B.A 2nd Semester English Hons Bankura University

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Short Answer Questions (SAQ)

Part 1: The Dicing (Mahabharata)

  1. Why does Yudhishthira agree to play despite his reservations?
  2. What specific items/wealth does Yudhishthira stake in the final rounds of the game?
  3. How does Shakuni’s dice symbolize the manipulation of fate in the epic?
  4. Describe the reaction of Draupadi when she is dragged into the court.
  5. What role does Dhritarashtra play in allowing the game to continue?
  6. Explain the significance of the "Vow of Vengeance" taken by Bhima.
  7. How does the game represent the violation of Kshatriya dharma?
  8. What is the immediate consequence of the game for the Pandavas?
  9. How does Vidura try to intervene in the proceedings?
  10. Discuss the portrayal of the assembly hall as a site of moral decline.

Part 2: The Temptation of Karna

  1. What is Kunti's primary motivation for revealing Karna's true parentage?
  2. How does Karna react when he learns he is the eldest of the Pandavas?
  3. Why does Karna refuse the offer to become the King of the Pandavas?
  4. What does Karna mean when he mentions "loyalty to Duryodhana"?
  5. Discuss the internal emotional conflict Karna experiences during this encounter.
  6. What is the significance of the sun god’s connection to Karna in this scene?
  7. How does Kunti justify her abandonment of Karna in the past?
  8. Examine the dialogue between Karna and Krishna (if applicable in your text version).
  9. How does this scene heighten the tragedy of Karna’s character?
  10. What does the conversation reveal about the concept of 'duty' (dharma) vs. 'blood ties'?

Part 3: Kalidasa’s Abhijnanasakuntalam

  1. What is the symbolic significance of the 'Abhijnana' (token of recognition)?
  2. How does the curse of Durvasa affect the memory of King Dushyanta?
  3. Describe the role of the Vidushaka (jester) in the play.
  4. How does the hermitage setting contrast with the royal court?
  5. What is the importance of the fisherman’s episode in Act VI?
  6. Analyze the role of Kanva as a father figure to Shakuntala.
  7. How does nature (birds, trees, flowers) participate in the emotions of the characters?
  8. What is the central conflict in the reunion scene between Dushyanta and Shakuntala?
  9. Explain the significance of the ring being lost in the river.
  10. How does Kalidasa balance human emotion with divine intervention?

Tip: Use these for your study groups or as a practice quiz on pkgway.in!

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