West Bengal Civil Service
Examination-2004
(Optional Papers)
English Paper -I
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Full Marks : 100
If the question attempted are in excess of the prescribed number, only the questions attempted first up to the prescribed number shall be valued and the remaining ones ignored.
All questions carry equal marks.
Answer any five questions taking at least one from each group.
Group - A
1. One of the finest examples of old English heroic poetry is Beowulf. Critically consider the major features of the genre as reflected in the poem.
2. "In the poetry of Chaucer the sentiment is humane and unforced". Discuss with special reference to The Canterbury Tales.
3. Some of Shakespeare's predecessors succeeded in blending university culture with popular tradition in the contemporary theater. Consider the work of any two dramatists preceding Shakespeare in the light of the above remark.
4. While Dryden's best satire is at times vituperative, Pope is more refined in his approach. Discuss with reference to some of the major works of Dryden and Pope.
5. Romantic Imagination is an order of perception which often expresses itself in 19th century English poetry in terms of supernatural and medieval motifs. Discuss.
6. Write short critical notes on
(a) The Medieval Romance
(b) The Elizabethan Revenge Play
(c) War Poetry
(d) Sons and Lovers
(e) 20th Century Poetic Drama
(f) Imagism.
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