Q.11) Which of the following is true of Edward Said’s Orientalism?
(A) It was published in 1979.
(B) Utilises the concept of discursive formulation as argued by Foucault.
(C) He has taken up the detailed analysis of imaginative geography and representation of the Orient.
(D) It is one of the foundational texts of Postcolonial theory.
(E) It puts to use Barthes’ concept of ‘death of the author’.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(1) (A), (B) and (E) Only
(2) (A), (B) and (C) Only
(3) (A), (C) and (E) Only
(4) (B), (C) and (D) Only
Answer: (4) (B), (C) and (D) Only
Explanation: Edward Said’s “Orientalism” is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on postcolonial studies, cultural studies, and the understanding of the West’s perception and representation of the East, or the Orient.
Let’s evaluate the given statements in light of Said’s work:
(A) It was published in 1979. This statement is incorrect. Edward Said's "Orientalism" was actually published in 1978. (B) Utilizes the concept of discursive formulation as argued by Foucault. This statement is correct. Said was influenced by Michel Foucault's theory of discourse and used the concept of discursive formations to analyze how knowledge about the Orient was constructed and how this knowledge both reflected and shaped Western imperialist domination. (C) He has taken up the detailed analysis of imaginative geography and representation of the Orient. This statement is correct. Said explores how the West constructed the Orient as an exotic, backward, uncivilized, and at times dangerous other, through what he terms "imaginative geography," a conceptual separation of East and West. (D) It is one of the foundational texts of Postcolonial theory. This statement is correct. "Orientalism" is widely regarded as a foundational text in postcolonial studies, critiquing how the West's portrayal of the Orient reinforced and justified colonial and imperialist endeavors. (E) It puts to use Barthes’ concept of ‘death of the author’. This statement is misleading in this context. While Said's work is interdisciplinary and engages with various theories, including literary theory, the primary focus of "Orientalism" is not on the critique of authorship as proposed by Roland Barthes in the "death of the author." Said's work is more concerned with how texts collectively create and perpetuate the concept of the Orient rather than deconstructing the role of individual authors in the creation of meaning.
Q.12) Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Culture is one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language.
Reason (R): This is mainly because of several different though related meanings have emerged at particular moments throughout its long history.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Answer: (1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation: Given these considerations, the relationship between (A) and (R) is such that both statements are true, and moreover, (R) provides a correct explanation for (A). The evolution of the word “culture” across various historical periods and contexts has led to its complexity, as it encompasses a wide range of meanings and connotations.
The complexity of the word “culture” and its history can indeed be seen as a reason for its being labeled as one of the most complicated words in the English language. Let’s break down the statements:
Assertion (A): The assertion that "Culture is one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language" reflects the viewpoint of many scholars, including Raymond Williams, who in his work "Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society," explicitly states that "culture" is one of the most complicated words in the English language. This complexity arises from the word's extensive usage and the breadth of meanings it has acquired over time. Reason (R): The reason given, "This is mainly because of several different though related meanings have emerged at particular moments throughout its long history," is a valid explanation for the assertion. The term "culture" has indeed evolved over time, encompassing various dimensions such as high culture (the arts, literature), social practices, norms, values, and even the cultivation of crops (in its earliest usage). Each of these meanings has emerged from different historical contexts, contributing to the word's complexity.
Q.13) Use of broader principles of research underscored by philosophical rationales is termed as:
(1) Research Methods
(2) Research Tools
(3) Research Techniques
(4) Research Methodology
Answer: (4) Research Methodology
Explanation: Research Methodology is the term that best fits the description given in the question. It encompasses the broader principles and philosophical underpinnings of research, including the rationale behind the choice of specific methods, techniques, and tools. Research methodology addresses the theoretical framework of the study, the philosophical stance of the researcher, and the logic behind the research methods and techniques chosen for the study.
Research Methods typically refer to the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information about a topic. This term is more narrowly focused on the practical aspects of data collection and analysis. Research Tools are the specific instruments or software used in the process of data collection or analysis. These can include surveys, laboratory equipment, computer software, and so on. Research Techniques refer to the specific strategies employed in collecting and analyzing data, such as qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, experimental designs, etc.
Q.14) Who among the following declared in 1920 that “there is no longer any intellectual life in England”?
(1) Dorothy Richardson
(2) Virginia Woolf
(3) Ezra Pound
(4) T.S. Eliot
Answer: (3) Ezra Pound
Explanation: The statement “there is no longer any intellectual life in England,” attributed to the context of post-World War I cultural and intellectual disillusionment, was made by Ezra Pound.
“There is no longer any intellectual life in England,” he wrote to William Carlos Williams in 1920, “save what centers in this eight by ten pentagonal room.” (qtd. in Ackroyd 53).
Ezra Pound (1885–1972), a central figure in the modernist movement in early 20th-century poetry, expressed his disillusionment with the intellectual and cultural scene in postwar London through his correspondence. In 1920, in a letter to William Carlos Williams, Pound remarked on the lack of intellectual vitality in England, highlighting his move to Paris as a search for a more stimulating intellectual environment. This move was motivated by his belief that Paris represented the "one live spot in Europe," where he hoped to revitalize English and American literature. Pound advocated for a break from traditional poetic forms and promoted a new, more concise use of language in poetry. He was instrumental in the careers of several major modernist writers, including T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Ernest Hemingway, among others. Pound founded the Imagist movement in the early 1910s, which sought clarity, precision, and economy of language in poetry. The Imagist manifesto emphasized the direct treatment of the 'thing' whether subjective or objective. Pound's most famous work is "The Cantos," an ambitious and unfinished long poem that he worked on for most of his life. "The Cantos" is known for its thematic and linguistic complexity, incorporating history, economics, and Pound's personal observations. During World War II, Pound made broadcasts on Italian radio, promoting Fascism and criticizing the United States and its allies. These actions led to his arrest by American forces in 1945 on charges of treason. After the war, Pound was held in St. Elizabeths Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C., for over a decade, after being deemed unfit to stand trial for treason. He was released from the hospital in 1958 and returned to Italy, where he lived until his death in 1972. His later years were marked by silence and reclusion, and his legacy remains complex due to his literary genius and his political views.
Q.15) Identify the poet of the following poems:
(a) The Skylark
(b) The Badger
(c) The Gypsy Camp
(d) First Love
(1) P.B. Shelley
(2) John Clare
(3) Lord Byron
(4) Robert Burns
Answer: (2) John Clare
Explanation: The poet responsible for the poems listed is John Clare (1793–1864). Clare, an English poet, is known for his reflections on the English countryside and rural life, often celebrating nature, his love for it, and the sorrows of its destruction due to the enclosures of the common land.
Here’s a brief overview of the poems you listed in relation to John Clare:
The Skylark: While "The Skylark" is famously a poem by P.B. Shelley titled "To a Skylark," John Clare also wrote a poem about skylarks, capturing the bird's essence and its environment in his own unique way. Clare's poetry on nature often paralleled themes explored by other Romantic poets, including Shelley. The Badger: John Clare's "The Badger" is a vivid portrayal of a badger and its brutal treatment by humans. The poem is notable for its sympathetic depiction of the badger and its critical view of animal cruelty, reflecting Clare's deep connection to nature and his compassion for its creatures. The Gypsy Camp: Clare's poem "The Gypsy Camp" transports the reader into the life of the gypsies, showcasing his interest in the lives of marginalized communities and his ability to depict the beauty of a free, nomadic lifestyle in harmony with nature. First Love: "First Love" is one of John Clare's most famous poems, describing the overwhelming experience of his first encounter with love. It captures the intense and sudden nature of love at first sight, characterized by Clare's simple yet profound and emotionally charged language.
The poets mentioned—P.B. Shelley, John Clare, Lord Byron, and Robert Burns— are associated with the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime beauty of nature. Although their writing styles and themes varied, they each contributed uniquely to the Romantic ideals in their works.
Here are five famous poems from each of the poets listed in the options:
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
➤ “Ozymandias” – Published in “The Examiner” (1818)
➤ “To a Skylark” – Published in “Prometheus Unbound, A Lyrical Drama in Four Acts, With Other Poems” (1820)
➤ “Ode to the West Wind” – Published in “Prometheus Unbound, A Lyrical Drama in Four Acts, With Other Poems” (1820)
➤ “The Cloud” – Published in “Prometheus Unbound, A Lyrical Drama in Four Acts, With Other Poems” (1820)
➤ “Prometheus Unbound” – Published as a standalone work (1820)
John Clare ( 1793 – 1864)
➤ “I Am” – Published posthumously; written in the 1840s, published in “The Rural Muse” (1835) among his later poetry collections.
➤ “To the Snipe” – Published in “Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery” (1820)
➤ “Autumn” – Published in “The Rural Muse” (1835)
➤ “The Badger” – Published in “The Shepherd’s Calendar” (1827)
➤ “First Love” – Clare’s poems were not always published individually in collections during his lifetime; many were collected and published posthumously. “First Love” is among his well-known poems but does not have a specific publication collection or year readily attributed to it during Clare’s lifetime.
George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788 – 1824)
➤ “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” – First two cantos published in 1812, with subsequent cantos published in 1816 and 1818.
➤ “She Walks in Beauty” – Included in “Hebrew Melodies” (1815)
➤ “Don Juan” – Published in parts, with the first two cantos appearing in 1819 and additional cantos published until 1824.
➤ “The Destruction of Sennacherib” – Included in “Hebrew Melodies” (1815)
➤ “Darkness” – Published in 1816
Robert Burns (1759 – 1796)
➤ “A Red, Red Rose” – Published in “Scots Musical Museum” (1794)
➤ “Tam o’ Shanter” – Published in “The Edinburgh Magazine” (1791)
➤ “Auld Lang Syne” – Published in “Scots Musical Museum” (1796)
➤ “To a Mouse” – Published in “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect” (1786)
➤ “The Battle of Sherramuir” – Published in “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect” (1790)
These publication details highlight the poets’ significant contributions to literature during their lifetimes, with many of their works continuing to be celebrated for their artistic merit and historical importance.
They were innovators in poetry, experimenting with forms, styles, and language. Burns is celebrated for his contributions to Scottish literature and his use of Scots language. Shelley and Byron are noted for their mastery of the lyrical and epic forms, respectively. Clare is praised for his detailed observations of nature and his representation of rural life.
Q.16) The term ‘simulacra’ in postmodern discourse is about:
(A) Absence of vivid representation of reality
(B) Artificially produced reality dubbed as authentic
(C) A rejection of modernistic view of reality
(D) The gap between the perception and reality
(E) The psychological interplay at the level of subconscious
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) (C) and (E) Only
(2) (D) and (E) Only
(3) (A) and (B) Only
(4) (B) and (C) Only
Answer: (3) (A) and (B) Only
Explanation: This option accurately reflects the notion of simulacra in postmodern discourse as it encompasses the creation of an artificially produced reality that is accepted as authentic and the absence of a vivid representation of reality, indicating the detachment from the original or the real.
The term 'simulacra' in postmodern discourse primarily refers to (B) Artificially produced reality dubbed as authentic. This concept, especially as discussed by Jean Baudrillard, revolves around the idea that in the postmodern society, symbols or representations of things come to replace or become more significant than the real things they are supposed to represent. This leads to a reality that is hyperreal, a fabrication constructed from these symbols that people begin to recognize as reality itself.
Option (A) Absence of vivid representation of reality is also closely related to the concept of simulacra. It's about how these representations or simulacra do not accurately represent the real but create a new reality that is taken as the real.
Q.17) Which two cities are referred in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities?
(1) Paris and Venice
(2) Venice and Florence
(3) London and Paris
(4) London and Birmingham
Answer: (3) London and Paris
Explanation: Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities refers to (3) London and Paris. The novel is set before and during the French Revolution and contrasts the social and political upheavals between these two cities during that period.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most famous English writers of the Victorian era. His works are known for their social commentary, vivid characters, and depiction of the lives of the poor and middle class. Dickens had a knack for creating stories that highlighted the social injustices of his time, making him not just a literary genius but also a champion of social reform.
Overview of “A Tale of Two Cities”:
Published in 1859, the novel is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, specifically during the late 18th century, and explores themes of resurrection, transformation, and the impact of social injustice on both individuals and society at large. Main Cities: The narrative swings between London, a city experiencing relative peace and prosperity, and Paris, which is in the throes of revolutionary fervor and upheaval. Key Themes and Symbols: Resurrection: This is a recurring theme in the novel, with characters experiencing literal and figurative rebirths. The opening lines, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," hint at the dualities and the transformative possibilities inherent in the human condition and society. Sacrifice: The theme of sacrifice is central to the novel's climax, exemplifying the idea that true nobility comes from self-sacrifice for the good of others. The Guillotine: Symbolizing the Revolution's brutality and the swift, indiscriminate justice it meted out, the guillotine becomes a symbol of fear, power, and retribution. Notable Characters: Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton: These two men, one a French aristocrat and the other a dissolute English lawyer, are central to the novel's plot and themes of sacrifice and redemption. Lucie Manette: Her character embodies compassion and virtue, serving as a catalyst for transformation in others. [Sydney Carton is a lawyer and a hard drinker who lacks a purpose in life. His life changes forever when he meets Lucie Manette who later marries Charles Darnay, an aristocrat and the protagonist of the novel.]
Q.18) Transcendental Club was a group of American intellectuals for philosophical discussions. Which text among the following is taken as a short treatise on Transcendentalism?
(1) Emerson’s Nature
(2) Thoreau’s Walden
(3) Whitman’s Leaves of Grass
(4) Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience
Answer: (1) Emerson’s Nature
Explanation: The Transcendental Club, indeed a gathering of American intellectuals for philosophical discourse, primarily focused on the ideals of Transcendentalism. Among the options given, (1) Emerson’s Nature is taken as a short treatise on Transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Nature (1836) lays the foundation for Transcendentalist philosophy, advocating for a direct relationship between the individual soul and the natural world, emphasizing intuition and the inherent goodness of both people and nature.
Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States, primarily in New England. It developed as a reaction against the general state of intellectualism and spirituality at the time. The movement was deeply rooted in the Romantic and Idealist philosophies, with a strong emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and a deep connection to nature.
Here are some key points about Transcendentalism:
Origins and Influences of Transcendentalism: Historical Context: Transcendentalism arose in the 1830s among a group of thinkers in Massachusetts. Influential Figures: Key figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Amos Bronson Alcott. Philosophical Influences: The movement was influenced by Romanticism, German Idealism, and Eastern religions. It was also a response to the strict Puritan religious heritage of New England. Core Beliefs: Innate Goodness: Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of people and nature. They thought society and its institutions corrupt this purity. Individualism: They emphasized self-reliance, independence, and resistance to conformity. Nature: Nature was seen as a direct connection to the divine and a source of inspiration and truth. Transcendentalists believed in living close to nature to understand the universe and one's self. Intuition over Reason: They valued intuition and the direct experience of the divine over empirical evidence and the dictates of society. Social Reform: Many Transcendentalists were also social reformers involved in movements such as abolitionism and women's rights. Key Texts: Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Nature" and "Self-Reliance" are foundational texts, outlining the philosophy of Transcendentalism. Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" reflects on living simply in natural surroundings to gain a deeper understanding of life's meaning. Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" advocates for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, emphasizing moral law over civil law. Legacy: Transcendentalism left a lasting impact on American culture, influencing later movements in literature, philosophy, and civil rights. Its emphasis on individual conscience and the value of personal experience continues to resonate in American thought and literature.
The other texts listed alongside Emerson’s Nature:
(2) Thoreau’s Walden Overview: Walden; or, Life in the Woods (1854) is a reflection by Henry David Thoreau on simple living in natural surroundings. The book is a product of Thoreau's two-year period of living in a cabin he built near Walden Pond, amidst nature, away from the trappings of society. (3) Whitman’s Leaves of Grass Overview: Leaves of Grass is a collection of poetry by Walt Whitman, first published in 1855 and revised and expanded over the course of Whitman's life. The work celebrates the human spirit, the body, nature, and the American experience. (4) Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience Overview: Civil Disobedience (originally titled "Resistance to Civil Government") is an essay by Henry David Thoreau, published in 1849. It argues for individual resistance to civil government in moral opposition to an unjust state.
Q.19) Match List – I with List – II.
| List – I (Text) | List – II (Author) |
| (A) The Collaborator (B) The Garden of Solitude (C) Roll of Honour (D) The Half Mother | (I) Amandeep Sandhu (II) Shahnaz Bashir (III) Siddhartha Gigoo (IV) Mirza Waheed |
(1) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
(2) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)
(3) (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)
(4) (A)-(III), (B)-(1), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)
Answer: (1) (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
Explanation: The correct matching would be:
(A) The Collaborator – (IV) Mirza Waheed
(B) The Garden of Solitude – (III) Siddhartha Gigoo
(C) Roll of Honour – (I) Amandeep Sandhu
(D) The Half Mother – (II) Shahnaz Bashir
Further Details:
(A) The Collaborator is a novel by (IV) Mirza Waheed. It presents a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the conflict in Kashmir, exploring themes of war, friendship, and loss through the eyes of a young man who becomes an unwilling collaborator with the Indian army. (B) The Garden of Solitude is a novel by (III) Siddhartha Gigoo. This work delves into the life of a Kashmiri Pandit family amidst the turmoil in Kashmir, reflecting on themes of displacement, identity, and longing for home. (C) Roll of Honour is a work by (I) Amandeep Sandhu. This novel examines the impact of the 1984 Sikh massacre on the lives of its characters, set against the backdrop of a military school in Punjab, and explores themes of identity, violence, and the struggle for justice. (D) The Half Mother is authored by (II) Shahnaz Bashir. The narrative focuses on the life of a woman in Kashmir whose son disappears during the conflict, portraying her relentless search for him and the profound impacts of enforced disappearances on families.
Q.20) Name the author/writer who is not associated with British Cultural Studies.
(1) I.A. Richards
(2) Richard Hoggart
(3) Raymond Williams
(4) Stuart Hall
Answer: (1) I.A. Richards
Explanation: The author/writer not associated with British Cultural Studies among the options provided is (1) I.A. Richards. I.A. Richards was primarily known for his work in literary criticism and rhetoric, rather than the field of cultural studies. In contrast, Richard Hoggart, Raymond Williams, and Stuart Hall are foundational figures in British Cultural Studies, each contributing significantly to the development and shaping of the discipline.
Let’s delve deeper into the works and contributions of I.A. Richards and the other figures associated with British Cultural Studies:
I.A. Richards (Not associated with British Cultural Studies) Ivor Armstrong Richards was a pioneering figure in literary criticism and rhetorical studies, contributing foundational ideas in the early 20th century. Key Works: His influential texts include Principles of Literary Criticism (1924) and Practical Criticism (1929), where he introduced the close reading method and emphasized the importance of the reader's response to literature. Richards' work laid the groundwork for New Criticism. Richard Hoggart Richard Hoggart was a cultural theorist and sociologist whose work is seen as critical in the development of cultural studies as an academic discipline in the UK. Key Works: His most famous book, The Uses of Literacy (1957), examines how the rise of mass media and popular culture affected the lives and values of the working class in Britain. This work is often cited as foundational for the field of cultural studies. Raymond Williams Raymond Williams was a Welsh Marxist theorist, academic, and novelist who made significant contributions to cultural studies, literature, and the study of media. Key Works: Williams is known for several important texts, including Culture and Society (1958) and The Long Revolution (1961), where he explores the development of the idea of culture as it relates to democratic values and societal changes. His work on cultural materialism has been influential. Stuart Hall Stuart Hall was a Jamaican-born cultural theorist and sociologist. He is often called the "godfather" of British Cultural Studies. Hall's work focused on issues of race, gender, and cultural identity. Key Works: Among his many influential writings, Encoding and Decoding in the Television Discourse (1973) presents a framework for understanding how media messages are produced, disseminated, and interpreted. Hall's leadership at the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS) played a pivotal role in establishing cultural studies as a respected academic discipline. Each of these figures contributed uniquely to the understanding and analysis of culture, media, and literature, shaping not only British Cultural Studies but also influencing the broader fields of sociology, literary criticism, and communication studies.