Eng 3102+3109 English Literature- 10

Poetry

I. Break, Break, Break (Alfred Lord Tennyson)

“Break, Break, Break” is an elegy written on the death of Tennyson’s best friend. An elegy is a poem
expressing grief for someone loved and lost. The theme of the poem is death, sadness and loss. In the poem,
Tennyson feels a deep storm of grief in his heart, similar to the stormy sea he observes. He wishes he could
find the right words to express his sorrow. As he looks at the ocean, he sees a fisherman’s boy playing with
his sister and hears a sailor singing, but he stands grief-stricken, as the memory of the days gone-by gather in
his mind.
The poem teaches us to empathize with those who experience loss. Loss can come in many forms, such as
losing our youth, jobs, possessions, friends, or family—all of these can feel like a kind of death that brings
sadness. Tennyson also uses the wild sea as a metaphor for the ongoing nature of grief. This suggests that
nature is much bigger and more powerful than human life, a theme that appears often in Tennyson’s work.

II. The Tyger (William Blake)

William Blake (1757-1827) was born in London, England, and showed great creativity from a young age.
Unable to find formal education beyond a drawing school, he became an engraver at 14, which helped him
publish his poetry.
In 1789, Blake published Songs of Innocence, featuring his famous poem The Lamb, which reflects a
Christian view of creation, portraying the Lamb as a perfect and innocent being. In 1794, he released Songs
of Experience, which includes his well-known poem The Tyger.
The Tyger serves as a counterpart to The Lamb. While The Lamb focuses on the creation of good, The
Tyger explores the creation of evil. Blake employs a powerful rhyme scheme and allusions to both Christian
and classical mythology. The poem poses a central question, repeated throughout: "Who could dare frame thy
fearful symmetry?" This question highlights the mystery of the Tyger's fierce nature.

III. Ozymandias (Percy Shelley)

The poem Ozymandias by Percy Shelley is a sonnet that tells the story of a once-great king,
Ozymandias, to make a broader statement about politics in his time. The name "Ozymandias" comes from the
Greek word meaning "to rule." Shelley, who opposed the royal family, illustrates that no matter how powerful
a king is, he is not immortal, and neither are his achievements. Key themes include:
 Even the mightiest will fall: Ozymandias believed his legacy would last forever, but his statue is now
in ruins.
 You can't beat time: Kings and their creations will eventually fade away.
 Pride comes before a fall: Ozymandias' boasts about his greatness are now meaningless.
 The power of art and words: The only lasting elements are parts of the statue and the powerful
inscription.
Shelley ridicules the Egyptian ruler and his arrogance as a critique of the English government under King
George III. He despised the oppressive monarchy and favored revolution. Through Ozymandias, Shelley
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warns that decay is the ultimate fate of authoritarian rule, suggesting that Britain could face a similar downfall
if it doesn't change.

IV. There is a certain slant of light (Emily Dickinson)

In the poem "There's a certain slant of light," Emily Dickinson uses metaphors and imagery to express
feelings of solemnity and despair during winter's twilight. The poet emphasizes the heavy, somber light of the
afternoon.
In the first stanza, winter imagery and organ music create a gloomy atmosphere. The light feels oppressive,
reflecting the poet's experience of depression. This deep, emotional pain doesn't leave visible scars but alters
one's inner state.
In the third stanza, Dickinson describes an indescribable feeling that arises unexpectedly and has no clear
source. It represents a personal experience each person faces when thinking about death, which is an
unavoidable part of life. The despair she feels is widespread, affecting everyone due to life's impermanence,
much like the air we breathe.
The final stanza suggests a sense of stillness or peace, contrasting with the previous despair. Contemplating
death and impermanence might lead to enlightenment if we learn to accept it. The landscape and shadows
welcoming the light symbolize this understanding. The mention of death at the end highlights its constant
presence—always near yet distant, depending on our awareness of it.

V. She Walks in Beauty (Lord Byron)

(a) definitely not (b) direct responses (c) her smile, (d) originates in (e) the cause of
a physical thing to physical and her her thoughts her external
stimulation complexion beauty

This poem raises the issue of the mind-body duality that has concerned philosophers for centuries. The
most puzzling thing about this concept is the fact that the mind, or spirit, is -----(1)---- that anyone would ever
be able to point to, but it definitely responds to changes in the body. Even today, when science can identify
electrochemical reactions in the brain that seem to be ----(2)----, there is no clear way of showing how what
happens in the brain translates into the immaterial world of thoughts. The version of the mind-body duality
that Byron presents in this poem is the opposite of the one that measures neural reactions. To him, the woman’s
beauty ----(3)----, and the innocence and purity of her mind manifest themselves on her face, to create the
beauty that he sees there. The third stanza states this process directly. The first three lines of this stanza catalog
the parts of the woman’s face that the poet finds beautiful, listing her cheek and brow, ----(4)----. In the last
three lines, the cause of this beauty is linked to what goes on inside of her mind. It is her goodness, her
peacefulness, her love and innocence that are all “told of” in the woman’s features. Because of the fact that
this romantic view of love has prevailed throughout Western society, modern readers often fail to appreciate
the fact that beauty does not necessarily have to be caused by purity of spirit. Byron’s poem claims that the
woman’s virtues are ----(5)----, but there is no real proof of any link between the spirit and the flesh.
Eng 3102+3109 English Literature- 10
Drama

I.(A)Write the main theme, The Nature of Marriage, included in the drama The Importance of Being
Earnest.
Marriage plays a crucial role in "The Importance of Being Earnest," driving the plot and sparking
debates about its nature. The topic first arises in the opening conversation between Algernon and his butler,
Lane, and it remains a recurring theme throughout the play. Algernon and Jack argue about whether marriage
proposals are about “business” or “pleasure.” Lady Bracknell also comments on marriage, suggesting that
engagements should surprise young women, whether positively or negatively. Her list of eligible bachelors
and the interview she conducts with Jack are based on traditional views of marriage, focusing on social
position, income, and character. Overall, the play highlights Victorian concerns about marriage, emphasizing
societal expectations and norms.

(B)Short questions (The Importance of Being Earnest)

(1) What is the main message of The Importance of Being Earnest?
The main message of The Importance of Being Earnest is that we should treat all the trivial things of life very
seriously, and the truly important matters with a light-hearted and ironic attitude.
(2) What does The Importance of Being Earnest tell us about our society?
The Importance of Being Earnest shows how obsessed the aristocracy is with preserving their status. The
characters see social rank as part of a person's identity, take pride in their positions, and look down on those
from lower classes.
(3) Who is the most important character in The Importance of Being Earnest?
The play's protagonist. Jack Worthing is a seemingly responsible and respectable young man who leads a
double life.
(4) What does Ernest symbolize in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Similar to Bunbury, Ernest represents deception, fiction, and escapism, but also idealism. While Algernon and
Jack attempt to masquerade as the real Ernest, he is just as fictional as Algernon's Bunbury.
(5) What is the problem in The Importance of Being Earnest?
In The Importance of Being Earnest, the main conflicts revolve around unrequited love and mistaken identity.
Algernon, pretending to be Ernest, falls for Cecily. However, he learns that Cecily cannot marry without Jack’s
approval.
(6) What is the irony in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Most of the humor in The Importance of Being Earnest comes from dramatic irony: the audience knows that
Ernest is a made-up person and that both Jack and Algernon are pretending to be him, while the other
characters do not. This irony is especially strong during the two similar proposal scenes.
(7) What is the significance of the ending of The Importance of Being Earnest?
Eng 3102+3109 English Literature- 10
The Importance of Being Earnest ends happily, resolving any tensions in such a way that all the characters get
what they desire. This means that all secret identities are revealed and all the couples can get married in a
socially acceptable way.

II. Write a summary on Act 2 of the drama Death of a salesman.

The Act begins with Willy feeling optimistic as he plans to ask his boss for a desk job and meet his
sons for dinner. However, when he meets his boss, he is told he won’t get the job and is fired instead. This
news brings back memories of his brother Ben offering him a job, which Willy had turned down. Willy then
goes to Charley’s office to borrow money. There, he sees Charley’s son Bernard, whom he once mocked but
who is now a successful lawyer. Charley offers Willy a job, but Willy feels insulted and refuses.
Later, at the restaurant, Biff tells Happy that Oliver doesn’t remember him, making Biff realize he’s
been lying about his importance at work. He also steals a fountain pen from Oliver’s office. When Willy joins
them, Biff tries to explain what happened, but Willy ignores him. Biff and Happy leave to use the restroom.
Willy recalls a painful memory from Boston when Biff caught him with another woman. When they return
home, Linda is angry. Willy is talking to his brother Ben (in his mind) about his plan to commit suicide so his
family can have the insurance money. Biff admits he’s lost every job and even been to jail. Willy misinterprets
this as Biff still caring about him. Later, Willy leaves the house and crashes his car.

III. Short questions (Death of a Salesman)

1. What is the moral lesson of the Death of a Salesman?
The play shows how someone's constant denial affects those around them. In the end, Willy's tragedy is his
failure to achieve the American dream.
2. What is the main tragedy in the Death of a Salesman?
In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman is the tragic hero. His downfall comes from chasing the American
Dream in a way that makes it impossible for him to achieve. In the end, Willy was never able to get the
American Dream the way he wanted.
3. What is the main conflict in the Death of a Salesman?
The main conflict in Death of a Salesman is internal. Willy Loman loses his job after years as a salesman.
He's too old to start a new career and hasn't saved enough to secure his family's financial future.
4. What is the climax in Death of a Salesman?
The climax of the play occurs when Biff attempts to confront his father about his delusions. Willy, still
deluded, is abandoned by his sons at the restaurant.
5. What is the symbolism in Death of a Salesman?
The author uses symbolism to explain the themes of success and failure in the play. The dominant symbols in
the play include seeds, diamonds, and stockings. The symbols represent his perception of the American dream
and how to achieve it.
6. What is the irony in the Death of a Salesman?
Eng 3102+3109 English Literature- 10
Irony is seen in the end of Death of a Salesman. Willy kills himself after he has taken out a life insurance
policy. Irony is also seen in the fact that he is constantly seeking for success that never comes.
7. What is the critical analysis of Death of a Salesman?
Death of a Salesman explores Willy's mind by showing his memories of the past alongside the present. These
memories aren't just glimpses of the past but are shown as if they exist alongside the present.

IV. Write the main theme, The American Dream, included in the drama Death of a Salesman.
The American Dream, which suggests that anyone can achieve financial success and comfort, is central
to "Death of a Salesman." Different characters reach this dream in various ways. Ben finds wealth by
discovering a diamond mine in Alaska and Africa, while Howard Wagner inherits his success through his
father's company. Bernard, once seen as a dull student, works hard to become a successful lawyer.
Willy Loman, influenced by Ben's success, believes that any man who is manly, good looking,
charismatic, and well-liked deserves success and will naturally achieve it. Throughout his life, Willy and his
sons struggle to meet these unrealistic standards. The tragedy of the play is not just Willy's failure to achieve
financial success but how deeply he believes in this dream. He becomes so focused on achieving success that
he overlooks the love and support of his family.
In the end, Willy sacrifices himself to provide money for his family through his life insurance policy,
demonstrating that he values financial worth above all else. This shows that while the American Dream can
inspire hope, it can also turn a person into a mere product, valued only for their financial success.

V. Write a character analysis of the key characters in the drama Death of a Salesman.
In “Death of a Salesman,” Arthur Miller tells the story of the Loman family, focusing on themes of
loneliness, alienation, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The play centers on Willy Loman, a tired
salesman who feels like a failure. As he reflects on his past, both in his imagination and reality, we see his
struggle to become the successful salesman he always wanted to be. Willy’s character shows the dangers of
blindly following societal expectations and the allure of the American Dream.
Linda Loman, Willy’s devoted wife, is a key character who supports him despite his flaws. Her loyalty
and love for Willy make the tragedy even deeper, as she is left alone to grieve after his death.
Their sons, Biff and Happy, are also affected by Willy’s unrealistic expectations. Biff, the older son,
was a former high school football star but feels lost and trapped by his father’s expectations. Biff struggles to
find his own identity and purpose in life. On the other hand, Happy, the younger son, is a womanizer who
desperately seeks validation and attention. Despite their different personalities, both sons experience a sense
of alienation and disappointment.
Other important characters include Charley, Willy’s kind friend, and his successful son Bernard, who
contrasts with Biff’s struggles. Howard Wagner, Willy’s boss, represents the harsh realities of the business
world. Finally, Willy’s deceased brother Ben symbolizes missed opportunities and the temptation of wealth.
Overall, “Death of a Salesman” is a powerful play that examines the consequences of chasing the
elusive American Dream, provoking audiences to reflect on the values and priorities of modern society.