ANSWER ASSIGNMENT
ANSWER ASSIGNMENT
Paper MAEG-01
Section A
(Very Short Answer Type Questions)
Answer in one word, one sentence or maximum up to 30 words. 4x1=04
1 i. Supply correct tense forms of the verbs within brackets:-
a) The rays (living)in this house for ten years now.
Ans: a) The Rays have been living in this house for ten years now.
b) Who (discover) America?
Ans: b) Who discovered America?
ii. What is the role played by Delio in the play The Duchess of Malfi?
Ans: ii. Delio is Antonio’s loyal friend who provides commentary and insight into the events of
The Duchess of Malfi.
iv. What advice does Francis Bacon give in the essay “Of Revenge”?
Ans: iv. In Of Revenge, Bacon advises against personal revenge, stating it is unchristian, keeps
wounds fresh, and disrupts justice, as wise individuals seek lawful retribution instead of
personal vengeance.
Section-B
(Short Answer Questions)
Each answer should not exceed 100 words. Each question carries 4 marks. 2x4=08
1. Write a note on the use of symbols in Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
Ans: Use of Symbols in The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer uses various symbols to depict medieval society. The pilgrimage itself
symbolizes the journey of life and spiritual pursuit. The characters' attire and possessions
symbolize their personalities and social status, such as the Knight’s armor representing
chivalry and the Pardoner’s fake relics symbolizing corruption. The changing seasons,
especially spring, symbolize renewal and moral awakening. The Tabard Inn serves as a
microcosm of society, where different classes interact. Through these symbols, Chaucer
presents a vivid portrayal of human nature, morality, and the social hierarchy of the time.
2. What images have been used by the poet in “Spring, The Sweet Spring”?
Ans: Images in Spring, The Sweet Spring
Thomas Nashe’s poem Spring, The Sweet Spring is rich in nature imagery that evokes the
freshness and liveliness of the season. He uses auditory images like "the cuckoo, then, on
every tree" to symbolize renewal. Visual imagery such as "the flowers bloom" represents
beauty and rebirth. The poem also contains sensory imagery with phrases like "the fields
breathe sweet" and "the daisies kiss our feet," which enhance the joyful mood. These images
capture the vibrancy of spring, highlighting its association with love, happiness, and nature’s
renewal.
Section ‘C’
(Long Answer Questions)
You have to delimit your each answer maximum up to 500 words. Each question carries 08
marks.
1. Give a critical analysis of the essay ‘Of Revenge’ written by Francis Bacon.
Ans: Critical Analysis of ‘Of Revenge’ by Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon’s essay Of Revenge is a thought-provoking discourse on the nature,
consequences, and morality of revenge. Written in the Renaissance period, Bacon
approaches the theme with a pragmatic and philosophical perspective, advising against
revenge as it disrupts justice, keeps wounds fresh, and is unworthy of a wise person. He
presents a logical and moral argument, making his essay a timeless reflection on human
emotions and ethical principles.
Theme and Argument:
The central theme of Of Revenge revolves around the futility and destructiveness of
personal vengeance. Bacon asserts that revenge is a wild justice, meaning it bypasses legal
authority and disrupts the social order. He highlights that forgiving an injury is noble and
rational, whereas revenge leads to further chaos. The essay emphasizes that revenge
harms both the avenger and society, as it perpetuates a cycle of wrongdoing rather than
resolving conflicts.
Bacon also differentiates between public and private revenge. He acknowledges that
sometimes, in matters of state, revenge may serve a political purpose, yet he warns
against its dangers. Private revenge, however, is portrayed as irrational, as it keeps the
individual trapped in past grievances rather than moving forward.
Moral and Philosophical Perspectives:
Bacon’s stance on revenge aligns with Christian morality, where forgiveness is considered
virtuous. He references historical and biblical examples, reinforcing the idea that noble
minds do not seek revenge. He argues that wise individuals do not dwell on past injuries
but focus on greater achievements. The essay promotes a rational outlook, suggesting that
dwelling on revenge prevents personal and societal progress.
One of Bacon’s key arguments is that revenge is often unnecessary because wrongdoers
are naturally punished by their own actions or fate. This aligns with the idea of poetic
justice, where evil ultimately meets its own downfall. By advocating for patience and the
natural course of justice, Bacon encourages readers to rise above personal grievances.
Style and Literary Devices:
Bacon’s writing style in Of Revenge is concise, direct, and aphoristic. He employs balanced
sentences and parallel structures to present his arguments persuasively. The essay is rich
in rhetorical devices, such as antithesis and metaphor, which enhance its depth. For
example, the phrase “revenge is a kind of wild justice” effectively conveys how vengeance
disrupts legal and moral order. His use of historical references adds credibility to his
argument, making the essay more impactful.
Relevance in Contemporary Society:
Although written in the early 17th century, Of Revenge remains relevant today. In modern
society, where personal and political revenge is still prevalent, Bacon’s wisdom serves as a
guiding principle. His argument supports legal justice over personal retaliation, reinforcing
the importance of lawful solutions. The essay also resonates with psychological and ethical
discussions, highlighting how letting go of resentment leads to peace and personal growth.
Conclusion:
Francis Bacon’s Of Revenge is a profound exploration of human nature and morality.
Through logical reasoning and ethical considerations, he discourages revenge and
advocates for forgiveness. The essay remains a timeless philosophical work, offering
valuable insights into the consequences of vengeance and the virtues of patience and
justice. Its relevance in today’s world underscores the universality of Bacon’s wisdom,
making it an enduring piece of Renaissance literature.