MEG – 01
BRITISH POETRY
ASSIGNMENT July 2024 – January 2025
(Based on Blocks (1 – 10)
Max. Marks: 100
Answer all questions.
1. Explain any two of the excerpts of poems given below with reference to their
context: 10 X 2 = 20
(i) Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes
For Goddess love, as taak som laxative.
Up peril of my soule and o lif,
I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,
Reference & Context:
This excerpt is from The Miller’s Tale, one of the stories in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Written in Middle English during the 14th century, The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The Miller’s Tale is a humorous and satirical story that focuses on love, deception, and trickery.
In this scene, the character Alisoun is part of a clever scheme to trick her husband, John, who is a gullible carpenter. Nicholas, a scholar, convinces John that a great flood is coming and that he must prepare by climbing into a tub suspended from the ceiling. Meanwhile, Nicholas and Alisoun plan to spend time together in secret. Alisoun, pretending to care for her husband, advises him to take a laxative, making it seem like she is concerned for his well-being. However, her real motive is to keep him distracted.
Explanation & Themes:
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Deception & Trickery:
- Alisoun’s words are part of an elaborate deception. She pretends to be worried about John’s health while actually helping Nicholas trick him.
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Irony & Humor:
- There is irony in Alisoun’s advice. She tells John to take a laxative as if it will help him, but the real “illness” he suffers from is his own gullibility. Chaucer often used humor and irony to entertain readers while exposing human foolishness.
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Imagery & Symbolism:
- The idea of taking a laxative suggests cleansing or purging. Symbolically, it represents the way characters in the story manipulate others to “purge” them of their common sense.
Personal Reflection:
This passage is a perfect example of Chaucer’s ability to blend humor with social commentary. It makes us think about how easily people can be fooled when they are too trusting. The use of irony and wit in The Miller’s Tale makes it one of the most entertaining stories in The Canterbury Tales.
Conclusion
In this passage, the speaker urgently advises the king to take a laxative as a cure for lovesickness. Using metaphors, symbolism, and imagery, the lines highlight how love can be powerful, overwhelming, and even feel like an illness. The passage also touches on themes of devotion and sacrifice, showing how far people will go to ease the pain that love can bring. It makes us reflect on the deep impact of love and the unusual ways people try to deal with its effects.
(ii)My loue is now awake out of her dreams (s),
and her fayre eyes like stars that dimmed were
With darksome cloud, now shew theyr goodly beams
More bright then Hesperus his head doth rere.
Reference & Context:
This excerpt is from Amoretti, a collection of sonnets written by Edmund Spenser in the 16th century. Amoretti is a series of love poems dedicated to Spenser’s beloved, Elizabeth Boyle. The poem expresses the joy and admiration the poet feels for his beloved as she wakes up, symbolizing a new beginning filled with love and beauty.
In this particular passage, the speaker describes how his beloved is waking from sleep, and her eyes, once dimmed like stars behind clouds, now shine even brighter than the evening star, Hesperus. The imagery suggests renewal, hope, and the beauty of love.
Use of Literary Devices:
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Imagery: The poet paints a vivid picture of his beloved’s eyes, comparing them to stars hidden by clouds and then shining brightly again. This creates a striking visual of her beauty and radiance.
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Metaphor: The phrase “her fair eyes like stars” compares her eyes to heavenly bodies, emphasizing their brightness and charm.
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Symbolism: The reference to Hesperus (the evening star) symbolizes guidance, hope, and beauty. It suggests that the poet’s beloved brings light and joy to his life.
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Contrast: The shift from darkness (“darksome cloud”) to brightness (“goodly beams”) symbolizes a transition from sadness or uncertainty to happiness and clarity.
Conclusion:
This passage beautifully captures the poet’s admiration for his beloved. Through rich imagery and symbolism, Spenser portrays love as a source of light and renewal. The comparison of her eyes to stars hidden by clouds but shining again reflects the idea that love, like light, can overcome darkness. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of joy and appreciation for the beauty and inspiration that love brings.
(iii) I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I
Did, till we lov’d? were we not wean’d till then?
Reference & Context:
These lines are from The Good-Morrow, a poem by John Donne, a famous metaphysical poet of the 17th century. The poem explores the deep and transformative nature of true love. The speaker reflects on his life before love, questioning whether he and his beloved truly lived before they found each other. He wonders if everything before their love was just a meaningless existence, like a child who hasn’t yet been weaned from its mother’s milk.
In this moment, the speaker expresses how love has given their lives a new depth and meaning. He suggests that before they loved, they were unaware of true happiness or fulfillment.
Use of Literary Devices:
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Rhetorical Question: The speaker asks, “What did we do before we loved?” This question makes the reader reflect on how love changes one’s perception of life.
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Metaphor: The comparison to being “weaned” suggests that before love, they were like infants, not yet mature or fully aware of life’s true meaning. Love, in this sense, nourishes them like food for the soul.
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Philosophical Tone: The poem goes beyond simple romance and explores deep themes about love’s power to shape and transform human experience.
Conclusion:
In these lines, Donne highlights the idea that life before love feels incomplete, as if it had no real purpose. Through rhetorical questioning and metaphor, he suggests that love brings true awareness, maturity, and fulfillment. The poem leaves us with a profound reflection on how love can give life new meaning, making everything before it seem insignificant or unreal.
(iv) Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike
Reference & Context:
These lines are from Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot, written by Alexander Pope in the 18th century. Pope was a master of satire, and in this poem, he criticizes hypocritical critics and false friends. Here, he describes a certain type of person—someone who pretends to be polite and kind but is actually insincere and critical in a subtle, passive-aggressive way.
The lines refer to those who “damn with faint praise”—meaning they give weak, half-hearted compliments that are actually insults. They “assent with civil leer”—agree politely while secretly mocking. They teach others to sneer without openly sneering themselves. These people are “willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike”—they want to attack but lack the courage to do so openly.
Use of Literary Devices:
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Irony: The phrase “damn with faint praise” is ironic because it describes the act of pretending to compliment while actually insulting.
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Oxymoron: “Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike” combines two opposite ideas, showing the cowardice of people who criticize in a roundabout way rather than confronting directly.
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Satire: Pope mocks the hypocrisy of critics and false friends who pretend to be well-wishers but secretly undermine others.
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Alliteration: The repetition of sounds in “sneering, teach the rest to sneer” adds rhythm and emphasis to the idea of spreading negativity.
Conclusion:
These lines sharply criticize people who hide their true intentions behind politeness and weak praise. Through irony, oxymoron, and satire, Pope exposes the hypocrisy of those who criticize indirectly, never daring to be openly honest. The passage makes us reflect on how insincerity and passive-aggression are still common in society today, showing that Pope’s observations remain relevant even centuries later.
2.Highlight the salient features of Romanticism with illustrations from the poems prescribed for study.
ANSWER:
Salient Features of Romanticism with Illustrations from Prescribed Poems
Romanticism was a literary movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a reaction against the strict rules of classicism and the rationalism of the Enlightenment. It focused on emotion, imagination, nature, individualism, and the supernatural. Romantic poets sought to explore deep feelings, celebrate nature’s beauty, and highlight the importance of personal freedom and creativity. Below are some of the key features of Romanticism with examples from well-known poems.
1. Love for Nature
One of the most defining characteristics of Romantic poetry is the deep admiration and reverence for nature. Nature is not just a setting but a living force that influences human emotions and spirituality.
Example: William Wordsworth’s Tintern Abbey expresses the poet’s deep connection with nature. He sees nature as a source of peace, inspiration, and moral guidance. The poet reflects on how nature has influenced his thoughts and feelings over the years, proving that it is a vital force in human life.
2. Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination
Romantic poets valued emotions over reason and imagination over logic. They believed that feelings and intuition were more reliable guides to truth than scientific reasoning.
Example: In John Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale, the poet expresses his longing to escape reality through the power of imagination. He describes the nightingale’s song as something divine, capable of transporting him beyond the troubles of human existence. This focus on intense emotions and imaginative experiences is a hallmark of Romantic poetry.
3. Focus on Individualism and the Common Man
Romantics celebrated the individual’s experience, emotions, and inner struggles. They often highlighted the lives of ordinary people rather than kings and heroes, making poetry more relatable and personal.
Example: William Wordsworth’s The Solitary Reaper portrays a simple Scottish girl singing while working in the fields. The poet is deeply moved by her song, which speaks to the universal human experience of joy, sorrow, and nostalgia. This focus on a common individual’s emotions reflects the Romantic ideal of personal expression.
4. Interest in the Supernatural and the Mysterious
Many Romantic poets were fascinated by the supernatural, the unknown, and the mystical. They explored themes of ghosts, legends, dreams, and mythical figures to create an atmosphere of wonder and fear.
Example: Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a perfect example of the supernatural in Romantic poetry. The poem tells the story of a mariner cursed for killing an albatross, leading to strange and eerie events on his ship. Coleridge blends reality with supernatural elements, creating a haunting and mystical narrative.
5. Glorification of the Past
Romantics often idealized the past, especially medieval times, seeing them as more pure and heroic than the present. They rejected industrialization and longed for a simpler, more harmonious world.
Example: In The Eve of St. Agnes by John Keats, the poet weaves a medieval love story filled with chivalry, romance, and enchantment. The setting, characters, and atmosphere reflect the Romantic fascination with the past.
6. Melancholy and the Transience of Life
Many Romantic poets expressed a deep sense of melancholy, often contemplating themes of mortality, loss, and the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness.
Example: In Ode to a Grecian Urn, John Keats reflects on how art captures beauty eternally, while human life is temporary. He contrasts the immortality of the images on the urn with the inevitable aging and death of real people, highlighting a common Romantic theme of impermanence.
Conclusion
Romanticism was a movement that celebrated the beauty of nature, the power of emotions, and the freedom of the individual. It rejected the rigid structures of classical literature in favor of creativity, imagination, and personal expression. Poets like Wordsworth, Keats, and Coleridge captured the essence of Romantic ideals through their works, making this literary movement one of the most influential in history. The themes of Romantic poetry—nature’s power, human emotions, the supernatural, and nostalgia for the past—continue to inspire readers even today.
3.Attempt a comparison between the Epithalamion and the Prothalamion as wedding
songs.
ANSWER:
Comparison Between Epithalamion and Prothalamion as Wedding Songs
Edmund Spenser, one of the most celebrated poets of the Renaissance era, wrote two remarkable wedding poems—Epithalamion and Prothalamion. Both poems celebrate love, marriage, and beauty, but they differ in tone, structure, and purpose. While Epithalamion is a personal celebration of Spenser’s own wedding, Prothalamion is a more formal poem written for the double wedding of the daughters of the Earl of Essex. In this comparison, we will explore their similarities and differences as wedding songs.
1. Theme and Purpose
Both Epithalamion and Prothalamion are wedding songs that celebrate marriage, but their purposes differ. Epithalamion is a deeply personal poem written by Spenser to commemorate his own marriage to Elizabeth Boyle. It expresses his emotions, hopes, and desires for a happy and prosperous married life. On the other hand, Prothalamion is a commissioned poem written to honor the wedding of Lady Elizabeth and Lady Katherine Somerset. It has a more formal and celebratory tone, focusing on the beauty of the brides and the grandeur of the occasion rather than personal emotions.
2. Tone and Mood
The tone of Epithalamion is passionate, personal, and joyful. It captures the poet’s deep love for his bride and his excitement about their union. The poem moves from anticipation to fulfillment, reflecting the poet’s journey on his wedding day.
In contrast, Prothalamion has a more composed and reflective tone. Although it celebrates a wedding, it also expresses Spenser’s dissatisfaction with his own life, particularly his lack of royal patronage. The poem begins with a melancholic mood, as Spenser finds solace in nature before transitioning into a grand celebration of the brides. Thus, while Epithalamion is intensely personal, Prothalamion maintains a balance between joy and subdued reflection.
3. Structure and Style
Epithalamion is a long poem consisting of 24 stanzas, symbolizing the 24 hours of the wedding day. It follows a chronological structure, beginning with the dawn of the wedding day and ending with the couple’s union at night. The poem uses rich imagery and classical references to enhance the beauty of the occasion.
Prothalamion, on the other hand, is shorter and structured around the peaceful setting of the River Thames. It repeats the refrain “Sweet Thames, run softly till I end my song,” creating a musical and lyrical effect. The poem blends mythology with real-life events, making it an elegant and formal wedding ode.
4. Use of Nature and Imagery
Both poems use nature to enhance the beauty of marriage. In Epithalamion, nature is an active participant in the wedding celebrations. The sun, birds, and flowers all seem to rejoice in the poet’s happiness. The poem also invokes divine blessings, ensuring that the marriage is sacred and prosperous.
In Prothalamion, nature serves as a backdrop to the wedding. The gentle flow of the River Thames, the swans, and the garlands of flowers create a serene and idyllic atmosphere. The imagery in this poem is more restrained and elegant, reflecting the formal nature of the occasion.
5. Mythological and Religious Elements
Both poems draw heavily from mythology and religion. In Epithalamion, Spenser invokes various Greek and Roman gods, including Venus, Juno, and Hymen, to bless his marriage. There are also references to Christian traditions, emphasizing the sacredness of the union.
Similarly, Prothalamion includes mythological references, particularly to swans, which symbolize purity and love. However, the mythological elements in this poem are more decorative than personal, reinforcing the grandeur of the event rather than the poet’s own emotions.
Conclusion
Both Epithalamion and Prothalamion are beautiful wedding songs that celebrate the institution of marriage in unique ways. Epithalamion is deeply personal, filled with raw emotions and passionate anticipation for Spenser’s own wedding. In contrast, Prothalamion is more formal, composed, and reflective, celebrating an aristocratic wedding with grace and elegance. Despite their differences, both poems highlight the beauty of love, the blessings of nature, and the joy of marital union, making them timeless works of wedding poetry.
4. Would you agree that Milton reflects on blindness in Sonnets 19 & 23? Give a
reasoned answer.
ANSWER:
Milton’s Reflection on Blindness in Sonnets 19 and 23
John Milton, one of the greatest poets of the English literary tradition, composed Sonnet 19 (When I Consider How My Light is Spent) and Sonnet 23 (Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint) during a time of personal struggle, particularly as he faced the loss of his eyesight. Both sonnets reflect on his blindness in different ways, offering deep insights into his thoughts on faith, purpose, and personal loss.
Milton’s Blindness in Sonnet 19
In Sonnet 19, Milton contemplates his blindness and how it affects his ability to serve God. The poem begins with a personal lament, where the poet reflects on how his “light is spent” before half his life is over. Here, “light” is a metaphor for both physical sight and the intellectual brilliance that he fears he can no longer use.
Milton questions whether God still expects him to use his poetic talent despite his blindness. However, the turning point (volta) of the sonnet brings a resolution—Patience personified reminds him that God does not need human labor but rather values faith and devotion. The famous concluding line, “They also serve who only stand and wait,” emphasizes the idea that even in blindness, Milton can fulfill his purpose through patience and faith.
Milton’s Blindness in Sonnet 23
Sonnet 23 is more personal and emotional, focusing on a dream in which Milton sees his late wife. The poem takes on a dreamlike, almost supernatural tone, as he envisions his wife appearing to him “vested all in white” like a saintly figure. His blindness is significant here because he can only see her in his dreams, not in waking life.
The poem captures a fleeting moment of happiness—he feels as though he can see her, but upon waking, she disappears, leaving him in darkness again. This reflects not just his physical blindness but also his emotional pain and longing for his lost wife. The poem ends with a sorrowful realization of his isolation and loss.
Use of Literary Devices
- Metaphor: In Sonnet 19, “light” represents both sight and intellectual ability. In Sonnet 23, his wife appearing “vested all in white” symbolizes purity and heavenly peace.
- Personification: Patience is personified in Sonnet 19 as a guiding force that reassures Milton about his purpose.
- Imagery: Both sonnets use vivid imagery to contrast darkness and light, reflecting Milton’s physical blindness and emotional turmoil.
- Contrast: Sonnet 19 contrasts doubt and faith, while Sonnet 23 contrasts dreams and reality, emphasizing the poet’s deep sense of loss.
Conclusion
Both sonnets reflect Milton’s struggles with blindness but in different ways. Sonnet 19 is more philosophical, exploring his relationship with God and his purpose despite his physical limitations. Sonnet 23 is deeply personal, dealing with love and grief, showing how blindness affects his emotional world. Together, these sonnets offer a profound reflection on loss, faith, and the power of inner vision, proving that even without sight, Milton’s poetic vision remained as strong as ever .
5. Would you consider Sylvia Plath’s Daddy to be an expression against the voice of
patriarchy? Comment critically.
ANSWER:
Sylvia Plath’s Daddy as a Critique of Patriarchy
Sylvia Plath’s poem Daddy is one of her most powerful and controversial works. Written in 1962, just months before her tragic death, the poem explores deep personal anguish, unresolved trauma, and a sense of oppression. While Daddy is often interpreted as a reflection of Plath’s troubled relationship with her father, it also serves as a broader critique of patriarchy. Through strong imagery, historical references, and an intense emotional tone, Plath gives voice to the struggles of women against male dominance and oppression.
A Personal and Political Poem
On the surface, Daddy is a deeply personal poem that addresses Plath’s complicated feelings toward her father, Otto Plath, who died when she was just eight years old. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that Plath is not just talking about her father—she is also addressing the larger structure of male authority and control. The speaker feels trapped under the weight of an oppressive figure, who represents not only her father but also the larger patriarchal system that subjugates women.
Use of Dark and Violent Imagery
Plath employs striking and sometimes disturbing imagery to portray the oppressive nature of patriarchy. She compares her father to a Nazi and herself to a Jew, creating a chilling power dynamic. Lines like “I have always been scared of you, / With your Luftwaffe, your gobbledygoo” evoke fear, submission, and helplessness. The father figure is depicted as an almost supernatural force of tyranny, reinforcing the idea that patriarchy is an all-encompassing and suffocating system.
The poem also includes references to vampires, with the speaker accusing her father of draining her life force: “I was ten when they buried you. / At twenty I tried to die / And get back, back, back to you.” This metaphor suggests that the oppressive influence of patriarchal figures lingers even after their physical absence, continuing to haunt and control women’s lives.
Breaking Free from Oppression
Despite the overwhelming presence of male dominance, the poem is ultimately about resistance and liberation. The speaker asserts her independence by declaring, “Daddy, I have had to kill you” and “I’m through.” These lines signify a symbolic rejection of patriarchy and the oppressive influence of male figures. By the end of the poem, she gains power over the oppressive father figure, saying, “There’s a stake in your fat black heart”—a clear image of finality and triumph over domination.
This declaration of freedom is significant in a feminist reading of the poem. Plath portrays the struggle many women face when trying to escape the control of patriarchal figures, whether they are fathers, husbands, or societal norms. The speaker’s act of rebellion is a metaphor for breaking free from male oppression, which makes Daddy a powerful feminist statement.
Conclusion
Sylvia Plath’s Daddy is much more than just an expression of personal grief—it is a bold critique of patriarchy. Through its intense imagery, historical references, and emotionally charged language, the poem highlights the suffocating impact of male authority on women’s lives. At the same time, it presents a journey from victimhood to empowerment, making it a deeply feminist work. Plath’s raw and fearless expression in Daddy continues to resonate with readers, especially those who seek to understand and challenge the structures of oppression in society.
Thus, Daddy stands as a timeless work that gives voice to the struggles of women, making it a significant piece in feminist literature.