British Literature: Early 20th Century
Course Code: A/ENG/501/MJC-9 | Semester 5
Suggestion 2025 by PKG SIR
UNIT I: Drama & Novel
James Joyce: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
➤ Narrative Technique: Discuss the Stream of Consciousness technique as employed by Joyce. How does it reflect Stephen’s maturity? 10 Marks
➤ Character Evolution: Trace the spiritual and intellectual development of Stephen Dedalus from a confused child to an independent artist. 10 Marks
➤ Theme of Religion: Analyze the role of religion in the novel. Why does Stephen eventually reject Catholicism? 10 Marks
➤ Title Significance: Critically evaluate the significance of the title. To what extent is it autobiographical? 10 Marks
➤ Epiphany: Explain Joyce’s concept of "epiphany" with reference to two major moments in Stephen's life. 10 Marks
➤ Exile: Discuss the theme of alienation and the necessity of "silence, exile, and cunning" for the artist. 10 Marks
Bernard Shaw: Candida
➤ Character Sketch: Analyze the character of Candida. Is she a conventional Victorian wife or a "New Woman"? 10 Marks
➤ The Auction Scene: Critically examine the significance of the "Auction Scene" in Act III. How does it resolve the play? 10 Marks
➤ Central Conflict: Discuss the conflict between Eugene Marchbanks (the poet) and Reverend Morell (the socialist). 10 Marks
➤ Problem Play: Discuss Candida as a "Play of Ideas." What views on marriage does Shaw present? 10 Marks
➤ The Subtitle: Justify the subtitle "A Mystery." What is the mystery surrounding Candida? 10 Marks
➤ Eugene Marchbanks: Sketch the character of the poet Marchbanks. How does his perception of love differ from reality? 10 Marks
UNIT II: Poetry & Essay
W.B. Yeats: Selected Poems
➤ Change vs. Permanence: How does Yeats explore the transience of human life versus the permanence of nature in "The Wild Swans at Coole"? 10 Marks
➤ Old Age & Creativity: Discuss "An Acre of Grass" as a meditation on old age and the desire for artistic frenzy. 10 Marks
➤ Symbolism: Analyze the symbolism used by Yeats, specifically focusing on the swans and the lake. 10 Marks
➤ Yeats’s Evolution: Compare the melancholic tone of "Wild Swans" with the vigorous demand for inspiration in "An Acre of Grass." 10 Marks
➤ Nature Imagery: Critically appreciate "The Wild Swans at Coole" as a nature poem reflecting the poet's mood. 10 Marks
➤ Poetic Frenzy: Explain what Yeats means by "an old man's frenzy" and why he rejects a peaceful old age. 10 Marks
T.S. Eliot: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
➤ Modernism: Discuss Prufrock as a quintessential Modernist poem. What elements make it modern? 10 Marks
➤ Character Sketch: Attempt a psychological sketch of Prufrock. Why is he considered an anti-hero? 10 Marks
➤ Alienation: Explore the themes of urban alienation, loneliness, and lack of communication in the poem. 10 Marks
➤ Imagery & Conceits: Analyze the urban imagery and metaphysical conceits (e.g., patient etherized). 10 Marks
➤ Interior Monologue: Discuss the poem as a dramatic or interior monologue. Who are the "you" and "I"? 10 Marks
➤ Indecision: "Do I dare?" Discuss the theme of procrastination and paralysis of will. 10 Marks
Virginia Woolf: Street Haunting
➤ The FlÃĸneur: Discuss the concept of the observer of city life in Street Haunting. 10 Marks
➤ Identity: "One is not one person, but many people." Analyze Woolf’s exploration of the fluidity of self. 10 Marks
➤ Narrative Style: How does Woolf utilize the stream of consciousness in this essay? 10 Marks
➤ The Excuse: What is the significance of buying a lead pencil? How does it serve the narrative? 10 Marks
➤ London Life: Discuss the portrayal of London society and class differences observed during her walk. 10 Marks
➤ Visual vs. Intellectual: Discuss Woolf’s distinction between the "eye" (observation) and the "brain" (contemplation). 10 Marks
UNIT III: History of Literature
History of English Literature (Early 20th Century)
➤ Modern Novel: Trace the rise and development of the Psychological Novel / Stream of Consciousness novel. 10 Marks
➤ Poetry Trends: Discuss the main trends in English poetry from 1900 to 1940 (War Poets & Modernists). 10 Marks
➤ Poetic Drama: Write an essay on the revival of Poetic Drama (Eliot and Yeats). 10 Marks
➤ Joyce’s Contribution: Discuss the innovation in narrative techniques introduced by James Joyce. 10 Marks
➤ Impact of War: How did WWI impact early 20th-century literature? Discuss with examples. 10 Marks
➤ Irish Literary Revival: Evaluate the contribution of W.B. Yeats to modern English poetry. 10 Marks
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