M.A. English Part Two (UOS) notes

M.A. English Part Two (UOS) full syllabus detail


1. SAMPLE ANSWERS - POETRY questions. (Types of Poems)

Symbolism in Blake's Poetry M.A. English uos  part 2

Structural Elements of a Poem  M.A. English  uos  part 2

Wordsworth As a Poet of Nature M.A. English uos  part 2

Sound Devices Used in Poetry M.A. English uos  part 2

Shelley As a Romantic Poet M.A. English uos  part 2

Poetic Devices of Meaning I  ma english uos  part 2

Poetic Devices of Meaning II ma english uos  part 2

Important Features of T.S. Eliot's Poetry ma english uos  part 2

Keats As a Poet of Beauty


2. SAMPLE ANSWERS - DRAMA  ma english uos  part 2

QUESTION NO 9  ma english uos  part 2

Major Themes in "Arms and the Man"  ma english uos  part 2

Character Sketch of Hedda

"Waiting for Godot" As an Absurd Play

Symbolism in "The Sea"

Salient Features of Twentieth Century Drama

QUESTION NO. 17 ma english uos  part 2

QUESTION NO 25  ma english uos  part 2

QUESTION NO. 33 ma english uos  part 2

 3. SAMPLE ANSWERS - NOVEL

Character Sketch of Marlow

Mother - Son Relationship in "Sons and Lovers"

Stream of Consciousness in "To the Lighthouse"

Okonkwo As a Tragic Hero

Role of Fear in "Lord of Flies"

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION NO. 17 M.A. English Part 2 UOS

QUESTION NO. 25 M.A. English Part 2 UOS

QUESTION NO. 33 M.A. English Part 2 UOS

4. SAMPLE ANSWERS - CRITICISM



IMPORTANT QUESTIONS - DRAMA

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS - NOVEL

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS - CRITICISM

OPTIONAL PAPERS

SAMPLE ANSWERS - CRITICISM M.A. English Part 2 UOS

(a) There be none of Beauty's ..... swell of summer's ocean.

1. Introduction

(i) Title: There be None of Beauty's Daughters / Stanzas for Music

(ii) Poet: Lord Byron (1788-1824)

(iii) Poetic Genre: Lyrical poem

(iv) Rhyme Scheme: ABABCCDD/ABABCCDD

(v) Meter Check: Iambic tetrameters and iambic trimeters.

(vi) Theme: Magic of Beauty and power of music

(vii) Tone: Expressive adoring beauty.

(viii) Personification: Beauty, ocean, moon, wind

2. Lines 1-2

There be none of Beauty's daughters

With a magic like thee;

     In these lines Beauty has been personified. Beauty is a female and has many children. All her children are also female i.e. daughters. These daughters are all beautiful women. There is no match of these beautiful women in this world. This Beauty can also be a reference to Helen of Troy in Greek mythology who was considered the most beautiful woman in the world. But Helen of Troy had only one daughter, Hermoine.  Moreover, Beauty is like magic: Beauty has the power of influencing others by using mysterious forces. Beauty's magic is superior to all other magic arts because Beauty's charms and spells are the most powerful. 

3. Lines 3-4

And like music on the waters

Is thy sweet voice to me:

     These lines describe the personified Beauty as a soprano. She has a very musical, melodious and symphonic voice. Her voice has been compared with the musical sound of the waves of waters. "Waters" here means ocean. It is a powerful imagery. "Beauty like waters" is a perfect simile because water is a standard female symbol in literature. The speaker is mesmerized with the "sweet voice" of Beauty. Beauty here can also be a reference to Minerva, a virgin goddess of music. However, the personified Beauty is not virgin. She has many daughters. 

4. Lines 5-6

When, as if its sound were causing

The charmed ocean's pausing,

     These lines describe the power of the sound of personified Beauty. The sound of Beauty is so robust, prevailing and dominant that it causes the waves of the charmed ocean to pause. The word "charmed" suggests that the waves of ocean are under the magical spell of Beauty. However, this spell is not everlasting because "pause" is a temporary stop in action. Thus Beauty is a mermaid who controls the ocean by the powerful sound of her voice. In short, "when" Beauty sings, it causes to pause all other music in the world. 

5. Lines 7-8

The waves lie still and gleaming,

And the lull'd winds seem dreaming:

     These lines are merely overwritten extensions of an already trite theme - the power of the sound of personified Beauty. The waves of ocean and winds of air are hypnotized by the magical sound of Beauty. The waves of ocean become motionless and gleaming. The winds go to sleep and seem dreaming. "Winds" have been personified here because sleeping and dreaming are human attributes. In short, the sounds of waves and winds cease to sing and become the obedient audience of the powerful and magical voice of Beauty. 

6. Lines 9-10

And the midnight moon is weaving

Her bright chain o'er the deep,

     These lines describe that the moon is also under the spell of the magical voice of Beauty. The word "midnight" highlights the atmosphere of calm, peace and quiet. Moon has been personified as a woman who is weaving. In many myths, the moon is depicted as a gigantic spider which weaves the thread of each man's destiny. Moreover, there is a myth of an old woman weaving at moon. This old woman spends her time weaving a never-ending garment. However, here the moon is weaving "her bright chain". It is, in fact, a crater chain - a roughly circular depression on the surface of ocean. The moon is weaving this depression from bottom to top. 

7. Lines 11-12

Whose breast is gently heaving

As an infant's asleep:

      These lines portray sexual and angelic imagery. The ocean has been personified as a female. Her "breast" is an example of sexual imagery. The words "gently heaving" enhance the impact of sexual imagery. Under the influence of the magical voice of Beauty, the ocean raises her breast in an amiable and tender motion or as an infant's asleep. "As an infant's asleep" is a simile and an other imagery. Infants don't sleep as deeply as adults. Thus the charm of the voice of Beauty on the ocean is temporary. In short, the comparison of ocean's heaving to an infant's sleep suggests that ocean is innocent and guilt free because it is a part of nature and beauty. 

8. Lines 13-14

So the spirit bows before thee

To listen and adore thee;

     These lines recapitulate the power of the voice of Beauty. The spirit of ocean, wind, moon and the speaker all bow in submission before Beauty.  "Bows before" is an example of alliteration. When Beauty sings, the waves of ocean pause, the winds go to sleep and seem dreaming, the moon starts weaving. These natural objects and phenomena do so just to listen and adore the melodious voice of Beauty. "And adore" is an other example of alliteration. The speaker's spirit is also showing adoration for the magical voice of Beauty. 

9. Lines 15-16

With a full but soft emotion,

Like the swell of summer's ocean. 

     These lines describe how do others applause the voice of Beauty. The spirit of ocean, wind, moon and the speaker adore the voice of Beauty "with a full but soft emotion". "Full" means that they are praising the Beauty's voice as much as possible and "soft emotion" suggests they are admiring the Beauty's voice with love, affection and devotion. The poem comes to its climax at "swell". Swell is a gradual increase in amount, intensity, or volume. Swell is also a sexual imagery. It is a point at which the sibilance of "summer's ocean" offers a gentle release. 

10. Conclusion

     The poem is couched in feminine references and is most conveniently discussed as a love lyric to a woman. However, there is no physical dimension to the love articulated in the poem. It is famous for its gentle rhythm and the softness of its imagery -- the quiet tone of the poem creates a tranquil sense of peace, whilst the rhythm lulls the reader with its ebb and flow, as if the poem itself has breath of its own. It is written to be set to music, and its musical qualities have bearing upon its theme and structure. In short, the poem is a clever way of intermingling two of the greatest pleasures in life: love and music. With its gleaming waters, dreaming winds, weaving moon, and heaving breast, it is a truly magical poem. 

(b) Bright Star! Would I ..... else swoon to death.

1. Introduction

(i) Title: Bright Star! Would I were Stedfast as Thou Art / Keats's Last Sonnet
(ii) Poet: John Keats (1795 - 1821)
(iii) Date of Composition: 1819 and revised in 1820
(iv) Collection: Joseph Severn's Copy of "The Poetical Works of William Shakespeare"
(v) Poetic Genre: Shakespearean Sonnet
(vi) Setting: The time is night. North Star hints that the speaker is somewhere far from home, may be at sea.
(vii) Speaker: John Keats
(viii) Addressee: Bright Star and Fanny Brawne

2. Lines 1-2

Bright star! Would I were stedfast as thou art --

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,

     In these lines the speaker wishes to be steadfast as the "Bright Star", but does not wish to be alone like this star. The word "stedfast" suggests that he is talking to the North Star, also known as Polaris, which is the only star that remains motionless in the sky. However, the speaker immediately realizes that steadfastness cannot be achieved by a human in this world of change and flux. So he asserts a negative "Not". He points out the star's splendour and isolation in the night. In fact, the speaker does not want to lead a life of  "splendour" in loneliness and isolation. 

3. Lines 3-4

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like Nature's patient sleepless Eremite,

     These line emphasize the star's loneliness and motionlessness. The star keeps an eye on stuff. It spends its time watching with "eternal lids". "Eternal lids" is a transferred epithet. So, the idea is that, not only does the star watch things and keep its eyelids open, but it does so eternally. "Patient" and "sleepless" are both adjectives modifying "Eremite"; a religious hermit who has retired into a solitary life. The star's sleeplessness is a part of the characterization of the star's non-humanness, which makes it an impossible goal for a human being to aspire to. In short, the comparison of the star with an Eremite is a good simile. 

4. Lines 5-6

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
    The star observes that the waters of the earth are engaged in a "priestlike task" of ablution. There is movement, aliveness and spiritually on the earth. The meaning of "ablution" here is of ritual cleansing. Thus it matches up pretty well with the idea of "priestlike" quality of the waters' task. "Earth's human shores" means that human activity has stretched all over the globe; the shores of a continent of land are the edges of human life. In short, the speaker knows that he is subsequent to change and needs something to return to his pure state. 

5. Lines 7-8

Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors --
     These lines describe snow as being a mask that hides the ugliness of the mountains and moors. The star is gazing on the "masque of snow". "Masque" here is just an old-fashioned, slightly way of spelling "mask". However, this mask is not a real mask, but instead a metaphorical mask. Literally speaking, the star is gazing on a layer of "new" and "soft" snow falling upon "the mountains and the moors". "Moor" is a barren, lonely, uninhabited place. And so are mountains, usually . Thus beauty (the snow) is found in diverse places on earth. In short, we get a chilly feeling from these lines. 

6. Lines 9-10

No -- yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

     These lines show the real intent of the poem. The "No" at the beginning is like an exclamation, the speaker's final comment on everything that has come before. "Still" is an old-fashioned way of saying "always". So the idea is that the speaker will be "always steadfast, always unchangeable". He would love to be as "stedfast" as the star, but he is not jazzed about sitting up in the high heavens taking in all those dreary sights. Instead, he would like to be just as "stedfast" in resting his head on his girlfriend's "ripening breast". "Ripening" here means that the speaker's girlfriend is still fairly young and so is still in the process of "filling out". 

7. Lines 11-12

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

     These lines describe the speaker's desire, in which his lover be alive for eternity. While resting his head on his girlfriend's breast, the speaker wants to feel her breathing. "For ever" emphasizes the main aspect of the star's existence the speaker likes to have: its permanence. "Soft" intensifies the sensuality introduced with "pillow'd". The speaker spins out his description of what he likes to do even further. Even though he is resting his face on his girlfriend's breast like a pillow, he does not want to fall asleep there and miss out on all the action. Instead, he wants to remain awake forever. "Sweet unrest" is an oxymoron and a typical Keatsian paradox. 

8. Lines 13-14

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever --- or else swoon to death.

     In these lines the speaker says that if he cannot hear his lover breathe, he will welcome his own death with no regrets. Repetition of "still" suggests that the speaker wants to do the same thing forever and ever for the rest of all eternity. "Breath" is flux, and "tender" makes it positive. "Ever" emphasizes the eternity of love, passion and sensuality. In a swift reversal, the speaker accepts the possibility of dying from pleasure. "Swoon" has sexual overtones and "death" carries a great deal of weight in the final effect and meaning of the poem. In short, these lines portray the speaker's feelings towards life where death brings no fear and life means nothing without his lover. 

9. Literary Devices

(i) Rhyme Scheme: ABAB/CDCD/EFEF/GG
(ii) Meter Check: Iambic pentameter
(iii) Alliteration: "the mountains and the moors", "still steadfast, still unchangeable", "soft fall and swell", still, still to hear her tender-taken breath", "so live ever ---or else".
(iv) Symbols: Bright Star (eternity, isolation), Eremite (isolation), pillow (comfort), ripening breast (growth, warmth) 
(v) Personification: The Star (it is watching and gazing) and waters (they are engaged in the task of ablution)
(vi) Tone: Sad and depressed
(vii) Imagery: Bright Star, moving waters, earth's human shores, mask of snow upon the mountains and the moors, love's ripening breast.
(viii) Themes: Love, death, time, loneliness, change and transformation, man and the natural world, art and experience.

10. Conclusion

     The sonnet shows the speaker's infatuation to be with his lover for eternity. He aspires to the fixed and ethereal beauty of the Star, yet is aware of its limitations: though bright, steadfast and splendid, it is at the same time solitary and non-human. The human heart can never be tranquil like the star, for human emotions know the conflict of joy and pain. The speaker tends to dip into mystic and unexplained phenomena in the universe to describe his feelings. This is probably due to the fact that his earthly human self is on the verge towards death and his spiritual side is fully alive. In short, Keats, like Shakespeare, has combined a brilliant poetic mind with deep insight into human emotions and experiences. Thus the poem is a powerful meditation on love, death, time, and nature. 

Answer the following questions. 

(i) What is literary criticism?
Ans.
(ii) What does Plato say about poetry?
Ans.
(iii) The subject of 'Republic' is politics. Comment.
Ans.
(iv) What does 'Poetics' deal with?
Ans.
(v) How does Aristotle define poetry?
Ans.
(vi) In what three ways does Aristotle differentiate various art forms from one another?
Ans.
(vii) What is the difference between epic poetry and tragedy?
Ans.
(viii) Why does Aristotle value Homer so highly as a poet in 'Poetics'?
Ans.
(ix) How does Aristotle define 'the universal'?
Ans.
(x) What are the three meanings of imitation?
Ans.
(xi) Define the term 'mock epic'.
Ans.
(xii) What is the main difference between poetry and history?
Ans.
(xiii) What are the six parts every tragedy must have? Which, according to Aristotle, is the most important?
Ans.
(xiv) What, according to Aristotle, is the primary purpose of tragedy?
Ans.
(xv) What is the place of cathersis in tragedy? 
Ans.

(a) 'Nature' is what we see ...... to her Simplicity.

1. Introduction

(i) Title:

(ii) Poet:

(iii)

2. Lines 1-2
'Nature' is what we see --
The Hill -- the Afternoon --

3. Lines 3-4

Squirrel -- Eclipse -- the Bumble bee --

Nay -- Nature is Heaven --

4. Lines 5-6

Nature is what we hear --

The Bobolink -- the Sea --

5. Lines 7-8

Thunder -- the Cricket --

Nay -- Nature is Harmony --

6. Lines 9-10

Nature is what we know --

Yet have no art to say --

7. Lines 11-12

So impotent Our Wisdom is

To her Simplicity.

(b) Where had I heard this wind ...... no one left but God.

1. Introduction
(i) Title:
(ii) Poet:
(iii)
2. Lines 1-2
Where had I heard this wind before
Change like this to a deeper roar?

3. Lines 3-4
What would it take my standing there for,
Holding open a restive door,

4. Lines 5-6
Looking down hill to a frothy shore?
Summer was past and the day was past.

5. Lines 7-8
Sombre clouds in the west were massed.
Out on the porch's sagging floor,

6. Lines 9-10
Leaves got up in a coil and hissed,
Blindly struck at my knee and missed.

7. Lines 11-12
Something sinister in the tone
Told me my secret must be known.

8. Lines 13-14
Word I was in the house alone
Somehow must have gotten abroad,

9. Lines 15-16
Word I was in my life alone,
Word I had no one left but God.

QUESTION NO. 33 M.A. English Part 2 UOS

Answer the following questions.

(i) Write the names of four novels of William Golding.
Ans. The major novels of William Golding are; Lord of Flies, The Inheritors, Pincher Martin, Free Fall, The Spire, The Pyramid, The Scorpion God, Darkness Visible, The Paper Men, To the Ends of the Earth, Rites of Passage, Close Quarters, Fire Down Below, The Double Tongue.
(ii) What is the setting of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Ans. "Lord of the Flies" takes place on an uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean probably in 1950. This island is tropical and has a jungle and beaches, and a mountain. Throughout the book, the setting is in different parts of the island.
(iii) What is the significance of the title 'Lord of the Flies'?
Ans. "Lord" is a word of power, and "Flies" connote death and decay. So "Lord of the Flies" is a power of corruption, decay and death. "Lord of the Flies" is also the popular translation of Beelzebub, who is either a demon or the devil himself. Simon calls the severed pig's head "Lord of the Flies" because he sees it as a manifestation of the boy's nature -- and possibly his own.
(iv) Why does Golding use British schoolboys in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Ans. Golding was British. He probably used British schoolboys to illustrate how even boy who have been brought up in a world of rules, regulations and the classics, who are the very epitome of civilization, can quickly revert to "savagery" if the right situation arises. He excluded girls because, in his own words, he did not want "sex to rear its ugly head".
(v) What are the major themes of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Ans. Civilization vs. savagery, individualism vs. community, man vs. Nature, speech and silence, rules and orders, loss of innocence, the nature of evil, dehumanization of relationships, the negative consequences of war, and effects of fear are the major themes of "Lord of Flies".
(vi) How do the boys happen to come to the island?
Ans. The boys are from Military School Britain. The time seems like World War II. They are being evacuated somewhere by a plane. Their plane crashes but they survive and happen to come to the island.
(vii) What is the role of religion in the lives of the boys?
Ans. Simon is a Christ like figure and other boys are devils. Like a religious person, Simon looks into his own heart and accepts that there is a beast within, and face it squarely. There is almost no role of religion in the lives of other boys who kill Simon.
(viii) What is the purpose of the expedition of Jack, Ralph and Simon?
Ans. There are two expeditions of Jack, Ralph and Simon. The purpose of first expedition in Chapter I is to find out if the land is actually an island. On the second expedition, the mission is to find the beast that Sam and Eric spotted.
(ix) What role does the conch play in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Ans. The conch is a symbol of social order, respect, decency and power. When the boys hold meetings around the camp fire, only the speaker who is holding the conch may address the crowd. The speaker with the conch is supposed to be respected by the group and heard. When the conch gets destroyed, the boys' civilized world also becomes unglued.
(x) How and why do the boys make fire?
Ans. Boys gather woods and make fire by using Piggy's glasses. They think that this fire may draw the attention of a plane or passing ship, and in turn, help facilitate their rescue.
(xi) Who or what is the Lord of the Flies?
Ans. "Lord" is a word of power, and "Flies" connote death and decay. So "Lord of the Flies" is a power of corruption, decay and death. "Lord of the Flies" is also the popular translation of Beelzebub, who is either a demon or the devil himself. Simon calls the severed pig's head "Lord of the Flies" because he sees it as a manifestation of the boy's nature -- and possibly his own.
(xii) Interpret 'The head is for the beast. It's a gift'.
Ans. This line is from Chapter 8 in "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. This line is spoken by Jack. Jack and his hunters sharpen a stick at both ends and place the dismembered head of a pig on it as a kind of offering for the imaginary beast. It also shows boys' lust for blood.
(xiii) Interpret 'Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood'.
Ans. This line is from Chapter 9 in "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. This line is, in fact, the boys' savage chant in the novel. It symbolizes the loss of reason and blind emotion. When boys get involved in it, nothing seems real, they lose their grip on reality. This is why the boys mistake Simon as the Beast and murder him.
(xiv) What does the dead parachutist symbolize?
Ans. The dead parachutist symbolizes; the civilization from which the boys have been cut off, a link to the adult world, the lack of adult supervision on the island, the lack of order on the island, the essence of the beast and the lord of the flies, savagery and evil in action.
(xv) Why does the boys' plan for rescue fail? 
Ans. The boys only had one plan for rescue, which was to keep a signal fire burning on the mountain top. One day Ralph spotted a passing ship. All the boys were on a pig hunt and the fire was left untended. The ship passed by and the boys remained unrescued.

QUESTION NO. 25 M.A. English Part 2 UOS

Answer the following questions.

(i) From where has Achebe taken the title 'Things Fall Apart'?
Ans. The title of Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart" is taken from William Butler Yeats' poem "Second Coming".
(ii) What is the significance of the title 'Things Fall Apart'?
Ans. The title of Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart" is taken from William Butler Yeats' poem "Second Coming". The title foreshadows the tragedy which the novel depicts. It also draws attention to the parallels between the English oppression of Ireland and its oppression of Nigeria.
(iii) Describe the Feast of the New Yam.
Ans. Just before the harvest, the village Umuofia holds the Feast of the New Yam to give thanks to the earth goddess, Ani. The women scrub and decorate their huts, throw away all of their unused yams from the previous year, and use cam wood to paint their skin and that of their children with decorative designs. This is the beginning of new year.
(iv) What is the meaning of the Igbo proverb, 'When a man says yes his chi says yes also'?
Ans. The chi is an individual's personal god. This Ibgo proverb implies that a man's actions affect his destiny as determined by his chi. Okonkwo's chi is considered "good" but he "[says] yes very strongly, so his chi [agrees]." In other words, Okonkwo's actions to overcome adversity seem justified, but because he is guided by his chi, his denial of kindness, gentleness, and affection for less successful men will prove self-destructive.
(v) Why had the men of Umuofia called a meeting?
Ans. A neighbouring tribe Mbaino had murdered an Umuofia woman and they gathered to discuss revenge. They also wanted to make sure that every man was okay for the battle.
(vi) What role do egwugwu play in village culture?
Ans. The egwugwu are a symbol of the culture and independence of the Umuofia. The egwugwu are seen as ancestral gods, though in actuality they are masked Umuofia elders. The egwugwu served as respected judges in the village culture, listening to complaints and prescribing punishments and deciding conflicts.
(vii) What was considered the greatest crime in Umofia?
Ans. The greatest crime a man could commit was to unmask an egwugwu in public, or to say or do any thing which might reduce its immortal prestige in the eyes of the uninitiated. And this was what Enoch did. This was more of a crime than killing even a holy royal python or a fellow clans-member.
(viii) Describe the 'Isa-ifi' ceremony.
Ans. The marriage ceremony presented in "Things Fall Apart" has three parts; The Bride Price, Uri and Isa-ifi. In the Isa-ifi ceremony, the bride sits in the centre of the circle of women and men and holds a hen in her right hand. She is asked some questions. If all the questions are answered truthfully, the hen's throat is slit and the groom takes the bride away to go on a honeymoon.
(ix) What does 'Ezigbo' mean?
Ans. 'Ezigbo' means the good one (child). Ezigbo is the daughter of Ekwefi and Okonkow. She is also called Ezimna; meaning true beauty.
(x) What were the ingredients that went into making the medicine for 'iba'?
Ans. The earth provides ways for humans to combat disease. The ingredients that went into making the medicine for 'iba' were the leaves, grasses and barks of tree.
(xi) Give an account of Chielo's journey to Agbala, having Ezinma on her back.
Ans. While Ekwefi and Ezinma are telling folktales to each other during a moonless night, Chielo arrives. She says that the god Agbala wants to see Ezinma. Ezinma, who is very afraid, climbs on Chielo's back. In the dark night, Cheilo having Ezinma on her back is headed towards the cave of Agbala. Ekwefi follows them. Chielo enters the cave with Ezinma. Ekwefi sits and waits outside the cave.
(xii) Why was Okonkow famous?
Ans. Okonkow was famous because he defeated the most famous wrestler, Alalinze. Moreover, he a a well known farmer and warrior. He was also famous because of how he was able to define his in conjunction with socially established norms of "success".
(xiii) According to the oracle, why do Unoka's crops fail year after year?
Ans. Unoka, Okonkwo's father, visits the tribe's oracle, Agbala, to discover why he has bad harvests. Agbala's priestess says that he has no one but himself to blame for his bad harvests. She points out his laziness in contrast to his neighbours' admirable work ethic and sends him away with simple advicd: "go home and work like a man."
(xiv) What does the repetition the the number seven suggest in 'Things Fall Apart'?
Ans. In several places, the novel explicitly focuses on the theological and moral similarities between Christianity and Igbo religion. The repetition of the number seven -- symbolically important to both religions -- is another way of highlighting the similarities between the two cultures. The text refers to resting on the seventh day for both cultures.
(xv) Who brings the pots of wine in 'Uri' ceremony of Obierika's daughter? 
Ans. The groom's family brings the pots of wine in 'Uri' ceremony of Obierika's daughter. They bring fifty pots of palm-wine, a very respectable number. The women of the house drink some wine, including the bride, Akueke.

QUESTION NO. 9

Answer the following questions.

(i) Write the names of four novels of D.H. Lawrence.
Ans. D.H. Lawrence is best known for his novels: Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love and Lady Chatterley's Lover.
(ii) What is the setting of 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. The novel is primarily set at Bestwood, an English coal-mining town in Nottinghamshire in the early 1900's. Other places include The Bottoms and Willey Farm. The Bottoms is Bestwood's neighbourhood in which the Morel family lives. Willey Farm is the home of Miriam Lievers, Paul Morel's first lover.
(iii) What is the significance of the title 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. Before publication the novel was titled "Paul Morel", however, it was finally titled "Sons and Lovers" to broaden its scope. "Sons and Lovers" signify something incestuous, in the sense that Paul is simultaneously Mrs. Morels' son and her lover.
(iv) Why does D.H. Lawrence adopt the omniscient narrator in 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. By choosing an omniscient third person narrator, Lawrence positions the Morel's problems inside the larger historical conflicts of modern industry -- e.g., the English mining industry that graces the book's opening pages. Moreover, the third-person omniscient narrator allows Lawrence to make us a little sympathetic toward evil or pathetic characters like Walter Morel, whom every other character seems to hate.
(v) What are the major themes in 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. Oedipus complex, bondage, contradictions and oppositions, nature and flowers, drugs and alcohol, women and femininity, men and masculinity, art and culture, technology and modernization, family, love and pride are the major themes in "Sons and Lovers".
(vi) What is Oedipus complex?
Ans. The term Oedipus complex denotes the emotions and ideas that the mind keeps in the unconscious, via dynamic repression, that concentrates upon a child's desire to have sexual relations with the parent of the opposite sex.
(vii) How does 'Sons and Lovers' explore the Oedipus complex?
Ans. In "Sons and Lovers", Paul is hopelessly devoted to his mother, and that love often borders on romantic desire. Lawrence writes many scenes between the two that go beyond the bounds of conventional mother-son love. Completing the Oedipal equation, Paul murderously hates his father and often fantasizes about his death.
(viii) What relationships have been described in 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. In this novel, each character pairs up with someone who is quite unlike them, and they attract to each other either spiritually or sensually. Paul is torn between his passion for two women, Miriam and his mother Gertrude. His relationship with his mother is an example of Oedipus complex.
(ix) Why is 'Sons and Lovers' a bildungsroman?
Ans. Bildungsroman is a form of fiction which allows the novelist to recreate through the maturing of his protagonist some of his own remembered intensity of experience. In "Sons and Loves", the scenes of family life, the mining background, Paul and Miriam relationship, and Mr. Morel as a father are examples of Lawrence's own experience.
(x) What are the elements of Freudian psychoanalysis in 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. The elements of Freudian psychoanalysis in "Sons and Lovers" are Oedipus Complex and Euthanasia. Paul is hopelessly devoted to his mother, and that love often borders on romantic desire. At the end of the novel, Paul intentionally overdoses his dying mother with morphia, an act that reduces her suffering and subverts his Oedipal fate, since he does not kill his father, but his mother.
(xi) What is euthanasia? Who are the victims of euthanasia in 'Sons and Lovers'?
Ans. Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. At the end of the novel, Paul intentionally overdoses his dying mother with morphia to reduce her pain and suffering. Thus Paul is a victim of Euthanasia.
(xii) What are the factors that keep Morel family together in spite of their differences?
Ans. According to Lawrence, 'blood contact', not mental communion, is a prerequisite in family relations. It is the reason why Paul's father and mother stay together in spite of their disrupted marriage, and has kept Morel family together in spite of their differences.
(xiii) Interpret 'He was an outsider. He had denied the God in him'.
Ans. This line is from "Sons and Lovers" by D.H. Lawrence. This line is spoken by a hidden authorial voice. It is stating that Walter Morel is a bad person. He is a pretty bad husband and father. There is no sympathy,  consideration and humanity in his character.
(xiv) Who is Gertrude?
Ans. Gertrude is the first protagonist of the novel "Sons and Lovers". She is unhappily married to Walter Morel, and she redirects her attention to her children. She is first obsessed with William, but his death leaves her empty and redirects her energies towards Paul. She bitterly disapproves of all the women these two son encounter, masking her jealously with other excuses.
(xv) Who is Walter Morel?
Ans. Walter Morel is Gertrude's husband and a coal miner. He was once a humorous, lively man, but over time he has become a cruel, selfish alcoholic. His family, especially, Mrs. Morel, despises him, and Paul frequently entertains fantasies of his father's dying.

3. SAMPLE ANSWERS - NOVEL

  3. SAMPLE ANSWERS - NOVEL

Answer the following questions. 

(i) What elements in 'Heart of Darkness' appear to be drawn from Conrad's own life?
Ans. "Heart of Darkness" is a record of Conrad's own experiences in the course of his visit to Congo in 1890. Marlow's experiences and feelings are very much the same as Conrad's own had been. Marlow appears as a pessimist in the novel; and Conrad himself was a pessimist too.  Both in external and in terms of the inward mental life, Marlow meets the same fate which Conrad had met.
(ii) What are the unspeakable rites in 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. The unspeakable rites in "Heart of Darkness" concern human sacrifices and Kurtz's consuming a portion of the sacrificial victims. These sacrifices were established in the interest of perpetuating Kurtz's position as a man-god.
(iii) What does the Congo river symbolize in 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. The Congo River resembles a snake, and the snake symbolizes the idea of temptation and evil. The river leads Marlow and other Europeans into the heart of the continent where the temptations prove to be too much for many of them. Marlow's journey on the river represents a journey into one's inner spirit. As Marlow progresses further up the river in his search of Kurtz, he begins to learn more and more about himself.
(iv) How does Conrad complicate the idea of colonization being 'good'? What kind of negative effects does it have on both white and the black men of Africa?
Ans. Conrad complicates the idea of colonization being "good" by stating that the goal of European colonization of Africa is to civilize and educate the savages. The white men see the Africans as savages, and the Africans see the white men as unwelcome intruders. No party is happy in this situation.
(v) What does darkness represent in 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. Darkness is the inability to see: this may sound simple, but as a description of the human condition it has profound implications. Failing to see another human being means failing to understand the individual and failing to establish any sort of sympathetic communion with him or her. It also represents the inherent evil in humanity.
(vi) Trace the role of Russian in 'Heart of Darkness'.
Ans. The Russian is a devoted follower of Kurtz. The main purpose of the Russian is that he is the fool of the novel. He acts as a conduit of  information about Kurtz that neither Marlow nor the reader knew before.
(vii) What is the overall impression of the natives that Conrad produces?
Ans. When the narrator identifies natives as a sea of waving disembodied arms, it seems that Conrad produces a racist perspective on African natives. However, the narrator views the natives in groups rather than as individuals, and they seem to have very similar or identical intentions, but there is not necessarily any racist aspect of that interpretation.
(viii) How does Conrad depict Africans as different from Europeans?
Ans. Conrad depicts the Africans as dark savages and brutes, cannibals; dehumanizing them to mere animals. Kurtz repeatedly says, "Exterminate the brutes". In contrast the Europeans are portrayed as almost an Aryan race. Conrad depicts them as very proper and well groomed which is completely opposite of his description of the "savages".
(ix) Which literary devices in 'Heart of Darkness' are proto-Modernist?
Ans. Conrad uses an unreliable narrator, a hallmark of proto-Modernist writing. The narrator is not by his nature a liar but rather put under great pressure by his environment. As we learn at the beginning of the novel, Africa has driven mad a great many men. Themes of alienation, confrontation of the other, and disjointing of man from the natural world are also proto-Modernist.
(x) Who attacks the steamboat as it reaches the Inner Station?
Ans. As Marlow's steamship reaches the Inner Station in a heavy fog, arrows begin to fly out from the jungle. Marlow blows the steam whistle on the ship and scares off the attackers. Later, the Harlequin explains that the Africans attacked the ship because they were afraid the ship was coming to take Kurtz away from them.
(xi) Who is the Intended in "Heart of Darkness"?
Ans. The Intended is Kurtz's naive and long-suffering fiancee, whom Marlow goes to visit after Kurtz's death. Her unshakable certainty about Kurtz's love for her reinforces Marlow's belief that women live in a dream world, well insulated from reality.
(xii) What is the major conflict in 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. Both Marlow and Kurtz confront a conflict between their images of themselves as "civilized" Europeans and the temptation to abandon morality completely once they leave the context of European society.
(xiii) How are women characterized in 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. Conrad is a misogynist and all about the gentlemen. All the women within "Heart of Darkness" reflect the values of their society and are viewed as nothing more than trophies for men. They hardly appear to be rounded out characters. They appear one-dimensional. They live in a separate world.
(xiv) What is the message of 'Heart of Darkness'?
Ans. The message of "Heart of Darkness" is that every man must make certain to repress the heart of darkness within -- the uncivilized man. For if this is not done, chaos reigns. It also gives us the message that the result of imperialism is madness.
(xv) Besides Marlow and Kurtz, other character are not given personal names. Why? 
Ans. The reason behind leaving so many characters without names is to show the dehumanization of men in the wilderness of the Congo. Most of the people involved in the trade of the Congo have simply lost their humanity, that is why they do not have human names; they are reduced to description similar to the way we refer to inanimate objects.

Important Questions & Answers Of " Pride & Prejudice (Novel) "

Important Questions & Answers Of " Pride & Prejudice (Novel) "

Important Questions & Answers Of " Pride & Prejudice (Novel) "

1. What does Mrs. Bennet wish Mr. Bennetto do?

Answer:

Mr. Bingley, a well-off gentleman, arrives intown and Mrs. Bennet sees it as anopportunity for one of her daughters tomarry him and she therefore insists that herhusband call on the new arrival immediately.

2. What opinion does Mr. Bennet have of hisdaughters, excepting Lizzy?

Answer:Mr. Bennet says that “[his daughters] are allsilly and ignorant like other girls, but Lizzyhas something more of quickness than hersisters.”

3. What recommends Mr. Bingley to Mrs.Bennet?

Answer: She first heard he was quite wealthy and was attracted to his background but aftermeeting him, he learns he is quite the outgoing, polite fellow.

4. Describe Mr. Bennet's character.

Answer: Mr. Bennet is he more timid, modest, and sarcastic character. He cares about his daughter but is rather apathetic to themarriage concept.

5. What kind of a young man is Mr. Bingley?

Answer: Mr. Bingley is a wealthy gentleman with akind and outgoing personality, opposite that of his best friend, Mr. Darcy. He seems to show no discrimination for lower classes.

6. How does Mr. Darcy conduct himself at the ball?

Answer: He is reserved, antisocial, and bit rude.

7. Why doesn't Darcy ask Elizabeth to dance?

Answer:

He doesn’t like to dance and finds her only “tolerable.”

8. Describe the personalities of Elizabethand Jane

Answer: Elizabeth is the second eldest sister and the most intelligent and sensible of the five Bennet sisters. She is well read and quick- witted. Jane is the eldest and most beautiful Bennet sister. Jane is more reserved and gentler than Elizabeth.

9. How does Charlotte excuse Darcy's pride?

Answer:Charlotte excuses his pride because he is wealthy and comes from a good family. He has the right to be proud.

10. Why does Charlotte say that Jane is too guarded in her

feelings?

Because Jane is too shy to admit to liking Mr. Bingley and since he has not told her that he is attracted to her, she feels that she is not good enough.

10. Why does Charlotte say that Jane is too guarded in her feelings?

Answer: Because Jane is too shy to admit to liking Mr. Bingley and since he has not told her that he is attracted to her, she feels that she is not good enough.

11. Why is Darcy intrigued and attracted by Elizabeth?

Answer: Because she is one of those rare women, the only one around him, who’s self -respect matches his pride.

12. Although Mrs. Bennet is an unwise and foolish woman, why can we understand her pursuit of rich young men for her daughters?

Answer: Because they will be poor if they don’t marry well. Also, theu will not inherit anything for their father since they are girls.

13. Why won't Mrs. Bennet allow Jane to use the carriage to go to Netherfield?

Answer: She wants Jane to appear like she has money and is of a higher status.

14. Why does Elizabeth dislike Bingley's sisters?

Answer: They are really stuck up and think that they are better than everyone else in the town because they have more money.

15 Why is the exchange between Darcy and Miss Bingley amusing to Elizabeth?

Answer: It is obvious that Miss Bingley is flirting and has her designs on Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy is as uncivil as can be possible.

16. During Darcy and Elizabeth's lively discussion, what character flaws do they attribute to each other?

Answer: Darcy to elizabeth= prejudice, poor, inferiority, lack of connections, and family besides her and Jane being improper, uncivility, Elizabeth to Darcy= too much pride, selfish, being in Jane/bingleys relationship too much, inflicted poverty upon wickham, arrogance, conceit, selfish disdain

17. Why does Mrs. Bennet refuse to send thecarriage for Jane and Elizabeth?

Answer: She want them to stay there long so that Mr.Binley could fall for Jane more.

18. Identify the speaker and the motive: "May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?"

Answer:  She (Elizabeth) is asking if his attraction is instant, or if he has always been attracted to her.

19. What is Mr. Collins' motive for visiting the Bennet family?

Answer: He visits the Bennet family because he will be inheriting their land soon.

20. What passes between Darcy and Wickham?

Answer: Darcy and Bingley meet through Denny, and Elizabeth notices that Wickham and Darcy are extremely cold to each other.

21. What does Wickham relate to Elizabethabout his relationship with Darcy?

Answer:Eventually, Wickhamtells Elizabeth his story: he had planned on entering the ministry, rather than the militia, but was unable to do so because he didn’t have enough money. Darcy’s father, Wickham says, had intended ton provide for him, but Darcy used a loophole in the will to keep the money for himself.

22. Identify the speaker, and explain Austen's Inference:

Answer: "A young man too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable." Elizabeth; she directs this towards Wickham-- she says that a young man like Wickham, has a genuine appearance of goodness, which makes him trustworthy-- Wickham's appearance convinces people that he's a nice person.

23.. How does Elizabeth's reaction to Wickham's distressing tale differ from Jane's?

Answer: Elizabeth, who instinctively likes and trusts Wickham, accepts his story immediately. Elizabeth expresses these feelings to Jane the next day, and Jane defends Darcy, saying that there is probably a misunderstanding between the two men.

24. Who has Mr. Collins decided will be his wife at this point in the novel?

Answer: Mr. Collins has decided that Elizabeth will be his wife at this point in the novel.

25. Who has Mr. Collins decided will be his wife at this point in the novel?

Answer: Mr. Collins has decided that Elizabeth will be his wife at this point in the novel.

26. What does Darcy say to Elizabeth concerning Wickham?

Answer: Their conversation is awkward, especially when she mentions Wickham, a subject Darcy clearly wishes to avoid. Darcy warns Elizabeth that Wickman is good at making friends, but not very good at retaining them. This upsets Elizabeth.

27. Why does Mr. Collins disregard Elizabeth's rejection of his marriage proposal?

Answer:He doesn’t accept the rejection because he is positive that she will change her mind.

28. What choice does Mr. Bennet offerElizabeth concerning Mr. Collins' proposal?

Answer: Mrs. Bennet, who regards a match between her daughter and Mr. Collins a advantageous, is infuriated. She tells Elizabeth that if she does not marry Mr. Collins she will never see her again, and she asks Mr. Bennet to order Elizabeth to marry the clergyman. Her husband refuses and, befitting his wit and his desire to annoy his wife, actually informs his daughter that if she were to marry Mr. Collins, he would refuse to see her again.

29. Why would Charlotte agree to marry Mr.Collins, whom she does not love?

30. Identify the speaker: “The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it; and everyday confirms my belief of the inconsistency of me all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be

placed on the appearance of either merit or sense”

Answer Elizabeth says this.

31.What does Mrs. Gardiner suggest as adiversion for Jane?

Answer Returning to Grachechurch Street in London with her and Mr Gardiner - not a part of Town that Darcy is likely to visit.

32. Why does Mrs. Gardiner warn Elizabeth not to fall in love with Wickham?

Answer:Mrs. Gardiner doesn't want Elizabeth to fallin love with Wickham because if they did getmarried they would have nothing to live on.Also, Elizabeth was a very smart and clever girl and it would most likely be possible forher to marry someone better then Wickham.

33. Describe Elizabeth's double standard concerning Charlotte and Wickham.

Answer: She says how it makes sense for Wickham to want to marry Miss. Mary King, even though he doesn't seem in love with her, and she believed to just be marrying her for her money. While, at the same time, didn’t approve of Charlotte marrying Mr. Collen’s for his money.

35. How is Elizabeth to spend part of her summer?

36. Who says this and why does she say it: “Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a proper wife”?

Answer: Elizabeth says it when she sees Ann Debourgh in the phaton and ponies with Lady Catherine and she is talking about her becoming the mistress to Darcy.

37. What kind of a woman is Lady Catherine de Bourgh?

Answer:She is arrogant about her social rank, but takes a controlling interest in the personal affairs of those beneath her, particularly the Collinses.

38. What does the reader know and Charlotte begin to suspect at this point in the novel, regarding Darcy and Elizabeth?

Answer: Charlotte happens upon the pair when Elizabeth is visiting the rectory in Kent. Mr. Darcy had come by to visit but when he realizes she is alone, he is incredibly awkward and leaves when Charlotte arrives. At this time, Charlotte declares that he must be in love with Elizabeth because of his actions and how he acted.

39. What does Col. Fitzwilliam tell Elizabeth?

Answer:  Col. Fitzwilliam tells Elizabeth that Darcy has recently saved his friend from an undesirable marriage.

40. Why does Darcy's proposal make Elizabeth angry?

Answer: Darcy’s proposal makes Elizabeth angry because he did not really focus on proposing on her, but recanting her social inferiority to him which makes her upset.

41. What excuse did Darcy give for separating Bingley and Jane?

Answer: He didn’t believe Jane cared for Bingley as much as Bingley cared for Jane. Also, he did not want Bingley to undergo social turmoil by marrying into the Bennet family.

42. What kind of a man does Darcy reveal Wickham to be?

Answer: Darcy reveals that Wickham is a lying cheat who is after money. In fact, he tells her that he gave Wickham money, and that them reason they dislike each other is because Wickham tried to elope with his sister, but once he found out he wouldn't get any inheritance, he left her.

43. What does Elizabeth realize about herself after reading Darcy's letter?

Answer: Elizabeth realizes that she judged Darcy wrongly in thinking he had too much pride, and did not try to understand him.

44.Why doesn't Elizabeth immediately tell Jane of Darcy's proposal?

Answer: She is too filled with what the proposal means and that she would have to also tell her that Darcy is the reason why Bingley has left.

 

45. Where does Mrs. Bennet want Mr. Bennet to take the family for the summer?

Answer She wants him to take the family to Brighton

46. Do Jane and Elizabeth want to publicize Wickham's character? Why or why not?

Answer: No because if she does, it will reveal what happened between Wickham and Darcy’s sister, Georgiana.

47. How is Lydia able to go to Brighton?

Answer: She accompanies the colonel’s wife to Brighton.

48. Why does Elizabeth appeal to her father not to let Lydia go to Brighton?

Answer: Elizabeth thinks that Lydia will “make herself and her family ridiculous”, if she goes. She also believes that Lydia will ruin more thanshe already has, like Jane’s relationship with Mr.Bingley. Elizabeth is worried that Lydia

 

49. Why does Mr. Bennet allow Lydia to go toBrighton?

Answer: He says to Lizzie, "we will have no peace at Longborne if Lydia does not go." He says that Lydia will not calm down until she makes a fool of herself in public. He isletting Lydia get it out of her system. He ishappy she will be gone and considers here“one of the silliest girls in England”.

50. What does Elizabeth find "reprehensible" about her father's behavior?

Answer: She finds it reprehensible that her father embarrasses Mary in front of the Netherfield Ball.  He tells her, “that will do very well child, you have delighted us long enough. Let the other girls have time to exhibit.” It is as if he is embarrassed of his daughter.

51. Where do the Gardiners take Elizabeth even though she is reluctant to go?

Answer: They take her to Pemberley.

52. How do Darcy and Elizabeth react upon

seeing each other at Pemberley?

Answer: Both of them are embarrassed and shy to see each other. However, it is not shown but they are both secretly happy to see each other.

53. What special attention and compliment does Darcy pay Elizabeth?

Answer: Mr.Darcy compliments her on her beautiful eyes.

54. What does Elizabeth think of Georgiana?

Answer: She thinks she’s a beautiful “talented” pianoplayer.

55. How does Miss Bingley treat Elizabeth?

Answer:She treats her rudely and is afraid that Darcy likes Elizabeth and not herself.

56. What do Lydia and Wickham do?

Answer: Lydia and Wickham run away together. They have to get married in order to lessen the shame for the family.

57. Although the elopement is distressing to the family, what gives them cause for more distress?

Answer: The family is caused more distress besides the stress of the shame, because they fear that they will never see Lydia again.

58.. Where did Mr. Bennet go?

Answer: Mr. Bennet went to go find Lydia with his brother.

59. How does Mrs. Bennet react to the news of Lydia's elopement?

Answer: Her mother was so upset that she wouldn’t even leave her room or bed.

60. Is Lydia concerned about her flight and reputation?

Answer: Lydia is not worried about her reputation because she is young and naive and she is proud that she got married before any of her sisters.

61. What did Mr. Collins say in his letter regarding Lydia's situation?

Answer: Being the rude person Mr. Collins is, he tells the Bennets that it would have been better if Lydia had died since she caused the family so much shame.

62. Who finds Lydia and Wickham, and what is their state?

Answer: Mr. Darcy finds them, unmarried.

63. What arrangements were made so that the wedding could take place?

Answer: Mr. Darcy arranges a wedding in London that happens very quickly and pays off all Wickham’s debts and gets him a job in the military.

64. How does Mrs. Bennet react to the good

news of Lydia's marriage?

Answer: She is very happy and states that because of the marriage, she will buy many new wedding things.

65. What provision is made for the Wickhams?

Answer: The debts with the Wickhams are settled and Wickham now has a position in the militia.

66. Who is Elizabeth surprised to find out attended Lydia's wedding?

Answer: Mr. Darcy

67. What does Mrs. Gardiner reveal toElizabeth about Darcy's involvement inLydia's marriage?

Answer:She reveals that Darcy had funded and arranged the entire marriage.

68. What was Darcy's motive for helping the Bennets?

Answer: He wanted to relieve some of Elizabeth’s distress due to Julia’s elopement.

69. Why is the call paid by Bingley and Darcy so awkward?

Answer: Bingley and Darcy didn’t know that the daughters would be present.

70 . How does Jane profess to feel about Bingley? Why?

Answer: She professes that she loves him.

71. What happy event occurs between Jane and Bingley?

Answer: Jane and Bingley get engaged!

72. What does Lady Catherine demand of Elizabeth?

Answer:

Lady Catherine does not want Darcy to marry Elizabeth. Lady Catherine informs Elizabeth that she has heard a rumor that Darcy is planning to marry her. Such a notion, Lady Catherine insists, is ridiculous, given Elizabeth’s low station in life and the tacit engagement of Darcy to her own daughter. Lady Catherine claims that Elizabeth is bound to obey her by “the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude.” She presents the familiar objection: the Bennets have such low connections that Darcy’s marrying Elizabeth would “ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.”

73.. What plans has Lady Catherine already made for Darcy?

Answer: Lady Catherine has already made plans for her own daughter to marry Darcy. Elizabeth’s engagement to Darcy would ruin her plans.

74. What is Elizabeth's answer to Lady Catherine?

Answer: Elizabeth defends her family, declaring, “I am a gentleman’s daughter,” and then asserts her independence. She is disgusted by snobs such as Mr. Collins, Miss Bingley, and Lady Catherine who always attempt to overpower their social inferiors. “I am . . . resolved,” she says, “to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

75. What is the result of Lady Catherine's interference?

Answer: Ironically enough, Lady Catherine’s interference revives Elizabeth’s feelings for Darcy. Shortly after Lady Catherine’s visit, Darcy and Elizabeth go for a stroll where Darcy proposes to Eliza again. She finally accepts and pours her heart to him.

76. Why is Elizabeth apprehensive about communicating her engagement to Darcy?

Answer: Elizabeth realizes that such an announcement would cause great gossip, fervor, and disapproval among everyone, including their jealous colleagues, and her own family.

77. What reason does Elizabeth offer Darcy to account for his beginning to love her?

Answer: Like Jane, Mr. Bennet needs Elizabeth to convince him that she does indeed care for Darcy. Elizabeth wants to prove to her sister and her father that she truly loves Darcy, and that Darcy truly loves her.

78. How does Kitty benefit from her sisters' marriages?

Answer: Kitty is kept away from Lydia and her bad influence, and she matures greatly by spending time at her elder sisters’ home