Dr.M.Mazumdar

1. Critical Appreciation "The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth is a poignant and evocative poem that encapsulates the essence of Romanticism through its exploration of nature, emotion, and the sublime. Written in 1805, the poem is a lyrical ballad that reflects Wordsworth's deep connection to the natural world and his fascination with the emotional impact of simple, everyday scenes. The poem begins with a vivid portrayal of a solitary reaper in a Scottish field, who is harvesting grain while singing a melancholic song. Wordsworth's use of imagery is striking as he describes the reaper's "singing by herself; / Stop here, or gently pass!" This invitation to the reader sets the tone for a contemplative and immersive experience. The first stanza introduces the central theme of the poem – the emotional power of song. The reaper's song is described as being "melancholy" and having the ability to "send any light soul to the verge of hea

H.S Pre-Final Examination - 2023  M. C. Das College, Sonai  Subject - English  HS 2nd Year  Full Marks - 90 Pass Marks -  Time - 3 Hours    SECTION-A    (Reading Skills: 10 marks)    1. Read the following passage carefully : Among the natural resources which can be called upon in national plans for development, possibly the most important is human labour Since the English language suffers from a certain weakness in its ability to describe groups composed of both male and female members, this is usually described as 'manpower'.          Without a productive labour force, including effective leadership and intelligent middle management, no amount of foreign assistance or of natural wealth can ensure successful development and modernization.         The manpower for development during the next quarter century will come from the world's present population of infants, children and adolescents. But we are not sure that they will be equal to the task. Will they have the health, th

1. Critical Appreciation Percy Bysshe Shelley's "The Cloud" is a poetic masterpiece that transcends its time, providing readers with a profound exploration of nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all existence. Written in 1820, during the Romantic era, the poem is a celebration of the ethereal beauty and transformative power of the natural world. With its vivid imagery, rhythmic flow, and thematic depth, "The Cloud" stands as a testament to Shelley's poetic genius and his ability to articulate complex philosophical ideas through the medium of verse. One of the poem's most striking features is its personification of the cloud, which becomes a dynamic and powerful force throughout the verses. The cloud is not merely a meteorological phenomenon but an animate being with agency and consciousness. This anthropomorphism allows Shelley to explore the idea of nature as a living, breathing entity, capable of both nurturing and destructive actions.

1. Critical Appreciation In "My Last Duchess," a dramatic monologue by Robert Browning, the Duke of Ferrara reflects on his late wife. The poem explores themes of power, control, jealousy, and art. The Duke reveals his obsessive nature and possessiveness through his recounting of the duchess's life and the circumstances surrounding her death. The Duke begins by showing a portrait of his deceased wife to a visitor, and as he describes it, we learn about the duchess's personality. She was cheerful and easily pleased, which the Duke found displeasing. His jealousy and desire for complete control over her are evident as he narrates the events leading to her demise. The duchess's crime, in the Duke's eyes, was her ability to appreciate simple pleasures and show gratitude to everyone, regardless of their status. The Duke, driven by his pride and possessiveness, could not tolerate her treating everyone equally. He reveals that he gave commands to stop her behavior, b

1. Summary "Riders to the Sea" is a play by J.M. Synge, set in the Aran Islands. It revolves around the tragic life of an Irish family, the Murrays, who face constant loss due to the sea. The central character, Maurya, experiences the deaths of her husband and sons at sea. The play explores themes of fate, grief, and the harsh relationship between the people and the unforgiving sea. The play unfolds with Maurya's anticipation and acceptance of the inevitable death of her last living son, Bartley, who also meets his fate at sea. Throughout the narrative, Synge portrays the harsh realities of rural Irish life and the profound impact of the sea on the characters' destinies. The symbolic representation of the sea as both a provider and a merciless force adds depth to the exploration of human resilience in the face of nature's relentless power. "Riders to the Sea" delves into the cyclical nature of life and death in the context of the sea's influence on t

Summary "Arms and the Man" is a satirical play written by the renowned Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. Premiered in 1894, the play is set against the backdrop of the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War, but its focus extends far beyond the realm of warfare. Through sharp wit and clever dialogue, Shaw challenges prevailing notions of war, love, and societal expectations. At its core, the play revolves around the character of Raina Petkoff, a young woman engaged to the dashing and idealistic Sergius Saranoff. Raina's world is one steeped in romantic ideals, fueled by the stories of heroism and glory that surround war. However, her perceptions are soon disrupted when she shelters a Swiss soldier, Captain Bluntschli, in her bedroom. Bluntschli, in stark contrast to Raina's romanticized notions, is a pragmatic and unapologetically realistic character. The clash between romanticism and realism becomes a central theme, providing ample room for Shaw's satirical commentary. Rai

Summary "The Way of the World" is a restoration comedy play written by William Congreve in 1700. Set in the high society of 17th-century England, the play explores themes of love, money, and social class. The intricate plot revolves around the central characters, Mirabell and Millamant, who navigate the complexities of courtship amid a backdrop of scheming characters and social expectations. With wit, satire, and clever dialogue, Congreve satirizes the manners and morals of the time, creating a sophisticated and intricate comedy that reflects the societal norms and challenges of the era. "The Way of the World" by William Congreve is a quintessential example of Restoration comedy, written in 1700 during the late 17th-century England. This comedic masterpiece revolves around the complexities of love, money, and social intricacies within the high society of the time. At the heart of the play are the protagonists Mirabell and Millamant, whose courtship forms the nucleus

Summary "Volpone" is a renowned satirical comedy penned by Ben Jonson in 1605, during the Jacobean era. The play unfolds in the vibrant setting of Venice and delves into the intricacies of human greed, moral corruption, and societal decadence. The central character, Volpone, is a Venetian magnifico who devises a cunning scheme to accumulate wealth by exploiting the avarice of others. Faking a severe illness, Volpone pretends to be on the brink of death, thereby attracting the attention of various wealthy individuals eager to secure his favor and inherit his fortune. To aid him in this elaborate ruse, Volpone enlists the services of his sly and crafty servant, Mosca. The play's narrative takes a dynamic turn as the characters Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino enter the scene, each driven by their own desires and flaws. Voltore, a lawyer, Corbaccio, an old miser, and Corvino, a merchant, all become ensnared in Volpone's intricate web of deceit, contributing to the play