JUNE/2023

“Thou Seyest, right as wormesshende a tree,

Right so a Wyffdestroyeth here housbande;
This knowe they that been to wives bonde.” 141 wds
In "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the
Wife of Bath challenges traditional views on marriage, gender roles, and morality. The
quoted lines criticize wives, comparing their impact on husbands to worms destroying a
tree. The phrase, "Right so a Wyff destroyeth here housbande," suggests a wife's perceived
power to undermine her husband, a common medieval stereotype reflecting patriarchal
biases. The Wife of Bath cites such opinions sarcastically, highlighting societal judgments
about women.
Through her bold defense of female authority and autonomy in relationships, the
Wife of Bath reclaims this critique. She argues for mutual satisfaction and uses humor and
personal experience to assert that wives deserve control within marriage. Chaucer uses this
passage to explore gender dynamics, offering a voice to challenge misogynistic narratives
while simultaneously showcasing the complexities of medieval attitudes toward women.
“Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending down
So, till the judgment that yourself arise.” 146 wds
In these lines from Sonnet 55 by William Shakespeare, the poet emphasizes the
enduring power of his verse to immortalize the subject. "Even in the eyes of all posterity"
refers to future generations who will witness the decay of the physical world. Shakespeare
contrasts the transient nature of worldly monuments with the timeless nature of his poetry.
The phrase "wear this world out to the ending down" illustrates the eventual destruction of
earthly things by time. Despite this inevitable decay, the poet asserts that the subject will
"arise" at the "judgment"—a reference to the Last Judgment in Christian belief when souls
are resurrected.
Shakespeare highlights that his poetry will preserve the memory of the subject until
the end of time, ensuring their legacy survives even the apocalypse. This reflects the poet's
confidence in the eternal nature of art and its ability to triumph over mortality.
Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine
And thrice again to make up nine.
Peace ! & the charm‟s wound up 144 wds
The quoted lines are from The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, spoken by
the First Witch in Act I, Scene III. These words occur during the witches' mysterious chant,
emphasizing the number three, which has symbolic significance in the play. The repetition
of "thrice" (three times) represents the completion of a magical ritual, as three was
considered a mystical and powerful number in Shakespeare's time.
The lines illustrate the witches' role as agents of chaos and fate, using supernatural
means to manipulate events. Their chant “thrice to thine, and thrice to mine” symbolizes
sharing power, aligning their energies, and casting a potent spell. The final declaration,
“Peace! The charm’s wound up,” signals the spell’s completion, which sets the stage for
Macbeth's encounter with the witches and their prophecies. This moment foreshadows
Macbeth's tragic descent, driven by ambition and influenced by their sinister interventions
JUNE/2023

“When in eternal lives to time thou grow‟st:

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” 137 wds
These lines are from Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, a poem celebrating the eternal beauty
of the poet’s beloved through the power of poetry. In this concluding couplet, Shakespeare
asserts the immortality of the subject’s beauty, preserved forever in his verse. The phrase
"When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st" signifies that the beloved’s essence will grow
eternal, transcending the decay of time through the written words.
"So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, / So long lives this" underscores the
enduring nature of the poem. As long as humanity exists to read and comprehend, the
poem will remain alive. The final phrase, "this gives life to thee," conveys how the beloved's
beauty will live on perpetually, celebrated by generations. Shakespeare thus immortalizes
human beauty and emotion through the written word, defying time's destructive power.
“Sweet warriour when shall I have peace
with you ? High time it is, this warre now ended evere :
Which I no longer can endure to sue.” 140 wds
In Edmund Spenser's Amoretti Sonnet 58, the speaker addresses his beloved as a "sweet
warrior," likening their romantic struggle to a battle. The speaker expresses weariness and
longs for reconciliation, asking when their conflict will cease. The line "Sweet warriour, when
shall I have peace with you?" reflects the speaker's vulnerability and desire for harmony.
The metaphor of war emphasizes the intensity of their emotional engagement.
The phrase "High time it is, this warre now ended evere" conveys urgency,
suggesting the speaker believes their quarrel has lasted too long. The speaker feels
emotionally drained, saying, "Which I no longer can endure to sue," revealing his exhaustion
from pleading for love and understanding.
This sonnet reflects Spenser’s theme of love as a complex mix of conflict and passion,
showing the speaker’s desire to resolve tensions and achieve unity in his relationship.
“Oh, what a world of profit and delight
Of power, of honor, of omnipotence
Is promised to the stupendous artisan ! ” 145 wds
Reference to the Context: These lines are from Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor
Faustus. They occur in Act 1, Scene 1, when Doctor Faustus reflects on the possibilities of
necromancy (magic). Faustus, dissatisfied with traditional fields of study like logic,
medicine, law, and theology, turns to magic for unlimited power and worldly pleasures.
Explanation: Faustus expresses excitement about the potential of magic. He
envisions gaining immense power, honor, and pleasures far beyond human limitations. The
phrase "stupendous artisan" refers to himself, as he believes his intellectual and scholarly
abilities make him capable of mastering the art of necromancy. This moment highlights
Faustus’s ambition and arrogance, as he seeks omnipotence (unlimited power) akin to God.
However, his desire for worldly gains foreshadows his tragic downfall, as he sacrifices his
soul for transient pleasures and power. This passage embodies the Renaissance spirit of
ambition yet critiques its hubris.
JUNE/2023

Character of Lady Macduff 166 wds

Lady Macduff is a minor but significant character in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. She
appears briefly in Act IV, Scene 2, offering insight into the human cost of Macbeth’s
tyrannical rule. As Macduff’s wife, she represents the domestic and familial consequences
of political upheaval.
Lady Macduff is portrayed as a loving mother and a devoted wife. However, she
feels abandoned and betrayed when her husband leaves their home to join Malcolm in
England without informing her. Her anger and confusion highlight her vulnerability and her
lack of understanding of the larger political context. She interprets Macduff’s actions as
cowardice and disloyalty, emphasizing her practical and protective nature as a mother.
In her brief interaction with her son, Lady Macduff’s tenderness and wit are evident.
The scene also foreshadows the tragedy that befalls her family. Her murder, along with her
son’s, underscores Macbeth’s descent into cruelty and tyranny. Lady Macduff symbolizes
innocence destroyed by unchecked ambition, and her death evokes the audience’s
sympathy while deepening the play’s tragic atmosphere.
The wife of Bath in the role of the teller of the tale 179 wds
The Wife of Bath is one of the most memorable characters in Geoffrey Chaucer’s
The Canterbury Tales. As the teller of her tale, she represents a bold and unconventional
figure, challenging the medieval norms of gender and morality. Her Prologue is longer than
her actual tale, where she candidly discusses her five marriages, her views on love,
marriage, and power dynamics between men and women. She openly defends her sexual
independence and the use of experience over textual authority, questioning the patriarchal
teachings of the Church and society.
In her tale, she narrates the story of a knight who must discover what women truly
desire to save his life. The answer, "sovereignty" (control or independence) in marriage,
mirrors the Wife of Bath’s own philosophy. The tale conveys her belief in mutual respect
and equality in relationships, themes she embodies in her own life. As a teller, she is
humorous, provocative, and unapologetic, using her story to advocate for women’s rights
and critique societal norms. This dual role makes her both an engaging storyteller and a
symbol of female empowerment.
The sonnet form 174 wds
The sonnet is a poetic form consisting of 14 lines, typically written in iambic
pentameter (a rhythmic pattern with ten syllables per line, alternating unstressed and
stressed syllables). Originating in Italy during the 13th century, the form was popularized
by poets such as Petrarch. The sonnet was later adapted in England by poets like
Shakespeare and Spenser.
There are three primary types of sonnets:
1. Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six
lines), the rhyme scheme is usually ABBAABBA for the octave and CDECDE or
CDCDCD for the sestet. The octave presents a problem or theme, while the sestet
provides a resolution.
2. Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains (four lines each)
and a concluding couplet (two lines), its rhyme scheme is ABABCDCDEFEFGG. Themes
are explored in the quatrains, with the couplet offering a resolution or twist.
3. Spenserian Sonnet: Similar to the Shakespearean sonnet but uses a linked rhyme
scheme (ABABBCBCCDCDEE).
The sonnet often explores love, beauty, mortality, and philosophical themes,
blending structure with emotional depth.
JUNE/2023

The ending of the play Dr. Faustus. 170 wds

The ending of Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus is a powerful and tragic conclusion
that highlights the consequences of Faustus's choices. As the twenty-four years of his pact
with Lucifer come to an end, Faustus is consumed by regret and fear. Despite his earlier
arrogance and dismissal of God’s mercy, he now longs for salvation but finds himself unable
to genuinely repent. The final scenes depict his inner turmoil as he oscillates between
despair and fleeting hope for redemption.
At the stroke of midnight, Faustus realizes his fate is sealed. The devils appear to
claim his soul, and his anguished cries reveal the depth of his remorse. His death is not
shown directly on stage, but his torment is vividly conveyed, leaving a lasting impact on
the audience. The play ends with the Chorus reflecting on Faustus’s tragic downfall, serving
as a moral lesson on the dangers of overreaching ambition and the rejection of divine grace.
The ending reinforces the themes of sin, repentance, and the eternal consequences
of human actions.
Bring out the idea of violence and its relation to the state in Macbeth. 455 wds
In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the theme of violence is intricately woven into the
narrative and is central to the development of the plot and characters. The play explores how
violence is not only a personal but also a political and social issue, often intertwined with the
concept of the state. Macbeth's rise to power and subsequent downfall exemplify the destructive
consequences of violence, particularly when it is used to usurp or maintain authority.
Macbeth's violent actions begin with the murder of King Duncan, an act that marks his
descent from a loyal subject to a tyrant. This initial act of violence disrupts the natural order
and introduces a chain of events that leads to more violence and chaos. Duncan's murder is not
only a personal crime but also a political one, as it involves the assassination of the legitimate
ruler of Scotland. By committing this violent act, Macbeth destabilizes the state and challenges
the divine right of kings, which is a foundational principle in the political structure of the time.
The murder represents a breach of the social contract, leading to disorder and bloodshed in the
kingdom.
The state’s response to violence is seen in the aftermath of Duncan’s murder. Macbeth’s
reign is characterized by further acts of violence as he tries to consolidate power. He orders the
murder of Banquo, his former friend, and Fleance, Banquo’s son, in an attempt to prevent the
prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will inherit the throne. These acts of violence further
unravel the fabric of society, leading to a sense of paranoia and instability. Macbeth’s
dependence on violence to secure his position reveals his understanding of power as something
that must be maintained through force, rather than through justice or legitimacy.
The play also shows how the state reacts to the violence perpetrated by Macbeth. In
the final act, Malcolm, Duncan’s son, leads an army to overthrow Macbeth and restore order to
the kingdom. The violence of the war is portrayed as a necessary action to bring justice and
peace to a land that has been torn apart by Macbeth’s tyranny. Malcolm’s soldiers, representing
the legitimate state, fight to reclaim Scotland and rid it of the destructive force of Macbeth’s
violent rule.
In conclusion, violence in Macbeth is not just an individual choice but is deeply
connected to the state. Macbeth’s violent acts disrupt the natural and political order, and his
tyranny is marked by the continuous use of violence to maintain power. The play ultimately
suggests that the state, when governed by violence and illegitimate power, leads to chaos and
destruction. The restoration of order and peace, as seen in the final battle, underscores the
importance of justice and legitimate authority in maintaining the stability of the state.
JUNE/2023

In what ways can a modern reader relate to the predicament of Dr. Faustus ?
Discuss.
Relating to the Predicament of Dr. Faustus:
Dr. Faustus, the protagonist of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, is a scholar
who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for worldly power, knowledge, and pleasures.
While his tragic flaw—hubris (excessive pride or arrogance)—leads to his eventual downfall,
modern readers can find several ways to relate to his predicament.
1. Desire for Knowledge and Power: In today’s world, the pursuit of knowledge and
power often seems like a necessary part of success. Dr. Faustus, dissatisfied with
traditional forms of learning, seeks higher, forbidden knowledge, which ultimately
leads him down a dangerous path. Similarly, modern individuals constantly chase
after advancements in technology, social status, and intellectual achievements,
sometimes sacrificing their personal well-being or ethical considerations for success.
Just like Faustus, the modern world offers the temptation of shortcuts to power, be it
through fame, wealth, or fame, and people might be willing to compromise their
integrity to achieve these.
2. Conflict Between Reason and Ambition: Dr. Faustus’s internal struggle between
his intellect and his desires mirrors the conflict faced by many modern readers. On
one hand, he is a brilliant scholar who knows the consequences of his actions but, on
the other hand, he is driven by a deep sense of dissatisfaction with what the world
offers. Many people today experience a similar tension between their ambitions and
the limitations imposed by their circumstances, often turning to extreme or unethical
means to overcome these barriers, just as Faustus does by making a pact with
Mephistopheles.
3. Moral Dilemmas and Consequences: Faustus’s tragic fate highlights the
consequences of choices made without considering the long-term repercussions.
Modern readers, living in a world that often emphasizes instant gratification, may find
themselves facing similar moral dilemmas. Whether in personal relationships,
professional careers, or social responsibilities, the temptation to take the easy way
out can lead to serious consequences. Faustus's eventual damnation serves as a
cautionary tale for readers who might ignore ethical considerations in the pursuit of
their desires.
4. Alienation and Disillusionment: Faustus's sense of isolation grows as he distances
himself from traditional religious and moral frameworks. His bargain with the devil
leaves him spiritually alienated, a predicament that modern readers can relate to in
an era of increasing secularism and individualism. In a society where the quest for
individual success sometimes overrides communal values, feelings of alienation and
disillusionment are common. Just as Faustus feels trapped by his choices, modern
individuals might also feel alienated by their personal ambitions or the pressures of
modern life, leading them to question the meaning of their existence.
In conclusion, the predicament of Dr. Faustus speaks to timeless human struggles:
the search for knowledge and power, the conflict between reason and ambition, the
consequences of moral decisions, and the feeling of alienation. Modern readers, faced with
similar temptations and dilemmas, can recognize in Faustus’s tragic fate a warning about
the cost of unchecked desires and the importance of balancing ambition with moral
integrity.
JUNE/2023

Comment on the nature of time in Shakespeare‟s sonnets keeping in view the

theme of immortality. 440wds
In Shakespeare’s sonnets, time plays a central role, often intertwining with themes
of mortality and immortality. The concept of time is multifaceted, influencing both the
structure and content of his poems. It serves as a reminder of human frailty, yet also acts
as a vehicle for exploring the possibility of eternal life through art.
Shakespeare's sonnets frequently address the inevitability of time’s passage,
particularly the aging process. In Sonnet 12, for instance, time is depicted as a “tyrant”
that “with his sickle” mows down the beauty of nature and humanity. The image of time as
a cruel force highlights its power to destroy and diminish all things. The poet often presents
the idea of the transitory nature of life, where beauty, youth, and love are ultimately subject
to time’s ravages. This reflects the broader theme of mortality, which is a dominant feature
throughout Shakespeare’s sonnet sequence.
However, alongside time’s destructive power, Shakespeare introduces the concept
of immortality. Time, though it causes decay, also becomes a medium through which the
speaker seeks to preserve beauty and love. In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare explores this idea
by immortalizing the beloved through poetry. The famous line “So long as men can breathe
or eyes can see, / So long lives this, and this gives life to thee” suggests that while physical
beauty fades with time, the words of the poet can transcend it. Through the preservation
of the subject in the poem, Shakespeare offers a form of immortality. The poet, thus,
becomes the guardian of the beloved’s legacy, rendering them timeless through art.
Another significant aspect of time in Shakespeare’s sonnets is the tension between
the fleeting nature of human life and the potential for eternity found in the poem. Sonnet
65 is a reflection on this contrast, where Shakespeare acknowledges the devastating power
of time to reduce all things to nothingness. Yet, he proposes that through the
immortalization of love in poetry, something eternal can emerge. “Your eternal summer
shall not fade / Nor lose possession of that fair you owe” (Sonnet 18) is an example of this
assertion, where the beauty of the beloved is preserved in the sonnet itself, transcending
time’s limitations.
In the context of immortality, Shakespeare’s sonnets reveal a complex relationship
with time. While time is often portrayed as a force that brings decay and death, the poet
finds a way to defy it through the written word. Through art, Shakespeare suggests that
while physical bodies may perish, the essence of beauty and love can be immortalized. His
sonnets, therefore, not only reflect on the ravages of time but also affirm the enduring
power of poetry to conquer it.
JUNE/2023

Briefly discuss the implication of the „metaphysical‟ in the context of Donne‟s

poetry in your syllabus. 514 wds
The term "metaphysical" in the context of John Donne's poetry refers to a
distinctive style and approach to poetry that emerged in the 17th century, primarily through
Donne and his contemporaries, such as George Herbert and Andrew Marvell. Metaphysical
poetry is characterized by the use of complex metaphors, intellectual themes, and a
blending of the spiritual and physical worlds. The "metaphysical" in Donne's poetry has
several key implications, including its exploration of deep philosophical questions, its
innovative use of conceits (extended metaphors), and its treatment of love, death, and
religion.
1. Intellectual Exploration: One of the primary implications of the "metaphysical" in
Donne’s poetry is his use of intellectual inquiry. Donne's poems are often marked by
a questioning, analytical tone, which reflects his engagement with philosophy,
theology, and science. For example, in his famous work A Valediction: Forbidding
Mourning, Donne uses the metaphor of a compass to illustrate the idea of spiritual
union despite physical separation, suggesting that true love transcends the physical
and remains intellectually and spiritually connected. This intellectual depth
distinguishes Donne's work from the more emotional and pastoral poetry of the earlier
Renaissance period.
2. Use of Conceits: Another crucial implication of the "metaphysical" is Donne's use of
conceits (elaborate metaphors or comparisons), which were a hallmark of
metaphysical poetry. These conceits are often unexpected and intellectually complex,
challenging readers to consider the deeper meanings behind simple experiences. For
instance, in The Flea, Donne uses the image of a flea as a metaphor for the union
between lovers. The flea, though a simple creature, becomes a symbol of intimacy,
sexuality, and even spiritual union in Donne’s exploration of love and desire. This
blending of intellectual and physical elements creates a unique and thought-provoking
experience for the reader.
3. Themes of Love, Death, and Religion: The metaphysical in Donne’s poetry also
implies a distinctive treatment of universal themes, such as love, death, and religion.
His exploration of love often delves into both the physical and spiritual aspects, as
seen in poems like The Sun Rising, where he describes the power of love to transcend
the physical world. Similarly, Donne's religious poetry, such as Death Be Not Proud,
demonstrates his metaphysical approach to themes of mortality and the afterlife. In
these poems, Donne uses intellectual reasoning and religious belief to challenge
conventional views of death, offering a more nuanced understanding of life and
existence.
4. Innovative Language: Donne's metaphysical poetry also includes innovative
language that bridges the gap between the scientific and the poetic. By incorporating
contemporary discoveries in science and philosophy, he uses language in a way that
challenges readers to reconsider the nature of reality. This intellectual rigor gives
Donne's poetry a timeless appeal, making it relevant not only in the 17th century but
also in modern times.
In conclusion, the "metaphysical" in John Donne's poetry refers to his innovative
approach to intellectual and philosophical themes, his distinctive use of conceits, and his
exploration of profound topics like love, death, and religion. This distinctive style sets Donne
apart from other poets of his time and continues to resonate with readers today.
JUNE/2023

In what sense is The Wife of Bath’s Prologue dramatic ? Explain. 418 wds
The Wife of Bath's Prologue in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is
considered dramatic in several respects. First, it has a strong monologue structure, where
the Wife of Bath, also known as Alison, addresses the audience directly, providing insight
into her thoughts and experiences. This gives the prologue an immediate and personal
quality, akin to a theatrical performance. The dramatic effect is achieved through Alison's
lively and engaging speech, where she presents her opinions on various aspects of life,
particularly marriage, love, and authority.
One dramatic element in the prologue is the Wife’s role as a self-confident,
outspoken character who dominates the narrative. She uses her experiences to challenge
traditional views of women, marriage, and the authority of the church. Her boldness and
defiance of societal norms create a dynamic tension that draws the audience in, much like
a character on stage who challenges the audience's expectations. The prologue functions
as a direct address to the pilgrims in the tale, resembling a performance where Alison plays
the role of a storyteller and performer, using humor, irony, and self-presentation to
captivate her listeners.
Additionally, the prologue is dramatic because it is constructed as a conversation
between the Wife of Bath and other characters. She often recounts her experiences with
her five husbands and uses these experiences as a platform to argue for her right to marry
and control her own life. This back-and-forth dynamic mirrors a theatrical dialogue, where
one character engages with or reacts to the other characters. Although the Wife of Bath is
primarily speaking in a monologue, her recounting of dialogues and conflicts with her
husbands adds layers to the prologue, giving it a sense of a dramatic narrative unfolding.
The Wife's use of rhetorical devices also contributes to the dramatic quality of the
prologue. She uses exaggeration, sarcasm, and wit to enhance her storytelling, making her
speech more entertaining and emotionally charged. Her passionate defense of women’s
desires and her own agency in relationships engages the audience, making them feel as
though they are witnessing a performance full of energy and emotion. Her speech oscillates
between humor and seriousness, creating a varied emotional landscape that is common in
dramatic works.
In conclusion, The Wife of Bath’s Prologue is dramatic due to its monologue
structure, engaging character portrayal, dynamic narrative, and use of rhetorical
techniques. Alison’s confident expression of her views, combined with her interactive
relationship with the audience, makes the prologue feel like a live performance, full of
tension, humor, and insight into human relationships.