West Bengal Civil Service
Examination-2007
(Optional Papers)
English Paper - I
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Full Marks : 100
Answer any five questions, taking at least one from each group.
Group — A
1. What are the distinctive features of Old English poetry ? Consider both the heroic and lyrical genres in our answer.
2. "The contemporaries and successors of Shakespeare have been unfortunately dwarfed in reputation by his overwhelming genius." In the light of this statement, assess the original contribution of any one Renaissance playwright other than Shakespeare.
3. Who, in your opinion, are the foremost novelists of the early and mid-18th century? Give reasons for your choice.
4. "Modern poetry is closely linked to the ideals of Romantic Poets." Identify these characteristics of Romantic verse that have inspired 20th-century writers.
5. In what ways did English novelists of the Victorian and modern periods counter the ill effects of industrialization and capitalism ? Discuss with reference to at least two such authors.
6. Write short notes on any two of the following :
(a) Medieval allegory;
(b) Elizabethan sonnets;
(c) Restoration comedy;
(d) In Memoriam;
(e) George Bernard Shaw;
(f) Absurd drama.
Group — B
7. Compare the range of Latin loan words in English with that of Scandinavian loan words in English.
8. How far can an individual author influence the growth of the English language ? Answer with reference to any one English author.
9. Write philological notes on any eighl of the following :
adventure, pea, church, handbook, gospel, breeches, ache, bread, egg, martyrdom, shepherdess, shampoo, daisy, trusteeship, higgledy-piggledy
Group — C
10. "Women occupy the prime position in Shakespearean comedy, and men in Shakespearean tragedy." Comment.
11. Analyse Shakespeare's attitude to romantic love in any Shakespearean comedy of your choice.
12. "Whatever the hero's tragic flaw, Shakespeare made sure it had great relevance to his own time in London." Examine one of his tragedies from this perspective.
13. Attempt a critical assessment of any one of the following:
(a) the Globe Theatre ;
(b) acting style in Elezebethan theatre;
(c) the soliloquy and the aside ;
(d) Shakespeare's audiences
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