CC6 5marks Question Ans
CC6 5marks Question Ans
5×2=10
Ans:
Brief Comment: The title hints at the use of metaphor or analogy in the poem. It
suggests that the speaker will draw parallels between his own experiences, emotions,
or pursuits and the actions and emotions of a huntsman. This comparison can provide
insight into the themes and emotions explored in the poem.
(b) What makes the speaker confident about immortalizing his love in One Day I
Wrote Her Name?
Ans
In "One Day I Wrote Her Name" by Edmund Spenser, the speaker expresses
confidence in immortalizing his love through the act of writing. The key factor
contributing to this confidence is the enduring nature of written words.
Act of Writing: The speaker believes that by writing down the name of his beloved, he
can capture and preserve their love in a tangible form.
Enduring Nature of Writing: Written words, unlike fleeting moments, can withstand
the passage of time. The permanence of the written name gives the speaker confidence
that their love will endure.
Poetry as Immortalizer: The speaker, being a poet, relies on the power of poetry to
immortalize emotions. He sees his verses as a timeless vessel for preserving and
conveying the depth of his love.
In summary, the speaker's confidence lies in the belief that the act of writing,
especially within the realm of poetry, has the ability to make his love immortal and
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timeless.
Ans:
The phrase "O fearful meditation!" is an exclamation from Shakespeare's Sonnet 65.
Theme of the Sonnet: In Sonnet 65, the speaker is contemplating the destructive
power of time and its inevitable impact on everything, including beauty and life. The
meditation is "fearful" because it involves reflecting on the relentless nature of time
and its ability to diminish and destroy.
(d) Why does the poet consider his friend to be more lovely and more temperate'
than 'a summer's day'?
Ans:
The poet considers his friend to be "more lovely and more temperate" than a summer's
day in Shakespeare's Sonnet 18.
The friend's beauty is seen as more enduring and consistent than that of a summer's
day. Summer days are temporary, but the friend's attractiveness remains constant.
The term "temperate" suggests moderation. The friend is considered more moderate
and balanced in beauty compared to the extremes of weather in a summer's day, which
can be too hot or too windy.
The poet asserts that the friend's beauty will live on forever through the words of the
poem. While a summer's day is fleeting, the friend's enduring loveliness will be
immortalized in the verses.
The sonnet uses natural imagery to highlight the friend's superiority over the transient
and unpredictable nature of a summer's day.
The overall theme is the power of poetry to preserve and immortalize the beauty of the
friend, making it more lasting and timeless than the fleeting beauty of a season.
In essence, the poet celebrates the enduring and moderate beauty of his friend,
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contrasting it with the transient and sometimes harsh characteristics of a summer's
day.
(f) Describe the lover's resentment with which The Sunne Rising begins.
Ans:
In "The Sunne Rising" by John Donne, the lover expresses resentment towards the
sun, which is personified as an intrusive force interrupting his intimate moments with
his beloved.
The lover begins by directly addressing the sun with irritation, asking why it is shining
into the room and disturbing him.
The lover is upset because the sun's rays are interfering with his private moments with
his beloved. He resents the sun for intruding on their space.
The lover uses sarcastic and belittling language to downplay the significance of the
sun's grandeur. He mocks the sun's importance in comparison to the world contained
within the lover's room.
The lover claims that everything the sun sees outside is insignificant compared to the
world he shares with his beloved. This highlights the intensity of his emotions and the
perceived intrusion by the sun.
The opening of the poem reflects the lover's strong feelings of annoyance and
resentment toward the sun for disrupting his romantic moments, portraying a sense of
possessiveness and prioritizing love over the external world.
5×2=10
(a) "... all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." Why does the
speaker say so? Is there any irony in it?
Ans:
The quoted line, "all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand," is from
Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." Lady Macbeth speaks this line while sleepwalking and
attempting to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands.
Lady Macbeth is haunted by guilt for her involvement in the murder of King Duncan.
She imagines her hands are stained with blood, a symbol of her crime.
There is irony in the statement because perfumes are typically associated with pleasant
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smells, but Lady Macbeth uses them in a futile attempt to counteract the symbolic and
psychological stain of her misdeeds. The irony lies in the contrast between the
physical act of washing and the inability to wash away the guilt.
In summary, Lady Macbeth's statement reflects her deep remorse and the
psychological burden she carries, using irony to emphasize the futility of trying to
cleanse her conscience with external remedies.
(b) "Here take my picture, and let me wear thine." Name the speaker and the
person spoken to. Comment on the relationship between the two.
Ans:
The quoted line "Here take my picture, and let me wear thine" is spoken by
Shakespeare's speaker in Sonnet 83. The speaker is addressing the Fair Youth, a
young man to whom many of the sonnets are dedicated.
Person Spoken To: The Fair Youth, a young and beautiful man, is the intended
recipient of the speaker's words.
The relationship between the speaker and the Fair Youth is complex and often
interpreted as a mix of admiration, affection, and, at times, frustration. In many of the
sonnets, the speaker expresses deep admiration for the Youth's beauty and encourages
him to preserve it through procreation. The exact nature of their relationship is a
subject of much debate among scholars and readers of Shakespeare's sonnets.
In this specific sonnet, the speaker is addressing the Fair Youth, urging him to
exchange portraits as a way of preserving each other's beauty. The act of exchanging
pictures symbolizes a desire for a lasting connection and a way to defy the ravages of
time.
(c) "Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust
upon them." - Explain with reference to the context.
Ans:
The quoted line "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have
greatness thrust upon them" is from Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night."
This refers to individuals who are naturally endowed with greatness or high social
status due to their birth and background.
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Some people attain greatness through their efforts, hard work, and accomplishments.
Their achievements lead them to greatness.
In the context of "Twelfth Night," the character Malvolio speaks these words. He is
being tricked and deceived by other characters in the play who manipulate him into
thinking he is meant for a higher social status than he actually is. The quote reflects
the play's themes of mistaken identity, social satire, and the sometimes arbitrary nature
of social hierarchies. Malvolio's situation exemplifies the idea of greatness being
imposed on someone rather than earned or inherent.
(d) "Like frantic Juno will I fill the earth with ghastly murmur of my sighs and
cries." Explain the allusion.
Ans:
The quoted line "Like frantic Juno will I fill the earth with ghastly murmur of my
sighs and cries" is from Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew."
The speaker, in this case, is making a reference to Juno, who is a goddess in Roman
mythology, specifically the queen of the gods and the goddess of marriage and
childbirth.
The term "frantic Juno" suggests an intense emotional state, as if Juno were in a fit of
madness or distress.
The speaker expresses a desire to make their emotional turmoil known to the world.
They plan to fill the earth with the sounds of their distress, using the words "ghastly
murmur of my sighs and cries."
The speaker is drawing on the image of Juno to convey the intensity and emotional
upheaval they feel. This allusion helps paint a vivid picture of the speaker's emotional
state and their intention to make their suffering widely known.
In summary, the speaker, like "frantic Juno," intends to make their emotional turmoil
widely known by filling the earth with the eerie sounds of their sighs and cries. The
allusion to Juno adds depth and cultural reference to the speaker's expression of
intense emotions
(e) "I am all the daughters of my father's house / And all the brothers too." Why
does the speaker make such a claim?
Ans:
The quoted lines "I am all the daughters of my father's house / And all the brothers
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too" are from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night."
The speaker is Viola, who has disguised herself as a man named Cesario. In the play,
Viola takes on this disguise to navigate the challenges she faces.
Viola makes this claim to highlight the completeness of her disguise. By stating that
she is all the daughters and brothers, she emphasizes her ability to effectively play
both male and female roles.
Viola is trying to maintain her disguise and keep her true identity hidden. By asserting
that she embodies all the family members, she strengthens the illusion of being a man.
Viola's disguise is crucial to the play's plot, allowing her to move freely in society and
navigate complex relationships. The claim reflects her adaptability in dealing with the
challenges and expectations of different social roles.
In summary, the speaker, Viola, makes the claim to emphasize the completeness of
her disguise, reinforcing the illusion that she can seamlessly inhabit both male and
female roles as part of her strategy to navigate the plot and relationships in "Twelfth
Night."
(f) "Duncan is in his grave; / After life's fitful fever he sleeps well." Bring out the
significance of the lines.
Ans:
The lines "Duncan is in his grave; / After life's fitful fever he sleeps well" are from
William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
Duncan, the king, has been murdered, and these lines acknowledge that he is now laid
to rest in his grave.
The phrase "life's fitful fever" refers to the troubles and challenges that one faces
during their lifetime. It suggests that life can be tumultuous and full of struggles.
The statement that Duncan "sleeps well" after life's fitful fever implies that death has
brought him peace and tranquility. He is now free from the troubles and turmoil of
life.
The lines highlight the contrast between the difficulties of life and the serenity of
death. They convey the idea that, after a tumultuous and challenging life, Duncan has
found rest in death.
In summary, these lines signify the relief and peace that death brings after a troubled
life, using the metaphor of sleep to convey the idea of rest and tranquility for Duncan
in his grave.
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2021
2. Answer any two of the following questions: 5×2 = 10
(a) ―Where can we find two better hemispheres / Without sharp north, without
Ans:
The quoted lines "Where can we find two better hemispheres / Without sharp north,
without declining west?" are from John Donne's poem "A Valediction: Forbidding
Mourning."
The conceit in these lines involves comparing two lovers to hemispheres, specifically
emphasizing their unity and complementarity.
The speaker views himself and his lover as two hemispheres, or halves of a whole.
Each hemisphere represents one person in the relationship.
The speaker highlights the completeness and perfection of their union by stating that
these "hemispheres" lack the typical divisions associated with geography. There's no
"sharp north" or "declining west," indicating a seamless and harmonious connection.
The conceit symbolizes the idea that the lovers are perfectly matched and united,
forming a complete and harmonious whole. The absence of geographical divisions
underscores the depth and strength of their emotional connection.
These lines express the speaker's belief in the enduring and undivided nature of their
love, using the conceit of hemispheres to beautifully convey the idea of a perfect and
balanced union between two individuals in love.
(b) ―And to this false plague are they now transferred‖— What is the ‗false
plague‘ referred to here?
Ans:
The line "And to this false plague are they now transferred" is from Shakespeare's play
"Othello."
In this context, the "false plague" refers to jealousy. The speaker is suggesting that
individuals have now shifted or transferred their attention to the destructive and
deceptive force of jealousy.
The phrase indicates a shift in focus or concern. Instead of being occupied with
something genuine or valid, people are now consumed by the destructive and
misleading influence of jealousy.
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Jealousy is a significant theme in "Othello," and this line underscores its harmful
impact on characters and relationships in the play.
In summary, the "false plague" in this line refers to the destructive force of jealousy,
and the speaker is highlighting the negative consequences and emotional turmoil
associated with this particular aspect of human behavior
(c) ―O! none unless this miracle have might‖– What is the miracle referred to
here?
Ans:
The line "O! none unless this miracle have might" is from Shakespeare's Sonnet 75.
In this context, the "miracle" refers to the poet's ability to immortalize the beauty of
his beloved through poetry.
The poet suggests that the only way for his beloved's beauty to endure over time is if
the miracle of poetic expression has the power to achieve this feat.
The miracle is the poet's hope that through the enduring nature of his verses, he can
preserve the beauty of his beloved for future generations.
In summary, the "miracle" in this line represents the poet's belief in the transformative
and enduring power of his poetry to immortalize the beauty of his beloved.
(d) Why is the warrior called ‗sweet‘ in Spenser‘s sonnet no. LVII?
Ans:
In Spenser's Sonnet 57, the warrior is called "sweet" because of the speaker's
affectionate and admiring feelings towards the warrior.
The use of "sweet" suggests that the speaker views the warrior in a positive light. It
conveys a sense of admiration and possibly emphasizes the warrior's kind or pleasant
qualities.
The use of such descriptive and emotionally charged language is common in poetry,
where poets employ words like "sweet" to convey a strong emotional connection or
appreciation for the subject.
In summary, the term "sweet" is a poetic expression of the speaker's affection and
admiration for the warrior in Spenser's Sonnet 57.
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(e) ―She‘s all states, all princes, I‖— Explain with reference to the context.
Ans:
The line "She's all states, all princes, I" is from John Donne's poem "The Sun Rising."
In the context of the poem, the speaker is addressing the sun, and by saying "She's all
states, all princes," he means that his lover embodies the qualities of all nations and all
rulers. Essentially, he sees her as the epitome of beauty and importance.
The speaker is expressing the idea that his lover surpasses the magnificence and
significance of entire nations and rulers. This is a hyperbolic way of emphasizing the
lover's importance and beauty in the speaker's eyes.
Donne often uses exaggerated metaphors and comparisons in his poetry. In this case,
the exaggeration serves to highlight the speaker's deep admiration and love for his
beloved.
In summary, the line conveys the speaker's exaggerated praise for his lover, suggesting
that she possesses qualities that make her superior to entire nations and rulers.
(f) What is the ‗Strange thing‘ that the hunter feels in ‗Like as a Huntsman‘?
Ans:
In the poem "Like as a Huntsman" by Sir Philip Sidney, the "strange thing" refers to
the unexpected experience of the hunter falling in love.
The hunter, who is typically associated with pursuing prey in the context of the poem,
experiences an unexpected and surprising emotion – love.
The poem explores the paradoxical nature of the hunter becoming the hunted, as he
unexpectedly becomes the target of love's affection. This shift from a traditional
hunting scenario to one of being pursued by love is the "strange thing."
The poem uses hunting imagery to describe the dynamics of love, turning the
conventional roles of hunter and hunted on their heads.
(a) ―My men like satyrs grazing on the lawns, Shall with their goat-feet dance
the antic hay‖— Who are the ‗men‘? Why are they compared to satyrs?
Ans:
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The quoted lines "My men like satyrs grazing on the lawns, Shall with their goat-feet
dance the antic hay" are from Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
In this context, "men" likely refers to the fairy attendants or followers of Oberon, the
fairy king.
Satyrs are mythical creatures with goat-like features, often associated with the god of
wine and revelry, Dionysus. In this context, the comparison suggests that the fairy
attendants share some characteristics with these mythical beings, particularly in their
revelry and connection to nature.
Describing the men as "grazing on the lawns" adds to the imagery of their connection
with nature, resembling the carefree and playful nature often attributed to satyrs.
The mention of "goat-feet" refers to the goat-like legs of satyrs. The "antic hay" is a
lively and playful dance. The imagery suggests that these fairy attendants will dance in
a carefree and whimsical manner.
In summary, the "men" in the lines are likely fairy attendants, and they are compared
to satyrs to emphasize their playful and nature-connected characteristics, especially in
the context of engaging in a lively dance on the lawns.
(b) ―Two kings in England cannot reign at once‖— Who are the two kings?
What prompts the speaker to say this?
Ans:
The line "Two kings in England cannot reign at once" is from Christopher Marlowe's
play "Edward II."
The two kings referred to are Edward II and his son Edward III.
The statement is made in the context of a power struggle and conflict for the throne. It
reflects the political tension and turmoil within the royal family.
The speaker is likely addressing the challenge of having two rulers simultaneously,
suggesting that it leads to instability and conflict. The line reflects the theme of
political strife and the consequences of dual claims to the throne.
In summary, the two kings are Edward II and Edward III, and the speaker makes this
statement in the context of a political struggle for the throne, emphasizing the inherent
difficulties and conflicts that arise when there are competing claims to rulership.
(c) ―Dost thou think because thou art virtuous! There shall be no more cakes
and ale? What prompts the speaker to say this? Bring out the speaker‘s attitude
to life as reflected in this speech.
10
Ans:
The line "Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and
ale?" is from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night."
The speaker says this in response to Malvolio's disapproval of Sir Toby Belch, Sir
Andrew Aguecheek, and Maria's revelry. Malvolio disapproves of their enjoyment and
suggests that such behavior is not befitting.
The speaker, Sir Toby Belch, is expressing a more carefree and pleasure-loving
attitude towards life. He challenges Malvolio's puritanical view, suggesting that virtue
and enjoyment can coexist. The mention of "cakes and ale" symbolizes the simple
pleasures of life, like food and drink, which he believes should not be forsaken.
The speech reflects Sir Toby's rejection of a rigid and ascetic lifestyle. He is critical of
Malvolio's seriousness and rigid morality, asserting that virtue doesn't mean one
should give up on the joys and pleasures of life.
In summary, the speaker's attitude is one of advocating for a balanced and joyful life,
rejecting the idea that virtue and enjoyment are mutually exclusive. The line
challenges a strict and joyless approach to life, emphasizing the importance of simple
pleasures.
(d) ―If music be the food of love, play on.‖ Who says this and why?
Ans:
The line "If music be the food of love, play on" is spoken by Duke Orsino in
Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night." In easy words:
Orsino utters this line at the beginning of the play when he is deeply infatuated with
Olivia. He is frustrated because Olivia is mourning her brother's death and is not
receptive to Orsino's advances. Orsino hopes that drowning himself in music, which
he believes has the power to express and enhance emotions, might somehow alleviate
or distract him from the pangs of unrequited love.
In summary, Duke Orsino says this line expressing his desire to immerse himself in
music as a way to soothe the anguish caused by his unrequited love for Olivia.
(e) ―..All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand‖— Who says
this? Is there any irony in it?
Ans:
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The line "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" is spoken by
Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
Irony: Yes, there is irony in this statement. Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and trying
to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. The irony lies in the fact that
perfumes, which are typically associated with pleasant scents, cannot eliminate the
metaphorical stain of guilt and remorse that she feels. The line underscores the
psychological weight of her involvement in the murders and the impossibility of
cleansing her conscience.
In summary, Lady Macbeth speaks this line with irony, emphasizing the inability of
pleasant fragrances to remove the guilt she associates with her actions.
(f) ―It is a tale / Told by an idiot‖— Who is the speaker? Explain with reference
to the context.
Ans:
The lines "It is a tale / Told by an idiot" are from the famous soliloquy in Act 5, Scene
5 of William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
Macbeth utters these lines towards the end of the play when he learns of the death of
his wife, Lady Macbeth. The full soliloquy is known as the "Tomorrow, and
tomorrow, and tomorrow" speech.
In these lines, Macbeth reflects on the transient and meaningless nature of life. He
likens life to a tale told by an idiot, signifying its futility and lack of significance.
The context reveals Macbeth's deep despair and a nihilistic outlook. The news of his
wife's death compounds his feelings of isolation and hopelessness, leading to this
bleak reflection on the insignificance of life.
In summary, the speaker of the lines "It is a tale / Told by an idiot" is Macbeth, and
the context is a moment of profound despair and contemplation on the fleeting and
meaningless nature of life.
2022
2. Answer any two of the following questions:
5×2=10
(a) "So long lives this, and this gives life to thee." What is 'this' and how will it
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give life?
Ans:
The phrase "So long lives this, and this gives life to thee" is the concluding line of
Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, also known as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" In
this sonnet, the speaker is addressing the beauty of a beloved person. Let's break down
the meaning of the line:
"So long lives this": The speaker suggests that the beauty of the person he is
addressing will endure for a long time.
"and this gives life to thee": The "this" refers to the poem itself. The speaker believes
that the poem, by capturing and immortalizing the person's beauty in words, will give
life to the person's beauty, ensuring that it is remembered and appreciated for
generations.
In simpler terms, the poet is saying that as long as people read and appreciate the
poem, the beauty of the person described in the poem will continue to live on, thus
giving life to the subject's enduring beauty through the words of the poem.
(b) "Thy firmness makes my circle just"- Explain the metaphysical conceit in the
quoted line.
Ans:
The quoted line "Thy firmness makes my circle just" is a metaphysical conceit from a
poem, often characterized by elaborate and unusual comparisons. Let's break it down:
"Thy firmness": This refers to the steadfastness or constancy of the person being
addressed in the poem. It could be their loyalty, reliability, or some other attribute that
is firm and unwavering.
"makes my circle just": Here, the speaker compares their relationship or connection
with the person to a "circle." The circle likely represents a complete and harmonious
unity or bond.
The metaphysical conceit lies in the comparison between the person's firmness and the
speaker's "circle." The idea is that the constancy or steadfastness of the person
contributes to the perfection or completeness of the speaker's circle, symbolizing a
balanced and fulfilling relationship.
In simpler terms, the poet is saying that the unwavering nature of the person they're
addressing adds completeness and perfection to the poet's life or relationship, much
like how a firm point makes a circle perfectly round.
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(c) "... where, alack, / Shall time's best jewel from time's chest lie hid?" Explain
with reference to the context.
Ans:
The quoted lines "where, alack, / Shall time's best jewel from time's chest lie hid?" are
from Shakespeare's Sonnet 65. In this sonnet, the speaker reflects on the destructive
power of time. Let's break down the lines in the context:
"Shall time's best jewel": The phrase "time's best jewel" refers to something precious
or valuable that belongs to time.
"from time's chest lie hid?": The speaker is questioning where this precious thing will
be hidden or preserved from the inevitable effects of time.
In the context, the speaker is contemplating the impact of time on the most valuable
aspects of life. The "time's best jewel" could represent various things, such as beauty,
virtue, or love. The speaker is expressing concern about where these precious qualities
will be preserved or hidden as time progresses and has its inevitable destructive
influence.
In simpler terms, the poet is questioning where the most valuable things in life will be
kept safe from the ravages of time, expressing a sense of sadness or concern about the
impermanence of such precious aspects in the face of time's passage.
(d) How does the speaker in "Like as a Huntsman" finally catch his prey?
Ans:
"Like as a Huntsman," often attributed to Sir Edward Dyer, is a poem that uses the
metaphor of a huntsman pursuing a deer to describe the speaker's pursuit of love. The
poem doesn't explicitly detail the speaker finally catching his prey, as it's more
focused on the challenges and emotions associated with the pursuit of love. The poem
explores the complexities of desire and the difficulties of attaining the object of
affection, comparing it to the elusive nature of a deer in the wild.
In the context of the poem, the speaker doesn't necessarily achieve a clear victory or
capture in the way a huntsman might catch a deer. Instead, the emphasis is on the
ongoing and often challenging nature of the pursuit of love. The final outcome or
resolution is left open-ended, allowing for different interpretations of the speaker's
emotional journey in seeking love.
Ans:
14
The title "The Good Morrow" suggests a positive beginning or awakening. "Morrow"
is an archaic term for morning or the next day. The use of "good" implies that the
morning in question is not just any morning but one filled with positivity and promise.
Overall, the title hints at a fresh start or a newfound awakening, setting the tone for
themes of love and discovery in the poem.
Ans:
Sonnet 57 by Edmund Spenser is a part of the "Amoretti" sequence. In the final lines
of Sonnet 57, the speaker expresses a heartfelt plea to the "Sweet Warrior." The
speaker entreats the beloved to respond to his love, asking for acknowledgment and
reciprocation. While I don't have the exact text, the general theme is often a plea for
mutual love and understanding. Spenser's speaker typically uses rich imagery and
metaphors to convey the intensity of his emotions, emphasizing the importance of a
reciprocal and harmonious love.
5×2=10
(a) "Fair is foul, and foul is fair"- Explain with reference to the context.
Ans:
The line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" is from the opening scene of William
Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
The three witches in the play, also known as the Weird Sisters, chant this line in Act
1, Scene 1.
The line expresses a theme of moral and metaphysical confusion. In the context of the
play, it suggests that appearances can be deceptive, and things that may seem good
(fair) could be evil (foul), and vice versa.
The line sets the tone for the entire play, hinting at the deceptive nature of events and
characters. It foreshadows the moral ambiguity and the inversion of traditional values
that will unfold as the plot progresses.
The use of opposites, like "fair" and "foul," creates a paradox, emphasizing the topsy-
turvy world that Macbeth and the other characters will navigate.
In summary, the line "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" reflects the theme of moral
ambiguity and the deceptive nature of appearances, setting the stage for the unfolding
events in "Macbeth."
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(b) "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit." Who says this and in what context?
Ans:
The line "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit" is spoken by Feste, the fool or clown
character, in William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night." In easy words:
Context: Feste speaks this line in Act 1, Scene 5, during a conversation with Maria.
He is defending his role as a fool, suggesting that it is better to be a clever fool than a
foolish person trying to be witty.
In summary, Feste, the witty fool in "Twelfth Night," makes this statement in defense
of his role, emphasizing the authenticity and value of his wit, even within the context
of being a fool.
(c) "Here take my picture, and let me wear thine." Name the speaker and the
person spoken to. Comment on the relationship between the two.
Ans:
The line "Here take my picture, and let me wear thine" is spoken by Shakespeare's
speaker in Sonnet 83. The speaker is addressing the Fair Youth, a young man to whom
many of the sonnets are dedicated.
Person Spoken To: The Fair Youth is the intended recipient of the speaker's words.
Relationship: The relationship between the speaker and the Fair Youth is complex and
often interpreted as a mix of admiration, affection, and, at times, frustration. In many
of the sonnets, the speaker expresses deep admiration for the Youth's beauty and
encourages him to preserve it through procreation. The exact nature of their
relationship is a subject of much debate among scholars and readers of Shakespeare's
sonnets.
In this specific sonnet, the speaker is addressing the Fair Youth, urging him to
exchange portraits as a way of preserving each other's beauty. The act of exchanging
pictures symbolizes a desire for a lasting connection and a way to defy the ravages of
time.
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(d) "Macduff was from his mother's womb/Untimely ripped." Who is the
speaker? Bring out the significance of the lines.
Ans:
The speaker of the lines "Macduff was from his mother's womb / Untimely ripped" is
Macduff himself, speaking in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth."
Speaker: Macduff, the character from the play "Macbeth," says these lines.
Significance: These lines are spoken during the final confrontation between Macbeth
and Macduff. Macbeth, confident in his invincibility due to the witches' prophecies,
believes he is untouchable because "none of woman born shall harm Macbeth."
However, Macduff reveals that he was delivered by Caesarean section, and therefore,
technically not "born of woman" in the usual way.
Turning Point: The significance lies in the revelation that Macbeth's assumed
invulnerability is a misconception. Macduff's unconventional birth fulfills the
prophecy and marks a turning point in the play, leading to Macbeth's eventual
downfall.
In summary, Macduff's revelation about his birth is a crucial moment that overturns
Macbeth's false sense of security and sets the stage for the play's climax
(e) "Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." Who is the speaker? What is the
significance of the quotation?
Ans:
The line "Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife" is spoken by Viola in William
Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night."
Viola is disguised as a man, Cesario, and she is caught in a complicated love triangle.
The significance of this quotation lies in the irony and the complications of Viola's
situation. While pretending to be a man (Cesario), she expresses her love for Orsino,
the Duke, by saying that if she were to court someone, she would choose herself as her
own spouse.
The statement adds a layer of irony and humor to the play because the audience knows
Viola's true identity while the characters in the play do not. Viola's words highlight the
complexity of her feelings and the comedic elements arising from the mistaken
identities and romantic entanglements in the play.
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In summary, Viola's statement reflects the humor and complexity of the romantic
entanglements in "Twelfth Night," given her disguise as Cesario and the
complications it introduces into the relationships within the play.
(f) "Whiles I have a sword, a hand, a heart, / I will not yield to any such
upstart." Who says this in what context?
Ans:
The lines "Whiles I have a sword, a hand, a heart, / I will not yield to any such upstart"
are spoken by Cassius in William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar."
Speaker: Cassius, a key conspirator against Julius Caesar, speaks these lines.
Cassius says these lines in Act 5, Scene 3, during the Battle of Philippi. The battle is a
culmination of the conflict between the conspirators, led by Cassius and Brutus, and
the forces of Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Cassius is expressing his determination not to surrender or yield to any upstart (in this
context, referring to the forces of Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony) as long as he has
the means to resist, including a sword, a hand to wield it, and a heart for courage.
The lines convey Cassius's defiance and determination to fight until the end. Despite
the challenges, he refuses to submit to what he perceives as the rising power of his
adversaries.
In summary, Cassius speaks these lines during the Battle of Philippi, emphasizing his
resolve to resist the forces opposed to the conspirators in the play "Julius Caesar."
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