02 Marks // 3rd sem (Mj:04) poem -02 Marks.
A.MAITY, MA IN ENGLISH AT VU.
PH-8170882110.
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1.Why does Blake describe ‘hand’ and ‘eye’ as immoral in his poem “The Tyger”?
Ans- In “The Tyger,” Blake does not directly describe the “hand” and “eye” as immoral. Instead, he uses the phrase “immortal hand or eye” to question the creator of the fearsome tiger, implying a powerful, perhaps even divine, being. The questions in the poem explore whether such a powerful being could create something so terrifying and beautiful, thus suggesting a duality or moral ambiguity within the creator’s nature.
- Who is the Lamb in Blake’s “The Lamb?”
Ans- In William Blake’s poem The Lamb from Songs of Innocence, the “Lamb” symbolizes both Jesus Christ and innocence. The poem uses the lamb as a representation of purity, gentleness, and the divine. Blake draws a parallel between the lamb and Christ, referring to Him as the “Lamb of God” who was meek and mild. Thus, the Lamb represents:
- Jesus Christ, who is often called the Lamb in Christian theology.
- Innocence and purity, especially of a child, as the speaker of the poem is a child.
So, the Lamb is both a literal creature and a symbol of spiritual innocence and divine creation.
- How is the maker of the lamb described in Blake’s poem “The Lamb?”
Ans- In William Blake’s poem The Lamb, the maker of the lamb is described as gentle, kind, and benevolent. He is referred to as the one “who calls himself a Lamb” and “he is meek, and he is mild”, clearly symbolizing Jesus Christ, reflecting innocence and divine care.
- What does the phrase “forest of the night” signify in the poem “The Tyger?”
Ans- In William Blake’s poem The Tyger, the phrase “forest of the night” signifies a dark, mysterious, and possibly dangerous place. It symbolizes the unknown and possibly fearful aspects of nature and the human mind, enhancing the poem’s tone of awe and wonder at the powerful and fearsome creation—the tiger.
- What is the message of the poem “The Lamb?”
Ans- The message of the poem The Lamb by William Blake is that God is kind, gentle, and loving, just like a lamb. The poem emphasizes innocence, purity, and the idea that both the lamb and the child speaking are creations of God, reflecting His goodness.
- Comment on the phrase “fearful symmetry in “The Tyger?”
Ans- In William Blake’s “The Tyger,” the phrase “fearful symmetry” signifies the tiger’s perfect, yet terrifying form, highlighting the duality of beauty and danger. It’s a balance of contradictory qualities, a powerful creature with a beautiful, symmetrical build, yet possessing a fearsome and destructive nature. The phrase prompts reflection on the nature of creation and the creator who could design such a complex and paradoxical being.
- How is the Tyger different from the Lamb in Blake’s poem?
Ans-The Tyger and The Lamb by William Blake contrast two aspects of creation:
- Tone and Imagery: The Tyger is dark, powerful, and awe-inspiring, while The Lamb is gentle, innocent, and peaceful.
- Symbolism: The tiger represents fierce strength and danger, while the lamb symbolizes innocence and purity.
- Write the full title of Wordsworth’s poem “Tintern Abbey?”
Ans- The full title of the poem is – ‘Line composed a few miles above on revisiting the banks of the Way during a tour July 13, 1798’.
- Explain the phrase ‘blessed mood” in Tintern Abbey?
Ans- In Tintern Abbey, the phrase “blessed mood” refers to a peaceful and spiritual state of mind. Wordsworth uses it to describe a moment of deep connection with nature, where his mind is calm, and he feels a sense of harmony and transcendence.
- Why does Wordsworth refer to the wye as sylvan in Tintern Abbey?
Ans- In “Tintern Abbey,” Wordsworth calls the Wye “sylvan” to emphasize its connection to the wild, natural world and to evoke a sense of the river’s beauty and tranquility. “Sylvan” means “wooded” or “of the forest,” which fits the river’s meandering path through the wooded valley. By using this term, Wordsworth paints a vivid picture of the Wye as a part of the natural landscape, not just a mere river.
- What does Wordsworth mean by “We see into the life of things” in Tintern Abbey?
Ans- In “Tintern Abbey,” Wordsworth uses “We see into the life of things” to express a heightened, almost spiritual, perception gained through the experience of nature. It signifies a deep understanding of the world’s inner workings and interconnectedness, moving beyond surface observation to grasp the essence of existence. This insight is achieved through the awe and wonder of nature, which allows the speaker to see beyond the physical realm and into the profound beauty and meaning of the world.
- After how many years did the poet come to see the river Wye again?
Ans- The poet came to see the river wye once again after the lapse of a long five years.
13.“Once again I behold” who does behold and what?
Ans- The poet beholds once again the quiet lovely scenery of nature around the following river Wye. He sees the lofty mountain clips with which the green, quit medows seem to meet at the distant horizons.
14.“Once again I see” what does the poet see once again?
Ans- Once again the poet sees the unending rows of hedges, the cultivated plots of the agricultural land and the smoke rising like wreath from some distant place of the wood land.
15.“These beauteous forms” what are these beauteous forms?
Ans- These beauteous forms are
- Mountain spring
- Steep and lofty clips
- Dark Sycamore.
- Unripe fruits with green hue.
- Hedge-rows.
- River Wye.
- Hermit’s cave.
16.“The sounding cataract haunted me like a passion”
What is referred to by “the sounding Cataract’? when was the poet haunted by it?
Ans- “The sounding cataract” is the water-fall, rushing down with a heavy sound from the hill.
The poet was thus haunted by the sound of the water falls in his youth.
17.At what stage of his life did Wordsworth hear the “Still and music of humanity”? what was its effect on his mind?
Ans- The poet heard that music on the third stage- the stage of maturity oof his attitude to nature.
That had the effect of cleansing and subduing his mind. It also enabled him to realize the presence of a cosmic force all over the create universe.
18.Who did accoumpany the poet in his tour? What message did the poet leave for the person concerned?
Ans- Dorothy, his sister, accompanied the in his tour.
He left for her an important message is categorical.
Nature for man. The poet’s message is categorical:
Nature never betrays the heart that truly loves her.
It is Nature function to lead people from joy to joy.
- What is meant by the phrase ‘blushful Hippocrene” in Keats poem “Ode to a Nightingale”?
Ans- Hippocrene, according to the classical mythology, was a fountain in Mount Helicon, sacred to the Muses. The water of that fountain was supposed to give a poetic inspiration. “Blushful’ is used here in the sense ‘blushing’, red-glowing’. The expression is used by Keats in the sense reddish wine.
- 20. “Thou, light-winged Dryad of trees’- who is referred to as the ‘light-winged Dryad’? What do you mean by “Dryad?”
Ans- Keats means by the ‘light winged dryad’ the little bird, nightingale. The ‘dryad’ is the goddess of the forest. The poet likens the nightingale to this, because the bird lives in the forest and has little light wings.
- Explain the allusion to Bacchus in Ode to a Nightingale”?
Ans- In “Ode to a Nightingale,” Keats alludes to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, in lines 32-33: “Not charioted by Bacchus and his pards.” This allusion contrasts the speaker’s desire to follow the nightingale not through the intoxication of wine, but through the “viewless wings of Poesy” (line 33). Bacchus, representing a sensual, earthly pleasure, is rejected in favor of the artistic and spiritual experience of poetry.
- What is Lethe? Why does Keats invoke this image in “Ode to Nightingale”?
Ans- Lethe, according to the classical mythology, is a river of forgetfulness. The soul of the dead were supposed to be immersed in it to make them forget their past life.
Keats refers to the term in the sense of utter forgetfulness that the song of the nightingale has caused to him.
- Who is Ruth? Mention the biblical significance?
Ans- Ruth was a Moabite woman who became an important figure in the Old Testament for her devotion and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her commitment to the God of Israel. In John Keats’s “Ode to a Nightingale,” the poet uses the “sad heart of Ruth” as an example of someone affected by a sense of loss and longing, perhaps hinting at the poet’s own grief after the death of his brother, Tom.
- Forlorn! The very word…..”
Bring out the poet’s feeling here?
Ans- The poet’s fancy of the romantic world of the nightingale is disturbed by the hard reality of his life. The very word “forlorn” of the previous stanza reminds him of the forlorn condition of his own life. It brings him back to the hard reality of his present situation. He realizes that his dream of the nightingale has come to an end. His imagination can no more last. In fact, man’s imagination has not as much power, as it is usually thought. It can not long stand against the rough reality of life.
- What is Hemlock? Why does the poet refer to it?
Ans- Hemlock is a poisonous plant. It’s juice has a highly sedative effect.
Keats refers to “hemlock” in order to indicate his mental state on hearing the song of the nightingale.
- What is the trumpet of prophecy?
Ans- The trumpet of prophecy the great future to come. The poet believes that after the dark present a bright future is certain to come. This is the trumpet of the prophecy.
- “Destroyer & preserver’’- who is called destroyer and preserver and why?
Ans- The west wind is called ‘destroyer and preserver’.
The wind is a destroyer for it shakes and sheds dry, dread leaves and drives them away. It destroys the world of nature in autumn.
The wind preserves, too. It carries away and stores seeds during autumn and winter. A new world of nature comes out of these seeds in next spring. The wind acts here as a preserver.
- “pestilence stricken multitude.” Which are pestilence stricken multitudes? How do these appear?
Ans- The pestilence-stricken multitude are dead, dry leaves. As the west wind drives them away, they appear just like the masses of people affected with some severe epidemic.
The dry, dead leaves as driven by the wind, seem to have different colours. These are yellow, black, pale and hectic red. These are all suggestive of their decay.
- “of some fierce Maenad”- what do you know of the Maenad? To what this is compared? ****
Ans- The Maenad was the woman worshipper of Beacchus, the Greek god of wine. On the day of the festivity of the god, such women worshippers used to drink heavily and move about in a fiery manner.
The dry dark dishevelled but bright hair of the Maenad is compared to the dark, sparking, loose clouds floating wildly in the sky.
- ‘Angels of rain and lightning’- which are the angels of rain and lightning and why?
Ans- The clouds are called the angels of rain and lightning. This is because rain comes out of the clouds. Similarly, lightning is caused by the striking of two clouds. So these are the angels of rain and lightning.
- ‘Thou dirge………’ what is a dirge? Who does dirge, for whom and how?
Ans- A dirge is a funeral song/ the west wind dirges/ the wind dirges for the year that is dying.
The west wind begins to blow at the end of autumn. It causes a sharp sound that is likened to a dirge. As the year is about to end, the poet fancies that the wind is singing the funeral song for it.
- How does the poet imagine the Mediterranean and the effect of the wind on it?
Ans- Shelley imagines the Mediterranean sea as an old man, who is lulled to sleep by the coil of its transparent water by the side of a pumice isle on the bay of Baiae.
The Mediterranean sea remains quiet during summer. At the end of autumn, the west wind blows. It gently stirs the smooth surface of the sea.
- I fall upon the thorns of life…bleed!
Who does fall upon and how? *****
Ans- The poet, Shelley, falls upon thorns of life.
By ‘the thorns of life’, the poet means the pang or agony of life from which he is suffering. Under an oppressive social order, the poet finds himself in a helpless and wretched state. So he laments for being subjected to the thorns of life.
- What does the poet mean by saying –“If winter comes ….. can spring behind”? ****
Ans- Winter is a cold, cruel, biting season. it seems often long and dreadful. But it must pass away. Spring is to follow it. This is the natural cycle of the seasons in a year. Cold winter is followed by sunny, warm spring. Similarly, sorrow and suffering are to be followed by joys and pleasures in human life. This is what Shelley means here. Shelley’s high optimism in evident here.
- Define terza rima with reference to ‘Ode to the west wind?” *****
Ans- This refers to the verse, composed of three-line (terect) stanzas with an inter- locking rhyme- scheme.
The final word of the second line of each the first line and the third of the succeeding terect.
The rhyme-scheme of the stanza is like this-
a b a, b c b, c d e, d e d.
this is the rhyme scheme followed in Shelley’s “ode to the west wind.”
- In Coleridge’s ‘Christabel”, Part-01, what unnatural things happens when Christabel and Geraldine enter the Castle?
Ans- In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Christabel”, part-01, several unnatural events unfold as Christabel and Geraldine enter the castle. Geraldine experiences a sudden pain, the dog belonging to Christabel growls at Geraldine for the first time, and a dying fire flares to life when Geraldine passes by it. These occurrences foreshadow Geraldine’s sinister nature and the supernatural elements that begin to permeate the narrative.
- Why does Christabel leave the castle in the middle of the night?
Ans-In Coleridge’s poem “Christabel,” leaves her father’s castle in the middle of the night because she is disturbed by dreams of her betrothed. She feels a need to pray for his well-being. This action also leads to her fateful encounter with the mysterious Geraldine.
- Who is sir Leoline in Christabel” part -01?
Ans- In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Christabel” part 1, Sir Leoline is Christabel’s father. He is a wealthy baron. He is initially enthralled by Geraldine and ignores Christabel’s warnings about her true nature.
- Who is the ‘damsel bright’ in Christabel” part-01?
Ans– In Coleridge’s “Christabel” part 1, the “damsel bright” is Geraldine, the young woman who is rescued by Christabel. She is described as beautiful and dressed in white, but later revealed to be a supernatural and deceptive figure. Geraldine initially appears as a victim, claiming to be kidnapped, but her true nature is that of a dark, evil creature.
- Who are the “Lake Poets?”
Ans- The “Lake Poets” were a group of English Romantic poets who lived and wrote in the Lake District of England during the early 19th century. The most prominent members were William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Robert Southey.
A.MAITY, MA IN ENG. AT VU.
PH-8170882110.
Humour and Irony in Roger at Home [10 Marks]
Ans-
Joseph Addison’s essay Sir Roger at Home, published in The Spectator, is a fine example of gentle humour and mild irony. Through the character of Sir Roger de Coverley, Addison presents an affectionate yet critical picture of an old-fashioned English country gentleman. The humour in the essay is never harsh or satirical; instead, it is kindly, humane, and corrective, while irony is used subtly to expose social oddities and moral weaknesses.
The chief source of humour in the essay is the character of Sir Roger himself. He is simple, honest, kind-hearted, and slightly eccentric. His old-world manners contrast amusingly with the changing social values of eighteenth-century England. For example, Sir Roger’s concern for his tenants, servants, and villagers creates humour because of his excessive personal involvement in their lives. His generosity is admirable, but it also appears comic due to his lack of refinement and social awareness.
Addison creates humour through everyday domestic scenes at Sir Roger’s country house. Sir Roger’s treatment of servants, his management of the household, and his interactions with villagers are portrayed humorously. His servants follow his orders out of respect rather than efficiency, and his household runs more on goodwill than discipline. This gentle comedy reflects Addison’s aim to amuse while presenting a moral lesson.
Irony appears in the way Sir Roger exercises authority. Though he is the master of the estate, he behaves more like a benevolent guardian than a strict landlord. The irony lies in the fact that while he believes himself to be commanding, he is actually indulgent and often ignored. Addison does not ridicule him openly; instead, he allows readers to smile at the contrast between Sir Roger’s self-image and reality.
Sir Roger considers himself wise and experienced, yet his actions frequently reveal innocence and naïveté. This contrast creates situational irony. His advice and judgments, though morally sound, are sometimes impractical. Addison uses this irony to show the limitations of traditional values in a modern society without disrespecting them.
Addison’s narrative voice is calm, polite, and apparently admiring. However, beneath this respectful tone lies gentle irony. The narrator never directly criticizes Sir Roger; instead, he presents facts that allow readers to perceive the humour themselves. This restrained style makes the irony more effective and civilized.
The humour in Sir Roger at Home is moral and instructive. Addison follows the Spectator aim of “to enliven morality with wit.” By laughing at Sir Roger’s harmless weaknesses, readers are encouraged to value kindness, humanity, and social responsibility while avoiding rigidity and outdated attitudes.
Unlike Restoration comedy or harsh satire, Addison’s humour is soft and reformative. Irony is used to correct without offending. Sir Roger is never mocked cruelly; rather, he is presented as a lovable figure whose faults are outweighed by his virtues.
In Sir Roger at Home, Addison skillfully blends humour and irony to create a vivid and memorable character. The humour arises from character, situation, and social contrast, while the irony is subtle and sympathetic. Together, they serve Addison’s larger purpose of moral instruction through entertainment. Sir Roger remains one of the most charming figures in English prose, embodying Addison’s belief that literature should both delight and improve its readers.
Character Of Sir Roger 10 Marks
Sir Roger de Coverley is one of the most memorable characters created by Joseph Addison in The Spectator. In the essay Sir Roger at Home, Addison presents Sir Roger as an idealized yet realistic portrait of an old-fashioned English country gentleman. Through gentle humour and mild irony, Addison reveals Sir Roger’s virtues, weaknesses, and social values, making him a lovable and morally instructive figure.
Sir Roger represents the traditional English squire of the countryside. He lives on his ancestral estate and maintains feudal relations with his tenants and servants. His lifestyle, manners, and beliefs belong to an earlier age, and he resists modern changes. Addison uses Sir Roger to show the survival of medieval values in eighteenth-century England.
One of Sir Roger’s strongest qualities is his kindness. He takes personal interest in the welfare of his tenants and villagers. He helps the poor, encourages honesty, and ensures justice in his small community. His generosity is genuine and free from pride, showing him as a humane landlord and social guardian.
Sir Roger treats his tenants like children rather than subjects. He believes it is his moral duty to guide them in religious, social, and personal matters. Though this attitude is slightly outdated, it reflects his sincere concern for their moral improvement and happiness.
Despite his social position, Sir Roger is simple and innocent in nature. He lacks urban sophistication and often behaves in an awkward or naïve manner. This simplicity makes him amusing but also lovable. His lack of cleverness is balanced by moral sincerity.
Sir Roger’s eccentric habits contribute to the gentle humour of the essay. His peculiar ways of managing his household and estate make him a comic figure. However, Addison never ridicules him harshly; his eccentricities are treated affectionately.
Sir Roger has a strong moral sense and deep religious faith. He believes in traditional Christian virtues such as charity, honesty, and humility. He expects his tenants to attend church regularly and live disciplined lives. His moral authority, though sometimes excessive, reflects his sincere desire for social order.
Addison uses Sir Roger as a subject of gentle irony. While Sir Roger considers himself a wise ruler of his estate, his authority is often symbolic rather than real. This contrast between his self-image and reality creates humour without diminishing his dignity.
Sir Roger embodies Addison’s vision of a balanced society where kindness, morality, and social harmony prevail. Though outdated, his values are presented as morally superior to selfish modern behavior. Addison suggests that progress should not destroy humanity and compassion.
In Sir Roger at Home, Sir Roger de Coverley emerges as a charming blend of virtue and weakness. He is kind, generous, moral, simple, and slightly eccentric. Addison’s portrayal is sympathetic and instructive, using humour and irony to highlight social truths without bitterness. Sir Roger remains an enduring symbol of traditional English values and one of the finest character sketches in English prose.
Character of Chaplin 10 Marks
In Sir Roger at Home, Joseph Addison introduces the character of the Chaplain as a minor yet significant figure. Though he appears briefly, the Chaplain helps to reveal both the domestic life of Sir Roger de Coverley and Addison’s ideal vision of religion and morality. Through gentle humour and mild irony, Addison presents the Chaplain as a modest, learned, and respectable clergyman whose position reflects the social realities of eighteenth-century England.
The Chaplain is portrayed as a quiet, humble, and unassuming man. Unlike Sir Roger, who dominates social situations, the Chaplain remains in the background. His modesty and reserve highlight his good breeding and moral discipline. Addison suggests that true religious virtue lies in humility rather than display.
Addison presents the Chaplain as an educated man with scholarly interests. He spends his time reading and reflecting rather than engaging in idle talk. His learning gives him dignity, but he never uses it to assert superiority. This intellectual restraint makes him a model clergyman in Addison’s moral scheme.
Socially, the Chaplain occupies a dependent position in Sir Roger’s household. He receives respect, yet he is treated as inferior to the master of the house. Addison subtly uses irony to show how learned men often depended on wealthy patrons. The Chaplain’s silence and patience reveal the limitations placed on intellect by social hierarchy.
The irony in the portrayal of the Chaplain lies in the contrast between his learning and his social status. Despite his education and moral worth, he must remain silent in the presence of Sir Roger. Addison does not attack this system directly, but his gentle irony invites readers to reflect on the injustice of such arrangements.
Though quiet, the Chaplain plays an important moral role. His presence ensures religious discipline and moral seriousness in Sir Roger’s home. He represents spiritual authority without arrogance, reinforcing Addison’s belief in religion as a stabilizing social force.
Through the Chaplain, Addison presents his ideal image of a clergyman—pious, educated, patient, and socially responsible. He avoids fanaticism and worldliness, embodying moderation and moral seriousness.
Though a minor character, the Chaplain in Sir Roger at Home plays a crucial role in reinforcing the essay’s moral tone. Addison portrays him with sympathy and gentle irony, highlighting his learning, humility, and moral integrity. The Chaplain represents the quiet virtue of the educated clergy and reflects Addison’s broader concern for morality, social order, and humane values in eighteenth-century English society.
Addison’s Prose style in Roger at Home?
Ans-
Joseph Addison is regarded as one of the finest prose stylists of the eighteenth century, and Sir Roger at Home is an excellent illustration of his mature prose style. The essay displays clarity, balance, humour, and moral seriousness, reflecting the aims of The Spectator to instruct while entertaining. Addison’s prose is simple yet elegant, polished yet natural, making it accessible to common readers and refined enough for scholars.
One of the most striking features of Addison’s prose is its simplicity. He avoids complicated sentence structures, heavy ornamentation, and obscure vocabulary. His language is clear, direct, and easily understandable. This simplicity allows readers to grasp ideas without effort, fulfilling Addison’s aim of reaching a wide audience.
Though simple, Addison’s prose is never dull. It possesses a natural grace and elegance. Sentences flow smoothly, and ideas are presented in a balanced manner. There is a quiet polish in his writing that reflects refinement without artificiality.
Addison’s style in Sir Roger at Home is conversational. He writes as if speaking to a cultured friend. This friendly tone creates intimacy and draws readers into the narrative. The essay reads like a pleasant conversation rather than a formal lecture.
Humour is an essential element of Addison’s prose style. His humour is subtle and gentle, never loud or sarcastic. Irony is used with restraint to expose social weaknesses without bitterness. This refined humour reflects Addison’s moral purpose—to correct by smiling rather than scolding.
Addison’s prose carries a strong moral purpose, but it avoids sermon-like preaching. In Sir Roger at Home, moral lessons emerge naturally through character portrayal and incidents. This indirect moral instruction makes his prose more effective and enjoyable.
Addison’s sentences are carefully structured and well balanced. He often uses parallel constructions and harmonious rhythms. This balance reflects his classical sense of order and proportion, contributing to the calm and composed tone of the essay.
Addison describes scenes and characters vividly but economically. He selects details that are significant rather than excessive. This restraint allows the imagination of the reader to participate actively in the creation of meaning.
Unlike earlier prose writers, Addison avoids heavy rhetoric, exaggeration, and emotional intensity. His style is free from bombast and extravagance. This moderation aligns with the Enlightenment ideals of reason and clarity.
Addison’s prose reflects urbanity, politeness, and good taste. Even when pointing out follies, his language remains courteous. This polished tone mirrors the civilized social ideals Addison wished to promote.
In Sir Roger at Home, Addison’s prose style combines simplicity, elegance, humour, and moral clarity. His writing is conversational yet refined, instructive yet entertaining. By avoiding excess and maintaining balance, Addison established a new standard for English prose, influencing generations of essayists. His prose style remains a model of clarity, moderation, and graceful expression.