Important Short Questions and Answers of MJC 8 Bankura University English Hons Bankura University English Hons Suggestion

 Important Short Questions and Answers of MJC  8 Bankura University  English Hons

Bankura University  English Hons Suggestion 

 

Mark Twain: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

1. What does the Mississippi River symbolize for Huck and Jim?

➤ The Mississippi River symbolizes freedom and escape for both Huck and Jim from the constraints of society and slavery.

2. How does Huck’s idea of freedom differ from that of Jim’s?

➤ Huck sees freedom as independence from societal rules, while Jim views freedom as liberation from slavery and a chance to reunite with his family.

3. Why does Huck decide to help Jim escape slavery?

➤ Huck helps Jim out of friendship and moral instinct, even though he believes he is committing a sin by doing so.

4. How is Huck’s conscience in conflict with society’s moral values?

➤ Huck struggles between what society has taught him about slavery and what he personally feels is right, ultimately following his own conscience.

5. What does Twain criticize through the portrayal of the Grangerfords and Shepherdsons?

➤ Twain criticizes the senseless violence and hypocrisy of Southern aristocracy through their deadly feud.

6. How does the theme of deception operate in Huck’s journey?

➤ Huck frequently uses lies and disguises to survive, which reveals the moral ambiguity of deception in a corrupt society.

7. In what ways does Huck grow morally during the novel?

➤ Huck matures by learning to question societal norms and make decisions based on empathy and personal belief.

8. Why is the relationship between Huck and Jim significant in the novel?

➤ Their bond challenges racial prejudices and shows deep human connection beyond societal divisions.

9. What role do the Duke and the King play in the story’s satire?

➤ They expose the greed, gullibility, and corruption in society through their scams and cons.

10. How does Twain use humor to critique the hypocrisy of society?

➤ Twain uses irony and satire to reveal the absurdities of slavery, religion, and social customs.

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Ernest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea

11. How does Santiago’s relationship with nature reflect his inner strength?

➤ Santiago respects nature as both a friend and a rival, showing his humility and endurance.

12. Why is Santiago’s battle with the marlin considered a spiritual journey?

➤ The struggle represents his deep commitment, pride, and existential test of human spirit.

13. What does the marlin symbolize in the novella?

➤ The marlin symbolizes the ideal opponent, representing dignity, challenge, and the nobility of nature.

14. How does Hemingway portray Santiago’s loneliness and resilience?

➤ Santiago is isolated but remains strong, showing determination and self-reliance throughout his ordeal.

15. What does the phrase “a man can be destroyed but not defeated” mean in the context of Santiago’s struggle?

➤ It means that while Santiago may lose physically, his courage and spirit remain undefeated.

16. How does the boy, Manolin, contribute to the emotional core of the story?

➤ Manolin provides emotional support, love, and hope to Santiago, showing generational respect.

17. How is the sea both a giver and taker in the story?

➤ The sea gives Santiago the marlin but also takes it away through the sharks, reflecting life’s duality.

18. Why does Santiago admire the marlin even as he tries to kill it?

➤ He sees the marlin as a worthy opponent and respects its strength and beauty.

19. What is the significance of the lions in Santiago’s dreams?

➤ The lions symbolize Santiago’s youthful strength, hope, and eternal spirit.

20. How does the ending of the novella suggest quiet triumph despite physical loss?

➤ Though Santiago loses the fish, he earns respect and proves his inner strength and heroism.

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Stephen Crane: The Red Badge of Courage

21. Why does Henry Fleming join the war, and what are his expectations?

➤ Henry joins with romantic ideas of glory but soon faces the harsh reality of fear and confusion.

22. How does Henry’s perception of courage change throughout the novel?

➤ He learns that courage is not about outward heroism but about facing fear and acting with resolve.

23. What does the “red badge of courage” represent to Henry?

➤ It symbolizes a wound of honor and proof of bravery, which he initially desires.

24. Why does Henry feel guilty after fleeing from battle?

➤ He feels ashamed for being a coward and not living up to his heroic expectations.

25. How does Crane depict the chaos and confusion of war?

➤ Through realistic descriptions and internal monologue, Crane shows the disorder and emotional turmoil of battle.

26. In what way does nature remain indifferent to human conflict in the novel?

➤ Nature continues unaffected by war, highlighting its indifference to human suffering.

27. How is the theme of fear and shame central to Henry’s transformation?

➤ Fear and shame push Henry to reflect, mature, and eventually act bravely.

28. What role does the tattered soldier play in Henry’s moral awakening?

➤ The soldier’s suffering makes Henry confront his own cowardice and selfishness.

29. How does Henry ultimately come to terms with his fears?

➤ He redeems himself by fighting bravely and accepting his imperfections.

30. What critique of traditional heroism does Crane present through Henry’s journey?

➤ Crane questions idealized heroism, portraying it as complex and rooted in inner struggle.

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Ralph Waldo Emerson: The American Scholar

31. According to Emerson, what is the scholar’s duty to society?

➤ The scholar must think independently and act as a guide and moral compass for society.

32. How does Emerson define the role of books in a scholar’s life?

➤ Books are valuable but must not replace original thinking; scholars should use them critically.

33. What are the three main influences on a scholar, as described by Emerson?

➤ Nature, books (the past), and action are the three influences on the scholar.

34. How does Emerson view the connection between nature and scholarship?

➤ Nature inspires learning, creativity, and a deep understanding of truth.

35. What does Emerson say about self-reliance in intellectual growth?

➤ He emphasizes that true scholars must trust their own thoughts and not conform blindly.

36. Why does Emerson criticize imitation in education?

➤ Imitation limits originality and prevents true understanding and self-development.

37. What qualities make up the “ideal American scholar”?

➤ Independence, creativity, moral insight, and active engagement with the world.

38. How does Emerson promote original thinking?

➤ He urges scholars to break free from traditions and express their own ideas.

39. Why does Emerson call scholars “Man Thinking”?

➤ Because they represent the highest use of intellect, actively engaging with life and thought.

40. What is the importance of action in a scholar’s life according to Emerson?

➤ Action gives depth to thought and prevents the scholar from becoming merely a thinker.

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William Faulkner: Dry September

41. What triggers the violent events in Dry September?

➤ A rumor started by Miss Minnie Cooper accusing an African American man of assault.

42. How does Faulkner explore the theme of racial injustice in the story?

➤ He shows how a Black man is punished without evidence due to racial prejudice.

43. In what way is Miss Minnie Cooper portrayed as a tragic figure?

➤ She is lonely, delusional, and driven by a desperate need for attention and validation.

44. What role does gossip play in shaping public opinion in the story?

➤ Gossip fuels the mob mentality and leads to unjust violence.

45. How does Faulkner build tension and suspense through the structure of the story?

➤ By using shifts in perspective and non-linear narration to reveal characters’ thoughts and actions.

46. Why does the barber try to prevent violence in the story?

➤ He is a voice of reason and justice, trying to stop the lynching based on unverified claims.

47. What does the silence of the townspeople suggest about their guilt?

➤ Their silence implies complicity and a refusal to challenge injustice.

48. How is the theme of masculinity and violence portrayed through McLendon?

➤ McLendon represents toxic masculinity and enforces dominance through aggression.

49. What is the significance of the title Dry September?

➤ It symbolizes emotional dryness, moral barrenness, and the oppressive heat of violence.

50. How does the story reveal the social pressures placed on women?

➤ Miss Minnie’s actions show how women face societal judgment for aging and remaining unmarried.

🔹 Walt Whitman: O Captain! My Captain!

51. How does Whitman express grief and admiration in the poem?

➤ He mourns Lincoln’s death while honoring his leadership and sacrifice.

52. Why is Abraham Lincoln referred to as the “captain” in the poem?

➤ Lincoln is the leader who guided the nation through the Civil War, like a captain steering a ship.

53. What is the extended metaphor used in O Captain! My Captain!?

➤ The journey of a ship represents the Civil War, with Lincoln as the captain who dies upon victory.

54. How does the structure of the poem reflect its emotional journey?

➤ Each stanza contrasts celebration with mourning, mirroring national joy and personal sorrow.

55. What is the mood of the speaker in the final stanza?

➤ The mood is deeply sorrowful as the speaker mourns the loss of the captain.

56. In what way is national victory overshadowed by personal loss in the poem?

➤ Though the war is won, the personal grief over Lincoln’s death dims the celebration.

Walt Whitman: Passage to India (Lines 1–68)

57. How does Whitman link science and spirituality in Passage to India?

➤ He celebrates both technological progress and inner spiritual journeys as paths to truth.

58. What does the journey to “India” symbolize in the poem?

➤ It symbolizes the quest for wisdom, ancient knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment.

59. How does the poem reflect Whitman’s transcendental vision of the universe?

➤ It emphasizes the unity of soul, nature, and human progress as part of a divine plan.

60. What is Whitman’s message about human unity and cosmic connection?

➤ He envisions all humans and cultures as part of a vast, interconnected spiritual journey.