PAST PAPER OPTIONAL - YEAR 2007

4. YEAR 2007

Attempt FIVE questions in all. All questions carry equal marks. 

1. Illustrate and criticize by reference to the life of Henchard the truth of the statement that 'character is fate'. Discuss with reference to Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'. OR

Compare and contrast the characters of Lucetta and Elizabeth Jane as depicted in Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'. 

2. The character of Rosalind in 'As You Like it' is one of the loveliest and most graceful creations of Shakespeare. Critically discuss. OR

Shakespeare's 'As You Like it' reflects neither the profound gloom of the tragedy, nor the high seriousness of the romance, but a cheerful spirit, innocent mirth and healthy optimism. Discuss. 

3. What reasons does Herbert give for the corruption of the English language and how can we encounter them? Discuss with reference to A.P. Herbert's essay 'Invitation to the World War'. OR

What according to Saint John Ervine, are the real causes because of which the common people of the present age fail to appreciate Shakespeare's works? How can these causes be removed? Answer with reference to Saint John Ervine's essay 'Modernising Shakespeare'. 

4. What is T.S. Eliot's attitude towards censorship on Literature? Answer in the light of his essay 'Literary Taste'. OR

In a light vein and under the cover of an insignificant topic, Chesterton attacks the tastes, beliefs and manners of his age in his essay 'On Lying in Bed'. Critically discuss. 

5. What should be the attitude of a writer towards the words having beauty and music in them? Answer in the light of Joad's essay 'How to Write Well'. OR

Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' bounds in irony from the beginning to the end. How far do you agree or disagree with the above statement. Discuss. 

Notes Prepared By: Prof. Shahbaz Asghar