MJC1 English Literature Suggestion 2025
Poetry, Fiction & Drama | Exam Preparation
Unit 1: Understanding Poetry
1. Shakespeare: Sonnet No. 29
- Analyze the psychological journey of the speaker from depression to elation in Sonnet 29.
- "For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings"—Discuss the theme of love vs. material wealth.
- How does Shakespeare use the "volta" (turn of thought) in Sonnet 29?
- Discuss the imagery used to describe the speaker's initial state of despair (outcast state).
- Evaluate Sonnet 29 as a poem about the therapeutic power of friendship/love.
- Write a critical appreciation of the poem focusing on its structure and rhyme scheme.
2. John Donne: The Ecstasy
- "The soul is the prisoner of the body." — How does Donne challenge or support this idea in "The Ecstasy"?
- Discuss "The Ecstasy" as a Metaphysical poem with reference to its conceits.
- Explain the significance of the title "The Ecstasy" and its religious connotations applied to love.
- How does Donne attempt to reconcile physical and spiritual love in this poem?
- Analyze the metaphor of the "violet" in the poem and its significance to the union of souls.
- Critically analyze the role of the "bystander" or observer mentioned in the poem.
3. John Keats: Ode to a Nightingale
- Discuss the "Conflict of Worlds" (Reality vs. Imagination) in Keats's "Ode to a Nightingale".
- "Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!" — Discuss the theme of permanence of art vs. human mortality.
- Analyze the sensory imagery (synesthesia) used by Keats throughout the Ode.
- How does the mood shift from the beginning to the end of the poem ("Fled is that music...")?
- Discuss the desire for oblivion and intoxication (hemlock/wine) in the opening stanzas.
- Write a critical appreciation of the poem as a Romantic Lyric.
4. Keats: The Terror of Death (When I have fears...)
- How does Keats express the "Terror of Death" and the fear of unfulfilled potential in the sonnet?
- Discuss the twin desires of "Fame" and "Love" as presented in the poem.
- Analyze the imagery of nature and the harvest ("high-piled books", "full ripened grain").
- Explain the final resolution of the poem: "Till love and fame to nothingness do sink."
- Compare the structure of this sonnet to a traditional Shakespearean sonnet.
- Discuss the autobiographical elements present in Keats's fear of early death.
5. Jayanta Mahapatra: Grass
- Discuss "Grass" as a modern Indian English poem.
- Analyze the central metaphor of the grass and what it represents regarding time and nature.
- How does Mahapatra depict the passage of time and the erasing of human history in "Grass"?
- Discuss the visual and metaphorical dimensions of the poem.
- Evaluate the tone of the poem—is it pessimistic or accepting?
- Critically analyze the structure and rhythm of the poem.
6. Elements of Poetry (Theory)
- Define "Metaphor" and "Simile" with suitable examples from your syllabus.
- What is an Ode? Discuss the characteristics of an Ode with reference to Keats.
- Define the Sonnet. Distinguish between Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms.
- Explain the term "Lyric" and its essential features.
- Discuss the importance of Rhythm and Meter in poetry (Brooks & Warren view).
- Write a short note on the "Visual Dimension" of poetry.
Unit 2: Understanding Fiction
1. Mary Shelley: Frankenstein
- "Frankenstein is a warning against scientific overreach." Discuss with reference to Victor’s experiment.
- Analyze the theme of "Monstrosity". Who is the real monster—Victor or his creation?
- Discuss the significance of the subtitle "The Modern Prometheus".
- How does the creature’s narrative shape the reader's sympathy?
- Discuss the role of nature as a restorative force vs. a desolate setting in the novel.
- Write a note on the narrative structure (Frame Narrative) of Frankenstein.
2. Ruskin Bond: The Room on the Roof
- Analyze the growth and transformation of Rusty as he navigates adolescence.
- Discuss how Rusty's interactions with Somi and Ranbir shape his sense of Indian identity.
- Discuss the theme of "Belonging" and "Home" in The Room on the Roof.
- Sketch the character of Kishen and his relationship with Rusty.
- How does Ruskin Bond portray the Anglo-Indian community in the novel?
- Describe the significance of the "Room" itself as a symbol of independence.
3. James Joyce: Araby
- Analyze "Araby" as a story of growing up and the loss of innocence.
- Discuss James Joyce’s narrative technique and the use of "Epiphany" in Araby.
- "Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity"—Explain.
- Consider "Araby" as a perfect example of a modern short story.
- Discuss the symbols used in the story (The bazaar, the dead priest's house, darkness).
- Sketch the character of the narrator and his infatuation with Mangan’s sister.
4. O. Henry: The Last Leaf
- Sketch the character of Sue as a supportive friend.
- Sketch the character of Johnsy and analyze her psychological state.
- Discuss the "O. Henry Twist" ending in The Last Leaf.
- Analyze the theme of "Art vs. Life" and Behrman’s Masterpiece.
- Discuss the role of Behrman—is he a failure or a hero?
- How does the setting (Greenwich Village) contribute to the atmosphere of the story?
5. Mahasweta Devi: The Hunt
- Analyze the character of Mary Oraon as a symbol of resistance.
- Discuss the significance of the "Hunt" festival (Jani Parab) in the story.
- How does Mahasweta Devi critique the exploitation of tribal women in "The Hunt"?
- Discuss the blend of gender and ecological themes (Eco-feminism) in the story.
- Analyze the ending of the story and Mary's act of violence.
- Discuss the relationship between the Tehsildar and the tribal community.
6. Elements of Fiction (Theory)
- What are the major elements of a Short Story? Discuss with reference to Klarer.
- Define "Plot". Distinguish between simple and complex plots.
- Discuss the different types of "Narrators" (First person, Omniscient, etc.).
- What is meant by "Point of View" in fiction? Why is it important?
- Define "Characterization". Differentiate between Flat and Round characters.
- Write a note on the development of the Novel as a genre.
Unit 3: Understanding Drama
1. J.M. Synge: Riders to the Sea
- Sketch the character of Maurya as a tragic heroine.
- Write a note on symbols, omens, and superstitions in Riders to the Sea.
- "The Sea is the real antagonist in the play." — Discuss.
- What features of a One-Act Play do you find in Riders to the Sea?
- Discuss the conflict between Pagan beliefs and Christianity in the play.
- Analyze the ending: "No man at all can be living for ever, and we must be satisfied."
2. Girish Karnad: Tughlaq
- Discuss the theme of Idealism vs. Political Manipulation in Tughlaq.
- Sketch the character of Muhammad bin Tughlaq—is he a "mad tyrant" or a "visionary"?
- Analyze the significance of the "Aziz and Aazam" sub-plot.
- Discuss the play Tughlaq as a political allegory of the Nehruvian era.
- Critically analyze the symbols of "Prayer" and "Sleep" in the play.
- Discuss the relationship between Tughlaq and his step-mother.
3. Elements of Drama (Theory)
- Define "Tragedy" and "Comedy" as major forms of drama.
- What is a One-Act Play? Discuss its structural peculiarities.
- Explain the importance of "Stage Directions" in reading a play.
- Define the term "Climax" or "Catastrophe" in a dramatic plot.
- Discuss the concept of "Dramatic Irony" with examples.
- Write a note on the difference between Drama and Theatre.
Best of luck for your MJC1 Examination!
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