2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English

Unit-I

Drama

1 a. What is a problem play? Do you think ‘Arms and the Man is a problem play? 12

Ans A problem play is a type of a drama that was popularised by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen .In problem plays the situation faced by the protagonist is put forward by the author as a representative instance of a contemporary social problem often the dramatist manages- by use of a character who speaks for the author , or by the evolution of the plot ., or both to propose a solution to the problem which is at odds with prevailing opinion .The issue may be the inadequate autonomy , scope and dignity allotted to women in the middle class nineteenth century family or the morality of prostitution, regarded as a typical part of the economic system in a capitalist society .

Arms and the Man is a celebrated example of the Shavian drama of ideas . The play aims to satirise the long cherished conventions of love and romance on the one hand and those of soldiering and heroism on the other .The victorious Bulgarian cavalry charge led by Sergius Saranoff against the Serbian artillery at the battle of Slivnitza which makes him “ the hero of Slivnitza “ is actually a gross act of romantic adventurism . Sergius heroism makes Raina his betrothed Petkoff daughter and her mother instantly ecstatic ,but Sergius fails to get promoted in the army because his act of adventurism is rightly looked upon as a piece of amateurish idiocy .The Shavian protagonist , in the play , Bluntschli who enters Riana’s bedchamber secretly explains Sergius ludicrous suicidal bid to the young romantic girl who gathers from the professional soldier what the realities of war actually are Riana’s “souls hero” Sergius and the fugitive Serbian artillery man , Bluntschli are a pair of contrasted characters to highlight the conflict of the two ideas / attitudes to war ,heroism ,soldiering and patriotism . Sergius , Raina , Major Petkoff and Catherine are all men and women inclined to the conventional ideas of heroism , adventurism and patriotism .

Bluntschli serves as a typical Shavian ideology to argue his way in his characteristic serio-comical manner to lead the entire romantic sentimental host to disillusionment . Raina gradually discovers that Sergius is as much an adventurist in the domain of soldiering as he is a hypocrite in the domain of love . He is found making secret advances on Louka , Riana’s maid servant at her back .At the end of the play , Raina rightly chooses to marry her “ chocolate- cream soldier “ Bluntschli and rejects the foolishly and falsely romantic romantic Sergius Saranoff .The play can also be seen as a problem play in the Ibsenian model .

The play presents , analyses and sarcastically exposes the problems relating to love, relationships , marriage problems relating to patriotism , heroism and soldiering . Characters represent contrary and confronting ideas , dialogues and situations underscores the problem and the conflicting trajectories . The whole play does have a strong purpose of criticism and reformation.

b. Discuss Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man ‘ as a dramatic satire . 12

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English Ans In Arms and the Man Shaw satirises the romantic ideals of life especially the romantic view of war and soldiering , and romantic love and social snobbery . His aim was to bring about a correct understanding of the nature of war and love .Shaw laughs at the expense of the supposed heroism of soldiers and militarists . In the beginning , we are told of the heroic cavalry charge of Sergius and Riana is in raptures .But very soon Bluntschli arrives on the scene and Bluntschli is the one who showed her the reality of war .Her romantic ideas about war diminishes the moment Bluntschli infuses in her the real spirit . He tod her that Sergius victory in war is nothing but a foolish act in which he and his regiment simply committed suicide only the pistol missed fire. Further he tells her that food is more important in war than ammunition , the young soldiers carry pistols but the experienced and matured soldiers carry food , it is the duty of a soldier to live as long as he can and with this end in view he must run away from the field .

Shaw has also satirised the ideal of love . Riana and Sergius both holds a romantic notion of love . Before the encounter with Bluntschli Sergius is Riana’s soul hero . Both of them seem to profess higher love. But the so-called higher love diminishes the moment Riana turns her back on Sergius , Sergius makes love to Louka, Riana’s maid servant , and Riana also advances towards Bluntschli . Bluntschli mocks and ridicules her poses , her noble attitudes and her emotional thrilling tones and shows her the practicality of the so- called higher love.

Social snobbery too comes within the lash of Shaw . The Petkoff’s are proud of their library , their two stair case sand their electric bell .We may no longer be proud of such things or regard them as distinctions .But this mentality still persist in the Petkoff’s family . Therefore , we can call Arms and the Man as a dramatic satire .

OR

c. Briefly analyse the character of Bluntschli .

Ans Bluntschli is the most important character in Arms and the Man .Through him Shaw expresses his own ideas and opinions .Bluntschli is about thirty five years old .He is attractive and his manners are energetic .His eyes are quick and clear . He is a realist .That is why he takes the news of his father’s death coolly .He considers things just as he finds them .He lives in the present and never in the past or future .He first appears on the scene when he was chased by the Bulgarian army and finding no other alternative he had to take refuse in Riana’s bed-chamber .When he entered Riana’s bed room , he was very exhausted , tired and hungry .Riana offered him a box of chocolate creams and he had it all .Although Riana feared at first but later on her emotions aroused for Bluntschli. She gave him to wear her father’s coat to conceal his identity and in its pocket she putted a photo of her with the quotations from “Riana to her chocolate –cream soldier “.

But Bluntschli did not see the photo and came to return the coat the very next day .Major Petkoff unfortunately happened to see the photo but Riana tried to hide it .Major Petkoff started to charge

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English Riana but Bluntschli told him everything about it .Then Petkoff asked Riana to which of the two men she was really engaged Sergius or Bluntschli .Riana replied since Sergius is engaged to Louka so she loves Bluntschli but her parents refused too give her in marriage with him without knowing his social status .Bluntschli’s social status was far better than Sergius and towards the end Riana gets married to Bluntschli and not to Sergius.

Right from the beginning Bluntschli shows her the practical aspects of life be it war or love . He succeeds in knocking out all romantic illusions out of Riana that she had about war and love . Bluntschli does not boost off his abilities and qualities .He works sincerely and seriously .Everybody is impressed by his practical outlook .He does not get easily excited .He is always cool. He appears to be witty and humorous .But in reality he is the most serious character in the play .To him war is not glorious but something that dehumanises man .Bluntschli’s naturalness , commonness and simplicity win the heart of Riana .He is definitely witty ,intelligent and unsentimental .

2. Explain with reference to the context any one of the following :8

a. You are my enemy and you are at my mercy . What would I do if I were a professional a soldier ?

Ans The above quoted lines appears in Act-I of Shaw’s play Arms and the Man .The above quoted lines were spoken by Riana to Bluntschli .

Riana was very proud of Sergius for his victory in the battle. She was very anxious to know from Bluntschli how he proved himself brave and courageous in the war .So she showed him the photograph of Sergius .Bluntschli could not help laughing. He said that he did a very foolish act in the battle .At this Riana got angry ,Bluntschli told her that he could not show her the deeds of Sergius from the professional point of view .Riana further added that he was her enemy and was safe only at her mercy otherwise if she would have been a professional soldier she would have taken strict action against him for his being a Serbian and being a Serbian he was her enemy .The above quoted conversation takes place in Riana’s bed chamber when Bluntschli came to seek refuse in a dilapidated condition .

b. A shocking sacrifice , isn’t it ? Such beauty! such intellect! such modesty! wasted on a middle aged servant man . Really Sergius you cannot stand by and allow such a thing. It would be unworthy of your chivalry.

Ans Towards the close of Shaw’s Arms and the Man , Riana tells Bluntschli that Sergius no longer loves her. His new love is Louka , and he must not fight a duel with Nicola to whom Louka is engaged .At this Sergius remarks foolishly if there were still more difficulties in his way .

To this Riana ironically replies that it would be a great sacrifice of youth and beauty if Louka were to marry a middle-aged servant , like Nicola . Besides such physical charms she is also very modest and intelligent .Now all these treasures must not be wasted on a middle aged servant like Nicola .Sergius is a chivalrous man , he must prevent her from making the tremendous sacrifice of her youth and beauty .It will be unworthy of him , if this sacrifice of a helpless woman is not prevented .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English c.What a man ! Is he a man !

Ans These are the last lines of Shaw’s play Arms and the Man .When Major Petkoff asked her about the gentleman she was engaged to she replied that Sergius love is centred in Louka ,but Major Petkoff exclaimed that Louka was engaged to Nicola . Nicola replied that he was not engaged to Louka . Sergius kissed the hands of Louka , and claimed her as his wife . Riana desired to marry her “chocolate-cream soldier “ Bluntschli but her parents rejected as they were not aware of their social status .

After they came to know of his status they agreed to give their daughter in marriage with him , but Riana’s pride was hurt and she would not permit herself to be sold like a horse like the highest bidder . Bluntschli then said that for her he was the same fugitive that first appealed to her heart .Riana smilingly agreed to marry her chocolate- cream soldier .Bluntschli then looked at his watch and at once became business like . He gave brief instructions about the sending of the regiments , asked Sarnoff not to get married till he returned and went away promising to come at five on Tuesday night. Sergius was therefore surprised at his behaviour and therefore he exclaimed “what a man !Is he a man !”

Unit II

Poetry

3a .Discuss the details of the winter scene in the poem Winter.

Ans Shakespeare has perhaps been the most widely read English writer .His genius lies in his ability to make universal statements about life with extraordinary brevity and these statements can be enjoyed for their simplicity . The poem , Winter portrays a season through extreme simplicity . The poem itself is a statement on life . It is a treatment of heroism It paints a splendid ward picture of the sights and sounds of winter .

It presents a winter scene in the country side . Through a keen observation of life Shakespeare portrays the picture of the sights and sounds of the winter season .The winter season is always a special season .The poet explains that there is bitter cold outside .This bitter cold is counted by the warmth indoors . According to the poet , everything outside is frozen , whether it is the icicles on the wall or roofs , or the frozen milk in pails .. On the other hand , the poet portrays a different picture of inside . It is a comfort to challenge the cold and the sneezing that people suffer from .

Thus the typical sights and sounds of Winter are portrayed by Shakespeare in the poem .

3b. Describe how and why Caesar likens himself to the Northern star and the petitioners to lesser stars in the sky .

Ans In the poem “You too Brutus” Shakespeare differentiates a real hero from a so called a heroic looking man . In this connection he gives the reference of stars . He says that there are innumerable that shines and twinkles in the sky but there is a particular star which belongs to a

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English class of its own and is hence different from other stars .Its uniqueness lies in its static nature .It remains static and is unassailable .

The poem itself is a celebration of a real hero .The poet celebrates the heroic pride of a real hero .More importantly , the poet himself dreams to be a real hero . He says that he is a hero and he is constant as the northern star .Like the shining of the stars the real hero can shine the world by his strong determination and fine qualities. A real hero knows how to make his place in the world .

According to the poet , a real hero is an unassailable person .As every stars have their individual position in the sky , the heroic-looking looking men also have their individual position in their world . But the main discrimination between the polestar and other stars is that polestar belongs to a class of its own . Similarly the main discrimination between a real hero and heroic-looking men is that a real hero holds his rank firmly .He cannot be dislodged from his rank .

4a. The Linnet is Wordsworth’s poem is at once a physical being and a spiritual presence .Comment on this view with reference to the context.

Ans ‘The Green Linnet ‘ is a symbol of nature’s indomitable spirit and joviality unbounded .As the bird sings being forgetful to anything , but its own singing spirit , the poet feels that its graced .No constraint can limit the unbounded spirit of the Linnet.

The poet calls ‘The Linnet ‘the ‘happiest guest’. It is in green array “the presiding spirit here today”. The bird has been compared to ‘a life’- a presence like the air .Here, happiness is embodied in itself.

The poem, The Green Linnet is a nature poem .It is based on nature .Natural objects and natural environment are critically portrayed in the poem .The poem itself is a celebration by the poet .Through the poem, the poet celebrates the spirit of the green linnet .According to the poet ,the green linnet sings in full throated ease .The bird sings .It sings for their own enjoyment . The speaker feels that the bird’s singing is a blessing .The green feathers of the bird make it hard to be spotted amongst the leaves .There is a feeling that the exultant bird defies all constraint .The bird tries to emerald the spirit behind creation.

4b.Give a brief account of the context of Cowper’s ,The Poplar Field’

Ans The transitory nature of all things including human life is the central theme of the poem ,’The Poplar Field’. The poet William Cowper depicts the nature of all living things through the poem .He presents the habitual nature of human beings. Human life is a key source of inspiration

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English of composing poetry for Cowper .Actually the sight of the felled Poplars makes him reflect on the transitory nature of all things including human life .

‘The Poplar Field ‘is about the ease of rural life and nature .This poem also shows indirectly the picture of industrialisation and urbanisation. According to the poet ,nature is destroyed by industrialisation and urbanisation . The stumps of trees which once gave shade ,now provide seats for people .The relevance of the poem in the present day context are revealed in his concern for the English countryside being threatened by industrialisation and urbanisation .

Being a nature poet ,Cowper presents natural and industrial objects through the poem .As a nature poet , he focuses on a major problem , that is how natural objects are effected by industrial objects .Once , the poplar field was a favourite field for the poet .He was brought up in the bank and grass of the field .The grass once offered him seat .But after twelve years ,he discovered that the trees which once gave him shade , now provided him seat .Moreover , the poet discovered that the melody of the blackbird was no more . The fugitive years of the poet was also hasting away .He discovered a change both in his heart and mind .According to the poet , in the name of industrialisation and urbanisation modern people start loosing their joys .The natural pleasure and human joys are short lived like nature .But due to industrialisation and urbanisation , nature dies sooner than human beings . Seeing the destruction of the poplar trees he starts thinking that probably he would have breathed his last and laid to rest flat on the ground much before such a groove came up again .

5.Attempt a critical appreciation of Eliot’s To The Indians Who Died In Africa or Heaney’s The Plantation .8

Ans In the poem , ‘To The Indians Who Died In Africa ‘the poet focuses on the subjects of human destination and sacrifice .T.S Eliot describes man’s destination and their braveness to sacrifice their lives for the sake of one’s land .

At the very beginning of the poem , the poet speaks about a ordinary man’s destination . He says that a man’s destination is his own village , his own fire and his wife’s cooking .His destination is to sit in front of his own door at sunset and to see his grandson and his neighbour’s grandson playing in the dust together .

In the third stanza , the poet describes the term destination from another point of view .He speaks about the destination of a soldier .A soldier’s destination is not like the destination of a common man. Every country is home to him , where he dies bravely with his destiny that soil belongs to him .

Actually the poem reminds of the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who died in Africa in World War II .It pleads for a context specific judgement of the sacrifice . Moreover it invites the readers attention to the idea of homeland and alien land . The poet believes that one can turn an alien land into one’s own by one’s love and sacrifice .Here he cites an example .A soldier from Punjab and a soldier from an English town or village may both perish in war in a place that belongs to neither. According to the poet , if they gave their lives with courage, their sacrifice would be recollected with respect. The

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English poet says that the result of such a sacrifice may not be immediately apparent and they may not know the worth of such a sacrifice , but their death itself would remain worthy .

Critical Appreciation of Heaney’s Plantation .

The poet feels as it were he had been there before. There is a ‘pattern ‘in the felling of the trees . The ‘dotted’ landscape seems to be the art work of the picnickers who blindly burn down the trees for the sake either of fun or needs .

Human existence may be traced somewhere , but that focuses on the darker aspects of life .The shady groove looks as it were , craving for human touch .The picnickers identity may not be traced beyond the ‘picnickers ‘belt .

The mystery of the forest lies in the solitude of the wonders , who may get lost in the labyrinth of the woods . He must be able to find his own way out himself .

Throughout the poem the past consciousness permeates the fabric of the poem ,but it would be wrong to adore any prejudice or pre occupation whatsoever .

6a.Answer any one of the following questions:7

a. Recount in details , the topography and history of Bosnia and Sarajevo with reference to Durrell’s poem Sarajevo .

Ans At the core of the poem , is the memory of the assassination of Francis Ferdinand ,the Archduke of Austria. While on an official visit in Sarajevo ,inJune1914,he and his wife were assassinated by a Serbian Nationalist .This caused Austria to declare war on Serbia in July ,and which later precipitated in to World WarI. The poet considers the fateful event which seems to haunt Bosnia the tiny mountain town .

The poem takes the readers on a guided tour to Bosnia in November ,and follows the torturous hill track through the high mountains descending down to the tiny Hamlet, locked on all sides by steep rocky cliffs .The town or the village as it were ,seems to be located precariously on a rocky ledge or extension .The land is sterile ,and the people “sleepy eagle” like can only strive to survive .

The town along with the topographical restraints ,imposed by nature , seems to be locked in time .Its mediaeval minarets ,the partially frozen stream meandering under bridges and by the “wooden trellises”, or the slow moving mule teams of the mountaineers, all convey a sense of deceptive tranquillity . It ostensibly is calm , but underneath the facade is a brooding ominous” dark beauty “ . The apparent calm holds out a promise of peace , but its only just that- a mere promise, for “None are singing now ,” not even the nightingales .

The only history that this little town has is as jagged and painful as its terrain . The town indissolubly tethered to its topography , seems to be trapped in its image of medievalism and being immobilised in time sustains its dark past in its collective subconscious .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English b. Discuss the prominent ideas highlighted in Eliot’s poem ,To The Indians Who Died In Africa .

Ans In the poem , To the Indians Who Died In Africa ‘ the poet focuses on the subjects of human destination and sacrifice. T.S Eliot describes man’s destination and their braveness to sacrifice their lives for the sake of one’s land .

At the very beginning of the poem , the poet speaks about ordinary man’s destination . He says that a man’s destination is his own village , his own fire , and his wife’s cooking . His destination is to sit in front of his own door at sunset and to se his grandson and his neighbour’s grandson playing in the dust together .

In the third stanza , the poet describes the term destination from another point of view .He speaks about the destination of a soldier .A soldier’s destination is not like the destination of a common man . Every country is home to him , where he dies bravely with his destiny , that soil belongs to him .

Actually the poem reminds the sacrifice of the Indians who died In Africa during World WarII. It pleads for a context specific judgement of the sacrifice. Moreover it invites the readers attention to the idea of homeland and alien land .The poet believes that one can turn an alien land into one’s own by one’s love and sacrifice. Here he cites an example. A soldier from Punjab and a soldier from an English town may both perish in war in a land that belongs to neither .According to the poet , if they gave their lives with courage , their sacrifice would be recollected with respect. The poet says that the result of such a sacrifice may not be immediately apparent and they may not know the worth of such a sacrifice , but their death itself would remain worthy .

7Answer any one of the following questions:10

a What message does Ramanujan convey through the image of the drug addict in the poem, Invisible Bodies?

Ans The poem ‘Invisible Bodies’ consist of snapshots from a city street . By use of these snapshots , the poet describes the human instinct and the animal instinct . The poet makes a distinction between human instinct and animal instinct .

First there is the image of a female dog with three new born pups in the gutter . Here , we notice that the animal instinct has remained intact .On the other hand ,the second stanza focuses on a dead new born male baby which is abandoned near the man hole . Even no mother is around the baby .Thus , the poet describes the contrast between animal and human. The contrast is sharp and jarring .

In the third stanza , there is the picture of a drug addicted boy and a dog . The junkie is lying in the alley and the dog is sniffing around the boy . According to him it is ironical here that man has lost his bearings and dog has not .

b. Consider ‘The Plantation’ as a poem that mixes up the supernatural with the natural .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English Ans The poet , feels as it were he had been there before . There is a pattern in the felling of the trees .The ‘dotted ‘ landscape seems to be the ‘art work’ of the picnickers who blindly burn down the trees for the sake either of fun or of needs .Human existence may be traced somewhere , but that focuses on the darker aspects of life . The shady groove looks as it were , craving for human touch . The picnickers identity may both be traced beyond the ‘picnickers’ belt .

The mystery of the forest lies in the solitude of the wanders , who may get lost in the labyrinth of the woods . He must be able to find his own way out himself .Throughout the poem the past consciousness permeates the fabric of the poem but it would be wrong to adore any prejudice or preoccupation whatsoever .

The poem is a mixture of natural and supernatural . The natural magic is that trees have been felled in a pattern .Even the woods look quite and welcoming from the road. According to the poet , if someone went beyond the” picnickers belt “ there are chances that they might loose their bearings . He insists that a person , likely to get lost in the woods ,should be able to unravel its mystery on his own .The unravelling of its mystery appears to be supernatural .

c What is Seth’s sonnet6.16 about? Briefly explain.

Ans The poem , Cats and Scholars is about an insecure artist . It is based on the theme of rivalry .It is the rivalry between two artist .The scratching in the poem refers to offensive comments reserved by artist for other artist .Here one’s professional rival is also a rival in love .The poem is a mediation on options before the insecure artist lover . Here the artists attitude is compared with a cat .Thinking like a cat , he catalogues his targets .

Through the poem , the poet is justifying different modes of revenge .In the poem , the speaker speaks on his own behalf .He compares his modes of revenge with his rival . He creates a self important and heroic aura about himself and it is more a reflection on his in security and invincibility .The poem depicts the life of an artist. More importantly , it describes an artist life which is not secured.

In sonnet 6.16 Charlemagne’s objection to John’s presence in a territory it considers its own is presented in a series of mock serious and rhetorical questions that the cat seemingly places .Why it argues would it forgo the pleasure of scratching and biting the “pair of trousers ”that “present themselves” for its feral pleasure ? Unlike “lesser mousers”- the common cats who chase mice , it would rather direct its predators instincts towards the destruction of John’s belongings and thus his peace of mind .It would therefore gnaw the telephone wire , “short the cord” just when it “sensed ”John was expecting an urgent call from his “curt boss, who can’t afford/ To waste time”. It would then engage in the important matter of nonchalantly shredding to bits John’s project report .Why would then Charlemagne, yearn for insipid food when he could satiate its thirst for its enemy’s heart’s blood”?In other words ,Liz’s cat Charlemagne is engaged in a single minded vendetta against its bitter foe and competitor John, Liz’s present boyfriend and lover .

8 Explain with reference to the context , any three of the following:5x3=15

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English a A man’s destination is not his destiny

Every country is home to one man

And exile to another .

Ans The above quoted lines are taken from the poem ’To the Indians Who Died In Africa” by T.S Eliot .In this poem , the poet commemorates the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who died in Africa during World War II.

In the above quoted lines ,the poet says that a soldiers pre-determined end is not his fortune. Or in other words a soldier is not destined by fortune to fight and die in a foreign land , his destiny pulls him there .Every country is home to a man and exile to another because he never returns , as he dies and gets buried there .

b. The sweet special scene

Rural scene, a rural scene

Sweet especial rural scene.

Ans The above quoted lines occurs in Hopkin’s poem Binsey Poplars where he speaks about the felling of the aspens trees .

The poet deeply regrets at the harm meted out to nature .. In this connection he brings the reference of the felling of the aspens trees which once provided shade for the people but is at present no more because of human destruction , in the quoted lines the poet recollects the sweet memory of the aspens trees. He regrets the human activity which ruin the lovely rural scene .

c Why vex yourself with paltry matters

When a report named Bipartite

Para-Models of Missile Flight

Can usually be torn to tatters.

Ans The above quoted lines are taken from the poem Cats and Scholars. The poem is based on the theme of rivalry between two artist. Here the artists attitude is compared with a cat . Thinking like a cat , he catalogues his targets .

In the above quoted lines Charlemagne questions the necessity of concerning oneself with trivialities when one could direct one’s attention to important matters like tearing up John’s project report on “Missile Flight” Bipartite Para models of missile flight refers to nuclear weapons and deals in American president Ronald Reagan’s hi-tech era .

d Yet in the number I do not know but one

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English That unassailable holds on his rank,

Unshaked of motion and that I am he,

Let me a little show it , even in this.

Ans The above quoted lines are taken from the poem You too Brutus by Shakespeare .In this poem the poet makes a distinction between a real hero and a heroic looking men .He keeps himself in the position of real hero and justifies his remarks.

In his justification of real hero he brings the reference of the innumerable stars of heaven . The innumerable stars represents the innumerable human beings on earth. But among all other stars the northern star is the only star in heaven which is fixed and unalterable and so is he amidst man in the world . He is the only man on earth who is unchangeable and unshakeable as North star .He therefore describes to show his steadfastness and inflexibility .

e Dark beauty flowering under veils,

Trapped in the spectrum of a dying style,

A village like an instinct left to rust,

Composed around the echo of a pistol shot .

Ans The above quoted lines are taken from Durrell’s poem Sarajevo.

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina .It is known for its long and bitter history of war and violence. Through the lines the poet describes the violence which is generated by human beings .According to the poet , it is war or economic growth or religious pursuit that generated the violence of human encounters . Through the line’ the echo of a pistol shot ‘the poet means that there is unknown violence in the air which may attack human beings.

At the end of the poem , the poet notices that dark beauty is flowering under veils . He hears the unknown violence in the air . The poem shows the danger caused by the violent activities .

f My fugitive years are all hasting away

And I must ere long lie as lonely as they ,

With a turf on my breast and a stone at my head

As another groove shall arise in its stead.

Ans The above quoted lines are taken from the poem ‘Poplar Field’. In this poem, the poet William Cowper mourns at the loss of the poplars which were destroyed by man for fulfilling their individual interest .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English In the above quoted lines fugitive years refers to the passage of time .It implies the fleeting nature or swift flow of time .The poet says that he shall soon die and lie prone like the felled poplars .The turf on his breast , refers to the grass covering his grave ; the stone at his breast refers to his tombstone . In the last line the poet expresses the hope that before long another row of poplars will be planted though he is aware that he will not be there to appreciate their beauty .

g One have I marked the happiest guest

In all this covert of the blest:

Hail to thee for above the rest

In joy of voice and pinion.

Ans The above stated lines are taken from William Wordsworth’s ‘The Green Linnet’ . The poem celebrates the spirit of the green linnet .The green linnet sings in full throated ease. Here by the word ‘happiest guest’ the poet calls the Linnet. The ‘Green Linnet ‘ symbolically means nature’s indomitable spirit .

As the bird sings being forgetful to anything but its own singing spirit , the poet feels that its graced. No constraint can limit the unbounded spirit of creation of the Linnet .

9 Write an essay on any one of the following topics: 15

a Effects of Computers in our daily life.

The need for computer is increasing day by day in every place . The advancement of computer technology in all facets of the world , and life are growing to the point that everyone will need a computer to carry out their every day life. Computer technology today is at the threshold of making life easier for everyone in the world .Computers are helping students to get better grades in schools , from help with homework over the internet to doing research at the local library . According to Rother(2004)”Technology has become ingrained in the educational process . It increases teacher productivity in a daily basis ; enhanced student performance on key subjects and improves student results in standardized tests”.

The increasing role of computers fixture in every day life then ever before ,from housewives planning meals , to checking bank balances and paying bills to looking up recipes . Children have the ability to do their homework , playing games and chatting to a friend on the internet .Business executives carrying PDA’S [ personal digital assistants] with the ability to do their homework , playing games and chatting to a friend on the internet .Business executives carrying PDA’s[personal digital assistants] with the ability to do their everyday business duties, from anywhere in the world that they may be at any time of the day or night .

The internet is getting bigger and faster everyday, an individual can log on to the internet and buy sell or trade anything , the world wide web can be brought into our home where anything can be looked up to learn or to amuse .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English Computers are now being used to help the blind with a voice synthesizer that tells them what they are typing or what total blindness use synthesizers both hardware and software versions that read what’s on the screen .They work by translating ASCI symbols, the series of code each letter and graphic is assigned into voice transmissions .Of the most of advanced technological inventions and discoveries of science computer is one and therefore it has a wide range of applications. Day by day its utility is going on becoming wider and wider .It no doubt helps people a lot but their are negative aspects as well. It totally depends upon the user to use it in a proper way .

b Environmental Pollution.

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest problems the world faces today .It is an issue that troubles us economically physically and everyday lives . The contamination of the environment is also being linked to some diseases that are around currently. Yet most people do not know about this problem .This shows that environmental pollution is becoming an increasingly worse problem that needs to taken care of as soon as possible, not only for the well being of the environment but also for the people who live in it. Many factors are responsible for environmental pollution.

There are many activities that can be done by both the common citizen to the governments of the world, which could severally improve the world’s environmental problem .On the other hand , if the current way the world’s environmental problem is being handled continues ,catastrophic consequences can follow for the future population .

Over the years , environmental pollution has become more of a problem for a number of reasons .Due to the great increase in the world’s population , which is at 6.1 billion energy use and the number of vehicles on roads make air pollution a greater threat than ever .Because of this air pollution eight thousand people were killed due to respiratory problems in a year. Also 40% of the world’s death are attributed to environment related factors .With such a number of people dying in a year due to air pollution one can see how much environmental pollution effects us .

Apart from air pollution , environment is also affected by water pollution, soil pollution , sound pollution etc .The new inventions and discoveries of science and technology also contribute to environmental pollution . The release of nuclear waste is an example .Environmental pollution is one of the major problems in modern world, the solution to the problem lies in us .We must be aware of the harm meted out to environment and also learn to keep our environment safe and secure .

2014 B.A 1 st Year Commerce Alternative English c Trade Fairs.

A trade fair is an exhibition organised so that companies in a specific industry can show case and demonstrate their latest products , service study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities. In contrast to consumer fairs , only some trade fairs are open to the public ,while others can only be attended by company representatives and members of the press, therefore trade shows are classified as either “Public” or “Trade Only”.

Modern trade fairs follow in the tradition of trade fairs established in late medieval Europe, in the era of merchant capitalism . In this era produce and craft producers visited towns for trading fairs , to sell and show case products. In the 21 st century with the rapid industrialisation of Asia ,trade shows and exhibitions are now commonplace throughout the Asian continent with China dominating the exhibitions industry in Asia, accounting for more than 55% of all space sold in the region in2011.

At present trade fairs often involve a considerable marketing investment by participating companies. Cost include space rental , design and construction of trade show displays , tele communications and networking , travel, accommodations etc. In addition cost are incurred at the show for services such as electrical ,booth cleaning , internet services and drayage. Consequently , cities often promote trade shows as a means of economic development .Therefore , trade fairs play an important role in society.

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