👉CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS PAGE 2 PAGE 3 QUESTIONS
BRITISH POETRYASSIGNMENT July 2024 – January 2025
(Based on Blocks (1 - 10)
Max. Marks: 100
Answer all questions.
1. Explain any two of the excerpts of poems given below with reference to their
context: 10 X 2 = 20
(i) Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes
For Goddess love, as taak som laxative.
Up peril of my soule and o lif,
I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,
Explanation of the Excerpt:
This excerpt is from Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, specifically from The Wife of Bath’s Tale, a part of the General Prologue. The Wife of Bath is a bold, humorous, and self-assured character known for her unapologetic views on marriage, relationships, and bodily pleasures. This particular passage is delivered in her characteristic tone, where she combines practical advice with her wit.
Context:
In The Wife of Bath's Tale, the Wife of Bath presents her opinions on various matters, especially concerning marriage and the dynamics of power between men and women. The excerpt reflects her pragmatic and earthy attitude toward life and health, where she humorously advises her audience to "take a laxative" to ease the body's burdens. It underscores her tendency to approach serious topics with a blend of humor and practical wisdom.
Analysis:
Tone and Style:
The tone here is light-hearted, with a touch of sarcasm and straightforwardness. The Wife of Bath's colloquial manner of speaking makes her relatable and entertaining.Themes:
- Body and Physicality: The Wife of Bath does not shy away from discussing bodily functions, challenging the decorum of her time.
- Practical Wisdom: Her advice is framed as being in the best interest of the person, reflecting her no-nonsense approach to life.
Characterization:
This passage further develops her character as a woman who values experience and practical knowledge over theoretical or religious dogma.
Significance:
This passage is emblematic of Chaucer’s ability to use humor and the vibrant personality of the Wife of Bath to critique societal norms, especially those related to gender, health, and relationships. It reflects the broader themes of The Canterbury Tales, where individuals’ stories often blur the lines between satire and genuine advice.
By blending humor with wisdom, the Wife of Bath embodies a progressive figure, challenging medieval stereotypes of women.
(ii) My loue is now awake out of her dreams (s),
and her fayre eyes like stars that dimmed were
With darksome cloud, now shew theyr goodly beams
More bright then Hesperus his head doth rere.
Explanation of the Excerpt:
This excerpt is from Edmund Spenser’s Epithalamion, a celebratory ode written to commemorate Spenser’s own marriage. The poem is a rich blend of personal emotion, mythological allusions, and natural imagery, celebrating love, marriage, and beauty.
Context:
In this excerpt, Spenser describes the awakening of his bride on their wedding day. The passage vividly portrays the bride as a radiant and celestial figure, reflecting the poet's admiration and joy. The comparison of her eyes to stars that were previously dimmed but now shining brightly underscores her transformation into an ethereal and luminous presence.
Analysis:
Imagery:
- The bride’s eyes are compared to stars, emphasizing their brilliance and purity.
- The "darksome cloud" symbolizes sleep or perhaps the night before the wedding, which obscured her beauty but is now gone.
- "Hesperus," the evening star, represents her unmatched radiance, as even this celestial body pales in comparison to her.
Tone and Emotion:
- The tone is celebratory and filled with awe. Spenser’s words convey his deep admiration and love for his bride.
- The poet’s emotions are marked by a sense of wonder at her beauty, which he perceives as divine and otherworldly.
Symbolism:
- The bride’s awakening symbolizes a new beginning, not only for her but for the couple as they embark on their marital journey.
- The reference to celestial imagery connects the bride’s beauty with the heavens, elevating her to an almost divine status.
Significance:
This passage reflects the larger themes of Epithalamion, where Spenser intertwines personal joy with broader cosmic and spiritual elements. The bride is not merely a mortal woman but is celebrated as a symbol of divine grace and natural harmony. Her awakening mirrors the dawn of a new day and a new phase in their lives.
By using vivid metaphors and mythological allusions, Spenser elevates the act of marriage to a sacred and universal level, blending the personal with the eternal. The poet’s skillful use of language creates a timeless ode to love and marital bliss.
(iii) I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I
Did, till we lov’d? were we not wean’d till then?
Explanation of the Excerpt:
This excerpt is from John Donne’s “The Good-Morrow”, one of his famous metaphysical love poems. The poem explores the transformative power of love, suggesting that true love creates a new, more meaningful existence for the lovers.
Context:
In this opening line, the speaker reflects on the time before he and his beloved were in love. He questions what their lives were like prior to their union, implying that those earlier experiences were incomplete or immature. The metaphor of being “wean’d” suggests that their previous lives were like infancy, lacking the depth and fulfillment that their love has brought.
Analysis:
Tone:
- The tone is contemplative and affectionate, as the speaker marvels at the profound impact of love on his perception of life.
Metaphysical Qualities:
- Philosophical Reflection: The speaker uses a rhetorical question to suggest that life before love was insignificant or unreal. This reflects a common trait in metaphysical poetry, where abstract ideas are explored through personal experiences.
- Unification of Opposites: The poem merges physical and spiritual love, suggesting that true love transcends physicality and creates a deeper, unified existence.
Imagery and Metaphor:
- The word “wean’d” evokes an image of infancy and dependence, contrasting with the maturity and completeness brought by love. It emphasizes the transformative nature of their relationship, where the speaker feels he has grown into a fuller, more enlightened state.
Themes:
- Transformative Power of Love: The speaker suggests that love reshapes their lives, providing purpose and fulfillment.
- New Beginnings: The lovers’ union is portrayed as a fresh start, a rebirth into a more meaningful existence.
Significance:
This opening line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, where Donne celebrates the depth and completeness of their love. The rhetorical question not only conveys the speaker’s amazement at the transformative nature of love but also invites the reader to reflect on the profound changes that love can bring to one’s life.
Donne’s use of conversational language and intellectual inquiry creates an intimate yet philosophical exploration of love, characteristic of his metaphysical style. This excerpt encapsulates the essence of “The Good-Morrow”, where love is celebrated as a force that defines and elevates existence.
(iv) Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike
Explanation of the Excerpt:
This excerpt is from Alexander Pope’s "Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot", a satirical poem that critiques hypocrisy, insincerity, and the toxic behavior of his critics. The poem is part of Pope's larger work The Moral Essays, where he blends wit with sharp commentary on human nature and society.
Context:
In these lines, Pope critiques the duplicitous behavior of his detractors. He describes individuals who offer insincere compliments ("damn with faint praise") and subtly mock others while maintaining a façade of civility. These critics are hesitant to directly confront or harm others ("willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike"), instead opting for passive-aggressive tactics to undermine their targets. The passage reflects Pope’s disdain for cowardly and underhanded behavior in both personal and literary criticism.
Analysis:
Tone:
- The tone is biting and satirical, characteristic of Pope’s sharp wit and his mastery of the heroic couplet.
- There is a sense of controlled anger as Pope exposes the hypocrisy of his critics.
Key Phrases:
- "Damn with faint praise": This phrase highlights insincere praise that is so lukewarm it becomes a subtle form of criticism. It reflects the duplicitous nature of such flattery.
- "Assent with civil leer": This describes the polite but insincere agreement, often paired with a disingenuous smile or expression.
- "Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike": This phrase captures the cowardice of critics who are eager to harm but lack the courage for direct confrontation.
Themes:
- Hypocrisy in Criticism: Pope critiques those who mask their malice with politeness, emphasizing the duplicity of such behavior.
- Cowardice: The reluctance to directly attack reflects a lack of integrity, a recurring theme in Pope’s work.
- The Power of Satire: Pope’s satirical style underscores his ability to expose societal flaws through sharp, memorable language.
Literary Devices:
- Heroic Couplets: The rhymed iambic pentameter lends elegance and rhythm to the sharp critique.
- Irony: The apparent civility of the critics is ironic, as their actions are anything but civil.
Significance:
This passage is one of the most quoted lines from Pope’s works, embodying his talent for blending sharp critique with poetic finesse. The excerpt reflects his broader critique of society, where insincerity and hypocrisy often prevail. By highlighting these traits, Pope not only defends himself against his critics but also offers a timeless commentary on human nature.
The lines resonate with anyone who has encountered covert hostility disguised as politeness, making Pope’s work relevant beyond its historical context. It exemplifies his legacy as a master satirist and a keen observer of human behavior.
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