B.A. 4^th Sem. English Hons.

Paper:- ENG-HC-4036(British Literature: The 19^th Century)

 

  Pride and Prejudice                                                                          Jane Austin

 

1.      What are the theme of  the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Marriage, Wealth, and Class distinction are the major themes of the novel.

2.      In which year  ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was published?

Ans. 1813

3.      What is the original title of the novel  ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. ‘First impression’

4.      Name the two sisters of Mr. Charles Bingley.

Ans. Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst

5.      Who represent pride and prejudice in the story of  ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Mr. Darcy represents pride while Elizabeth represent prejudice.

6.      With whom did Wickham marry at the end of the novel?

Ans. Lydia

7.      With whom did Jane go to London in  ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Mr. and Mrs. Gardinar.

8.      Who is the friend of Mr. Charles Bingley in ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Mr. Darcy

9.      With whom did Mr. Collins marry in  ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Charlotte Lucas

10.  Who is the army officer in  ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. George Wickham.

11.  Where does the Bennet family live?

Ans. In Longbourn.

12.  Which daughter of Bennet family is a book lover?

Ans. Marry

13.  Who is the eldest daughter of Bennet family?

Ans. Jane

14.  Who is the youngest daughter of Bennet family?

Ans. Lydia

15.  Name the sister of Mr. Darcy in  ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Ans. Georgiana Darcy

16.  Name the married sister of Mr. Charles Bingley?

Ans. Louisa Hurst

17.  With whom does Jane marry at the end of the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans.  Mr. Charles Bingley

18.  With whom does Elizabeth marry at the end of the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Mr. Darcy

19.  How many daughters does the Bennet family has in With whom does Jane marry at the end of the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’?

Ans. Five

20.  Where do Bennet and Darcy family go to spend vacation?

Ans. Netherfield Park.

 

1.      Qs.  Discuss the Significance of the title of the novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Or

Discuss how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth represent pride and prejudice in the novel.

Ans. Jane Austen was born at Steventon on December 16, 1775, the youngest of seven children. She received her education—scanty enough, by modern standards—at home. Besides the usual elementary subjects, she learned French and some Italian, sang a little, and became an expert needle-woman. Her reading extended little beyond the literature of the eighteenth century, and within that period she seems to have cared most for the novels of Richardson and Miss Burney, and the poems of Cowper and Crabbe. Dr. Johnson, too, she admired, and later was delighted with both the poetry and prose of Scott. The first twenty-five years of her life she spent at Steventon; in 1801 she moved with her family to Bath, then a great center of fashion; after the death of her father in 1805, she lived with her mother and sister, first at Southampton and then at Chawton; finally she took lodgings at Winchester to be near a doctor, and there she died on July 18, 1817, and was buried in the cathedral.

The title of any book or piece of literary work usually conveys the idea of the main theme of the work. One can easily understand what the author will dwell upon in the literary work from the title. Jane Austen employs the style of pairing two slightly contrasted “ethical” terms to serve as the title of her novel Pride and Prejudice. For the novel, Jane Austen first selected the title First Impressions. But when she revised it, she gave the current title. This style of “ethical” title was commonly associated with „conduct‟ fiction, the books were designed to illustrate in their stories and commentary the correct way for young women to behave in the situations. They were likely to encounter in polite mi polite middle class society- how a young lady should composed herself at dance how she should deal politely get firmly with a young man who is presenting her, how she should deal who insults her; how she should refuse an offer of marriage how she should behave towards an older woman of superior rank. And these precisely are the situations that Elizabeth Bennet has to cope with and obviously the question of her conduct is on these occasions is paramount in Pride and Prejudice.

This title Pride and Prejudice is so appropriate that it hardly requires any arguments to justify. It indicates what the novel is written about. To show its significance we must go through the novel with a critical attitude and then we can explain why she has renamed her novel as Pride and Prejudice. It is not a novel of stormy passions and high tragedy of emotional life. Needless to add, Jane Austen has never claimed that she is a psychological novelist. Her primary concern is to represent the comedy of domestic life and the personal relation that exists between man and man, man and woman, husband and wife and at least between the classes of the society. In this connection, she has delineated the characters in their interactions when they move and live in the society.

Against the morality of “conduct fiction” Jane Austen sets her own individual mode of anti-conduct fiction. In the novel as a whole, the anti-contained within the exploration of the terms “Pride and Prejudice”. Sometimes the terms are discussed and analysed directly, as they are when Elizabeth and Darcy examine themselves and scrutinize their past feeling and behaviour. More generally they force of the terms is illustrated dramatically in the scheme of characterisation, which extends outwards from the hero and heroine, showing the depth and complexity of human that can stand behind nature that can stand behind terms so decrepitly simple. In Darcy ‘Pride’ is both positive and Negative; both a proper, justified pride in the history of his family and an offence, Elizabeth’s ‘Prejudice’ is the negative aspect of something positive, her spirit and high intelligence. She confesses this to Jane.

The words ‘Pride’ and ‘Prejudice’ are very significant in the characterization of the novel. The hero and heroine of the novel embody these traits of human character. When Mr. Darcy was first introduced in the novel, he was declared to be, “The proudest, most disagreeable man in the world.” All his actions may be traced to pride. Wickham explains this pride to Elizabeth Bennet as ‘filial pride’. As he belongs to the upper middle class of the society, he bears this pride of being superior to others. This cult of pride he inherited from his father is now dead. This pride is also in the character of his sister, Georgiana, and Wickham calls it “brotherly pride.” He ironically tells that pride has often been his best friend. Darcy admits it and says that his pride consists in his being ‘selfish’ and ‘overbearing’. He makes a confession to Elizabeth when he contemplates over his past actions that his father had a role in making him proud. In spite of being taught good principle, he was allowed and even encouraged by his father to be ‘selfish’ and ‘overbearing’ to think meanly of all the rest of the world and at least to wish to think meanly of their sense and worth when compared to his own going to propose to Elizabeth, he was not forgetful of his pride. He spoke of tenderness and pride with equal balance. Even his pride makes him blind to the faults of the members of his own class.

Darcy’s pride makes him turn down the proposal of dancing with Elizabeth made by Bingley. In a humiliating tone, he says, “She is not handsome enough to tempt me,” This wounds her sentiment and makes her prejudiced against Darcy. To Charlotte, she reveals that she has resolved to hate him onward. This prejudice of Elizabeth against Darcy further depends on when he makes a confession of his implacability at Nether field- “I cannot forget the follies and vices of others as soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.” Darcy is not only proud but also prejudiced against all who are not at par with him in richness and social position. His social superiority, refinement, and wealth lead to this general prejudice. That is why, he is as Elizabeth has made it clear later on, prejudiced against Wickham, Jane and in general against anything that does not fit into his social world.

On the other hand, Elizabeth has her pride. Her pride consists of being perceptive and refined. At the same time, she is prejudiced against Darcy. But her prejudice does not stem from any moral purpose but from her hurt-pride. It was her personal pride when Charlotte says that Darcy has a right to be proud, Elizabeth does not protest but says, “I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine.” So, she is both proud and prejudiced. However, Pride and Prejudice is not a “conduct Fiction” and so there is no “how” in Jane Austen, no directive about right and wrong ways to behave. Judgments of Elizabeth do not arise from rules of propriety but from her behaviour as a unique individual in circumstances which are particular to her. Her “Prejudice” was originally fired by her hurt “Pride” at the Meryton Ball, by Darcy‟s insulting proposal of marriage( at Hunsford) and by slanders spread by Wickham.

But in course of time, they sacrifice their Pride and Prejudice as they become convinced of the hollowness of these vain sentiments. The vulgarity of Darcy’s aunt shocked him and taught him that refinement is not the monopoly of the elite. This new vision of him led him to play a vital role in the Lydia-Wickham episode. Besides, Elizabeth’s refusal to marry him opened his eyes that social superiority was not everything in life. Thus there is a new-awakening in his heart and he shacks off his pride and prejudice completely. Elizabeth too gets a new understanding. The letter of Darcy helps her give up her pride and prejudice. Now she is ashamed to think how she has been ‘blind, partial, prejudiced and absurd’. This new awakening of herself prompted her to reassess Darcy and recognized his talent and good disposition. She even considered that Darcy would most suit her. So long, pride and prejudice blinded them and now these verities have disappeared. Time is now ripe for them to get married. In Charlotte, Lucas, there is also the sinking of self-pride for the sake of marriage to a man (Mr.Collins) whose own self-pride is lost. In Mr. Bennet self-pride is embittered, turned to malice, elated into a power of isolation and affected indifferences.

Pride and prejudice were not in the characters of the hero and the heroine only. Gilbert Ryle says, “Every character of the novel exhibits too much or too little pride of a bad or silly sort or pride of a good sort, sham pride or genuine pride and so forth.” Mr. Bennet has genuine pride. He hates the despicable. But his pride is inverted and unexecuted. He voices his just contempt in witty words but he does nothing to prevent or repair what he condemns. Mr. Bingley has no special pride but his sisters are proud in the sense of being vain. In this way, almost all the characters have more or less of pride and prejudice. The “Pride” and “Prejudice” analyses can be carried out rewardingly in all the characters but it is a narrow and static line of analyses and Jane Austen’s statement through the novel is that characters of human complexity cannot be understood or explains by this kind of labeling. In effect, the novel rejects such fixed terms of classification and judgment and requires us to adopt the flexible and dynamic values of judgment formed in the novels structured of dramatic irony. Within that context, the terms “pride” and “ Prejudice” have a place, however not the leading role that they are assigned ironically, in the novel’s title.

2.      Qs. Discuss the themes of money and marriage in ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Ans. Jane Austen's interest in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ could be seen as part of her concern with the themes, that of exploring money and marriage. Love and marriage are the chief themes in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This is nothing novel as the themes had been a matter of concern to many playwrights and novelists ever before. Of them, Shakespeare is there, handling the theme of love and marriage in their multifarious dimensions. What is important is that Jane Austen, unlike Shakespeare, handles themes as ground reality, in the context of social environs in the late 18th century. Shakespeare also does not evade the question of money in a marriage, and the best example id The Merchant of Venice which is markedly different from The Midsummer Night’s Dream. The criticism that Austen moves within a two-inch box of ivory is invalid as the box may be two-inch in size, but it is not made of ivory. Austen’s world is the world she lived in and knew, and she made no attempt to flint her imagination beyond the boundary line. The middle class society in its necessary intercourse with the aristocracy and the tension that necessarily springs out in a classified society constitute the workshop of Austen. Naturally, the themes of love and marriage as handled by her have their own sociological, psychological and artistic implications. Hence, marriage which is a social institution is not handled by Austen as the ultimate result of love however it generates. Matrimony in Pride and Prejudice always involves the role of money.

Austen’s main subject in Pride and Prejudice is courtship and marriage, and not love leading to marriage. The motive force is the sternly real and universally acknowledged fact that the mother, and the father, of three marriageable daughters, must be in search for young men of good fortune for their daughters. In the novel, there are seven marriages ( Mr.& Mrs Bennet; Bingley & Jane; Elizabeth & Darcy; Charlotte &Collins; Lydia & Wickham; the Lucases; the Gardiners ), five of them very important,(and the marriages) as they provide perspectives to judge what are the requirements of a good marriage. It is obvious that in Jane Austen’s view a marriage based on pure economic considerations is a bad marriage. Charlotte Lucas, in her bid to find security, binds herself with Collins who is not an ‘eligible’ bachelor. The background was the inequitable law of succession that gave no girls the right of inheritance. Again, in a comparatively feudal world, with little growth of capitalism, employment opportunities for womenfolk from decent families were nil. Collins’ eligibility consists in his being under the patronage of Lady Catherine in Hunsford, where he has a very good house and sufficient income. He intends to marry into the Bennet family in order to inherit some fortune, and so he shifts his attention from Elizabeth to Jane very quickly. Charlotte accepts Collins as she is a woman of small fortune, and seeks a preservative from want. Moreover, she marries Collins despite his stupidity because she does not wish to die an old maid. The second marriage, exemplified in the marriage between Lydia and Wickham, being based on physical charms is also an example of an unhappy marriage. This kind of marriage, where infatuation plays a greater role than love, is bound to be burdened with strain, and this is evident in the kind of life that Lydia leads in London where Wickham merrily and irresponsibly prances about caring little for the family. They both are dependent on Elizabeth for financial support. A marriage without financial soundness backing it is an aerial castle that takes little time to wither. Mae West reminds us of this peril when he says that ‘love conquers all things – except poverty and toothache’. Physical attraction that formed the foundation of the marriage between Lydia and Wickham and that was so strong, is seen to disappear before long. They remind us of Pope’s words : “ They dream in courtship but in wedlock awake.” The marriage between Mr. And Mrs. Bennet is far from being ideal. It is almost parallel to or acts as the model of the relationship between Lydia and Wickham. Both the partners in the marriage are silly and superficial, and their relationship is based on forbearance rather than love. Mr Bennet’s financial strength is the buttress of the relationship. Mr. Bennet is a subject of inexplicable indifference to the cause of the girls and is a foil to his wife, who while being silly and shallow, is desperate and overenthusiastic about finding husbands for their daughters. He is a specimen of Helen Rowland (1875-1950) who in A Guide to Men said : “ A husband is what is left of a lover, after the nerve has been extracted.” Little wonder that Wickham is Mr. Bennet’s ‘favourite son-in-law’.

By the side these three imperfect marriages, we have two marriages that may called ideal in the context of the circumstances. These are the marriages between Bingley and Jane, and Darcy and Elizabeth. The Jane-Bingley relationship is ‘rationally founded’ and has ‘for basis the excellent understanding and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself (Bingley).’ This union draws Elizabeth’s admiration and receives her appreciation as it is rationally founded on mutual understanding and feeling. Here both the brain and the heart work. This is a question of time and cannot be earned in haste. Even Shakespeare’s Rosalind, while being over head and ears in love with Orlando, does not rush to a hasty marriage and employs all her skill to test the solidity of Orlando’s love. Orlando’s financial condition, she knew, would change today or tomorrow, and the marriage takes place only after restitution of Orlando’s lost rights. It would be good to remember Thomas Hardy who speaks of such admirable relationship in Far from the Madding Crowd : “This good fellowship – camaraderie – usually occurring through similarity of pursuits, is seldom superadded to love between the sexes, because men and women associate, not in their labours, but in their pleasures only. Where, however, happy circumstance permits its (camaraderie’s) development, the compounded feeling proves itself to be the only love which is as strong as death – that love which many waters cannot quench nor the floods drown, beside which the passion usually called by the name is evanescent as steam.” The Jane-Bingley episode is solidly based on strong economic foundation, for Bingley is an eligible bachelor, a single man with a large fortune. Elizabeth would not have approved of their marriage, had there been any possibility of her sister falling in economic hardship.

The best relationship is that between Darcy and Elizabeth, which is the main theme of the novel. This relationship sprouts in negative circumstances, through mutual dislike. Darcy, a very self-conscious man, declines to dance with Elizabeth on the ground of her lower social status. This attitude of Darcy reflected in his words that Elizabeth overhears hurts Elizabeth’s natural feminine vanity and makes her prejudiced against Darcy. (Thus while Darcy is prejudiced against Elizabeth on account her inferior social position, Elizabeth becomes prejudiced against Darcy on account of his pride.) The course of events leads to self-discovery on the part of both, and the rediscovery of the opposite character. Darcy comes to understand the worth of Elizabeth and Elizabeth comes to know Darcy as a basically generous man who, though for his own sake, saves the Bennet family from a disastrous social scandal. The marriage between the two partners will be based on times-tested love and is, therefore, likely to be stable. The relationship is focussed by Austen as the ideal relationship, confirming what Sheridan says in The Rivals : “’Tis safest matrimony to begin with a little aversion.” It is no gainsaying that Darcy is a man of large fortune, with an annual income of ten thousand pounds a year, and Elizabeth has no iota of doubt in her mind that her future marital life would not suffer owing to hardship even if Darcy’s income was not boosted by inheritance from the Bennets.

Love in Austen’s novels is not handled as the intercourse between two persons of the opposite sex, but in the context of the society. Love, at first sight or second sight, is supposed to lead to marriage, and a marriage is a social institution with important social implications. Even it is not an affair restricted to the two immediate families but to more distant relations as well. So rushing headlong into a relationship that would jeopardize social fabric and consequently personal lives is not approved of by Austen. That is why she does not endorse the elopement of Lydia and Wickham, that, owing to ignoring the need of money in a marriage, suffers terribly. The wedlock, in the words of A P Herbert (1890-1971), becomes a ‘deadlock’.

Curiously, while Austen gives weight to the social importance of the personal relationship, she does not seem to advocate that society should be deciding force in love and marriage, not that only money, as Mrs Bennet believes, should be the prime consideration for a good marriage. After all, it is heart that matters, and after the hearts are mutually responsive, the social factor is taken into consideration. Darcy and Elizabeth mate up in spite of Darcy’s family obligations which Lady Catherine always presses upon him. And Austen tactfully keeps Darcy safe from unfaithfulness. And Bingley and Jane also settle their affair first between themselves before bending themselves to accommodate the interests of the families. Thus almost in the spirit of Twelfth Night and As You Like It, Pride and Prejudice achieves the concord in a complex pattern that began in an atmosphere of discord and divergence. Austen is not a romantic novelist who ignores the stomach while feeding heart; she is a sober authoress writing about personal relationships in a society whose principal aim is to see people living happily. And the source of happiness is primarily money, notwithstanding the importance of a good marriage that would produce ideal citizens.

Q1. What is the effect when Mr. Bennet says that he has visited Mr. Bingley?

Ans. Although Mr. Bennet has rejected his wife’s suggestion that he should visit Mr. Bingley, in reality he loses no time in paying a social visit to that man who has taken residence at Netherfield Park. When he discloses the matter, there is a lot of excitement in the family. Mrs. Bennet appreciates her husband’s behaviour and for making an acquaintance with Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet wishes that Mr. Bingley would choose Lydia as his would be wife and he may dance with her at a ball. Lydia is also one step forward to accept these two ideas as told by her mother. Even, Lydia feels pride about this matter.

Q 2. What does Darcy say about Elizabeth at the ball and how do the latter accept it?

Ans. Mr. Darcy is not very interested in dancing as he thinks that none of Mr. Bennet’s daughters suits him as a partner. He speaks disparagingly about Elizabeth, and says that she is not so charming as to attract him. Mr. Bingley, on the contrary says that Elizabeth is a very pretty girl. Darcy replies that Elizabeth is undoubtedly handsome but not so handsome as to tempt him. But, overhearing this remark, Elizabeth feels very annoyed with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley two times dances with Jane Bennet. But, a big void is created between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth who however, goes on regarding Mr. Darcy in a positively negative attitude.

Q 3. How does Jane admire Mr. Bingley?

Ans. While talking to Elizabeth privately, Jane expresses a great admiration for Mr. Bingley. She says that Mr. Bingley is sensible, good-humoured and lively. She says that he had danced with her twice and it was a great compilation to her from him. Elizabeth says that Jane praises everybody and finds faults with none. However, Jane also informs her that the man had inherited from his father a huge property hundred thousand pounds and he would probably buy a manor as 800an as possible or permanently reside Netherfield Park.

Q 4. How do Mr. Bingley and Darcy react to the assembly?

Ans. Having attended the assembly at Meryton, Mr. Bingley and Darcy react in different way about the people they met there. Bingley says that the people at the assembly are very nice and the Bennet girls were the prettiest he had ever seen in his life. He says that everybody was very kind and attentive to him and there was no formality and no stiffness. Indeed, he was full of admiration for Jane. But, Darcy on the other hand, had found the people of the assembly to be lacking in beauty and fashion. He almost failed to feel any interest about anyone. Even, he got no attention from anybody and had found me pleasure in anyone’s company. He was not even attracted by Miss Jane Bennet also. Even, the presence of Elizabeth was nothing to him. Though they are two intimate friends, they are different in their outlook about assembly.

Q 5. How is Darcy’s attitude towards Elizabeth changed?

Ans. Mr. Darcy who had spoken obliquely about Elizabeth at the first assembly, begins to feel some emotional interest in her. Primarily, he told Mr. Bingley that there is nothing attractive or charming in Elizabeth. But very soon, he begins to feel that. Elizabeth has a beautiful expression in her dark eyes and this expression in her eyes makes her look exceptionally intelligent. He tells Miss Bingley that he had discovered that a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can prove to be a source of great pleasure to him. But, hearing that Elizabeth is this lady, Miss Bingley is fully surprised But, Elizabeth is totally ignorant of this fact and continues to disregard Mr. Darcy.

Q6. Describe the financial condition of the Bennet family.

Ans. Mr. Bennet’s property consists of entirely an estate providing an income of two thousand pounds a year. But, there is a snag about this state. This property had been entailed on a distant relation because Mr. Bennet has no male heir upon whom the property could have been bestowed. Mr. Bennet has five daughters and no son. This means that, on the death of Mr. Bennet the entire property would automatically pass into the hand of Mr. Collins, a male relative on whom it had been entailed. This is beyond doubt a bleak prospect of the family.

Q 7. Why do Elizabeth and Jane stay at Netherfield Park?

Ans. One morning an invitation came from Miss Bingley inviting Jane to a dinner. Jane was informed that many 1st class people also were invited in this dinner. Everybody in the Bennet family is happy with this information. Due to poor economy, Jane has to ride on horseback to reach Netherfield Park. It begins to rain just after Jane has left. She gets thoroughly wet and has caught a cold and is unable to come back home in the next morning. She writes a note for Elizabeth informing her present condition. Mrs. Bennet thinks that during this stay, Jane should be much more familiar with Mr. Bingley. However, Elizabeth thinks that she should go and keep company with Jane who is now ill. But, Jane’s condition gradually gets worse and the doctor advises for complete rest. So, Jane and Elizabeth had no alternative but to stay at Netherfield Park.

Q8. What type of lady is Mrs. Bennet?

Ans. Mrs. Bennet is a comic character. She behaves and talks humorously. She says that Jane should not be removed from Netherfield Park as she is too ill, although Miss Bingley dislikes Elizabeth who is now staying with Jane. She interprets Miss Bingley’s cold activity as warm activity and offers profuse thanks to her. She speaks candidly no matter who is present. At the same time, she has some sensible ideas. She is not awed by Darcy’s reserved manner She admire Sir William Lucas but speaks in a hateful style about Lucas’ daughters compared to her own daughters She says that Lucas girls are very good indeed but they are not handsome. Even she goes on praising Jane’s beauty as it is done by others.

 Q 9. How does Mr. Collins want to get reconciled with Me Bennet?

Ans. In a letter written from Hunsford, Mr. Collins deplores the fact that differences had existed between his dead father and Mr. Bennet and says that he would like to heal the breach which now exists between himself and the Bennet family. He further writes that, as a clergyman, he regards it as his duty to promote and establish peace and harmony in all the families within the reach of his influence. Finally, he writes that he would call on Mr. Bennet on the next Monday and stay with his family for a full week. Even, he is ready to marry one daughter of Mr. Bennet as a compensation of the loss of entire Bennet property which is to pass on to him.

 Q 10. How does Mr. Collins praise Lady Catherine?

Ans. After the dinner is over, Mr. Collins informs the Bennet family that he is extremely lucky to have won the favour of Lady Catherine. Mr. Collins grows eloquent in praise of that lady. She had appointed him as the rector of his parish and she felt much pleased with the sermons which he had delivered in the church and to which she had listened graciously. Collins says that he was invited to dinner twice by her at Rosings Park. Lady Catherine also asked him to join the game of cards at her residence. To him, Lady Catherine is not proud though other people think her to be proud. He goes on to say that Lady Catherine has a daughter who is very charming. To him, this girl is but a duchess. In this way, Mr. Collins praises the glamour of Lady Catherine but this description gives rise to a thought in Mr. Bennet’s mind that Mr. Collins prefers flattery.

 Q 11. What charges does Wickham bring against Mr. Darcy?

Ans. While talking to Wickham, Elizabeth brings charges again Mr. Darcy and calls him to be a proud man. Hereafter Wickham gets a chance to aggravate Elizabeth against Darcy, Wickham says that Darcy’s father was an excellent man but Darcy himself is an odious man. He says that he himself has suffered a lot at Darcy’s hands. He also says that he has every reason to feel grateful to Darcy’s late father but Darcy’s treatment of him has been thoroughly scandalous. Mr. Wickham then goes on to say that he had never aimed at a military career but that he had been compelled to join the militia because he had been deprived of a church career by Mr. Darcy.

Q 12. Why does Mr. Collins propose to marry Elizabeth?

Ans. Mr. Collins makes a proposal to marry Elizabeth for three reasons. Firstly, he thinks it is the right thing for every clergyman in his circumstances to set an example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, he is sure that marriage will very greatly add to his happiness. Thirdly, it is the particular advice and recommendation of Lady Catherine, his patroness that he should get married. He also tells Elizabeth that before coming to Longbourn, he had decided to choose a wife from amongst the daughters of Mr. Bennet. As he has to inherit Mr. Bennet’s estate, he will otherwise deprive the Bennet family from their own property. So, marrying one of the Bennet sisters, he would like to compensate this loss. Collins also expresses his view not to take any dowry from Mr. Bennet due to his poor financial condition but proposes to marry Elizabeth.

Q 13. Why is Mrs. Bennet annoyed with Elizabeth ?

Ans. Mrs. Bennet feels greatly annoyed with Elizabeth, when she learns that the latter has rejected Collins’ proposal of marriage. But to save the situation, she tells Mr. Collins that somehow she and her husband would prevail upon Elizabeth to accept Mr. Collins’ proposal. She is surprised to think that even Mr. Bennet supports his daughter. But taking the entire matter in her own hands, she talks to Elizabeth, coaxes her and alternately threatens her. She wants Jane’s support in this matter. Even she asks the help of Charlotte Lucas and warns Elizabeth that if the latter goes on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, she would never get a husband at all. However, Mr. Collins himself requests Mrs. Bennet not to put any pressure on Elizabeth.

Q 14. How is Jane’s matrimonial hope dwindled?

Ans. Jane is expecting that very soon Mr. Bingley would propose marriage to her. But, a letter is sent by Miss Bingley who has made it clear in that letter that Bingley is desirous of marrying Darcy’s sister, Georgiana. Elizabeth can’t believe this and says that it a plan of Bingley sisters against them. She hopes that Mr. Bingley would surely propose marriage to Jane. But, if Mr. Bingley does not return to Netherfield Park throughout the winter, there would be no personal contact between her and him and therefore the chance of Mr. Bingley’s getting married to Jane is sure to dwindle and die. Yet, Jane is happy as Elizabeth emphetically says that Miss Bingley would fail in her plans and Bingley is expected to return to Netherfield Park.

Q 15. How does Charlotte accept Collins’ marriage proposal?

Ans. Mr. Collins visits Charlottle Lucas without the knowledge of Bennet family. Collins had found her to be quite encouraging on the previous day and so now he makes a proposal of marriage to her with a certain degree of confidence. Charlotte readily accepts it and her parents give their consent. Everybody in the Lucas family is in a jubilant mood hearing this information. Charlotte herself is extremely happy as she is already 27 years old and she does not have much beauty to boast of. In that case, by marrying Mr. Collins she will get a strong future as her would be husband is undoubtedly a rich person and he would get the entire Bennet property in near future. So, she accepts Collins proposal of marriage.

Q 16. What did Mrs. Gardiner advise Elizabeth regarding Wickham?

Ans. Mrs. Gardiner, on learning that Elizabeth has been feeling a great admiration for Wickham, warns Elizabeth against any haste in agreeing to marry Wickham if the latter proposes marriage to her. She clearly advices Elizabeth that neither she nor Wickham has any fortune and therefore, their married life may be unhappy. Elizabeth agrees with her aunt and says that she will show no haste in her manners and certainly she will try to conquer her affection and admiration for Wickham.

Q 17. What information were provided by Colonel Fitzwilliam to Elizabeth?

Ans. One day, Elizabeth met Fitzwilliam by chance and the latter gave some important information to her. She learned from him that probably Darcy would leave Hunsford and go back to London. He told her that his own movements from one place to another is determined by Darcy’s decisions. He also tells that being the younger son of a Lord, he will not inherit much ancestral property and therefore he will try to get married to such a woman who can bring rich dowry. He is a joint guardian of Georgiana Darcy. But the man gave a vital information that shocked Elizabeth. He tells her that Mr. Darcy dissuaded Mr. Bingley from getting married to a woman whom he wanted to marry. Elizabeth is now sure that Darcy is fully responsible for destroying Jane’s matrimonial hopes.

Q 18. Why does Elizabeth negate Darcy’s proposal of marriage?

Ans. One evening, suddenly Darcy tells Elizabeth that he has failed to overcome his feelings. He is deeply in love with Elizabeth and wants to marry her in spite of her social inferiority and social status. But his love for her is so intense that all the considerations are pushed back. But, Elizabeth feels insulted by these words of Darcy and rejects the proposal referring to some other aspects. She says that he dissuaded Bingley from marrying Jane. As a result of this she is now in a tragic situation. Moreover, she refers that Darcy treated Wickham in a rough way for which he has been deprived of great prosperity in life. Then, Elizabeth declares that it is impossible for her to marry Darcy who is not really good in his conduct with others. But, Elizabeth is somehow misguided by Wickham, of which she is ignorant.

 Q 19. How does Darcy describe Wickham’s past life?

Ans. Mr. Darcy gives a detailed account of how he had initially treated Wickham with utmost kindness and generosity as he was the son of a man who served Darcy’s father faithfully as a steward. But, Darcy hates Wickham for the dissolute life the latter lives. Darcy thought that Wickham is not fit to be a clergyman. So, he helped Wickham with 3000 pounds to enable him to study law but Wickham merely squandered the money got from Darcy. Then, Wickham requested Darcy to make him a rector, which Darcy rejected cleanly as Wickham was not worthy of being a clergyman. Even Wickham prevailed upon his sister Georgiana for an elopement. But, somehow getting the information in time, he saved his sister from a sure future disaster. Therefore, Darcy thinks that he has done nothing wrong with Wickham.

20. How does Darcy confess his role in Bingley-Jane love affair?

Ans. Darcy hands over a letter to Elizabeth, where Darcy has confessed his role in Bingley-Jane love-affair. It is rather a reply to the charges that Elizabeth had brought against him the previous day. First, he explains why he had prevailed upon Bingley to give up his intention to marry Jane. Darcy says that Bingley loved Jane too much but Jane did not show this. Realising this attitude of Jane that she doesn’t deeply love Bingley, Darcy thought it proper to dissuade Bingley from marrying Jane. Darcy also admits in the letter that he had been responsible even for preventing Bingley from meeting Jane when Jane was staying with her uncle and aunt in London.

21. What is the effect of Darcy’s letter on Elizabeth?

Ans. Though Darcy’s letter has deeply affected Elizabeth, she feels disappointed as Darcy has not expressed any regret for his role in Bingley-Jane love affair. She sees that the letter written in a haughty mood. However, she feels shocked by the misdeeds of Wickham, his extravagance, profligacy etc. She makes out Wickham loves Miss King out of greed only. She thinks that Wickham is a money-minded man. She can’t understand why once Wickham had been trying to give her the impression that he was in love with her. Having no fortune of her own, why she had become an object of his regard and attention, is not clear to her.

Q 22. Describe the conjugal life of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

Ans. Mr. Bennet married his wife, getting captivated by her youthful beauty but later he found her to be a lady of weak intelligence and narrow mind. So, Mr. Bennet’s hope of a happy married life is dashed to the ground early in their marriage. His domestic happiness comes to nothing due to Mrs. Bennet. So, now, his only pleasure is the books. Now, he derives some amusement from his wife’s sheer ignorance and folly, Elizabeth feels uneasy for the life their parents are leading. But, she feels pleasure when her father makes fun at her mother. Even she is disappointed for the problem of marriage, the Bennet sisters are feeling.

Q 23. Describe Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham.

Ans. While Elizabeth is staying at Lambton with her uncle and aunt, she receives a few letters from Jane. Jane has written that Lydia had eloped with Wickham and in time of her departure she had written a brief letter to Mrs. Forster, informing her that she was running away with Wickham to Gretna Green in order to get married. Jane has also written that according to Mr. Denny, Wickham’s friend, Wickham had no intention to marry Lydia and he had forced Lydia probably to run away with him, his actual purpose being only to satisfy his lust for her Colonel Forster has also informed that Wickham will only seduce Lydia and nothing According to the letters of Jane, Mr. Bennet has gone to London to try to trace Lydia.

Q 24. What are Wickham’s terms for marrying Lydia?

Ans. In a letter, Mr. Gardiner informs Mr. Bennet that he has been able to meet Lydia and Wickham who are now standing in London. They have not yet got married, Gardiner writes Wickham might agree to marry Lydia in case Mr. Benne accepts Wickham’s terms on which he is ready to marry the girl. Wickham wants that Mr. Bennet should give Lydia her equal share of 5000 pounds which the Bennet girls are to receive at the death of their parents. Subsequently, Mr. Bennet should agree to give Lydia an allowance of 100 pounds per year as long as Mr. Bennet remains alive. Gardiner has also written that Wickham’s conditions are not too hard. However, all the members of Bennet family are happy with the news that Wickham will marry Lydia if his case is considered by them. They also praise the role of Mr. Gardiner to solve a serious problem with at least a satisfying solution.

Q 25. How does Mr. Bennet express his anger against Lydia?

Ans. When all the members of the Bennet family are happy with the news that Wickham will at last marry Lydia and they are in a jubilant mood, Mr. Bennet is not much affected by this development. In fact, Mr. Bennet continues to harbour a strong resentment against Lydia for the manner in which she had behaved and for the discredit which she has brought to the family. He bluntly tells his wife that he would never allow his daughter Lydia or her husband Mr. Wickham to enter his house. On the other hand, Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth are happy for at least the marriage tie between them.

 Q 26. How does Darcy help the wedding of Lydia and Wickham?

Ans. Mrs. Gardiner in a letter to Elizabeth has written a detailed account of the circumstances which had led to Mr. Darcy’s participation in the marriage of Lydia and Wickham. She writes that it was as a result of Mr. Darcy’s efforts and trials that Wickham had agreed to marry Lydia. It was Mr. Darcy who had traced the whereabouts of the two. He requested Lydia to go back to her parents but she negated this proposal. Then, he discussed with Wickham who demanded huge amount of money to pay his debts in exchange of getting married to Lydia. Then Mr. Darcy provided the money as it was demanded by Wickham. Thus he saved the Bennet family and helped the wedding of Lydia and Wickham.

Q 27. What is Elizabeth’s changed attitude towards Darcy?

Ans. Elizabeth can’t understand why Darcy has helped Lydia and Wickham to get married. But, she clearly realises that it is Darcy who has rescued the name of the Bennet family and saved the future prospects of the unmarried Bennet sisters. She knows that Darcy has saved all of them from public disgrace. She now regrets all the unkind remarks which she has made to Darcy previously at different occasions. Darcy now rises greatly in Elizabeth’s estimation. She now thinks of making Darcy her husband. She says that Darcy is exactly that man who will perfectly suit her. Even, she goes on to meditate that a marital tie between her and Mr. Darcy would be an advantage for both of them.

Q 28. How does Mr. Bingley propose to Jane finally?

Ans. When Darcy has left for London to go back to Pemberley, Mr. Bingley visits Longbourn lonely. He spends an hour with the Bennet family in comfort and then is invited to join the dinner for the next day. On the following day, he duly comes and Elizabeth thinks that Bingley will soon propose to Jane. When Bingley gets an opportunity to have a conservation with Jane alone, he proposes to marry her as nobody else is present. Jane’s happiness knows no bound. Immediately she informs Elizabeth of her getting engaged to Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth also feels overjoyed to know that her hope is proved to be true. Jane goes and tells all about this happy event.

 Q 29. How does Lady Catherine warn Elizabeth and how is she replied by the latter?

Ans. Speaking to Elizabeth in an angry tone, Lady Catherine asks her if Elizabeth or any other of her family has circulated the news that Darcy will marry Elizabeth. Lady Catherine asserts that such a marriage is impossible as Darcy is engaged to her daughter Miss de Bourgh for a long time. She refers to Elizabeth’s social inferiority and asks if she is not ashamed to hear that Darcy is engaged to her daughter. Elizabeth replies that now Darcy has changed his mind and he can’t be prevented by anyone now. Elizabeth also says if she is Darcy’s choice now, she would accept this proposal. At this Lady Catherine says if Elizabeth gives the reply as once she was well treated by her. When Lady Catherine refers to her social inferiority, she says that she is a gentleman’s daughter. Lady Catherine then accuses Elizabeth of being selfish and callous girl. But, feeling too angry with Lady Catherine, Elizabeth answers that she does not wish to continue her conversation with Lady Catherine anymore and saying this, she leaves the places in no time.

Q 30. In the first two chapters, what does Mrs. Bennet want her husband to do and why?

Ans. Mrs. Bennet wants her husband to visit their new neighbor, Mr. Bingley, so that her girls can be introduced to him. She is “thinking of his marrying one of them.”

************

                                                                                                                                            

JANE EYRE

                                                                        By- Charlotte Bronte

 

Q 1. What is the red-room?                                                              

Ans. The red-room is the abandoned chamber in Gateshead Hall where Mr. Reed, Jane’s uncle, died nine years prior to the start of the novel. The red-room has a foreboding, frightening atmosphere that terrifies Jane when Mrs. Reed locks her inside as punishment. In addition to its connection with death and garish red decor, the room is cold and silent, heightening Jane’s terror. Her terror climaxes when she imagines Uncle Reed’s ghost in the room, and she fears that he has appeared to take revenge on Mrs. Reed for her poor treatment of Jane.

Q 2. How does Lowood change?

Ans. After a typhus outbreak kills many Lowood students, members of the public demand an inquiry into how the infection spread so rapidly. This investigation brings the school’s deplorable conditions to light. Wealthy benefactors find a new group of overseers to replace Mr. Brocklehurst and run the school. Although Mr. Brocklehurst remains treasurer of the school because of his wealth and connections, he no longer has the power to dictate the conditions of Lowood, and the school transforms into an upright institution. Adèle is Mr. Rochester’s ward and the daughter of Céline Varens. Céline was Rochester’s mistress during his time in France, but Rochester cut her off after discovering Céline cheating with another man. Céline claims Adèle is his daughter, but the truth of his paternity remains ambiguous. Rochester doesn’t believe Adèle is his, and Jane emphasizes that Adèle bears no resemblance to Rochester. Nevertheless, Rochester agrees to take responsibility for the girl regardless of her parentage.

Q 3. Why does Jane leave Thornfield Hall?

Ans. Jane leaves Thornfield Hall so she can avoid the temptation of becoming Rochester’s mistress. Throughout her conversation with Rochester after their aborted wedding, Jane struggles with the fact that she still loves Rochester. When she avoids Rochester’s kiss, Jane admits that it is because he has a wife, Bertha Mason, and Jane feels guilty about loving a married man. After the conversation, Jane has a vision of her mother encouraging her to flee temptation, so she follows her moral conscience and sneaks out.

Q 4. Why does Jane decline St. John River’s marriage proposal?

Ans. Jane declines St. John’s offer to go to India as his wife because she does not want to marry him. Although she fears the possibility of dying in India as a missionary, her greater fear is the loveless life guaranteed by marriage to St. John. Jane notes that his exacting and overly practical nature would suffocate her, and the reality that they do not love each other makes the thought of marriage intolerable.

Q 5. How does Bronte immediately reveal Jane's situation to the reader?

Ans. Bronte shows the reader first that Jane is a young, orphaned girl who is being raised by her mean aunt and cousins.

Q 5. Why do you think Jane is treated so unfairly?

Ans. Jane is an outcast of the family who was adopted and her relatives use that as an excuse to be mean and tear her down.

Q. 6. What does Jane mean when she says she was 'rather out of (her) self'?

Ans. Jane is saying that she was so mad that a side of her not typically seen came out of her.

Q 7. On looking back, how does Jane understand Mrs. Reed's treatment of her?

Ans. Jane thinks that Mrs. Reeds treatment of her fell short of what her uncle asked of.

Q. 8. Why does Mrs. Reed make Jane stay in the Red Room?

Ans. Jane got in a fight with John Reed and Mrs. Reeds is punishing her with torturing her by making her stay in the room her uncle died in.

Q 9. Why does Jane keep crying?

Ans. Jane thinks that Mr. Reed's ghost is in the room with her.

Q 10. What hope does Mr. Lockwood give Jane?

Ans. Mr. Lockwood makes the recommendation to Mrs. Reed to send Jane to school to get Jane out of her hair and give Jane a better life.

Q 11. How did Jane's character change in her confrontation with both Mr. Brocklehurst and Mrs. Reed?

Ans. After their meeting with Mr. Brocklehurst before Jane left she told Mrs. Reed that she was a cruel and terrible person and that she wished she be damned to hell.

Q 12. What is Lowood institution?

Ans. A boarding school for girls.

Q 13. What is the lifestyle of the girls at Lowood?

Ans. The girls are all well behaved and live very simple routine lives at Lowood.

Q 14. What is the original title of Jane Eyre?

Ans. Jane Eyre: An Autobiography

Q 15. Under which pen name Charlotte Bronte published her novel Jane Eyre?

Ans. Currer bell

Q 16. When was the novel Jane Eyre published?

Ans. 1847

 

Q 17. How does Charlotte Brontë incorporate elements of the Gothic tradition into the novel?

Ans. In the Gothic literary tradition, the narrative structure of a text is meant to evoke a sense of horror or suspense, often through the use of the supernatural, hidden secrets, mysterious characters, and dark passion. Brontë incorporates each of these elements into the novel and especially highlights the importance of the mysterious Byronic hero in the form of Mr. Rochester. Brontë also emphasizes the Gothic nature of Thornfield Hall and incorporates the figure of the Madwoman in the Attic as the primary conflict of the novel. Brontë uses these Gothic elements as a way to heighten the tension and emotion over the course of the narrative, as well as to reveal an almost supernatural connection between Jane and Mr. Rochester.

Q 18. Is Jane Eyre a likable protagonist? Why or why not?

Ans. Jane is an atypical heroine for the Victorian period, and even for contemporary literature, because she is not beautiful in a traditional sense. Unlike Georgiana and Blanche Ingram, who are each lauded as exceptional beauties in the text, Jane is small and slight, with ordinary features and a slightly elvish appearance. With that in mind, Jane is particularly likable protagonist because she is not an idealized figure; her personal and physical faults make her seem more realistic and allow readers to relate to her more closely. At the same time, however, Jane's firm morality and harsh rejection of Mr. Rochester may seem rather cold and unlikable to the more passionate readers. Still, Jane's independent spirit and courage against all obstacles ensure that she is a protagonist to be valued and encouraged.

Q 19. How does Jane Eyre compare to Bertha Mason?

Ans. As the stereotypical Madwoman in the Attic, Bertha is presented as a clear antagonist to Jane in the novel. Not only does she personify the chaos and dark animal sensuality that contrasts so sharply to Jane's calm morality, Bertha is ultimately the sole obstacle between Jane and Mr. Rochester and their eventual happiness. However, while Jane and Bertha seem to be wholly distinct from each other, Bronte does suggest that the two characters have significant similarities. Although Jane is calm and controlled as an adult, she exhibits much of the same passion and bestiality as a child that Bertha displays in her madness. Moreover, though Jane leaves Thornfield rather than become Mr. Rochester's mistress, she still possesses the same qualities of sensuality as Bertha but is simply more successful at suppressing them.

Q 20. How does the novel comment on the position of women in Victorian society?

Ans. As a woman, Jane is forced to adhere to the strict expectations of the time period. Thought to be inferior to men physically and mentally, women could only hope to achieve some sort of power through marriage. As a governess, Jane suffers under an even more rigid set of expectations that highlight her lower-class status. With this social construct in mind, Jane has a submissive position to a male character until the very end of the novel. At Lowood, she is subservient to Mr. Brocklehurst; at Moor House, she is under the direct control of St. John Rivers; and even at Thornfield, she is in a perpetually submissive position to Mr. Rochester. Over the course of the narrative, Jane must escape from each of these inferior positions in an effort to gain her own independence from male domination. After her uncle leaves her his fortune, Jane is able to achieve this independence and can marry Mr. Rochester on her own terms, as an equal. Yet, Bronte emphasizes that Jane's sudden inheritance and resulting happy ending are not typical for women during the time period. Under most circumstances, Jane would be forced to maintain a subservient position to men for her entire life, either by continuing her work as a governess or by marrying an oppressive husband.

Q 21. Considering his treatment of Bertha Mason, is Mr. Rochester a sympathetic or unsympathetic character?

Ans. Although Mr. Rochester's treatment of Bertha may seem to be cruel, it is difficult not to feel some sympathy for his situation. Mr. Rochester married Bertha under false pretenses; he was unaware of her hereditary madness and was swept away by her exotic beauty and charm. After discovering his wife's madness, Mr. Rochester does not cast her out but rather attempts to make her life as comfortable as possible. Although Bertha's chamber in Thornfield seems inhumane, it is important to note that the conditions in madhouses of the time period would have been far worse. Mr. Rochester also is more sympathetic when we consider his extreme unhappiness and loneliness: he was fooled by the appearance of love and has been paying for his mistake ever since.

Q. 22. How does Mr. Rochester compare to St. John Rivers?

Ans. Throughout the novel, Bronte associates Mr. Rochester with fire and passion and St. John Rivers with ice and cold detachment. Bronte also presents Jane's potential union with each man as profoundly different. With Mr. Rochester, Jane would be forced to sacrifice her morality and sense of duty for the sake of passion. With St. John Rivers, however, Jane would have to sacrifice all sense of passion for the sake of religious duty. Significantly, Bronte also suggests that St. John may not be too different from Mr. Rochester. He is passionately in love with Rosamond Oliver, and his feelings for Rosamond seem to mirror Mr. Rochester's fiery emotions for Jane. However, St. John forces himself to suppress his feelings in favor of a cold evangelical exterior and, as a result, lives his life in solitude.

Q 23. Why is Jane unable to stay with Mr. Rochester after his marriage to Bertha Mason is revealed?

Ans. Although Jane is very much in love with Mr. Rochester, she is unable to give in to the passion that she feels. Her eight years at Lowood School and her conversations with Helen Burns taught her the importance of suppressing passion and lust with morality and a sense of duty. If Jane were to stay with Mr. Rochester, it could only be as his mistress, and Jane is unwilling to sacrifice her sense of right and wrong in order to placate her personal desires. However, because Jane's love for Mr. Rochester is so strong, she realizes that she will be unable to resist him and her own desires if she remains at Thornfield Manor. Thus, when Jane leaves Thornfield, she sacrifices her personal happiness in order to save them both from committing a sin that would destroy the purity of their love.

Q 24. What is the significance of Charlotte Brontë ending the novel with a statement from St. John Rivers?

Ans. In the last chapter of the novel, Brontë describes Jane's happiness with Mr. Rochester: they have married, had children, and Mr. Rochester has regained sight in one of his eyes. Yet, instead of ending the book on this happy note, Brontë concludes the novel with a letter from St. John in India in which he mentions a premonition of his death. St. John has done his duty to God by working as a missionary in India, but his existence still seems small and lonely in comparison to the joyous life that Jane has made with Mr. Rochester. Brontë suggests that even the most pious life is meaningless if it is devoid of love. St. John has a chance for love with Rosamond Oliver, but he sacrificed his happiness with her because he did not believe that love could co-exist with religion. Jane's ending with Mr. Rochester demonstrates the falsity of St. John's beliefs and reminds the readers of what could have happened to Jane if she had given up her love for Mr. Rochester.

Q 25. What is the role of family in the novel?

Ans. The novel traces Jane's development as an independent individual, but it can also be read as a description of her personal journey to find her family. In each of the five stages of the novel, Jane searches for the family that she has never known. At Gateshead, the Reed family is related to her by blood and, while Bessie serves as a sort of surrogate maternal figure, Jane is unable to receive the true love and affection that she desires. At Lowood, Jane finds another maternal figure in the form of Miss Temple, but again, the school does not become a true home to her. When Jane reaches Thornfield and meets Mr. Rochester, she finally finds the love and family for which she has thirsted: Thornfield becomes her home because of her love for Mr. Rochester. However, because of Mr. Rochester's existing marriage to Bertha Mason (a union which nullifies any of Jane's familial connections to the Manor), Jane must move on and attempt to replace the family that she has now lost. Ironically, when Jane stays at Moor House, she actually discovers her true family: the Rivers siblings are her cousins. Yet, Jane's true sense of family remains with the love she feels for Mr. Rochester and, by returning to him at Ferndean and finally accepting his marriage proposal, she is able to fulfill her desire for a true family at last.

Q 26. How does the novel relate to Charlotte Brontë's personal life?

Ans. Many aspects of the novel are autobiographical. Lowood School is based on the Clergy Daughters School at Cowan Bridge, where Jane and her sisters studied after their mother's death. Brontë's school has similarly poor conditions, and Brontë modeled Mr. Brocklehurst after the Reverend William Carus Wilson, an evangelical minister who managed the school. Brontë also informed the death of Helen Burns by recalling the deaths of her two sisters during a fever outbreak at their school. John Reed's descent into gambling and alcoholism relates to the struggles of Brontë's brother, Patrick Branwell, during the later years of his life. Most importantly, Jane's experience as a governess was modeled directly on Brontë's own experiences as a governess in wealthy families.

Qs. ‘Jane Eyre’ as feminist novel. Discuss

Ans. Charlotte Bronte’s well known novel Jane Eyre is a feminist novel in its structure, story-line, aims and objectives and in toto appearance. The heroin of the novel, Jane Eyre is pictured as a strong independent women and she was well-enough to portray Feminist ideals. Bronte goes for distinct picturization of Jane ranging from the female child, the female adolescent, the working class women, the mad women to the lady of the manor. Of course to some extent Bronte succeeded in depicting her femiSnist concepts which can be seen as passions and aspirations of Victorian girl who badly needs to free herself from the clutches of everything. This novel was the mile-stone in the history of feminist literature because it paved ways for dozens of feminist novel which came after it. More over the novel has got importance because Bronte without considering the fact that she herself is placed within the Victorian society courageously indulged in writing about the Victorian period. Jane in this novel depicted as one who follows morals and ideals of her age but somehow she succeeded to have her own independence and liberty.

The major problem with century is that it made or clearly defined two standards of life. One is for male and other one is for female. We can’t just think about crossing these standards through any means of life. In other words she has to accept it without any preconceived notion, which didn’t necessarily provide her with liberty, dignity or independence. However Bronte’s character as I mentioned in the beginning, survived the measures and characteristics of her age. Jane Eyre tries to hold some kind of liberty, dignity, freedom of choice, unwillingness to submit to a man’s emotional power and hesitation to exhibit her mind to others. Bronte through this novel is doing nothing but creation of a feminist role model. The title of the novel itself shows the evidence for her attempt; Jane Eyre, a female name becomes more important than any other characters and their roles. The role of male characters are defined simply through her actions and thought process.

To understand Jane Eyre’s role as a feminist the term feminist must be thoroughly studied and explained. This concept was not popular or didn’t get social consensus in its beginning. Behind it, however, lie two centuries of struggle for the recognition of women’s cultural roles and achievements, and for social and political rights. The word “Feminist” is defined as “one who advocates equal rights for women”. Yet a “feminist” does not necessarily protest in the streets: any women who wish to be equal with men and express this viewpoint in word and action can be considered to possess ideals on which the feminist movement is based. The feminist movement was marked by Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792) John Stuart mill’s The Subjection of Women (1869) and the American Margaret Fuller’s women in the nineteenth Century (1845). Jane Eyre, of course, didn’t take to the streets with her feminist ideals, but she expressed her view of women’s equality almost subconsciously, through word and deed. She lived in a “world that measured the likelihood of her success by the degree of her marriage ability” which would have included her familial connections, economic status and beauty (Moglene).However she did not stick on marriage thoughts. We can see that Rochester betrayal makes her fell into mind loss and despair, but she says that even though in the middle of these things she can happily lead a simple teacher’s life.

 Feminist ideals reach its peak end through deeds of Jane towards Rochester, her male counterpart. She does not allow him to conquer her through using her weak points; she is a orphan and live with mere amount of money. Moreover she was a servant of Rochester and he can have anything from her. But she succeeded increasing a definite space in between them and Rochester or every other character in the novel had some difficulty in reaching or understanding her life. Her attitude towards Rochester is when he tries to make her (Orphan), as the princess by providing jewels and garments for her wedding. She says that “the more he bought me, the more my cheek burned with a sense of annoyance and degradation. Here she shows some kind of unwillingness towards Rochester’s attempt to “buy her” and if accept his gift for marriage of course she will be in debt with Rochester throughout the life. She knows that and she diplomatically avoids it.

The second courageous action of Jane as the feminist is the leaving of Rochester when she finds facts about Rochester’s life (interesting thing is that she can find facts about others life but she will not permit others to do so). By doing so she exhibited two concepts of her about Victorian life; one is she does not wants to be Rochester’s second wife and she can break love relationships with Rochester (any manin the world) whenever she wishes to do so. She may find some difficulty in departing with him but she has the strength to overcome all kind of emotional barricades and sentiments which a traditional woman holds. In addition, her refusal to become a mistress shows that she has maintained a certain dignity, refusing to give in to her physical and emotional desires that would be seen as uncouth by society.

We may think that her coming back to Rochester as a failure of her or change in her feministic desires and aspirations. But this is nothing but simply some kind of belief that she possesses that her coming back to Rochester will provide her love of him which mentally and physically free her. Moreover she returns after she got a huge amount of wealth from her uncle. Now she has equal social status and recognition and her return is not out of greed for money. In fact Jane Eyre properly exercises her freedom of choice and power of taking decisions. Throughout the novel we can see that how she struggles to keep her identity; to keep herself not below than others. Even though she was a servant in Rochester’s home she made him understand her distinction between other servants in the home and she portray a kind of picture about her that she is above what she is now. She clearly says to Rochester that “Do you think, because I am a poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! I have as much Soul as you-and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is for me to leave you”

  Nowhere in the novel Bronte doesn’t present Rochester as something much more than Jane. Rochester can be seen as somewhat below to Jane in the terms of morality that she holds. Rochester’s sin of keeping Bertha Mason a secret gives to questions about the quality of his character. Jane’s moral characteristics made her beyond Rochester even though he has everything. At the end of the novel Rochester became mentally and physically dilapidated and came under the mercy of Jane for future existence. His moral weakness played the role of villain in his life and in the other end Jane stands for the moral fulfillment of life. His moral weakness makes Jane equal to Rochester or makes him lesser than her. It can be said that this novel is a process of making heroin bigger than hero or the feministic attitude building.

Her stand against patriarchal setup of Victorian world is clearly depicted in the novel. She triumphed in that by refusing St. John’s attempt to make her marry him. She had her own reasons for the rejection of St. John. Because she doesn’t want to marry someone who is not loves her. During the play of marriage game he uses his religious views as an excuse to goad her into marrying him. She understood it without taking much effort and left him. In fact, he even attempts to make her feel guilty by saying that the God would not be pleased with the two people living together with “a divided allegiance: it must be entire”. By making this claim, however, she seems to be implying that God would only be happy if St. John had full and complete ownership of Jane. Her yearn for independence freedom of choice was evident since her childhood. The way she retaliate master Reed shows her protest against injustice though she had not anyone in that home. Even aunt Reed too behaves with her in a rood way. But she faced all these atrocities with head high and great dignity. Aunt’s punishment of locking Jane in the Red Room nurtures central characteristics in the young girl: the desire to survive with dignity. She did not show any hesitation to have a talk over the brutality of punishment given to her. Throughout her life she showed spirit of courage to survive barricades of life. The heroine of the novel Jane Eyre has undoubtedly succeeded in building up the image of a woman who has the courage to fight against the unfair reality and pursue the equality in life. She calls for women to struggle for and be the mastery of their own lives. During the whole story, Jane serves as a positive character. By the development of Jane’s thoughts and feelings, the author conveys the spirits of feminism.

In conclusion we may say that the literature always stood for imparting the rights of women through its different genres. Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre is the best example for such kind of attitude taken by literature. The significance of this novel is it’s time of production; it was a Victorian novel and in this period women were largely oppressed to saunter household things and fulfill wifely duties. It was in this age a simple women like Charlotte Bronte wrote a novel with intelligent, kind-hearted and independent women called Jane. So this novel paved path for new kinds of feministic theories and concepts and it formed an example before the female and male readers about how a women can survive in the Victorian society without letting her ideas and ways of life.

Qs. Discuss the various themes of Jane Eyre that are intertwined in the novel.

Ans.  Themes are pervasive ideas presented in a literary work.  There are plenty of compelling themes in Jane Eyre, which is a masterpiece of Charlotte Bronte. It presents the dilemma of a family and shows class discrimination and cruelty in human nature.  Some of the major themes in Jane Eyre have been discussed below.

Family

The main quest in Jane Eyre is Jane's search for family, for a sense of belonging and love. However, this search is constantly tempered by Jane’s need for independence. She begins the novel as an unloved orphan who is almost obsessed with finding love as a way to establish her own identity and achieve happiness. Although she does not receive any parental love from Mrs. Reed, Jane finds surrogate maternal figures throughout the rest of the novel. Bessie, Miss Temple, and even Mrs. Fairfax care for Jane and give her the love and guidance that she needs, and she returns the favor by caring for Adèle and the students at her school. Still, Jane does not feel as though she has found her true family until she falls in love with Mr. Rochester at Thornfield; he becomes more of a kindred spirit to her than any of her biological relatives could be. However, she is unable to accept Mr. Rochester’s first marriage proposal because she realizes that their marriage - one based on unequal social standing - would compromise her autonomy. Jane similarly denies St. John's marriage proposal, as it would be one of duty, not of passion. Only when she gains financial and emotional autonomy, after having received her inheritance and the familial love of her cousins, can Jane accept Rochester's offer. In fact, the blinded Rochester is more dependent on her (at least until he regains his sight). Within her marriage to Rochester, Jane finally feels completely liberated, bringing her dual quests for family and independence to a satisfying conclusion.

Religion

Jane receives three different models of Christianity throughout the novel, all of which she rejects either partly or completely before finding her own way. Mr. Brocklehurst's Evangelicalism is full of hypocrisy: he spouts off on the benefits of privation and humility while he indulges in a life of luxury and emotionally abuses the students at Lowood. Also at Lowood, Helen Burns's Christianity of absolute forgiveness and tolerance is too meek for Jane's tastes; Helen constantly suffers her punishments silently and eventually dies. St. John, on the other hand, practices a Christianity of utter piousness, righteousness, and principle to the exclusion of any passion. Jane rejects his marriage proposal as much for his detached brand of spirituality as for its certain intrusion on her independence.

However, Jane frequently looks to God in her own way throughout the book, particularly after she learns of Mr. Rochester's previous marriage and before St. John takes her in to Moor House. She also learns to adapt Helen’s doctrine of forgiveness without becoming complete passive and returns to Mr. Rochester when she feels that she is ready to accept him again. The culmination of the book is Jane’s mystical experience with Mr. Rochester that brings them together through a spirituality of profound love.

Social position

Brontë uses the novel to express her critique of Victorian class differences. Jane is consistently a poor individual within a wealthy environment, particularly with the Reeds and at Thornfield. Her poverty creates numerous obstacles for her and her pursuit of happiness, including personal insecurity and the denial of opportunities. The beautiful Miss Ingram's higher social standing, for instance, makes her Jane's main competitor for Mr. Rochester’s love, even though Jane is far superior in terms of intellect and character. Moreover, Jane’s refusal to marry Mr. Rochester because of their difference in social stations demonstrates her morality and belief in the importance of personal independence, especially in comparison to Miss Ingram’s gold-digging inclinations. Although Jane asserts that her poverty does not make her an inferior person, her eventual ascent out of poverty does help her overcome her personal obstacles. Not only does she generously divide her inheritance with her cousins, but her financial independence solves her difficulty with low self-esteem and allows her to fulfill her desire to be Mr. Rochester’s wife.

Gender inequality

Alongside Brontë's critique of Victorian class hierarchy is a subtler condemnation of the gender inequalities during the time period. The novel begins with Jane's imprisonment in the "red-room" at Gateshead, and later in the book Bertha's imprisonment in the attic at Thornfield is revealed. The connection implies that Jane's imprisonment is symbolic of her lower social class, while Bertha's containment is symbolic of Victorian marriage: all women, if they marry under unequal circumstances as Bertha did, will eventually be confined and oppressed by their husbands in some manner. Significantly, Jane is consciously aware of the problems associated with unequal marriages. Thus, even though she loves Mr. Rochester, she refuses to marry him until she has her own fortune and can enter into the marriage contract as his equal.

While it is difficult to separate Jane's economic and gender obstacles, it is clear that her position as a woman also prevents her from venturing out into the world as many of the male characters do – Mr. Rochester, her Uncle John, and St. John, for instance. Indeed, her desire for worldly experience makes her last name ironic, as "Eyre" derives from an Old French word meaning "to travel." If Jane were a man, Brontë suggests, she would not be forced to submit to so much economic hardship; she could actively attempt to make her fortune. As it is, however, Jane must work as a governess, the only legitimate position open for a woman of her station, and simply wait for her uncle to leave her his fortune.

Fire and Ice

The motifs of fire and ice permeate the novel from start to finish. Fire is presented as positive, creative, and loving, while ice is seen as destructive, negative, and hateful. Brontë highlights this dichotomy by associating these distinct elements with particular characters: the cruel or detached characters, such as Mrs. Reed and St. John, are associated with ice, while the warmer characters, such as Jane, Miss Temple, and Mr. Rochester, are linked with fire. Interestingly, fire serves as a positive force even when it is destructive, as when Jane burns Helen's humiliating "Slattern" crown, and when Bertha sets fire to Mr. Rochester’s bed curtains and then to Thornfield Manor. The first of Bertha’s fires brings Jane and Mr. Rochester into a more intimate relationship, while the second destroys Thornfield and leads to Bertha's death, thus liberating Rochester from his shackled past. Although the fire also blinds Rochester, this incident helps Jane see that he is now dependent on her and erases any misgivings she may have about inequality in their marriage. Although Brontë does not suggest that the characters associated with ice are wholly malignant or unsympathetic, she emphasizes the importance of fiery love as the key to personal happiness.

Love and Marriage

Love and marriage are also significant thematic strands in the novel. St. John, who is pragmatic, does not love her but wants to marry her to give her status. He believes he has authority to take her to India on his missionary tours. Jane falls in love with Mr. Rochester, a wealthy owner of Thornfield Manor. However, Mr.  Rochester was married to Bertha at that time. Also, Jane feared would undermine her independence and thinking. However, at the end of the novel, she decides to marry a person she loves. So, she chooses to marry Mr. Rochester despite his blindness.

Gothic elements

Brontë uses many elements of the Gothic literary tradition to create a sense of suspense and drama in the novel. First of all, she employs Gothic techniques in order to set the stage for the narrative. The majority of the events in the novel take place within a gloomy mansion (Thornfield Manor) with secret chambers and a mysterious demonic laugh belonging to the Madwoman in the Attic. Brontë also evokes a sense of the supernatural, incorporating the terrifying ghost of Mr. Reed in the red-room and creating a sort of telepathic connection between Jane and Mr. Rochester. More importantly, however, Brontë uses the Gothic stereotype of the Byronic hero to formulate the primary conflict of the text. Brooding and tortured, while simultaneously passionate and charismatic, Mr. Rochester is the focal point of the passionate romance in the novel and ultimately directs Jane’s behavior beginning at her time at Thornfield. At the same time, his dark past and unhappy marriage to Bertha Mason set the stage for the dramatic conclusion of the novel.

External beauty versus internal beauty

Throughout the novel, Brontë plays with the dichotomy between external beauty and internal beauty. Both Bertha Mason and Blanche Ingram are described as stunningly beautiful, but, in each case, the external beauty obscures an internal ugliness. Bertha’s beauty and sensuality blinded Mr. Rochester to her hereditary madness, and it was only after their marriage that he gradually recognized her true nature. Blanche’s beauty hides her haughtiness and pride, as well as her desire to marry Mr. Rochester only for his money. Yet, in Blanche’s case, Mr. Rochester seems to have learned not to judge by appearances, and he eventually rejects her, despite her beauty. Only Jane, who lacks the external beauty of typical Victorian heroines, has the inner beauty that appeals to Mr. Rochester. Her intelligence, wit, and calm morality express a far greater personal beauty than that of any other character in the novel, and Brontë clearly intends to highlight the importance of personal development and growth rather than superficial appearances. Once Mr. Rochester loses his hand and eyesight, they are also on equal footing in terms of appearance: both must look beyond superficial qualities in order to love each other.

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Love Among The Ruins

 

1.       Year of publication of the poem “Love Among The Ruins”.              Robert Browning

Ans. 1855

2.      In which era does Robert Browning belong to?

Ans. Victorian era.

3.      In which book the poem “Love Among The Ruins” was published?

Ans. ‘Men and Women’, a collection of 51 poems.

4.      What are the major themes of the poem “Love Among The Ruins”?

Ans. Love, past prime, and nature are the major themes of this poem.

5.      “With their triumphs and their glories and the rest!

Love is best”

From which poem the above lines have been taken?

Ans. “Love Among The Ruins”

6.      The poem “Love Among The Ruins” is a monologue.  (True/False)

Ans. True

7.      For whom does the girl wait in the poem “Love Among The Ruins”?

Ans. For the speaker.

8.      Where does the girl stand for the speaker?

Ans. The girl with yellow hair is standing at the very same place where the king once used to stand to acknowledge the winning chariots.

9.      Name three famous contemporary poets of Robert Browning?

Ans. Alfred Lord Tennyson, Mathew Arnold, and Thomas Hardy.

Qs 10. Write down the summery of the poem ‘Love Among The Ruins’

 

Ans.  “Love Among The Ruins” was the first poem published in the volume ‘Men and Women’ by Robert Browning. The poet, in this poem, is visiting a city with a glorious past, this city which was once a very majestic place has come to ruins. But love exists as a major part of the now ruined city, hence the title, Love Among The Ruins. The poem is set in a single city, portraying both the past and the present situation of that city, viewed through the eyes of the speaker.

 

The speaker starts by providing a pleasant description of a landscape where sheep can be seen grazing, a pastoral land filled with the sound of bells jingling around the necks of sheep. The same sight, the same place was once a great city led by a prince who used to hold court, councils and meetings in the palace that existed there. This ruined city was the country’s capital and this very city went through the days of peace and war with same vigor and strength. The speaker says that now this city does not even have a tree standing tall and proud. This city once had a palace with huge walls, a beautiful palace with soldiers and armed men marching past it day and night. The speaker admires the remains of the city, he realizes that there was never such greenery in the city before with grass spread everywhere. The city in the past was made of men who were joyous, lusty for glory and were traders at heart, money makers who bought and sold gold all day long. Now, a single turret is left of the once great city where the monarchs with their fellow soldiers used to enjoy the entertainment sports of the ancient times like chariot races. The speaker says that now, in this ruined turret, standing under the evening sky, in the peaceful atmosphere, a girl with yellow hair and eager eyes is awaiting him.  The girl is waiting for the speaker, standing at the very same place where the king used to acknowledge the winning chariot, and just like the king, the girl waits for the speaker in breathless anticipation. But the king used to look at millions of men surrounding him, the hills and valleys of his vast kingdom, the mountains topped with temples while the girl’s eyes will only look at the speaker. When the speaker arrives, the girl will quietly look at him, embracing his shoulders with her eyes and his face, in the quiet evening, they both will embrace just each other. The speaker then tells about the war the city went through, millions of men with their golden chariots were sent to the battle, they constructed mile high pillars for their gods; the men were filled with pride, the city with sin and noise. Now, the ruins of the city remain in peace, the glories and the pride of the once majestic city has been triumphed by love.

The poem is a beautiful composition built on vivid imagery and provides a contrast between past and present, pride and love, war and peace. The poem is also a gentle reminder of the universal truth of peace winning over noise and sin, while love triumphs over pride. The tone of the poem is calm and quiet. The musical pattern of the poem is the major highlight which is accompanied by a calm, pleasant and soothing tone, running throughout the composition. The poem is a beautiful masterpiece, written brilliantly with a skillful use of imagery, the poet is successful in reminding the readers that love triumphs all, even the ruins can be more beautiful and meaningful, when accompanied by love and peace.

 

Major Themes in “Love Among the Ruins”: Love, past prime, and nature are the major themes underlined in this poem. Throughout the poem, the speaker shows surprise in the dramatic transformation of a landscape where his beloved is waiting for him. After historical battles, the city became the center of trade. Unfortunately, all the glories and glitz and glamour are now gone and the turret is reserved for the sheep now. It is through this simple text, the speaker beautifully sheds light on the destructive nature of time. While talking about the magical power of love, he adds, even these ruins can become meaningful and beautiful with the presence of love.

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Goblin Market

 

Compare and contrast the tragic love in

"Maude Clare" and "Death's Chill Between."

Why is the young woman an unsympathetic

character? How could the inclusion of the

additional stanzas (that Rossetti actually

wrote) change the reader's view of Maude

Clare?

Both of these poems center around unrealized love.

Although Sir Thomas does not return Maude Clare's

love, the reader feels a sense of embarrassment

and pity for her outburst. The problem is that the

poem does not contain much information about

Maude Clare and Sir Thomas' emotional relationship

and subsequently, her motivations to confront her

former lover. Rossetti had written additional stanzas

explaining Maude Clare's character more

thoroughly, which soften the tone of her attack on

the married couple. As the poem stands, though,

Maude Clare comes off as the aggressor because of

her strong will. By contrast, the young woman in

"Death's Chill Between" does read as a victim

because she reacts to the death of her lover with

ladylike sadness, instead of ferocious anger.

Compare and contrast the tragic love in

"Maude Clare" and "Death's Chill Between."

Why is the young woman an unsympathetic

character? How could the inclusion of the

additional stanzas (that Rossetti actually

wrote) change the reader's view of Maude

Clare?

Both of these poems center around unrealized love.

Although Sir Thomas does not return Maude Clare's

love, the reader feels a sense of embarrassment

and pity for her outburst. The problem is that the

poem does not contain much information about

Maude Clare and Sir Thomas' emotional relationship

and subsequently, her motivations to confront her

former lover. Rossetti had written additional stanzas

explaining Maude Clare's character more

thoroughly, which soften the tone of her attack on

the married couple. As the poem stands, though,

Maude Clare comes off as the aggressor because of

her strong will. By contrast, the young woman in

"Death's Chill Between" does read as a victim

because she reacts to the death of her lover with

ladylike sadness, instead of ferocious anger.

Compare and contrast the tragic love in

"Maude Clare" and "Death's Chill Between."

Why is the young woman an unsympathetic

character? How could the inclusion of the

additional stanzas (that Rossetti actually

wrote) change the reader's view of Maude

Clare?

Both of these poems center around unrealized love.

Although Sir Thomas does not return Maude Clare's

love, the reader feels a sense of embarrassment

and pity for her outburst. The problem is that the

poem does not contain much information about

Maude Clare and Sir Thomas' emotional relationship

and subsequently, her motivations to confront her

former lover. Rossetti had written additional stanzas

explaining Maude Clare's character more

thoroughly, which soften the tone of her attack on

the married couple. As the poem stands, though,

Maude Clare comes off as the aggressor because of

her strong will. By contrast, the young woman in

"Death's Chill Between" does read as a victim

because she reacts to the death of her lover with

ladylike sadness, instead of ferocious anger.

Qs 1. In Goblin Market, what is the name of Laura's sister?                                 Christina Rossetti

Ans. Lizzie.

Qs 2. In Goblin Market, what location of significance will not grow grass?

Ans. Jeanie's grave.

Qs. 3. In Goblin Market, with what does Laura's sister attempt to purchase the goblin fruit?

Ans. A silver penny.                                               

Qs. 4. How do the goblins in Goblin Market react to Laura's sister's attempt to purchase their fruit?

Ans. They beat the sister.

Qs 5. In Dream Land, what bird does the poem's subject hear singing?

Ans. A nightingale.

Qs. 6. In Dream Land, towards what direction does the poem's subject face?

Ans. West.

Qs 7. In At Home, what is the topic of conversation for those yet living?

Ans. Tomorrow.

Qs 8. How are the Goblins looked like?

Ans. The goblins appeared like devilish-like creatures like felines, rodents, and snails.

Qs. 9. In which year the poem Goblin Market was published?

Ans. 1862

Qs 10. Name the book from where the poem Goblin Market is taken.

Ans. “Goblin Market and Other Poems”

Qs 11. Name the two sisters in the poem Goblin Market.

Ans. Lizzie and Laura

Qs 12. What kind of poem Goblin Market is?

Ans. Narrative poetry

Qs 13. How does Goblin look like?

Ans. Goblin looks like man having animal mouth.

Qs 14. What is the original title of the poem Goblin Market?

Ans. ‘Peeping at the Goblin’.

Qs 15.  Which fruits do the Goblins sell in the market?

Ans. Orange, Apple, Lemon, Blackberry, Apricot, Strawberry, etc.

Qs 16. What does Laura pay to buy fruits in the Goblin Market?

Ans. Her lock of hair

Qs 17. To whom Lizzie and Laura narrate the story of the poem Goblin Market?

Ans. Lizzie and Laura narrate it to their children.

Qs 18. Compare and contrast the tragic love in "Maude Clare" and "Death's Chill Between." Why is the young woman an unsympathetic character? How could the inclusion of the additional stanzas (that Rossetti actually wrote) change the reader's view of Maude Clare?

Ans. Both of these poems center on unrealized love. Although Sir Thomas does not return Maude Clare's love, the reader feels a sense of embarrassment and pity for her outburst. The problem is that the poem does not contain much information about Maude Clare and Sir Thomas' emotional relationship and subsequently, her motivations to confront her former lover. Rossetti had written additional stanzas explaining Maude Clare's character more thoroughly, which soften the tone of her attack on the married couple. As the poem stands, though, Maude Clare comes off as the aggressor because of her strong will. By contrast, the young woman in "Death's Chill Between" does read as a victim because she reacts to the death of her lover with ladylike sadness, instead of ferocious anger.

Qs 19. Discuss the crisis of faith after the narrator's dream in "The Convent Threshold," and explore why Rossetti may have chosen to write about a dream in this instance.

Ans. The dream of Lucifer, who was determined to acquire "light" and knowledge, serves as a warning to the narrator not to blindly pursue these things. Rossetti often invokes a dream state to offer a glimpse into a character's true desire, and subsequently, reveal an innate crisis of humanity. Here, Rossetti uses the dreamscape to contrast irrational love and rational knowledge, both of which are important to the Christian faith. However, an unquestioning love of God is the most vital tenet of the religion, according to Rossetti.

Qs 20. How can it be that when Laura gets the fruits from Lizzie she is recuperated or recovered?

Ans.  The distinction lies in the thought processes of the two young ladies for eating, or searching out the goblin fruits in any case. Laura is enticed by the exotic bait of the goblin men.

Qs 21. How does Rossetti in "Goblin market" present the manners by which traditional folklore has been settled in her as content and as a complex socio-cultural signifier'?

Ans.  In "Goblin Market" Rossetti expertly establishes Christian subjects with European folklore. The particular importance or her utilization in "Goblin Market' is profoundly discussed. The importance of the traditional folklore goes from Laura to Lizzie.

Qs 22. Why can't Laura hear or see the goblins after she's eaten the fruit in Christiana Rossetti's Goblin Market?

Answer: The fruits of the goblins, in Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" are tempting. When a person eats the fruits he or she will crave for it. Unfortunately the person can no longer hear the singing alter eating the fruits.

Qs 23.  Could the poetry ‘Goblin Market’ be viewed as showing a struggling power among people?

Ans.  It positively can. In this poetry, the goblin men attempt to entice the two ladies to taste their fruits. They charm the ladies with amazing depiction or that fruits, making : it sound as tantalizing as could really he expected.

Qs 24. How are the fruits in, ‘Goblin Market’ introduced as scrumptious?

Ans.  In her poetry, "Goblin Market", Christina Rossetti relates an account of two sisters enticed by the sumptuous fruits offered by the goblins. These are not just the ordinary fruits they are the special magical fruits sold by the goblins in the evening at a commercial arcade.

Qs 25.  Discuss the summery of ‘Goblin Market’ critically on the basis of your reading the poem.

Ans. Christina Rossetti’s 1862 poem “Goblin Market” is her most famous poem and most controversial work. While Rossetti publicly claimed that the poem was meant for children and had no sexual undertones, its abundant images of supple fruit and carnal pleasure challenge this claim. The poem is told in the style of a fable and features two chaste sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who live alone in the countryside. Each night, the sisters and the other maids who live in their town hear the sounds of goblins singing “Come buy, come buy.” These goblin men sell tempting, exotic fruit to unsuspecting young girls. Lizzie warns Laura never to buy their goods, but Laura cannot resist temptation. Laura’s weakness has repercussions and only Lizzie has the power to save her sister. The poem’s eerie, sing-song tone and repetition lull the audience into the trance-like state of one infected by the goblin’s fruit. The most popular critical interpretation of this poem views it as a Christian allegory for resisting temptation. However, this poem has been interpreted in many other ways. Some critics have read it as a portrayal of the Victorian world’s anxiety with a growing consumerist culture; others have seen it as a parable about the dangers of defying Victorian social codes that regulated female sexuality. Rossetti dedicated the poem to her older sister who had saved her from running away with a man who turned out to be married, a history that supports reading the poem as a reinforcement of the social codes that policed the poet’s society. Despite its scandalous connotations, Christian allusions, and implied commentary on Victorian society, “Goblin Market” overtly concerns one theme overall: nothing is more powerful than sisterly love.

In the early Victorian era, there were strict rules and expectations about sexuality. Women were considered weak, innocent, and naive with little to no sexual appetite or inclinations. In contrast, men were at fault for incidents pertaining to indiscretion and blamed for taking advantage of the fragility of women. Later in the Victorian era, the rules and expectations changed. Now, women were at fault for enticing men, who were simply acting on their innate sexual desires. One thing stayed consistent throughout the era: chastity was extremely important. A woman’s chastity was thought to be the most important thing, and those who were not pure and chaste were looked down upon in society.

Rossetti's “The Goblin Market” tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who interact with a band of goblins and the sisterly love that saves Laura from a life of suffering. At the beginning of the story, the sisters hear a call from the goblins in the woods and then listen to the cautionary tale of Jennie, who sampled the goods from the goblin market and wasted the rest of her life pining for the fruit.

However, Laura gives into temptation, offering a lock of her hair in exchange for a taste of the goblins’ fruits. Later, Laura discovers that she can’t hear the goblins nor find them. She begins to waste away, much like Jennie. Lizzie recognizes that her sister is dying and seeks out the goblins.

She arrives and resists the temptation of the fruit, angering the goblins enough that they try to force the fruit on her, covering her body in the flesh and juice of the fruits. Lizzie returns to Laura so she can have another taste of the fruit. Lizzie’s actions and the taste cure Laura. The end of the poem follows Laura and Lizzie to adulthood when they retell their children the story of the goblin market and of Lizzie’s sacrifice.

The main theme in the text focuses on how Laura’s redemption is facilitated through Lizzie’s sacrifice. Despite the dangers of the goblin market, Lizzie risks everything in order to save Laura from a life of suffering because of the love she has for her sister. Similar to the theme of the redemptive power of love, this theme reveals the parallel between Lizzie and the biblical Jesus Christ. When Lizzie returns and invites Laura to taste the fruit on her body, this alludes to the same communion ritual that Jesus takes part in with his disciples. As a result, Laura is nourished and given new life. Another theme is the relationship between sacrificing a part of the self to indulge in pleasure. Laura trades a part of her body to indulge in forbidden fruit, and after doing so, she suffers as a direct result of her actions. This suggests that giving up one’s purity for the sake of temptation or pleasure is not worth the risk.

Thus the poem is a long narrative that tells us how evil goblin merchants who rendezvous around the woods and allure young maidens with their luxurious, sumptuous, and sensual sounding fruits tempted the two sisters. These fruits symbolize the forbidden fruits in the Garden of Eden as explained by Breanna Byecroft writing for the Victorian Web (par1). Rossetti’s use of imagery and language portrays how Laura the inquisitive and curious sister ingested the forbidden fruit; and how Lizzie’s redeeming power of love saves the day. Therefore, through a feminist critical lens, Rossetti uses erotic language, sensual and alluring imagery to draw the reader in and heighten the effect of sadness and hope the poem has on them.

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The Three Strangers

by Thomas Hardy

1.      In which year the ‘The Three Strangers’ was published?

Ans. 1888

2.      From which book the ‘The Three Strangers’ is being taken?

Ans. ‘Wessex Tales’

3.      What crime did the first stranger do?

Ans. The first stranger stole a sheep.

4.      What is the setting of the ‘The Three Strangers’?

Ans. The setting is an isolated Shepherd Fennel’s country cottage.

5.      What was the occasion of the arrangement of the party in the lonely cottage?

Ans. Christening of the Shepherd’s youngest son.

6.      How many persons were there gathered in the Christening party?

Ans. 19 people

7.      Which music was playing in the Christening party?

Ans. Music of violin.

8.      Who is the owner of the cottage where the Christening party was going on?

Ans. Shepherd Fennel, a 50 years old man.

9.      What was name of the lonely cottage?

Ans.  Higher Crowstairs.

10.  Where was the second stranger going?

Ans. Casterbridge

11.  From the story ‘The Three Strangers’ which two strangers are related to each other?

Ans. First and third strangers.

Qs. What’s the theme of the story?

Ans. Well, sometimes you define “theme” as “a broad topic that comes into play throughout the story.” In that case, the themes of "The Three Strangers" include hunger, theft, crime, punishment, sympathy, and justice; friendship, family, neighborliness, strangers, and outsiders; births and christenings, etc.

 

Qs Discuss the summery of the short story ‘The Three Strangers’

Ans. Higher Crowstairs is an isolated cottage some three miles from Casterbridge, the county town where the county jail is situated. It is late winter, in the evening of a very rainy day. Shepherd Fennel and his wife are holding a christening party, to which about twenty relatives and neighbors have come, all well known to one another. Inside it is warm and snug, with a blazing fire in the hearth. Mrs Fennel, a somewhat frugal lady, is hoping to strike a balance between dancing and talking, so that no one gets too thirsty or too hungry. The musicians are a twelve-year-old fiddler and the parish clerk, who plays the serpent, an old-fashioned brass instrument.

Into this festive scene, three strangers intrude, one by one. The first has come from the direction of town and asks shelter from the rain. He dries off by the hearth but is evasive when asked about him. Although he enjoys smoking, he has neither pipe of tobacco nor pouch.

Shortly after, a second stranger knocks; this one is headed toward Casterbridge. Again, he wishes to dry off and sits down at the table, right next to the first stranger, penning him in. He is much more jovial than the first stranger and asks for drink. He drinks the mead (a fermented honey drink) in large quantities, much to Mrs. Fennel’s consternation. When asked about his occupation, he sings a song for the locals to guess. Only the first stranger joins in the chorus. It is obvious from the song that he is a public hangman, coming to hang a prisoner slated for execution the next day at the county jail.

A third stranger enters during the song, looks terrified, and rushes out. Just then a gun is heard firing from the town, indicating a prisoner has escaped. One of the guests, “the engaged man of fifty,” declares he a constable and, after some knockabout humor, eventually sets off in pursuit of the third stranger with a posse. While the women exit upstairs to comfort a wailing baby, the first two strangers creep back into the cottage, having made little effort to search for the man supposed to be the prisoner. After eating and drinking a little more, they part.

The posse captures the third stranger. By the time they return, the local magistrate and two jailers are at the cottage. They realize the third stranger is not the escaped prisoner, but his brother, come to pay his last respects. The real prisoner was the first stranger, but now it is too late and too dark to look for him. In the morning, a desultory search is made for him, but as his crime was only that of stealing a sheep to feed a starving family, there is much local sympathy for him, and the search is soon abandoned. His calmness has saved him.

The Pickwick Paper

                                                                                      Charles Dickens

1.       What is the original title of ‘The Pickwick Paper’?

Ans. The posthumous Paper

2.       When was ‘The Pickwick Paper’ published?

Ans. From March, 1836 to November, 1837.

3.       Which is Dickens first novel?

Ans. ‘The Pickwick Paper’

4.       Who is the founder of ‘The Pickwick Club’?

Ans. Mr. Samuel Pickwick

5.       Who were the members of ‘The Pickwick Club’?

Ans. Samuel Pickwick, Nathaniel Winkle, Augustus Snodgrass, and Tracy Tupman.

6.       Who is Mr. Jingle?

Ans.  Alfred Jingle is a fictional character who appears in the 1837 novel The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. He is a strolling actor and an engaging charlatan and trickster noted for his bizarre anecdotes and distinctive mangling of English syntax. He usurps Pickwickian Tracy Tupman in the affections of Mr.

7.      Why did Mr Pickwick take down notes? Do you think it was a wise thing to do?

Answer: Mr Pickwick was taking notes because it had been decided that he would write down notes about everyone he met, everything he saw, everything that happened and everything he thought for the members of the club to read. No, it wasn’t a wise thing to do because the coachman mistook him for a spy and fought with him.

8.      Who did rescue Pickwick and his friends from cab driver?

Ans. Mr. Jingle

9.      With whom did Mr. Snodgrass marry at the end of ‘The Pickwick Papers’ novel?

Ans. With Emily

10.  In which Chapter does Mr. Pickwick desolve the Pickwick Club?

Ans. Last chapter (57)  

 

 

Qs. Write a short note on Character Analysis Alfred Jingle

 

Ans. Jingle is one of the most engaging rascals in literature — a tall, thin, shabby young man with a gift for imposture and a hilarious staccato patter. Jingle is Mr. Pickwick's negative, an alter ego whose career parallels Mr. Pickwick's precisely. The two men meet as Pickwick starts out on his first adventure and from thenceforth their paths cross at regular intervals. Jingle teaches Mr. Pickwick the power and reality of deception, and three of Mr. Pickwick's adventures are concerned with frustrating Jingle's matrimonial plans. Jingle acquires a servant at the same time Mr. Pickwick hires Sam. And although Jingle and Job Trotter win out at Bury St. Edmunds, Mr. Pickwick and Sam triumph at Ipswich. Both pairs are sent to debtors' prison, where they are transformed. Mr. Pickwick learns forgiveness and Jingle learns humility. Finally, Jingle and his servant settle in the West Indies, while Mr. Pickwick and Sam settle at Dulwich. Mr. Pickwick's relationship to Jingle is something like that of a father to a prodigal son.

 

Qs. Discuss the summery of Pickwick Papers Chapters 1                            

Ans. On May 12, 1827, the Pickwick Club of London listens to Mr. Pickwick's paper, "Speculations on the Source of the Hampstead Ponds, with some Observations on the Theory of Title bats." In order to extend the field of Mr. Pickwick's knowledge, the club votes for a traveling society that will consist of Samuel Pickwick, Tracy Tupman, Augustus Snodgrass, and Nathaniel Winkle. Each will have to pay his own expenses and send reports back to the club. A fat, elderly, bald man, Mr. Pickwick is facetiously presented as a profound thinker. Tupman is a fat, middle-aged ladies' man, Snodgrass is a poet, and Winkle is a sportsman.

The club chairman, Mr. Pickwick, climbs up on a chair to make a speech about his desire to benefit mankind through scientific knowledge and information about the danger of accidents in travel, to which a member called Blotton objects, telling him he is a humbug. Mr. Pickwick is angered by this insult and confusion ensues. At last things are straightened out when Pickwick and Blotton say they did not intend their remarks in the common sense but in the "Pickwickian sense."

The tone of this opening chapter is patronizing, pompous, and tongue-in-cheek. Dickens appears to be satirizing "scientific" clubs, since the object of the Pickwick Club seems to be one of contributing to "scientific" information. Mr. Pickwick, we infer, is a silly old fool surrounded by worshipful admirers. His paper on the Hampstead Ponds and title bats is absurd, one assumes, because the phrase "the theory of" is worded unscientifically; title bats do exist, however, and are small, bony fish.

Mr. Pickwick is full of self-congratulation in assuming that his work will benefit humanity and in exaggerating the dangers he will face in traveling. His benign aplomb is shaken, however, when Blotton calls him a humbug. A name-calling session ensues, which effectively destroys any pretense Mr. Pickwick may have had to scientific objectivity. His good humor is restored only when Blotton flatters him by saying that he meant "humbug" in a Pickwickian sense. "Pickwickian sense" is harmless nonsense, a means of retreating from an angry statement, yet it suggests the clubbish atmosphere and Mr. Pickwick's patriarchal role in the club.

Another element of this chapter is worth looking into — the aspect of boyishness. A club like this, all male, usually produces a resurgence of the boyhood spirit, somewhat as fraternities do. It is a snug refuge away from feminine influence, a place where men can be themselves and allow the boy in them free expression. This spirit continues unimpaired through the greater part of the novel, until prison and romance become prominent. Boyishness is stated as one of Tupman's traits, but it is also evident in the foolish title of Mr. Pickwick's paper, in the assumption that scientific doodling is of great importance, in the pompous and cumbersome initials attached to each name, in the appending of inappropriate interests to the main members (which is like calling a fat boy "Slats"), in Mr. Pickwick getting up on his chair to make a speech, in the vainglorious speech, in the name-calling that follows, and in the making-up. So far Mr. Pickwick's childish innocence has been emphasized, but his better qualities will emerge later.

Most of all, though, there is something callow in the inflated, condescending, facetious style of the chapter, which superficially mimics the minutes of a club. One suspects that this was an attempt on Dickens' part (he was twenty-four when he began writing Pickwick Papers) to enter into the spirit of the Pickwick Club, to project its jejune tone. In his heavy-handedness, we recognize that Dickens is but one step removed from the silly behavior of his characters. However, none of this is out of keeping with the youthful sense of fun that pervades the novel.

Qs. Write critically the summery of The Pickwick Paper Chapter 2.

 

Ans. Mr. Pickwick sets off on his travels. Even before leaving London, he accidentally upsets a cab driver, who challenges him to a fight. Mr. Pickwick and his friends are rescued by a tall, thin young man, whom they later learn is named Mr. Jingle. They all take the coach to Rochester together, and the Pickwickians enjoy Mr. Jingle's company. After dinner, which they share with Jingle, the Pickwickians doze off, except for Mr. Jingle and Mr. Tupman, who decide to attend a ball being held at the inn. Mr. Jingle doesn't have the proper clothes, so Mr. Tupman lends him a new suit of Mr. Winkle's, which features special "P.C." buttons to honor the Pickwick Club. At the ball Mr. Jingle interferes with a local doctor's romance with a widow. He succeeds so well that the doctor challenges him to a duel, but Mr. Jingle ignores him and leaves.

The next morning a messenger arrives asking for a man who wears a coat with "P.C." buttons. Since it is Mr. Winkle's coat, he receives a challenge. He was drunk and has no memory of the previous night, but the messenger describes his coat precisely, so he feels obligated to participate. He swears Mr. Snodgrass to secrecy and invites him to be his second for the duel. Mr. Winkle is terrified that he will be shot, but Dr. Slammer, the insulted doctor, realizes that Mr. Winkle was not the man who insulted him. The matter is cleared up and Mr. Winkle and Mr. Snodgrass invite the doctor and his friends to dine with the Pickwickians that evening.

 

Mr. Pickwick and his friends set off on their travels and immediately run into trouble. Mr. Pickwick may be highly esteemed by the members of his club, but he is shockingly naïve for an older man. He realizes that his note taking has led the cab driver to believe he is an "informer," but he is unable to combat the charge or extract himself or his friends from the angry crowd. This incident also contrasts with the argument in the last chapter: Blotton and Mr. Pickwick, while speaking forcefully, are both willing, even eager, to withdraw their statements and end the fight. The cabman and the mob that supports him won't be satisfied without a physical battle. This won't be the last time that Mr. Pickwick is surprised by the realities of life outside his sheltered world.

This chapter introduces Mr. Jingle, although he is known only as "the tall, thin man" for some time. Mr. Jingle is an extraordinary creature: he wears once-elegant clothes that are now old and dirty, and the clothes were clearly designed for a smaller man. At first Mr. Jingle seems heroic: he rescues the Pickwickians from the mob, after all. A careful reading of that incident shows that Mr. Jingle is, in fact, adept at using the situation to his advantage. He calls for brandy and water to soothe the Pickwickians' nerves, but he drinks plenty of it himself and claims he doesn't have the right change to pay. Notice the name "Mr. Jingle"—it sounds harmless and inoffensive, but it also brings to mind the sound of coins clinking together. By the time of the incident at the ball, most readers of Dickens's time would be aware that Mr. Jingle is behaving inappropriately.

Duels come up repeatedly in The Pickwick Papers, but this is the closest any Pickwickian ever gets to fighting. Duels had been a more common practice in the England of earlier days, but by the 1800s they were falling out of favor. Duels usually were held to avenge an insult to someone's honor. Each person in the duel had a "second," a friend who was responsible for trying to negotiate a peaceful settlement, but also made arrangements for the weapons and for a doctor to be present at the site of the duel. Mr. Winkle's reluctance to duel also provides some insight into his character: someone who is an excellent hunter and sportsman might be less perturbed at the idea of a duel. Fortunately for Mr. Winkle, Dr. Slammer realizes his mistake and the entire duel scenario ends up being more of a farce than a tragedy. In case the farcical qualities of the duel weren't obvious enough, in a fight between someone named Slammer and someone named Mr. Winkle, who seems likely to win? Dickens uses the doctor's name to convey his nature.

************

The Defence of Lucknow

                                                                                                            By- Alfred Lord Tennyson

1.       When was the poem "The Defence of Lucknow" published?

Ans. April, 1879

2.       To whom did Tennyson dedicate the poem "The Defence of Lucknow"?

Ans. The poem was dedicated to princes Alice.

3.       How many parts are there in "The Defence of Lucknow"?

Ans. 7 parts

4.       What historical incident does the poem based on?

Ans. Sipahi Mutiny

5.       The poem "The Defence of Lucknow" is a literary ballad. (True/False)

Ans. True

6.       What are the themes of the poem "The Defence of Lucknow"?

Ans. Heroism, hardship, patriotism etc.

7.       Which British Army General is referred in "The Defence of Lucknow"?

Ans. Brigadier General Sir Henry Lawrence.

8.       Which British Army General was brutally killed?

Ans. General Havelock

9.       Which music was heard at the end of the poem?

Ans. The music of bagpipe.

10.   Name a famous works of Tennyson.

Ans. In Memoriam.     

 

Qs.  Critically appreciate the poem "The Defence of Lucknow"

The  poem  In  Defense  of  Lucknow is  based  on  a  real  incident  of  mutiny

during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poems

Tennyson endeavours to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers

and  their  uncompromising  faith  in  the  glory  of  the  British  flag.  Tennyson

borrowed the idea of the poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis.

Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defense of Lucknow

by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy of this book in his office. He

was  requested  by  Jowett  to  compose  a  suggestive  poem  in  memory  of  the

soldiers  who  died  in  India.  Tennyson,  in  this  poem,  presents  a  suggestive

The  poem  In  Defense  of  Lucknow is  based  on  a  real  incident  of  mutiny

during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poems

Tennyson endeavours to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers

and  their  uncompromising  faith  in  the  glory  of  the  British  flag.  Tennyson

borrowed the idea of the poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis.

Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defense of Lucknow

by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy of this book in his office. He

was  requested  by  Jowett  to  compose  a  suggestive  poem  in  memory  of  the

soldiers  who  died  in  India.  Tennyson,  in  this  poem,  presents  a  suggestive

The  poem  In  Defense  of  Lucknow is  based  on  a  real  incident  of  mutiny

during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poems

Tennyson endeavours to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers

and  their  uncompromising  faith  in  the  glory  of  the  British  flag.  Tennyson

borrowed the idea of the poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis.

Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defense of Lucknow

by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy of this book in his office. He

was  requested  by  Jowett  to  compose  a  suggestive  poem  in  memory  of  the

soldiers  who  died  in  India.  Tennyson,  in  this  poem,  presents  a  suggestive

The  poem  In  Defense  of  Lucknow is  based  on  a  real  incident  of  mutiny

during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poems

Tennyson endeavours to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers

and  their  uncompromising  faith  in  the  glory  of  the  British  flag.  Tennyson

borrowed the idea of the poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis.

Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defense of Lucknow

by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy of this book in his office. He

was  requested  by  Jowett  to  compose  a  suggestive  poem  in  memory  of  the

soldiers  who  died  in  India.  Tennyson,  in  this  poem,  presents  a  suggestive

The poem In Defence of Lucknow is based on the incident of the siege of

Lucknow.  It  was  a  terrible  and  significant  event  of  the  so-called  Indian  Sipahi 

Mutiny.  It  covers  a  struggle  of  about  87  days  and  came  to  an  end  after  action

undertaken  by  General  Campbell  on  Nov.  6,  1857.  The  poem  is  divided  into

seven sections and written as free expres

The  poem  In  Defense  of  Lucknow is  based  on  a  real  incident  of  mutiny

during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poems

Tennyson endeavours to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers

and  their  uncompromising  faith  in  the  glory  of  the  British  flag.  Tennyson

borrowed the idea of the poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis.

Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defense of Lucknow

by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy of this book in his office. He

was  requested  by  Jowett  to  compose  a  suggestive  poem  in  memory  of  the

soldiers  who  died  in  India.  Tennyson,  in  this  poem,  presents  a  suggestive

Para I : In the first para of the poem Tennyson celebrating the immense

glory  of  British  Empire.  The  speaker  defends  how  British  soldiers  sacrificed

themselves  to  protect  the  pride  of  British  flag  during  the  Revolt  of  1857  at

Lucknow.  The  speaker  makes  a  confession,  “Never  with  mightier  glory  than

when we had reared thee on high, flying at top of the roofs in the ghostly siege

of Lucknow.

The poem In Defence of Lucknow is based on the incident of the siege of

Lucknow.  It  was  a  terrible  and  significant  event  of  the  so-called  Indian  Sipahi 

Mutiny.  It  covers  a  struggle  of  about  87  days  and  came  to  an  end  after  action

undertaken  by  General  Campbell  on  Nov.  6,  1857.  The  poem  is  divided  into

seven sections and written as free expressions.

The poem In Defence of Lucknow is based on the incident of the siege of

Lucknow.  It  was  a  terrible  and  significant  event  of  the  so-called  Indian  Sipahi 

Mutiny.  It  covers  a  struggle  of  about  87  days  and  came  to  an  end  after  action

undertaken  by  General  Campbell  on  Nov.  6,  1857.  The  poem  is  divided  into

seven sections and written as free expressions.

Ans.  The poem The Defence of Lucknow is a real incident of munity during the war of independence occurred in the city of Lucknow. In this poem Tennyson endeavours to expose  to expose the anguish and suffering of the British soldiers and their uncompromising faith in the glory of the British flag. Tennyson borrowed the idea of this poem from Outram’s account and that of colonel Inglis presented the detailed account of the incident in The Defence of Lucknow by a staff officer and Tennyson used to have a copy this in his office. He was requested by Jowett to compose a suggestive poem in memory of the soldiers who died in India. Tennyson in this poem presents a suggestive account of the feeling of loss and pain in the heart of British soldiers and their families trapped in India. Tennyson maintains exceptional vehemence appropriate to maintain their position with bravery and patriotism.

At the back of the poem The Defence of Lucknow is an exposure on a major incident of Indian history.The state of Awadh has annexed  by East India Company and the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled to Calcutta. Coverley Jackson was appointed the first British Commissioner to the state he proved a failure and Sir Henry Lawrence took the charge of state. Lawrence with his skilled administrative abilities took the rebellions mood of the Indian troops. He decided to transfer certain troops to other provinces. Lawrence began fortifying residency to curve down the rebellion of the Indian troops. The rebellion broke out from Meerut and spread to Lucknow and from Lucknow to Sitapur and Faizabad. Within a span of ten days British authority of Oudh vanished resulting in the torment of British soldiers. Lawrence took personal responsibility to organized the expedition. Soldiers were commanded to work sincerely even they had to bear the crisis of water and food. The rebel exhausted the energy of Lawrence’s sepoys but in the process of retreat some died of heart attack and such other fatal sufferings. However some British soldiers even at thr risk of their life, tried to save their wounded men who were cut to pieces by rebellions Indian soldiers. However on July 16, Major General Henry Havelock recaptured the state Cawnpur and made further efforts for the release of Lucknow Havelock marched to gain Unno and ultimately defeated  the rebel force at Birhum Havelock retreat caused the rebellion in Oudh and it consequently took the form of a national revolt.

The poem The Defence of Lucknow is based on the incident of the siege of Lucknow. It was a terrible and significant event of the so called Indian Sipahi Mutiny. It covers a struggle of about 87 days and came to an end after action undertaken by General Campbell on November 6, 1857.

The Defence of Lucknow is a war poem set in the background of the Indian Mutiny of 1857 that saw the siege of Lucknow, sustained assault and eventual relief of the British "Residency" i.e British governmental headquarters in India’s northern city of Lucknow, part of 1857–58 Indian Mutiny against British rule. The relief of Lucknow entailed two attempts by the British to rescue Sir Henry Lawrence and a contingent of British and Indian troops, along with several hundred British civilians, from the center of Lucknow where they held out under siege conditions for six months. With widespread mutinies underway, Commander Lawrence ordered all the British women and children of Lucknow to take cover in the Residency, the city’s chief fortress, on May 25, and Lawrence himself retreated there on June 30. Though protected by the battery positions the Residency was vulnerable as the surrounding buildings were occupied by rebel snipers and artillery.

The first relief attempt took place on September 25 when a force under the command of Major General Sir Henry Havelock fought its way to Lucknow only to realize that he had lost so many troops that it was evacuating the civilians was a risky idea. On November 16, a much larger force approached Lucknow, led by Lieutenant General Sir Colin Campbell. It ruthlessly stormed the Secundra Bagh, a walled enclosure blocking Campbell’s route to the Residency. The British reached the Residency on November 19 and began evacuations. By November 27, the residents had been relocated to safe destinations. Campbell would return in March to recapture Lucknow. In the process 2,500 British and 8,000 Indian army men would lose their lives with an, unknown number of casualties of around 30,000 Indian rebels.

On May 1857, the 7th Oudh Irregular Infantry declined to bite the cartridges and on May 3, the Infantry was neutralized by other regiments. The disarmament could not pacify the angry soldiers and on May 10, they attacked Meerut and moved towards Delhi. When the news reached the Commissioner of Awadh, Sir Henry Lawrence, he began fortifying the Residency. In his essay “Reading Tennyson's "Ballads and Other Poems" in Context” Richard A. Sylvia opines that British society was shocked by reports of the atrocities perpetrated by Indian ‘sepoys’ against British people in India. The Victorians as a society were incensed by the brutality and ruthlessness of an ‘ungrateful’ and ‘unpredictable’ Indian population against what was believed to be a benevolent overlordship. The violence of the British response was widely seen as a fitting response to the actions of those who, employed and trusted by the British, had proven themselves treacherous.

Indian difference and unknown ability were also themes for Augusta Becher, whose memoirs of Anglo-Indian life were published posthumously in 1930. Becher had gone to India in 1849 with her army officer husband, Septimus, and remained until she was repatriated, along with her children, to Britain during the revolt of 1857. In Britain India of 1857 to 1859 and its people were described using polarised and racially determined depictions of ‘good’, ‘innocent’, ‘just’, ‘moral’ and ‘civilised’ British, against ‘evil’, ‘guilty’, ‘lawless’, ‘depraved’ and ‘barbaric’ Indians. British literature on India underwent a fundamental change after 1857, assuming the flavour of ‘self-conscious, drumbeating jingoism’ popularly associated with British militarism and superiority in the Victorian period.

The poem The Defence of Lucknow is devided in seven sections. They  are separate  but they cottectively contribute to a common enthusiastic spirit of British soldiers who make struggle with the dream “And even upon the topmost roof of our banner of England blew”. The thoughts in the poem develop in the background of delight, enthusiasm and uncompromising passion for national unity. In conclusion we may say that the poem is constructed in the poem of monologue where the speaker addresses the fighting soldiers and to make realize their duty for their national flag.

**********

 

 

 

Dr. Taybul Islam Mollah

Department of English

P.B. College, Gauripur