Poetry (14th to 18th Century) Past Papers Solved Short

Questions

Past Paper 2017

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Discuss the title ‘PARADISE LOST’?

A: 1 The poem is a retelling of the story of Adam and Eve from the biblical
book of Genesis which describes the creation of Heaven and Earth and of
Adam and Eve. This poem fleshes out this story and imagines the couple’s
reactions to the events that led to them being expelled from the Garden of
Eden (or Paradise). And they lost their paradise.

The title "Paradise Lost" refers to the biblical history of the fall of man: The
Adam' and Eve's temptation by the descending angel Satan and the
persecution from the Eden Garden.

Milton also tells us that the original sin committed by Adam and Eve, which is
t having the apple from the Tree of Knowledge, is the subject of his poem. Due
to this sin, the human race must now suffer death and wait for Jesus to return
to pure humanity. While the first humans to disobey God are Adam and Eve,
the first person to disobey God is Satan. He just made his decision to revolt—
he was not persuaded or provoked. Therefore, despite falling into Hell, his
decision to keep disobeying God means that God won't forgive him. On the
other side, Adam and Eve agreed to apologize and seek forgiveness for their
sins. Unlike Satan, Adam and Eve know that through generations of work on
Earth their disobedience to God will be corrected.
Q: 2 Give a character sketch of ‘WIFE OF BATH’?

A: 2 The Wife of Bath is a headstrong bold woman of her time. She shows off
her Sunday clothes with evident pride, wearing ten pounds of cloth, woven by
herself under her hat. Her clothing symbolizes to the reader that she is not
timid or shy and also shows off her expertise as a weaver.

Chaucer discusses his words to describe the Wife quite distinctly. His
descriptions of her facial and bodily features are sexually suggestive. The
features that Chaucer pays attention to describing Alison should be noticed.
In the “General Prologue,” Chaucer's description involves her physical
appearance describing her clothes, legs, feet, hips, and most importantly her
gap-tooth, which during that time (according to The Wife), symbolized
sensuality and lust.
Q: 3 Discuss ‘CONCIET’ with reference to Donne’s poetry?

A: 3 Conceit: From the Latin term for “concept,” a poetic conceit is an often
unconventional, logically complex, or surprising metaphor whose delights are
more intellectual than sensual.

Many of John Donne's poems contain metaphysical conceits and intellectual

reasoning to build a deeper understanding of the speaker's emotional state. A
conceit can be defined as an extended, unconventional metaphor between
objects that appear to be unrelated. Metaphysical conceit is a highly ingenious
kind of conceit widely used by the metaphysical poets. It often exploits verbal
logic to the point of the grotesque and sometimes creates such extravagant turns
on meaning that they become absurd. The metaphysical conceit is characteristic
of seventeenth century writers influence by John Donne, and became popular
again in this century after the revival of the metaphysical poets. However,
Donne is exceptionally good at creating unusual unions between different
elements in order to illustrate his point and form a persuasive argument in his
poems.

By using metaphysical conceits in "A Valediction: Forbidding

Mourning", Donne attempts to convince his beloved (presumably his wife) that
parting is a positive experience which should not be looked upon with sadness.
In the first stanza, Donne compares the speaker's departure to the mild death
of virtuous men who pass on so peacefully that their loved ones find it difficult
to detect the exact moment of their death. Their separation must be a calm
transition like this form of death which Donne describes. The poet writes,

"Let us melt, and make no noise"

Then we find another example of conceit which was not found in any poems of
any poets before. Here he compares the two lovers to the pair of legs of compass.
Like the compass they have one central point (love) and two sides (bodies)
which note in a circle. Here he says,

"If they be two, they are two so

As stiff twin compasses are two,

Thy soule the fix foot, makes no show

To move, but doth, if the 'other doe"

 Past Paper 2018

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 What are the three moods of Love in Donne’s poetry?

A: 1 The three moods of love in Donne's poetry are cynical love (anti woman),
conjugal love (married life) and Platonic love (spiritual).

 Cynical (Mood, Love, Strain): In the cynical mood he finds women

false. For him a woman is a bundle of contradictions. He never spares
an opportunity to laugh at her inconstancy and faithlessness.

 Conjugal (Mood, Love, Strain): John Donne finds peace and

harmony in love. He sees it as a passion instead of nasty work.
Numerous poems by John Donne depict this strain. For instance,
“Valediction: Of Weeping” and “Valediction: Forbidden Mourning”
are about spiritual peace. As a love poet, John Donne has proved that
love is part of life and that without it, life is barren and useless.
Whenever he remembers his beloved, he attains peace and serenity. He
cannot forget her or the moments that he has spent with her. Thus,
bundles of poems contain the conjugal love strain.
 Platonic (Mood, Love, Strain): It is the last but the most important
love strain. Love is love whether it is before marriage or after. There is
always spirituality in it. Donne has improved this strain and written
“Divine Poems”. To exemplify, in “The Sun Rising”, “The Blossom” the
poet considers love as the best thing on this planet. Similarly, in
“Canonization”, he takes love as a holy passion. Hence, this strain is
entirely the opposite of the cynical strain.
Q: 2 Give a character sketch of ‘MONK’?

A: 2 The Monk: The Monk is a fat man, which tells us that he is very well
fed at a time when many were starving. He enjoys eating rich food and
drinking good wine. He's bald and dresses in fur and gold, which tells us that
he cares more about what he looks like on the outside than what he should be
on the inside.

The Monk is nothing like the usual monk many people imagine. He hunts
hares and rides horses instead of studying, praying, and working. He does not
follow the rules of the monastery which say that monks should not hunt, be
reckless, nor leave the monastery. Instead, they should study and perform
manual labor. The Monk ignores these rules.

He probably did not want to become a monk but decided to be one anyway
because the monastery provides a cloistered environment, away from the
betrayal of people and of women. In "The Monk's Tale," he talks about
different men who died because they were betrayed by their loved ones.
Hercules, for example, died after being poisoned by a shirt his girlfriend gave
him, and Samson killed himself because his wife gave his secret away to his
enemies, who, in turn, tortured him. Since women betrayed these men, the
Monk does not trust them.
Q: 3 Define ‘Epic’ with reference to ‘Paradise Lost’?

A: 3 John Milton is one of the greatest poets of England. His Paradise Lost is
one of the greatest epics in English language. Here the poet has maintained
the classical tradition of epic writing. In fact, an epic is a long narrative poem
that contains great action, great hero and great style. In Milton’s Paradise
Lost one can find all these three things.

So far as the action is concerned, it has three qualifications. It should be one

action; it should be an entire action; and it should be a great action. In the
Paradise Lost we find all these qualifications. This epic follows the strict unity
of the classical epic. It contains perfect unity of action. The central action of
this epic is the Fall of Man. Everything revolves round this action. The
plucking of the fruit by Eve is the apex of the whole architecture of this epic.
The war between God and Satan is only the prelude to the main action. Hence
the fall of Satan does not constitute a separate action. In short, the whole
action of the Paradise Lost is single, compact and great.

he hero of an epic poem must be great. He should be a figure of great national

or even cosmic importance. He must have dignity and sublimity. The hero of
the Paradise Lost is Adam. He has all the qualities of an epic hero. He
represents the entire human race. Thus no hero can be greater than the First
Man created by God in his own image. Milton’s Paradise Lost Maintains the
tradition of classical epic and it deals with a large variety of characters. They
all are universal characters.
The style of the Paradise Lost has all the grandeur and greatness that the epic
demands. Here we find a unique harmony between sublimity of thought and
sublimity of style. Milton has used all the methods to elevate his language. His
metaphors are bold, just and seldom out of place. His blank verse is fantastic.
Here everything is conceived in a mighty way. As a poetic artist he is never
careless and superfluous. A striking feature of Milton’s style is the use of
Homeric similes. He uses classical mythology for its symbolical meaning and
suggestiveness in his similes.
 Past Paper 2019

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Give a character sketch of ‘Knight’ in the Prologue?

A: 1 The Knight: The narrator begins his character portraits with the
Knight. In the narrator's eyes, the Knight is the noblest of the pilgrims,
embodying military prowess, loyalty, honor, generosity, and good manners.
The Knight conducts himself in a polite and mild fashion, never saying an
unkind word about anyone.

Socially, the Knight is by far the most prestigious person on the pilgrimage.
He has fought in many battles and served his king nobly. (Readers should note
that the Knight has not fought in secular battles; all his battles have been
religious battles of some nature.) He is the very essence of chivalry, honor, and
courage. Similarly, he is the epitome of gentility, a man who loves truth,
freedom, and honor. Everyone in the pilgrimage looks up to and respects him.

Despite his elevated position, the knight is also filled with humility. He does
not participate in the quarreling or complaining, nor does he condemn it.
Although he has distinguished himself several times in battle, he never talks
about his brave and valorous deeds. He is completely satisfied with his station
in life and is courteous to the other pilgrims without becoming friendly with
them.
Q: 2 What is the subject of ‘Paradise Lost’?

A: 2 The subject of Paradise Lost is the story of the fall of man from a state of
innocence into a state of sin. It is a narrative of temptation, the fall, and the
consequences.

The story is told in the first person by an individual who is representative of

the human race, and who has been chosen to show the path to the salvation of
mankind. The poem is divided into ten books, each one corresponding to a day
in the week of creation.

Paradise Lost is also the title of a book by John Milton, published in 1667.
This edition includes a preface by John Dennis, who wrote a lengthy
introduction to the book, in which he claimed that it was not Milton’s work,
but his own. In Paradise Lost, Adam, the first man, is created as a perfect
being; he is innocent and free from sin, having been blessed by God. He is a
model of humanity. After he is created, Adam falls asleep, and awakes in the
garden of Eden. There, he finds himself naked and alone.
Q: 3 Define ‘Allegory’?

A: 3 Allegory: It is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal

a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene” is an allegorical romance, symbolizing the

moral and spiritual journey of an individual through innumerable
temptations of sins towards the ultimate attainment of glory and truth. The
poem thus has a serious purpose behind its fanciful characters, settings and
events.

In The Faerie Queene, Spenser creates an allegory: The characters of his far-
off, fanciful "Faerie Land" are meant to have a symbolic meaning in the real
world.

All the characters in The Faerie Queene have allegorical significance since
they represent abstract ideas and religio-political conflict of the age of its
composition. The title character, the Fairy Queen (Gloriana) herself, is meant
to represent Queen Elizabeth. The Red Cross knight who is appointed by the
Fairy Queen to assist Lady Una in releasing her parents from the prison of
Dragon is the embodiment of Holiness, piety, and true religion
(Protestantism). Lady Una stands for truth, goodness and wisdom. Her
parents symbolize humanity held by Evil represented by the foul Dragon. The
mission of Holiness is to champion the cause of Truth and regain the right of
human race, held by subjection by the mighty force of Evil.
 Past Paper 2020

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 What was the main purpose of writing ‘Paradise Lost’?

A: 1 Paradise Lost is an attempt to make sense of a fallen world: to “justify

the ways of God to men”, and no doubt to Milton himself.

John Milton’s Paradise Lost is by far one of the great epics in English
literature. Paradise Lost was written in the 17th century and was written to
model Vergil’s and other epics written throughout history.

Paradise Lost was written about the ultimate spiritual battle between good
and evil, Milton’s purpose in writing this great epic was to justify God’s ways
to humankind. He wanted people to know that god’s always in control of
everything, even when evil looks to be winning its only because God allowed it
to happen. I chose to write about Paradise Lost because it is based off of the
story of the creation out of Genesis, but Milton put his own twist on it. Milton
chose to tell what heaven was like before man was created and after they were
created. He showed the spiritual battle between God, Satan and the other
fallen angels, but he also showed the spiritual battle between man and Satan.
Q: 2 Was Chaucer a realist?

A: 2 Chaucer is essentially a realist. He was the first English poet who

revealed the truth about life as he saw it. Before him, the writers were
dreaming dreams and weaving stories. However, Chaucer kept away from
such artifices. He has taken the basic ideas of his characters from the real
world and presented them clothed in imagination. Chaucer could have
claimed like Fielding that he gave the truth, the whole truth and nothing but
the truth.

The literary movement regarding realism started hundreds of years after

Chaucer’s death, however, that did not mean writers were unaware of
realism. Poets like Chaucer knew how to present reality in poetry. It is better
to say that Chaucer was the first who presented reality in poetry.

Nevertheless, realistic literature means literary work that is close to reality.

Characters, setting, story and atmosphere seem real in realistic literature. If
we closely observe Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” we find it close to
reality because everything in it is based on the technique of realism.
Q: 3 Give a character sketch ‘Red cross knight’?

A: 3 Red Cross Knight: The Redcross Knight is the protagonist of the first
book of The Faerie Queene (and he also makes brief appearances in later
books).

He is known by his designation which is the Red Cross Knight. He is so called

because he wears on his armor the sign of the Cross, and because the same
sign is also inscribed on his shield. The Cross, as we know, symbolizes the
martyrdom of Lady Jesus Christ. The Knight who is the hero of Book-I is an
ardent follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, and that is why he carries the
sign of the cross on his armor and on his shield. The sign of the cross is
depicted on the armor and on the shield of this Knight in red color, and so he
is called the Red Cross Knight or the knight of the Red Cross. 'Red'
symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ who was crucified on to cross.

The Red Cross Knight is deputed by the Fairy Queen to relieve the distress of
Lady Una, whose parents dwell in perpetual dread of a fierce dragon that has
laid waste their whole Kingdom and threatened them with death and
destruction. The Red Cross Knight symbolizes Holiness or Righteousness. His
mission is to champion the cause of Una and regain the rights of her parents
held in subjection by the mighty force of the Dragon. Historically the Knight
of the Red Cross is St. George or the Reformed Church of England or
England as a militant spiritual force, fighting corruption, pride and manifold
evils of the papacy, Paganism and Catholicism.
 Past Paper 2021

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Write a note on Renaissance?

A: 1 Renaissance: The Renaissance was a fervent period of European

cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages.
Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century,
the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature
and art. Some of the greatest thinkers, authors, statesmen, scientists and
artists in human history thrived during this era, while global exploration
opened up new lands and cultures to European commerce. The Renaissance is
credited with bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-day
civilization.

The intellectual basis of the Renaissance was its own invented version of
humanism, derived from the rediscovery of classical Greek philosophy, such
as that of Protagoras, who said that “Man is the measure of all things.” This
new thinking became manifest in art, architecture, politics, science, and
literature. Early examples were the development of perspective in oil painting
and the recycled knowledge of how to make concrete. Though availability of
paper and the invention of metal movable type sped the dissemination of ideas
from the later 15th century, the changes of the Renaissance were not
uniformly experienced across Europe.

As a cultural movement, the Renaissance encompassed the innovative

flowering of Latin and vernacular literatures, beginning with the 14th-century
resurgence of learning based on classical sources, which contemporaries
credited to Petrarch; the development of linear perspective and other
techniques of rendering a more natural reality in painting; and gradual but
widespread educational reform.

In politics, the Renaissance contributed the development of the conventions of

diplomacy, and in science an increased reliance on observation. Although the
Renaissance saw revolutions in many intellectual pursuits, as well as social
and political upheaval, it is perhaps best known for its artistic developments
and the contributions of such polymaths as Leonardo da Vinci and
Michelangelo, who inspired the term “Renaissance man.”
Q: 2 Give a character sketch of the “Dragon”?

A: 2 Dragon: The dragon is a fearsome foe who takes many days to defeat,
showing how strong the powers of evil are. In the end, however, the dragon
falls to the Redcross Knight, echoing the legend of St. George, the brave
knight who slew a dragon.

Huge, winged, with flaming eyes, this dragon gives Redcrosse a run for his
money. In fact, it's the dragon's belief that he'll easily defeat Redcrosse that
ultimately spells his doom. Underestimating Redcrosse's resilience, the dragon
ends up being blindsided by Redcrosse multiple times.

In Book I of Spenser's The Faerie Queene, the dragon, described as "swolne

with wrath, and poison, and with bloudy gore," represents absolute evil. The
Redcrosse Knight, who symbolizes holiness, loses his first battle with the
dragon and falls into the Well of Life. The dragon is a fearsome foe who takes
many days to defeat, showing how strong the powers of evil are. In the end,
however, the dragon falls to the Redcross Knight, echoing the legend of St.
George, the brave knight who slew a dragon.
Q: 3 What is Donne’s attitude towards love?

A: 3 In Donne's poetry, love is considered to be mutual and self-sufficient.

Further, Donne's treatment of love is both sensuous and realistic. Love merely
of the body is not love but lust. But at the same time, he is realistic enough to
realize that it cannot also be of the soul alone. It must partake both of the soul
and the body.

One of the striking qualities of Donne is his use of language. Discarding the
ornamental and artificial language of the Petrarchan poets, he uses colloquial
speech and often gives it a dramatic form. This dramatic quality of his love
poems enforces the mission of his love.

To conclude, we can say that, the dominant note in Donne's love poetry is
neither sensual passion, gay and cynical wit, nor scorn and anger. In fact, his
love poetry deals with the infinite quality of passion. His greatness as a love
poet lies in the fact that his experience of passion covers a wide range from its
lowest depth to its highest reaches.
 Past Paper 2022

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Write a brief note on Chaucer’s Modernity?

A: 1 Chaucer is regarded as the father of English poetry and the earliest of the
great modernism. In those, dark days when light of modernism was not visible
on the horizon, Chaucer anticipated the modern taste and the modern mind
and in his poetry, he introduces qualities of advanced age. Though Chaucer
has not written a drama or a novel as we know it, yet his works certain the
seed of modern drama and novel. If he had lived a few years, he would
certainly have been our first dramatist and novelist, just as we know he is the
first true national poet of England.

Chaucer made several great contributions to English poetry and his debt is so
large that it can never be repaired even by the most exalted panegyrics that
may be written for him. Chaucer has enlarged the scope and range of the
poetry and has observed life minutely around him. He has not only made
narration on art but also has given a new shape to language and versification.
All these qualities make Chaucer a modern poet and his poetry immortal and
evergreen. The main qualities, which make Chaucer a modern poet, are as
numerated:
1. National Poet:

Chaucer was the first great national poet of England giving full expression to
the new hopes and aspiration of the people of his times. He voiced through his
poetry the nationalism and unity which bad been brought about by the fusion
of the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons. The growing influences of France was
checked and for the first time a poet in the national language of England gave
expression to the life, ideals and aspiration of the people of the fourteenth
century.

2. Observation and Realism:

Modern poetry is characterized by realism. A modern poet is a keen tendency

of his time, which is being put by him in his poetry. This modern note of
realism was sounded by Chaucer long age in the fourteenth century. He has
the Seeing Eye, the retentive memory, the judgment to select and the capacity
to expound. He is gifted with unusual keen observation and his penetrating
eye spares nothing, which remains hidden from our eyes.

3. Descriptions:

Chaucer’s best descriptions of men, manners and places are of the first rank
in their beauty, impressiveness and humor. His power of describing his
fellowmen with all their merits and demerits, their tastes and temperaments is
unique and “The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales”, is a picture gallery
bringing in its scope all the classes of people ranging from the Knight to The
Miller and The Cook.
4. Narrative Art:

Chaucer is a supreme storyteller in verse and he has made a notable

contribution to the art of story-telling. In. his stories, the narration inspite of
many digression and philosophical reflections is straightforward as well as
unhampered. He not only infuses humor in his narration but also makes his
stories life-like and living.

5. Characterization:

Chaucer has made significant contribution to the art of characterization and

he presents characters in a masterly manner. His characters are both
individuals as well as types. They are timeless creation on a time-determined
stage. The Knight, The Friar, The Pardoner, The Wife of Bath and The
Doctor of Physic, all are living characters and have an external freshness
about them.

6. Humor:

In the literature of the fourteenth century when so few poets seem to have any
perception of fun in life, Chaucer’s humor is invigorating and delightful. His
genial humor cuts across barriers of time, customs, language and idiom and
refreshes and exhilarates us like a tonic.
7. Love for fresh out-door life:

An especially charming feature of his poetry is its freshness and out-of-doors

atmosphere. This quality makes him not only a modern poet but also his
poetry universal.

8. Elements of Novel and Drama:

Chaucer's contribution towards novel and drama can never be ignored. The
elements of both drama and novel are a part and parcel of Chaucer’s
writings. The wonderful style of characterization dialogues and story not only
give a dramatic shape to its writings but also give them an ever-lasting life. On
the other hand, the tales with their atmosphere are also novels in miniature
and “The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales” is the prologue to the modern
age.

9. Contribution to Language and Versification:

Chaucer made notable contribution to English language and versification. In

1360 English was split in four dialects. Chaucer popularized and reshaped the
east Midland dialect and gave it the form of standard language. It was a great
service rendered by Chaucer and only a poet of great caliber could perform
such a task.

In the light of above mentioned we can conclude that Chaucer was a genius
born at a time when lights were hazy. By the alembic of his genius, he created
something of lasting and permanent value in literature. After Chaucer follows
a century of arid barrenness and supremacy and greatness of the poet become
apparent when we view him in the light of his followers.
Q: 2 Give a character sketch Knight (Prologue)?

A: 2 The Knight: The narrator begins his character portraits with the
Knight. In the narrator's eyes, the Knight is the noblest of the pilgrims,
embodying military prowess, loyalty, honor, generosity, and good manners.
The Knight conducts himself in a polite and mild fashion, never saying an
unkind word about anyone.

Socially, the Knight is by far the most prestigious person on the pilgrimage.
He has fought in many battles and served his king nobly. (Readers should note
that the Knight has not fought in secular battles; all his battles have been
religious battles of some nature.) He is the very essence of chivalry, honor, and
courage. Similarly, he is the epitome of gentility, a man who loves truth,
freedom, and honor. Everyone in the pilgrimage looks up to and respects him.

Despite his elevated position, the knight is also filled with humility. He does
not participate in the quarreling or complaining, nor does he condemn it.
Although he has distinguished himself several times in battle, he never talks
about his brave and valorous deeds. He is completely satisfied with his station
in life and is courteous to the other pilgrims without becoming friendly with
them.
Q: 3 What are three modes of love in Donne’s poetry?

A: 3 The three moods of love in Donne's poetry are cynical love (anti woman),
conjugal love (married life) and Platonic love (spiritual).

 Cynical (Mood, Love, Strain): In the cynical mood he finds women

false. For him a woman is a bundle of contradictions. He never spares
an opportunity to laugh at her inconstancy and faithlessness.

 Conjugal (Mood, Love, Strain): John Donne finds peace and

harmony in love. He sees it as a passion instead of nasty work.
Numerous poems by John Donne depict this strain. For instance,
“Valediction: Of Weeping” and “Valediction: Forbidden Mourning”
are about spiritual peace. As a love poet, John Donne has proved that
love is part of life and that without it, life is barren and useless.
Whenever he remembers his beloved, he attains peace and serenity. He
cannot forget her or the moments that he has spent with her. Thus,
bundles of poems contain the conjugal love strain.

 Platonic (Mood, Love, Strain): It is the last but the most important
love strain. Love is love whether it is before marriage or after. There is
always spirituality in it. Donne has improved this strain and written
“Divine Poems”. To exemplify, in “The Sun Rising”, “The Blossom” the
poet considers love as the best thing on this planet. Similarly, in
“Canonization”, he takes love as a holy passion. Hence, this strain is
entirely the opposite of the cynical strain.
 Past Paper 2023

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 What are the prominent traits of Satan in Paradise Lost?

A: 1 In "Paradise Lost," Satan is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted

character. Some of the prominent traits of Satan include his intelligence,
charisma, and his ability to manipulate others. He is depicted as a persuasive
speaker and a master of deception. Despite his rebellious nature and his fall
from grace, Satan possesses a certain allure that captivates readers. He is also
shown to be ambitious, determined, and relentless in his pursuit of revenge
against God. Additionally, Satan displays a sense of pride and a refusal to
submit to authority, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Overall, Satan's
character in "Paradise Lost" embodies both the qualities of a tragic hero and
a villain, making him a fascinating and complex figure in the epic poem.

Though his intentions are ultimately villainous, his portrayal makes him a
sympathetic character who is charismatic and engaging in his passion for
leading the fallen angels. As the leader of the original rebellion against God,
Satan is a powerful being.
Q: 2 Define invocation. Whom does Spenser invoke in the Faerie Queene?

A: 2 An invocation is a literary device where the writer calls upon a higher

power, deity, or muse for inspiration, guidance, or assistance.

Conventionally an ancient writer, while commencing an epic poem, invoked

the help and the blessings of the Muse of epic poetry. Actually the name of the
Muse of epic poetry was Calliope. But Spenser here invokes the help, not of
the Muse of epic poetry but of history whose name was Clio. The poet invokes
the help of this Muse of history because, in the course of his epic namely The
Faerie Queene, he wishes to make occasional references to historical events
and historical personages. Clio's function was to record the deeds of heroes;
and Spenser wishes his poem to be regarded partly as a historical poem. He
invokes Clio as the keeper of the records of the deeds which he is going to
describe in his poem. Spenser here regards Clio as the chief of the nine Muses,
although actually it was Calliope who was the chief of all the Muses. Thus,
Spenser is here making a lax and inaccurate use of classical mythology.

We have also a glimpse into the didactic purpose of Spenser. The two chief
themes of his epic poem are (i) the heroic deeds of the knights and (ii) the
loves of the knights and the ladies. These were the two chief pursuits of
chivalry of the medieval times. But Spenser also adds a third theme to these
two. The third theme is allegory. The last line of the first stanza indicates all
the three themes of Spenser's poem. "Fierce warres and faithful loves shall
moralize my song." A moral allegory runs through the whole of Spenser's
poem.

In addition to invoking the help of Clio, Cupid, Venus and Mars, Spenser
seeks the patronage of Elizabeth, the reigning Queen of England at the time.
Those were the days when royal patronage was very important. Spenser
showers glowing epithets on Queen Elizabeth whose radiance he compares to
the light of the sun.
Q: 3 Give a character sketch of The Prioress?

A: 3 Her size and forehead are large, yet her mouth is small and her nose is
quite fine. As a prioress, she is supposed to be pious and humble, yet her
clothes are well made and expensive. She carries a unique rosary of bright
coral beads instead of a plain black one.

The Prioress, in "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a character

who is presented as a devout and elegant nun. She is described as being gentle,
modest, and well-mannered. The Prioress is known for her delicate and
refined appearance, with a graceful way of speaking and a pleasant smile. She
is dedicated to her religious duties and is deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary.
The Prioress wears a nun's habit and a brooch with the inscription "Amor
vincit omnia" (Love conquers all) as a symbol of her faith. However, despite
her religious devotion, the Prioress displays signs of vanity and worldliness,
such as her fondness for fine clothing and her concern for her appearance.
Overall, the character of the Prioress represents a blend of religious piety and
human frailties, adding depth and complexity to her portrayal in "The
Canterbury Tales."