Dec2021

Death, be not proud, though some have

called thee Mighty and dreadful, for than art not so, For those whom
you think’st then dost overthrow 144Wds
The given lines are from John Donne's holy sonnet Death, Be Not Proud. In
this poem, Donne personifies Death and directly addresses it, challenging its
power and dominance. The speaker begins by declaring that Death should not be
proud because it is neither "mighty" nor "dreadful," despite being perceived so
by many. Donne diminishes Death's control by stating that it does not truly
"overthrow" those it claims to conquer. Instead, Death is merely a temporary
pause before the eternal awakening of the soul, as promised in Christian
theology.
The speaker emphasizes that Death is not the ultimate end but a transition.
By rejecting Death's terror, Donne portrays it as powerless, even suggesting that
it is subject to fate, chance, and human intervention through means like sickness
or war. The poet concludes that Death itself shall die, as eternal life triumphs
through faith and resurrection.
Lyke as a huntsman after weary chace,
Seeing the game from him escapt away, Sits downe to rest him in
same shady place, 139 WDS
This excerpt is part of Edmund Spenser’s "Amoretti," Sonnet 67, which
compares the speaker's pursuit of love to a huntsman chasing a deer. The lines
evoke imagery of exhaustion and temporary solace. The "huntsman,"
representing the speaker, grows weary from chasing his "game" (love), which
has eluded him. Finally, he rests in a "shady place," symbolizing a pause in his
relentless pursuit.
The use of natural imagery reflects the Elizabethan tradition of equating love
with hunting, portraying the beloved as elusive and unattainable. The "game
escapt away" suggests the lover’s earlier refusal or avoidance. The tone is
contemplative, suggesting both resignation and a longing for connection. This
moment of rest also signifies hope, as the pursuit does not end permanently but
is deferred. The sonnet explores themes of love, patience, and the balance
between pursuit and acceptance in relationships.
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st :
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and
this gives life to thee. 145 WDS
In the given lines from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, the poet assures the
subject of the poem—his beloved—that their beauty and essence will live on
forever through his poetry. "Eternal lines to time" refers to the immortal verse in
which the poet has captured the beloved's qualities. Shakespeare confidently
claims that as long as humans exist ("So long as men can breathe, or eyes can
see"), his poetry will endure, ensuring the beloved’s legacy remains alive.
The lines convey the theme of immortality through art, where the transient
nature of life is countered by the timeless preservation of beauty and memory in
written words. Shakespeare's sonnet itself is proof of this claim, as it continues
to be read centuries later. By celebrating the beloved in eternal verse, the poet
transcends the limitations of mortality, demonstrating the enduring power of
literature to defy time’s ravages.
Dec2021
Sweet warrior when shall I have peace with you ?
High Time it is, this warse now ended were :
which I no lenger can endure to sue, 142 WDS

The lines are from Edmund Spenser's Amoretti, Sonnet 57. The speaker
addresses his beloved, referring to her as a "sweet warrior," blending affection
with the imagery of conflict. This metaphor highlights the tension between love
and struggle. The speaker seeks an end to their emotional "war," implying a
longing for reconciliation and harmony.
He questions when peace will arrive, expressing his weariness in pursuing
her affection. The phrase "High Time it is, this warse now ended were" conveys
urgency, suggesting the struggle has persisted too long. The speaker's
vulnerability is evident in "which I no lenger can endure to sue," as he admits he
can no longer bear the effort to win her over.
Spenser captures the complexities of love—desire, conflict, and hope for
resolution. The sonnet reflects Renaissance ideals of courtly love, where
persistence and devotion often define romantic pursuit.

Not marble, nor the gilded monuments

of princes, shall outline this powerful rime;
But you shall shine more bright in these contents 142WDS
The excerpt is from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55, highlighting the eternal power
of poetry. The poet contrasts the impermanence of physical monuments with the
enduring nature of verse. Marble statues and gilded monuments, though built to
honor princes, will eventually decay due to time and war. However, the "powerful
rime" (strong poetry) will preserve the memory of the beloved far longer than
any physical structure.
In the next line, the poet asserts that the subject of the poem will "shine
more bright" (remain vivid and celebrated) through the poem’s words. This
suggests that poetry immortalizes its subject, making them timeless. Unlike
monuments subject to destruction, poetry resides in the hearts and minds of
readers across generations. Thus, Shakespeare argues that written art outlasts
material creations, showcasing its superiority in ensuring immortality. The theme
underscores love, art’s enduring quality, and human legacy transcending time.
I was aboute to wedde a wyf; allas,
what should I bye it on my flesh so deere ? yet hadde I levere wedde
no wyfe t-yeere ! 140 WDS
The lines are from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, specifically from
"The Wife of Bath's Prologue." Here, the speaker contemplates marriage with a
mix of regret and apprehension. The phrase "allas, what should I bye it on my
flesh so deere" reveals the speaker's belief that marriage could bring significant
emotional or physical costs, suggesting he fears the toll it might take on him.
The lamentation "allas" emphasizes his hesitation and sense of dread.
The line "yet hadde I levere wedde no wyfe t-yeere" conveys that the
speaker would rather not marry this year, preferring to delay or avoid the
responsibility entirely. This reflects the tension between societal expectations and
personal reservations about marriage during Chaucer's time. Through these
lines, Chaucer critiques the institution of marriage, highlighting the conflicts and
challenges it posed, while exploring individual desires versus cultural norms.
Dec2021

Irony in ‘Dr. Faustus’ 148WDS

Irony plays a crucial role in Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus, highlighting
the tragic downfall of its protagonist. Situational irony is evident in Faustus’
desire for unlimited knowledge and power through his pact with Lucifer, which
ultimately leads to his doom rather than fulfillment. He sells his soul for transient
pleasures and illusions, ironically rejecting eternal salvation offered by God.
Verbal irony appears in Faustus’ dialogue, as he mocks religion and heaven, only
to realize their value too late. Dramatic irony is pervasive, as the audience knows
Faustus’ choices are self-destructive, even as he remains blind to his fate. The
Good Angel and Evil Angel dialogues reinforce this irony, illustrating his internal
conflict and misguided decisions. The tragic irony lies in Faustus’ refusal to repent
despite multiple opportunities, leading to his eternal damnation. Thus, irony
underscores the moral lesson about ambition, pride, and the consequences of
rejecting divine grace.
Interaction between Witches and Macbeth 148WDS
The interaction between the witches and Macbeth is pivotal in Shakespeare’s
Macbeth. It occurs first in Act 1, Scene 3, when Macbeth and Banquo encounter
the witches on a desolate heath. The witches greet Macbeth with three titles:
Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter. This prophecy sparks
Macbeth’s ambition, as he is intrigued by their foresight. Banquo, however, is
skeptical of their intentions, calling them “instruments of darkness” who betray
by revealing partial truths.
The witches exploit Macbeth’s vulnerabilities, planting the seed of ambition
that drives his descent into tyranny and murder. Their cryptic language and
supernatural aura manipulate Macbeth’s thoughts, steering him toward his tragic
fate. The interaction reflects themes of fate versus free will, as the witches never
directly tell Macbeth to act but influence his choices. This exchange establishes
their role as catalysts in the play’s exploration of moral corruption and ambition.

Tudor poetry 146WDS

Tudor poetry refers to the literary works produced during the reign of the
Tudor monarchs in England (1485–1603). This era saw a flourishing of English
poetry, influenced by the Renaissance (revival of classical art and learning) and
the introduction of humanism (focus on human values and experiences).
Prominent Tudor poets include Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of
Surrey. Wyatt introduced the Petrarchan sonnet (14-line poem with specific
rhyme schemes) to England, while Surrey modified it, laying the groundwork for
the Shakespearean sonnet.
Themes of Tudor poetry often revolved around love, nature, morality, and
the exploration of human emotions. Poets experimented with forms like sonnets,
elegies (mournful poems), and lyrics. The period was also marked by courtly
poetry, where poets expressed loyalty to the monarchy and aristocracy. Tudor
poetry set the stage for the Elizabethan age, fostering innovations that shaped
English literature's future trajectory.
Dec2021
Cavalier Poets 120WDS
The Cavalier Poets were a group of English lyric poets from the 17th century,
closely associated with the court of King Charles I. They were known for their
loyalty to the monarchy during the English Civil War. These poets celebrated
themes of love, beauty, nature, loyalty, and pleasure. Their writing style was
light, elegant, and straightforward, often contrasting with the more serious and
complex metaphysical poetry of their time.
Prominent Cavalier Poets included Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace, Thomas
Carew, and Sir John Suckling. They followed the classical ideals of clarity and
balance, heavily influenced by the works of Ben Jonson. Their poems often
included carpe diem (seize the day) themes, urging readers to enjoy life’s
pleasures before time ran out.
Dec2021
Critically analyse the ending of the play ‘Dr. Faustus 536WDS
The ending of Dr. Faustus is a tragic culmination of the play’s exploration of
ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of making pacts with the devil.
Christopher Marlowe’s play, centered on the character of Doctor Faustus, follows
a highly intelligent but disillusioned scholar who makes a pact with the devil in
exchange for unlimited power and knowledge. The conclusion of the play is crucial
in understanding Faustus’s character, the theme of divine justice, and the moral
message that Marlowe imparts to his audience.
At the climax, Faustus’s time is up. He has signed his soul over to Lucifer,
and after 24 years of indulgence in magic and worldly pleasures, he faces the
grim consequence of his deal. As the clock strikes midnight, signaling the end of
his pact, Faustus experiences fear and regret. He realizes that despite his vast
knowledge and power, he has squandered his opportunity for redemption and
salvation. This recognition is evident in his final moments, where he desperately
seeks mercy but is ultimately denied.
The ending highlights the theme of divine justice, which is a central motif in
the play. Throughout the narrative, Faustus is repeatedly offered chances to
repent and save his soul. He is visited by various figures, such as the Good and
Evil Angels, who attempt to influence his decisions. However, Faustus refuses to
repent, driven by pride, a desire for more power, and a belief that his pact with
the devil cannot be undone. This refusal to turn back from his chosen path of
damnation leads to his eternal punishment. Marlowe, through this, illustrates the
moral of the play: that hubris (excessive pride) and a disregard for divine
authority lead to destruction.
Another significant aspect of the ending is Faustus’s tragic realization that
his intellectual achievements have been futile in the face of eternal damnation.
Throughout the play, Faustus believes that he can control his fate through his
own intellect, relying on magic and demonic power. However, in the final
moments, he understands that his intelligence and knowledge could not prevent
his ultimate downfall. This reflects the Renaissance tension between humanism
and the acknowledgment of divine power. Faustus’s desire to transcend human
limitations through his own efforts alone leads to his downfall, a warning against
overestimating human capabilities in the face of the divine.
The ending also serves as a commentary on the powerlessness of human
beings in the grand cosmic order. Faustus’s final plea for forgiveness is met with
indifference from both the devils and God. This stark response reinforces the idea
that once a person has chosen a path of sin and sealed their fate, there is little
room for redemption. Faustus’s failure to repent in time highlights the peril of
procrastination and the importance of moral responsibility.
Marlowe’s portrayal of Faustus’s tragic end invites reflection on the human
condition. The play emphasizes the limitations of human power and the
consequences of overreaching ambition. Faustus's story acts as a cautionary tale,
warning against the dangers of unchecked pride and the refusal to acknowledge
the greater forces at play in the world. The ending, thus, is not just a tragic
conclusion to Faustus’s personal journey but a broader commentary on the
tensions between human striving and divine will.
Dec2021
Critical Analysis of “The Sun Rising” by John Donne
John Donne’s The Sun Rising is a remarkable metaphysical poem that
explores the themes of love, time, and the cosmos. Through its clever use of
conceits (extended metaphors) and dramatic tone, the poem defies conventional
notions of romantic poetry by blending personal experience with universal ideas.
Structure and Style : The poem is divided into three stanzas of ten lines each.
Written in a dramatic monologue form, it captures the speaker’s dialogue with
the sun. The rhyme scheme (ABBACDCDEE) gives it a lyrical quality while
maintaining a conversational tone. The language is witty, assertive, and full of
intellectual vigor, reflecting Donne’s mastery of metaphysical poetry.
Themes and Analysis
1. Love’s Supremacy over Time and Space: The speaker begins by
chastising the sun for interrupting his private moment with his beloved.
The opening lines—"Busy old fool, unruly Sun"—personify the sun as an
intrusive, meddling entity. This sets the stage for the speaker’s claim that
their love transcends temporal and spatial constraints. By calling the sun
“a saucy pedantic wretch,” he mocks its perceived authority, suggesting
that love is a force greater than cosmic laws.
2. Love as the Center of the Universe:In the second stanza, the speaker
elevates his love to a cosmic scale. He boldly declares that the sun’s duties,
such as warming the world, pale in comparison to the significance of their
love. Lines like “This bed thy center is, these walls, thy sphere” reframe
the bedroom as the axis of the universe, where the lovers’ union redefines
reality. This hyperbolic imagery is a hallmark of Donne’s style, emphasizing
the metaphysical idea that personal love holds universal significance.
3. Defiance of Authority and Natural Order:The speaker’s audacious tone
continues as he challenges the sun’s power. He claims that the sun is
merely an obedient servant whose authority is secondary to the lovers’ will.
By asserting, “I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink,” the speaker
demonstrates his defiance, suggesting that human passion can outshine
celestial forces.
4. Love’s Eternal and Unchanging Nature:The final stanza shifts the tone
slightly, acknowledging the sun’s role in sustaining life but subordinating it
to love. The speaker argues that their love embodies the richness of all
kings and nations, rendering external wealth and power insignificant. The
closing lines—“Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere; / This bed thy
center is, these walls, thy sphere”—reinforce the idea that love is eternal
and self-contained, immune to external influences.
Metaphysical Techniques
Donne’s use of conceits, such as comparing the lovers’ bed to the universe,
exemplifies his intellectual approach to poetry. The blending of physical and
spiritual imagery, such as the union of two lovers equating to cosmic harmony,
reflects the metaphysical tradition’s emphasis on paradox and complexity.
Conclusion
The Sun Rising is a celebration of love’s transformative power, offering a bold,
unconventional perspective on romance. Through its witty tone and philosophical
depth, the poem captures the essence of metaphysical poetry—combining
passion with intellect, personal emotion with universal truth.
Dec2021

Discuss the portrayal of the Wife of Bath in The Wife of Bath’s Prologue
476WDS
The Wife of Bath in "The Wife of Bath's Prologue"
The Wife of Bath, Alisoun, is a compelling and controversial figure in Geoffrey
Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Her prologue presents a bold and intricate portrait
of a woman who challenges the patriarchal norms of medieval society. She is
unapologetically assertive, self-aware, and defiant in her views on marriage, love,
and gender roles.
Alisoun’s authority to speak on marriage stems from her personal experience,
as she has been married five times. From the outset, she confronts societal and
religious criticisms of her multiple marriages. Using scripture selectively and
skillfully, she argues that there is no divine mandate limiting the number of times
one can marry. She critiques the church’s emphasis on virginity, pointing out the
necessity of procreation and emphasizing her own role as a "worthy" wife. Her
arguments reveal her intellect and rhetorical prowess, allowing her to undermine
male-dominated theological interpretations.
The Wife of Bath’s views on marriage are pragmatic and candid. She describes
how she dominated her first three husbands, who were older and wealthier. Using
her wit, charm, and manipulation, she gained control over them, securing both
financial stability and personal freedom. Her unapologetic recounting of these
exploits reflects her disdain for traditional gender roles that prioritize male authority
in marriage.
However, her fourth and fifth marriages display a different side of her character.
Her fourth husband was unfaithful, which caused her significant distress. In contrast,
her fifth husband, Jankyn, was much younger but abusive. Despite his violence, she
loved him deeply, revealing a complex vulnerability. The turning point in their
tumultuous relationship occurred when she tore pages from Jankyn’s misogynistic
book, resulting in a physical altercation. This confrontation ended with Jankyn
granting her dominance in their marriage, symbolizing her ultimate demand for
equality and respect.
The Wife of Bath embodies both empowerment and complexity. On one hand,
she is a proto-feminist figure who challenges oppressive systems. Her unapologetic
embrace of her sexuality and desire for sovereignty in relationships positions her as
a rebel against restrictive societal norms. On the other hand, her manipulative tactics
and focus on material gains complicate her image, inviting criticism that she
reinforces negative stereotypes about women.
Chaucer’s portrayal of Alisoun is deliberately ambiguous. While she offers a
strong critique of gender inequality, her exaggerated and comedic traits may also
reflect medieval stereotypes. This duality allows for diverse interpretations: some
view her as an empowering character, while others see her as a satirical critique of
women who seek power through unconventional means.
In conclusion, the Wife of Bath’s prologue presents a multifaceted character who
defies easy categorization. Through her wit, humor, and candid revelations, she
challenges societal norms while exposing the complexities of human relationships.
Chaucer’s nuanced depiction ensures that the Wife of Bath remains a subject of
enduring fascination and debate, embodying themes of gender, power, and
individuality.
Dec2021
Write a critical appreciation of ‘Death Be Not Proud.’ 492 WDS
"Death Be Not Proud", also known as Holy Sonnet X, is a metaphysical poem
written by John Donne. The poem challenges the conventional perception of
death as a fearsome and all-powerful force. Instead, Donne portrays death as
powerless and transient, offering a spiritual and philosophical perspective
grounded in Christian theology.
Theme and Central Argument The central theme of the poem is the defiance
of death’s authority. Donne presents death not as an end, but as a transition to
eternal life. The poet’s confidence in immortality stems from his Christian faith,
which views death as a passage to the soul’s reunion with God. By addressing
death directly, Donne diminishes its power and personifies it as a mere servant
of fate, chance, kings, and desperate men. This humanizes death and reduces its
terrifying reputation.
Structure and Style The poem is structured as a Petrarchan sonnet with 14
lines divided into an octave (first 8 lines) and a sestet (last 6 lines). It follows an
ABBA ABBA rhyme scheme for the octave, transitioning to a more flexible pattern
in the sestet. The meter is predominantly iambic pentameter, which gives the
poem a rhythmic and formal tone, but Donne also uses irregularities to
emphasize key ideas.
Donne’s style is marked by the use of metaphysical conceits, where abstract
ideas are compared to concrete objects. For instance, death is described as “rest
and sleep,” suggesting that death is merely a temporary phase. Such
comparisons reflect the poet’s intellectual wit and his ability to merge spirituality
with rational thought.
Tone and Diction The tone of the poem is confident, assertive, and mocking.
Donne begins with a direct address:
“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for
thou art not so.”This opening sets the defiant tone, as Donne challenges death’s
perceived supremacy. The diction includes both simple words like “sleep” and
profound theological terms like “eternal.” This mix enhances the accessibility of
his argument while maintaining its depth.
Imagery and Symbolism Donne uses vivid imagery to weaken death’s
influence. Comparing death to “rest” or “sleep” suggests comfort and
rejuvenation rather than fear. The reference to “one short sleep past” symbolizes
the briefness of death before the soul awakens to eternal life. Additionally, the
mention of fate, chance, kings, and poison portrays death as subservient to
external forces, not an autonomous power.
Philosophical and Religious Undertones The poem reflects Donne’s belief in
the Christian concept of resurrection and eternal life. By asserting that “death
shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die,” Donne conveys the ultimate triumph of
the soul over mortality. This victory is rooted in faith, which assures believers of
life beyond death.
Conclusion "Death Be Not Proud" exemplifies Donne’s mastery in blending
intellectual rigor with spiritual assurance. Through its bold tone, striking imagery,
and theological depth, the poem transforms death from a feared entity into a
mere stepping stone toward immortality. It remains a timeless meditation on life,
death, and faith.
Dec2021
Analyse Macbeth from the point of view of Marxism. 460 WDS
Macbeth: A Marxist Perspective
From a Marxist perspective, Shakespeare’s Macbeth explores themes of
class struggle, the corrupting influence of power, and the role of ideology in
sustaining hierarchical systems. Marxism, rooted in Karl Marx’s theories, focuses
on the conflict between classes, the economic base of society, and how dominant
ideologies uphold ruling classes. In Macbeth, these ideas surface in the
characters’ pursuit of power, the reinforcement of social hierarchies, and the
alienation resulting from systemic inequalities.
Class Struggle and Power Dynamics
The pursuit of power in Macbeth reflects the dynamics of class struggle.
Macbeth, a nobleman, begins as a loyal servant of King Duncan within the feudal
hierarchy. However, spurred by the witches' prophecy and Lady Macbeth’s
influence, he defies this system to seize the throne. His ambition to rise above
his social position mirrors the transition from feudalism to capitalism, where
individual gain disrupts established hierarchies.
Macbeth’s rise exemplifies the alienation caused by such systems.
Although he achieves power, his reign is marked by paranoia, violence, and
isolation, revealing the emptiness of personal ambition divorced from collective
welfare. His tyranny creates unrest, ultimately leading to rebellion and his
downfall, highlighting the instability of hierarchical power.
Ideology and False Consciousness
Marxist theory views ideology as a tool of the ruling class to maintain
control. In Macbeth, the witches represent this ideological force, manipulating
Macbeth through their prophecy. By fostering a false belief in his "destiny," they
trap him in a cycle of violence and self-destruction. This illustrates how ideology
can distort individual agency, making individuals complicit in systems that harm
them.
Lady Macbeth also embodies internalized hegemonic values. While she
initially rejects traditional gender roles by urging Macbeth to adopt ruthless
"masculine" traits, she ultimately succumbs to guilt and madness. Her
psychological unraveling demonstrates the damaging effects of internalized
oppression and the moral contradictions within patriarchal power structures.
Alienation and Corruption
Marxism emphasizes alienation—the separation of individuals from their
labor, society, or themselves under exploitative systems. Macbeth’s ascent
alienates him from his allies, his wife, and his own moral compass. This alienation
underscores the destructive impact of power pursued without regard for ethical
responsibility or communal harmony.
The play also critiques the corrupting nature of power. Macbeth’s
transformation from a valiant soldier to a paranoid tyrant reflects the moral decay
inherent in systems that prioritize personal ambition over social welfare. His rule
plunges Scotland into chaos, symbolizing the broader societal harm caused by
oppressive hierarchies.
Conclusion From a Marxist perspective, Macbeth critiques the systemic issues
of hierarchical societies. It portrays the alienation, inequality, and corruption
resulting from unchecked ambition and power. The play serves as a cautionary
tale, urging reflection on the need for collective welfare over individual gain and
highlighting the dangers of ideology in perpetuating social injustices.