Assignment Code: MEG-01/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: MEG-01

Assignment Name: British Poetry

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Max. Marks: 100

Note: Attempt any five questions. Question number 1 is compulsory.

Q1) Explain any two of the excerpts of poems given below with reference to their context:

Q1. i) Ye Presences of Nature, in the sky

And on the earth ! Ye Visions of the hills !

And Souls of lonely places ! can I think

A vulgar hope was yours when ye employed

Such ministry.

Ans) The excerpt provided is from William Wordsworth's poem "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour, July 13, 1798." In this poem, Wordsworth reflects on his relationship with nature, the impact it has had on his life, and how it continues to influence him.

"Ye Presences of Nature, in the sky And on the earth!"

In these lines, Wordsworth addresses the various aspects of nature as "Presences." He personifies nature, suggesting that it is not just a physical entity but a living and spiritual force. He acknowledges the presence of nature in both the sky and on the earth, emphasizing its all-encompassing influence.

"Ye Visions of the hills!"

Wordsworth speaks of the hills as "Visions." This implies that the sight of the hills has a profound and almost ethereal effect on him. The hills are not just physical features but something that invokes a sense of wonder and spirituality in him.

"And Souls of lonely places!"

Wordsworth personifies nature even further by attributing it with a "soul." Nature, for Wordsworth, is not just a collection of scenery but a living entity with a soul. He also mentions "lonely places," suggesting that nature's presence is felt most strongly in remote and solitary locations.

"Can I think A vulgar hope was yours..."

In these lines, Wordsworth reflects on the impact nature has had on him and contrasts it with what he considers to be "vulgar hope." He implies that the simple and profound connection he has with nature transcends mere worldly desires and ambitions. Nature, to him, offers something deeper and more meaningful than materialistic hopes.

"When ye employed Such ministry..."

Wordsworth believes that nature serves a higher purpose or "ministry." It is not just a passive backdrop but an active force that works on the human soul. He suggests that nature has a spiritual role in inspiring and uplifting individuals.

Q1. ii) Tyger ! Tyger ! burning bright

In the forests of the night,

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Ans) The lines are the opening quatrain from William Blake's poem "The Tyger," which is part of his collection titled "Songs of Experience." In this poem, Blake explores the themes of creation, innocence, and experience, using the imagery of a tiger to delve into deeper philosophical questions.

"Tyger ! Tyger ! burning bright": The repetition of "Tyger" emphasizes the focus on this fierce and powerful creature. The use of "burning bright" suggests the tiger's vivid and intense presence. This sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the tiger's striking appearance.

"In the forests of the night": The tiger is depicted as residing in the darkness of the night and the obscurity of the forests. This contrasts with the innocence associated with lambs and daytime, as seen in Blake's companion poem, "The Lamb."

"What immortal hand or eye": The poet wonders about the origin of the tiger's creation. He questions whether a divine, immortal force, represented by an "immortal hand or eye," could have crafted such a fearsome and awe-inspiring creature.

"Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?": Blake acknowledges the tiger's "fearful symmetry," referring to its balanced and precise design. The use of "dare" suggests that creating such a creature would be a daring and audacious act for any divine being. The word "frame" implies that the tiger's physical form is like a work of art, carefully constructed.

"The Tyger" explores the dualities and contradictions in creation and existence. The tiger symbolizes a powerful and destructive force in the world, and the poem raises questions about the origin of such a force. Blake grapples with the idea that the same divine creator who made the innocent lamb could also create the fierce tiger. This duality reflects the complexities of life, the existence of both good and evil, and the moral questions surrounding creation and existence.

Q2) Discuss Chaucer's handling of the fable in 'The Nun's Priest's Tale'.

Ans) In Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Nun's Priest's Tale," the handling of the fable is a complex and skilful narrative technique that serves both as a charming animal fable and a vehicle for satirical commentary on human folly and pride. This tale is part of Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket.

The Plot of the Fable:

"The Nun's Priest's Tale" tells the story of a rooster named Chanticleer who lives on the farm of a widow and her daughters, Pertelote and Dame Partelote. Chanticleer is described as a handsome and gallant rooster, and he dreams of a fox pursuing him. His dream troubles him, and he seeks the counsel of Pertelote, who dismisses it because of indigestion.

Chanticleer's dream becomes a grim reality when a cunning fox, Reynard, attempts to flatter and deceive him into coming down from his perch. Despite his initial suspicion, Chanticleer is eventually tricked into opening his mouth to crow, allowing the fox to seize him and escape into the woods. The other farm animals give chase, but Reynard outwits them all. In the end, Reynard the fox succeeds in capturing Chanticleer, but with a clever ruse of his own, Chanticleer escapes from Reynard's jaws and flies to safety, outsmarting the fox.

Chaucer's Handling of the Fable:

Animal Allegory: Chaucer employs anthropomorphic animals as characters in the fable. Chanticleer represents human characteristics such as vanity and susceptibility to flattery, while Reynard symbolizes cunning and deceit. This use of animals as allegorical figures allows Chaucer to satirize human behaviour by presenting it in a comical and exaggerated manner.

Satirical Elements: While "The Nun's Priest's Tale" is an entertaining and humorous story, it also carries satirical undertones. Chaucer uses the tale to lampoon human traits like pride, gullibility, and the inclination to trust flattery. Chanticleer's initial vanity and Reynard's cunning are portrayed as inherently human flaws.

Irony: Chaucer employs dramatic irony in the tale, as the audience is aware of Reynard's true intentions while Chanticleer remains oblivious until it is too late. This dramatic irony adds tension and humour to the narrative and underscores the theme of deception.

Narrative Voice: Chaucer employs a lively and engaging narrative voice, using rhymed couplets and vivid descriptions to captivate the reader's attention. The use of a first-person narrator, the Nun's Priest himself, adds an individualized touch to the storytelling.

Moral Lesson: Like many fables, "The Nun's Priest's Tale" concludes with a moral lesson. Chaucer reminds the audience that flattery and deceit can lead to trouble and that one should be cautious about trusting others too readily. Chanticleer's clever escape serves as a cautionary tale against falling victim to one's own weaknesses.

Q3) Consider 'The Garden' by Andrew Marvell as a didactic poem.

Ans) Andrew Marvell's poem "The Garden" is indeed a didactic poem, as it offers both explicit and implicit lessons, moral reflections, and philosophical contemplation on themes such as the transitory nature of life, the contrast between nature and art, and the significance of contemplative leisure. Written during the 17th century, Marvell's work is often associated with the metaphysical poetry of the time, characterized by its intellectual depth and intricate use of conceits, or extended metaphors.

The Transitory Nature of Life:

Marvell begins "The Garden" by describing a garden that has been carefully cultivated and meticulously maintained. The garden represents the fleeting beauty and transience of human existence. The poem serves as a meditation on the brevity of life and the inevitability of mortality. It encourages readers to reflect on the impermanence of earthly pleasures and the need to focus on eternal values.

The Contrast Between Nature and Art:

The poem explores the tension between nature, represented by the garden's wilderness, and art, symbolized by the human intervention in shaping the garden's orderliness. Marvell suggests that the garden's artifice, while beautiful, is a temporary construct that will eventually return to its natural state. This contrast prompts readers to consider the balance between human intervention and the inherent beauty of the natural world.

Contemplative Leisure:

Marvell extols the virtues of leisure and contemplation. He argues that the garden is a place where the mind can be at ease and engage in philosophical reflection. He emphasizes the value of intellectual pursuits and the importance of escaping the busyness of the world to find moments of tranquillity and introspection.

The Power of Imagination:

Throughout the poem, Marvell employs vivid and imaginative descriptions of the garden, appealing to the reader's senses. He invites readers to use their imagination to appreciate the beauty of the scene, suggesting that the mind has the power to enhance and prolong the experience of beauty. This reinforces the idea that contemplation and intellectual engagement can enrich one's life.

The Role of the Poet:

"The Garden" is also a reflection on the role of the poet as a guide and teacher. Marvell uses his poetic talents to convey profound ideas about life and art to his readers. The poem demonstrates the capacity of poetry to convey complex philosophical concepts and moral lessons in an accessible and engaging manner.

Moral Lessons:

Marvell concludes the poem with a moral lesson. He reminds readers that while they may be captivated by worldly pursuits and desires, they should not consume them. Instead, they should aspire to transcend the ephemeral and seek higher truths and lasting values. The garden, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for the human soul, which can find solace and enlightenment through introspection and contemplation.

Q4) Attempt a critical appreciation of 'The Triumph of Life' by P.B. Shelley.

Ans) Percy Bysshe Shelley's "The Triumph of Life" is an unfinished poem, and its fragmentary nature adds to its mystique and complexity. Written during the final months of Shelley's life, the poem is often seen as a reflection on mortality, the passage of time, the power of imagination, and the elusive nature of truth and knowledge. While its meaning remains enigmatic and open to interpretation, "The Triumph of Life" is a haunting and ambitious work that invites critical appreciation.

Structure and Form:

"The Triumph of Life" is written in terza rime, a verse form consisting of interlocking three-line stanzas. This form is challenging and demonstrates Shelley's technical prowess. The poem is also known for its irregular stanzas and incomplete lines, which contribute to its fragmented and enigmatic quality. Shelley's use of this form reflects his experimentation with structure and his willingness to push the boundaries of conventional poetry.

Themes of Mortality and Transience:

One of the central themes of the poem is the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of death. Throughout the poem, there is a sense of decay and desolation, symbolized by the ruins and remnants of past civilizations. The image of the "triumphal car" that carries the chariot of Life, which is eventually overwhelmed by death, underscores the poem's meditation on the impermanence of human existence.

The Power of the Imagination:

Shelley explores the idea that the human imagination can transcend the limitations of time and mortality. The vision of the chariot and its mysterious female figure, "Life," suggests that the imagination can shape and interpret the world. Despite the decay and destruction depicted in the poem, the imagination remains a powerful force that can give life meaning and beauty.

The Elusiveness of Truth and Knowledge:

"The Triumph of Life" raises questions about the nature of truth and knowledge. The poem's narrative is fragmented and elusive, making it difficult to discern a clear message or moral. The figure of "Life" remains an enigma, and the poem ends abruptly, leaving readers with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. This reflects Shelley's scepticism about whether ultimate truths can be known or if they are forever beyond human reach.

Historical and Political Allegory:

Some critics have suggested that "The Triumph of Life" contains allegorical elements related to Shelley's political and social concerns. The chariot and its driver have been interpreted as representing oppressive political forces or ideologies that seek to control and subjugate individuals. This interpretation aligns with Shelley's commitment to social and political reform.

Artistic and Linguistic Innovation:

Shelley's use of language and imagery in "The Triumph of Life" is marked by innovation and experimentation. His vivid descriptions, use of symbolism, and intricate wordplay demonstrate his mastery of poetic craft. The poem's complex and layered imagery invites multiple interpretations, and its unconventional structure challenges traditional poetic norms.

Unfinished and Open-Ended:

"The Triumph of Life" is famously unfinished, with the final stanzas remaining incomplete. This deliberate choice by Shelley adds to the poem's enigmatic quality and has prompted numerous theories and speculations about how the poem might have concluded. The sense of incompleteness invites readers to engage in their own creative interpretations.

Q5) What was the Reformation? What relations can you identify and trace between the Renaissance and the Reformation.

Ans) The Reformation was a significant religious and cultural movement that took place in the 16th century in Europe. It marked a profound transformation of Western Christianity and had far-reaching consequences for both religious and political life. At its core, the Reformation was a reaction against the perceived corruption and abuses within the Roman Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations.

Aspects of the Reformation:

Martin Luther and the Ninety-Five Theses: The Reformation is often associated with Martin Luther, a German monk who, in 1517, famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. In these theses, Luther criticized the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church and questioned its authority. This act is considered the catalyst for the Reformation.

Protestantism: The Reformation gave rise to various Protestant movements and denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, and Anabaptism. These movements emphasized the authority of the Bible, the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers.

Religious Wars: The Reformation led to religious conflicts and wars, including the Thirty Years' War, which devastated parts of Europe. The religious divide between Catholics and Protestants fuelled political tensions and conflicts.

Catholic Counter-Reformation: In response to the Reformation, the Catholic Church initiated the Counter-Reformation, a series of reforms and efforts to combat heresy. This period saw the Council of Trent and the founding of religious orders such as the Jesuits.

Relations between the Renaissance and the Reformation:

While the Renaissance and the Reformation were distinct historical periods with different focuses, there were several important relations and intersections between the two:

1. Intellectual and Cultural Influence: The Renaissance, which preceded the Reformation, was a period of great intellectual and cultural ferment. It witnessed a revival of interest in classical literature, art, and humanism. Humanist scholars like Erasmus played a role in critiquing the Catholic Church's practices, laying the intellectual groundwork for the Reformation.

2. Printing Press: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century had a profound impact on both the Renaissance and the Reformation. It facilitated the spread of ideas, making it possible for Renaissance humanist texts and Reformation pamphlets, including Luther's writings, to be disseminated widely.

3. Critique of Church Practices: Renaissance humanism encouraged critical thinking and the examination of established traditions. Humanists like Erasmus questioned the excesses, superstitions, and moral failings within the Catholic Church. These critiques contributed to the climate of reform and prepared the ground for the Reformation.

4. Art and Iconoclasm: Renaissance art, with its emphasis on realism and individualism, often depicted religious themes. However, as the Reformation progressed, there was a rise in iconoclasm—the destruction of religious images and artworks—especially in regions that embraced Protestantism. This reflected a rejection of the elaborate religious art associated with Catholicism.

5. Political Impact: The Reformation had significant political repercussions, including the fragmentation of states along religious lines. Some rulers embraced Protestantism for political reasons, leading to conflicts between Catholic and Protestant regions. This political aspect of the Reformation intersected with broader Renaissance ideals of political thought and governance.

6. Religious Tensions: The Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation intensified religious tensions in Europe. Theological debates and conflicts between religious authorities were influenced by the broader cultural and intellectual currents of the Renaissance.