries 2 marks.

I sought a theme and sought for it in vain,

I sought it daily for six weeks or so.

Maybe at last being but a broken man

I must be satisfied with my heart, although

Winter and summer till old age began

My circus animals were all on show,

Those stilted boys, that burnished chariot,

Lion and woman and the Lord knows what.

1. Is it possible to assume that the speaker is a writer seeking inspiration? Explain

how.

Yes, it is possible to assume the speaker is a writer seeking inspiration. The lines
"I sought a theme and sought for it in vain, I sought it daily for six weeks or so"

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Second semester BA LLB (Five year Integrated) Degree Examination, January 2023
Paper I: Poetry
Solved Questions

suggest a conscious and sustained effort to find a subject for writing. The
speaker's frustration is evident in the repetition of "sought", implying the arduous
process of creative exploration.

2. What is the circus animals stand for in the stanza?

The "circus animals" stand for the speaker's past creative works and the
imaginative figures that populated them. This metaphor is explained further in
the poem: "Winter and summer till old age began, My circus animals were all on
show...” a metaphor for his creative work. The "stilted boys", "burnished chariot",
"lion and woman" are examples of these figures, representing a diverse range of
characters and themes the writer has explored.

3. What is the condition of the man in this poem?

The man in the poem describes himself as a "broken man". This suggests a state
of emotional and creative exhaustion, perhaps due to age, disillusionment, or a
lack of inspiration. This is supported by the phrase "Winter and summer till old
age began", which implies a long and tiring creative journey. The poem further
clarifies this as "tired due to old age or psychologically defeated; his creative
powers have deserted him".

4. What is the man in the poem searching for?

The man in the poem is searching for a new "theme" for his writing. He desires a
fresh subject or concept to rekindle his creative spark and provide direction for
his work.

5. How does the man analyze his own past here?

The man analyzes his past as a time when his "circus animals were all on show."
This implies a period of prolific creation when his imagination was vibrant and he
produced a variety of works. However, the tone of the stanza suggests a sense of
dissatisfaction with these past achievements, as if they no longer hold the same
meaning or relevance for him.

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