MJC 4 Suggestion 2026,Bankura University English Hons

MJC-4: British Poetry & Drama (17th & 18th C.)
Exam Suggestion Question Bank

UNIT I: POETRY

1. John Milton: Paradise Lost (Book I)

📝 Long Questions (10 Marks)

1. Discuss Paradise Lost Book I as a classical epic.
2. Attempt a character sketch of Satan. Is he the hero of Book I?
3. Describe the Hell as depicted by Milton in Book I. How does it differ from Heaven?
4. Critically analyze Satan’s first speech to Beelzebub. What traits does it reveal?
5. Discuss the use of Epic Similes in Book I (e.g., Leviathan, Autumn leaves).
6. "To reign is worth ambition though in Hell." Discuss the theme of rebellion and authority.

⚡ Short Questions (2 Marks)

1. What is the "subject" of the poem stated in the first few lines?
2. Who is the "Heavenly Muse" invoked by Milton?
3. Who is Beelzebub?
4. Explain the line: "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven."
5. How big is Satan described to be? (Mention the shield/spear comparison).
6. What is "Pandemonium"?
7. Who was the architect of Pandemonium?
8. What are the "Stygian flood" and "burning marl"?
9. Why does Milton mention the "Vallombrosa" leaves?
10. What represents the Holy Spirit in the invocation?

2. Alexander Pope: An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot

📝 Long Questions (10 Marks)

1. Discuss An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot as a satire.
2. Analyze the character sketch of 'Atticus' (Joseph Addison).
3. Critically evaluate the character sketch of 'Sporus' (Lord Hervey).
4. How does Pope defend his own character and his career as a poet in this epistle?
5. Discuss Pope's attitude towards the "dunces" and bad poets of his time.
6. "The poem is an autobiography in verse." Discuss this statement.

⚡ Short Questions (2 Marks)

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Who was Dr. Arbuthnot?

Why does Pope exclaim, "Shut, shut the door, good John!"?

Who is 'Atticus'?

Who is 'Sporus'?

What does Pope say about his father and mother?

Explain: "Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike."

Why does Pope compare Sporus to a "toad" and a "spaniel"?

What is "The Mint" mentioned in the poem?

Why did Pope write this poem? (The immediate provocation).

How does Pope describe his own physical condition ("this long disease")?

UNIT II: DRAMA

3. Thomas Otway: Venice Preserved

📝 Long Questions (10 Marks)

1. Discuss Venice Preserved as a Restoration Tragedy.
2. Analyze the conflict between Love and Honor in the play.
3. Sketch the character of Jaffeir. Is he a tragic hero or a weak traitor?
4. Discuss the character and role of Belvidera.
5. Examine the theme of friendship between Jaffeir and Pierre.
6. Discuss the political significance of the play (Popish Plot allegory).

⚡ Short Questions (2 Marks)

1. Who is Priuli?
2. Why is Jaffeir angry with Priuli at the start?
3. Who is Pierre?
4. What is the goal of the conspiracy?
5. Why does Jaffeir give Belvidera to the conspirators?
6. Who is Renault?
7. How does Jaffeir betray the conspiracy?
8. How does Pierre die?
9. What happens to Belvidera at the end?
10. What is the subtitle of the play?

UNIT III: HISTORY OF LITERATURE

4. Jacobean Age to Restoration Period

📝 Long Questions (10 Marks)

1. Write a detailed note on the University Wits and their contribution to English Drama.
2. Discuss the main characteristics of Restoration Comedy (Comedy of Manners).
3. Write an essay on the Metaphysical Poets with special reference to John Donne.
4. Discuss the features of Jacobean Drama (Revenge Tragedy).
5. Write a note on Ben Jonson and his "Comedy of Humours".
6. Discuss the Cavalier Poets and their contribution.

⚡ Short Questions (2 Marks)

1. Name three University Wits.
2. Who wrote The Spanish Tragedy?
3. What is a "Comedy of Manners"? Give one example.
4. Who wrote The Way of the World?
5. Who is called the "Father of Metaphysical Poetry"?
6. Define "Metaphysical Conceit".
7. What are the four "Humours" according to Ben Jonson?
8. When were the theatres closed in England? (Year).
9. When was the Restoration of Monarchy? (Year).
10. Who wrote The Duchess of Malfi?

UNIT IV: RHETORIC & PROSODY

5. Rhetoric and Prosody

📝 Long Questions (10 Marks)

1. Define and distinguish between Metaphor and Simile with suitable examples.
2. Explain Irony and its various types (Verbal, Dramatic, Situational).
3. Discuss the features of the Heroic Couplet with examples from Pope.
4. Explain Synecdoche and Metonymy. How are they different?
5. Scan the provided passage (Practice A) and identify the meter.
6. Scan the provided passage (Practice B) and identify the meter.

⚡ Short Questions (2 Marks)

1. Define Alliteration with an example.
2. What is Onomatopoeia?
3. Define Oxymoron.
4. What is a Pun?
5. Define Hyperbole.
6. What is a Caesura?
7. What is an Iambic foot?
8. Define Personification.
9. What is an Alexandrine?
10. Define Litotes.

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