Set 1 Major English 421 BA First Year Practice Question Tribhuvan University

 Set 1  Major English 421    BA First Year   Practice Question

Tribhuvan University

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

BA Major English   I

First Year

Course Title: Reading, Writing, and Thinking

Course Code: ENGL 421

Full Marks: 70                                                           Pass Marks: 28

Time: 3 Hours

Section A: Long Questions

Attempt any two questions. Each question carries 15 marks. 2×15=30

 

Theme-Based Question:

1.      Discuss the theme of rebellion and conformity in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." How do these themes influence the character development and plot progression?

 

Technique-Based Question:

2.      Analyze the use of imagery and symbolism in Robert Frost's "Out, Out—." How do these literary devices contribute to the poem's overall impact?

 

Comparative Analysis:

3.      Compare and contrast the portrayal of social issues in Gabriel García Márquez's "One of These Days" and John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." How do the authors use their characters and settings to reflect on these issues?

 

Section B: Medium-Length Questions

Attempt any two questions. Each question carries 10 marks.2×10=20

Knowledge of Heuristics:

4.      Explain the process of close reading and its significance in literary analysis. Use examples from Emily Dickinson's "Tell All the Truth but Tell It Slant" to support your explanation.

 

OR

 

Explication Based on Prompts:

Explicate the following lines from Elizabeth Alexander's "Praise Song for the Day":

"Say it plain: that many have died for this day.

Sing the names of the dead who brought us here,

who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges,

picked the cotton and the lettuce, built

brick by brick the glittering edifices

they would then keep clean and work inside of."

 

Explication Based on Prompts:

5.      Discuss the significance of the excerpt from "My Antonia" by Willa Cather in understanding the themes of the novel. How does this passage reflect the broader themes of identity and belonging?

 

OR

 

Knowledge of Heuristics:

Explain how irony is used in Shakespeare's sonnet "When in disgrace with Fortune and men’s eyes" and its effect on the reader's understanding of the poem.

 

Section C: Short Questions  2x10=20

Short Notes on Literary Terms (ANY TWO):

6.      Write short notes on any two of the following literary terms. Each note should be around 100-150 words.

a. Metaphor

b. Alliteration

c. Symbolism

 

Short Notes on Key Concepts (ANY TWO):

7.      Write short notes on any two of the following key concepts. Each note should be around 100-150 words.

a. The role of the narrator in fiction

b. The significance of setting in drama

c. The function of tone in poetry