Assignment Code: BEGC-110/TMA/2024-25

Course Code: BEGC-110

Assignment Name: British Literature: 19th Century Year: 2024-2025 Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer All Questions 

Section A 

Q.I Explain the following lines with reference to context: 4 x 5 = 20 

(i) This is my son, mine own Telemachus,  

To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle,— 

Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfil  

This labour, by slow prudence to make mild  

A rugged people, and thro' soft degrees  

Subdue them to the useful and the good. 

Ans) These lines are from the poem "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. In this dramatic monologue, Ulysses (the Roman name for Odysseus) reflects on his life as a king and adventurer. The lines you provided refer to Ulysses' son, Telemachus. 

Reference to Context: 

Ulysses is speaking about the future of Ithaca, the kingdom he rules. He expresses his decision to leave the responsibilities of ruling to his son, Telemachus. The poem portrays Ulysses as restless and dissatisfied with the routine life of ruling, longing instead for more adventures and exploration. In contrast, Telemachus is depicted as more suited for the patient and careful task of governance. 

Explanation: 

Ulysses acknowledges that Telemachus is a suitable ruler for Ithaca. He praises his son’s qualities, describing him as “well-loved” and discerning. Telemachus will take over the “sceptre” (symbol of kingship) and will guide the people of Ithaca, who are described as “rugged.” Through patience and prudence, Telemachus will gradually civilize them, leading them to what is “useful and the good.” This suggests that while Ulysses is more focused on heroic adventures, he recognizes that Telemachus is capable of managing the responsibilities of governance in a wise and gradual manner. 

Thus, Ulysses contrasts his own restless nature with the calm and steady leadership of his son. 

(ii) A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch  

And blue spurt of a lighted match,  

And a voice less loud, thro’ its joys and fears,  

Than the two hearts beating each to each! 

Ans) These lines are from "Meeting at Night" by Robert Browning. The poem describes the secretive and romantic meeting of two lovers, focusing on the anticipation and joy of their reunion. 

Reference to Context: 

In these lines, the speaker has arrived at his lover's house after a long journey. The poem captures the thrill and intimacy of their secret meeting, with vivid sensory details and heightened emotions. 

Explanation: 

The speaker describes small, yet significant moments leading up to their meeting. The "tap at the pane" refers to him knocking on the window to signal his arrival. The "quick sharp scratch" and "blue spurt of a lighted match" describe the lighting of a match, perhaps to briefly illuminate the room. These simple actions are filled with tension and anticipation, as the lover waits for a response. 

Then, the speaker notes that the voice of his lover, though filled with both "joys and fears," is quieter and less intense than the unspoken emotions shared between them—the two hearts "beating each to each." This suggests a deep emotional connection, where their hearts and feelings communicate more powerfully than words. 

Overall, the lines emphasize the intensity of their bond, where even small actions and quiet voices are charged with deep meaning and emotion. 

(iii) This said, he left them, and return'd no more.—  

But rumours hung about the country-side,  

That the lost Scholar long was seen to stray,  

Seen by rare glimpses, pensive and tongue-tied,  

In hat of antique shape, and cloak of grey,  

The same the gypsies wore. 

Ans) These lines are from "The Scholar-Gipsy" by Matthew Arnold. The poem is about the legendary story of an Oxford scholar who, tired of conventional academic life, joins a group of gypsies to learn their mysterious, unconventional wisdom. 

Reference to Context: 

In this part of the poem, the speaker reflects on the legend of the scholar who left academic life behind. Although he "return'd no more" to formal society, rumors persisted that he had been seen wandering in the countryside, still alive but distant from the world of common men. 

Explanation: 

The lines suggest that the scholar, after abandoning his scholarly pursuits, never returned to his old life. However, people claim to have occasionally seen him wandering alone, described as "pensive and tongue-tied," indicating that he is lost in deep thought and reluctant to speak. His appearance is notable: he wears an "antique" hat and a "cloak of grey," like that worn by gypsies, which symbolizes his break from traditional society and his adoption of a more mysterious, nomadic lifestyle. 

These rumors highlight the scholar’s separation from the regular world. He has become a figure of legend, someone who lives beyond the reach of ordinary human experiences, devoting himself to something higher and more mystical. The sense of mystery and distance surrounding him reflects his transformation from a conventional scholar into a figure of almost mythical proportions. 

The poem explores the contrast between the mundane world and a higher, more contemplative way of life, embodied by the scholar who chooses the latter path. 

(iv) One may lead a horse to water,  

Twenty cannot make him drink. 

Though the goblins cuffed and caught her,  

Coaxed and fought her,  

Bullied and besought her,  

Scratched her, pinched her black as ink,’  

Kicked and knocked her,  

Mauled and mocked her,  

Lizzie uttered not a word. 

Ans) These lines are from "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti. The poem tells the story of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, and their encounter with goblin merchants who sell forbidden fruits. Laura succumbs to the temptation of the goblins' fruits, but Lizzie bravely resists them to save her sister. 

Reference to Context: 

In this section of the poem, Lizzie has gone to confront the goblins in order to obtain the fruit that will save her sister, Laura, who has fallen ill after consuming the goblins’ enchanted fruits. Lizzie offers them payment, but when she refuses to eat the fruit herself, the goblins attack her. Despite their violence and aggressive attempts to force her to eat, Lizzie remains steadfast. 

Explanation: 

The lines compare Lizzie’s determination to the proverb "One may lead a horse to water, / Twenty cannot make him drink," meaning that while you can offer someone a choice, you cannot force them to act against their will. This sets the stage for Lizzie's resistance. Even though the goblins "cuffed," "coaxed," "bullied," and physically abused her by scratching, pinching, kicking, and mocking her, Lizzie refuses to give in. She does not speak or yield to their pressure. 

Lizzie's silence and unbreakable willpower symbolize her strength, purity, and self-control. Despite the goblins' cruel and aggressive tactics, she endures the assault without submitting to temptation. Her resilience contrasts with Laura’s earlier weakness in succumbing to the goblins, and this moment marks Lizzie as a hero, risking her own safety to save her sister. 

Thus, these lines celebrate Lizzie’s courage and the power of resistance in the face of temptation and adversity. 

Section B 

Q. II Answer the following questions in about 300 words each: 4 x 5 =20 

1. Attempt a character sketch of Lucie as seen in A Tale of Two Cities. 

Ans) In A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Lucie Manette serves as a central figure of compassion, love, and goodness, embodying the ideals of Victorian womanhood. Her character plays a vital role in uniting and influencing the lives of many around her, especially her father, Dr. Manette, and her future husband, Charles Darnay. Throughout the novel, Lucie is depicted as a gentle and virtuous woman, deeply empathetic and selfless in her relationships. 

1. Lucie's Compassion and Love: 

Lucie is a figure of immense emotional strength, which is most apparent in her relationship with her father, Dr. Manette. After discovering that her father, who had been imprisoned in the Bastille for 18 years, is alive, Lucie dedicates herself to his care. Her love and nurturing spirit help restore his sanity and provide him with a sense of peace and stability. Lucie’s ability to bring comfort and healing to her father reflects her profound capacity for compassion and her essential role as a stabilizing force in the lives of those she loves. 

2. Lucie as a Symbol of Goodness: 

Lucie represents pure goodness and selflessness. Her actions are guided by concern for others rather than for her own benefit. Whether caring for her father, supporting Charles Darnay, or showing kindness to Sydney Carton, Lucie’s every action radiates tenderness. She does not actively participate in the political turmoil surrounding the French Revolution but instead serves as a moral center, representing the values of love and domestic harmony amidst the chaos. 

3. Lucie's Emotional Influence: 

Lucie's emotional strength also profoundly affects Sydney Carton, who is deeply in love with her. Although Lucie does not return his love in a romantic sense, she inspires Carton to become a better man. Her kindness and beauty give him a sense of purpose and lead to his ultimate sacrifice for her and her family. 

2. Write a short note on The Mayor of Casterbridge as a tragedy. 

Ans) Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge is widely regarded as a tragedy, not only because of the misfortunes that befall its protagonist, Michael Henchard, but also due to the novel's exploration of fate, character flaws, and the consequences of past actions. 

1. Henchard’s Tragic Flaw: 

At the heart of the novel is Michael Henchard, whose downfall is primarily driven by his own character flaws, aligning the story with the classic structure of tragedy. Henchard's impulsive, prideful, and emotionally volatile nature leads him to make several disastrous decisions. One of the most pivotal is his early decision to sell his wife, Susan, in a moment of drunken anger. This act sets the tone for the novel, as Henchard's inability to control his impulses leads to long-term suffering. His temper and pride also prevent him from forming lasting, meaningful relationships, leading to his eventual isolation. 

2. The Role of Fate and Circumstance: 

Like many tragedies, The Mayor of Casterbridge places significant emphasis on the role of fate and circumstance. Henchard's efforts to reform his life, such as his vow of sobriety and his rise to the position of Mayor, are ultimately undermined by the consequences of his past actions. Hardy often highlights the cruel and indifferent nature of fate, as Henchard's fortunes decline due to a combination of personal mistakes and uncontrollable events, such as the arrival of Donald Farfrae, who gradually replaces Henchard in both business and personal life. Henchard’s suffering seems inevitable, reinforcing the sense of tragic fate. 

3. The Fall from Grace: 

Henchard's life follows a classic tragic arc, marked by his rise to prominence as the Mayor of Casterbridge and his subsequent downfall. His inability to manage his emotions, especially jealousy and resentment toward Farfrae, accelerates his decline. By the end of the novel, Henchard is left destitute and alone, rejected even by those he once loved, such as Elizabeth-Jane. His fall from grace is complete, fulfilling the tragic requirement of a hero brought low by his own flaws and missteps. 

3. Attempt a critical analysis of the poem “Ulysses.” 

Ans) Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses" is a dramatic monologue that explores themes of heroism, adventure, aging, and the quest for meaning in life. Written in the aftermath of the death of Tennyson's close friend Arthur Hallam, the poem reflects on the tension between duty and personal desire, as well as the restlessness that often accompanies aging. 

1. The Character of Ulysses: 

The poem presents Ulysses (the Roman name for the Greek hero Odysseus) as a seasoned adventurer who, after returning home to Ithaca, finds himself dissatisfied with the mundane life of a king. Despite his responsibilities, Ulysses longs to relive the glory of his past adventures, suggesting that his thirst for knowledge and experience cannot be quenched by a life of routine. This portrayal of Ulysses as restless and heroic taps into the Romantic ideal of the individual striving for meaning beyond societal expectations, contrasting sharply with the conventional role of an aging ruler. 

2. Themes of Aging and Mortality: 

A central theme of the poem is the struggle against the limitations imposed by aging and the inevitable approach of death. Ulysses feels that despite his physical decline, his spirit remains as vigorous as ever. He refuses to be confined by the passive existence of ruling Ithaca, asserting that life is not defined by age but by action and experience. The famous lines, "Old age hath yet his honor and his toil," and "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," emphasize Ulysses’ refusal to submit to the constraints of aging, portraying a defiant spirit that seeks continuous growth until the end. 

3. Conflict Between Duty and Desire: 

Throughout the poem, Ulysses grapples with the conflict between his responsibilities as a king and his personal desire for adventure. He acknowledges that his son, Telemachus, is better suited for the role of ruler, embodying qualities of patience and prudence. Ulysses’ decision to leave the governance of Ithaca to his son reflects a rejection of the domestic and ordinary life in favor of personal fulfillment through exploration. This conflict highlights the theme of individual desire versus societal duty, where Ulysses chooses the pursuit of his inner calling over his kingly obligations. 

4. The Search for Meaning: 

The poem ultimately reflects Ulysses' existential search for meaning. He believes that life’s purpose lies in continual striving and discovery, regardless of the outcome. This quest for purpose beyond the ordinary resonates with Tennyson's own reflections on life and death, especially in the context of his personal loss. Ulysses’ drive to "seek a newer world" becomes symbolic of humanity's constant search for significance in a world where death is inevitable. 

4. Give the central idea of the poem “Dover Beach.” 

Ans) Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach” presents a meditation on the diminishing faith and certainty in a world that is increasingly influenced by science, doubt, and change. Written during the Victorian era, a time marked by rapid advancements in science and shifts in religious belief, the poem reflects Arnold’s concerns about the erosion of spiritual and emotional security. 

1. The Setting and Mood: 

The poem begins with a serene description of the sea at Dover Beach, with the speaker observing the calm waves and the peaceful night. However, this initial calmness gradually transforms into a sense of melancholy as the speaker listens to the “grating roar” of the waves, which evoke a deeper, more profound reflection on the nature of life and the world. The shifting mood in the poem mirrors the speaker’s internal emotional landscape, moving from tranquility to a recognition of the sadness and uncertainty beneath the surface of the world. 

2. The Loss of Faith: 

The central idea of the poem revolves around the theme of the loss of religious faith. Arnold uses the image of the “Sea of Faith,” which once “lay like the folds of a bright girdle” around the world, to symbolize the strong, enveloping presence of faith in the past. However, the speaker laments that this “Sea of Faith” is now receding, leaving the world exposed to confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. The retreating sea represents the diminishing role of religion and faith in the modern world, where scientific advancements and skepticism have led to a more secular, disenchanted view of life. 

3. Human Connection as a Response: 

In the face of this spiritual and existential crisis, Arnold suggests that human connection and love are the only sources of solace and meaning. In the final stanza, the speaker turns to his companion, urging them to remain true to one another in a world that is “swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight.” The chaotic and uncertain world is compared to a battlefield, where only personal relationships offer stability and hope. 

4. The Central Idea: 

The central idea of “Dover Beach” is the poet’s contemplation of the changing nature of the world, particularly the erosion of faith and certainty in the modern age. Arnold explores how, in the absence of religious or spiritual assurance, individuals must find meaning in human connection and love. The poem captures a deep sense of sadness at the loss of faith and the recognition that the world may be more chaotic and uncertain than once believed. However, it also emphasizes the importance of human relationships as a source of comfort in this increasingly uncertain world. 

Section C 

Q. III Answer the following questions in about 500 words each: 4 x 15 = 60 

1. Write a detailed note on how Dickens has represented the French revolution in A Tale of Two Cities. 

Ans) Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities offers a vivid and dramatic portrayal of the French Revolution, weaving the personal struggles of its characters into the larger social and political upheavals of the time. Dickens captures the revolution not only as a historical event but also as a human tragedy, marked by the suffering of the oppressed and the excesses of the revolutionaries. His representation of the French Revolution is complex, reflecting both sympathy for the downtrodden and a critique of the violence and vengeance that followed. 

1. Sympathy for the Oppressed: 

From the outset, Dickens portrays the social conditions in France as dire and unjust, providing a strong foundation for the revolutionary sentiments that emerge. The plight of the French peasants is depicted in stark terms, with vivid imagery of hunger, poverty, and exploitation. For instance, the early scene in which the starving citizens of Saint Antoine scramble to drink spilt wine from the street symbolizes their desperation. Dickens also highlights the cruelty of the aristocracy, with figures like the Marquis St. Evrémonde representing the heartless indifference of the ruling class. The Marquis drives his carriage over a child and offers the grieving father a coin in recompense, underscoring the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor, and foreshadowing the violent retribution that will come. 

In this way, Dickens shows sympathy for the oppressed and the justifiable anger of the French people. He acknowledges the widespread injustice, inequality, and dehumanization faced by the lower classes, which create the conditions for revolution. This sympathy is most evident in his depiction of characters like Dr. Manette, whose long imprisonment symbolizes the arbitrary cruelty of the old regime. 

2. Critique of Revolutionary Violence: 

However, while Dickens understands the causes of the revolution, he is deeply critical of the extreme violence and chaos that followed. The French Revolution in A Tale of Two Cities spirals into a cycle of vengeance, bloodshed, and moral collapse, epitomized by the Reign of Terror. Dickens personifies this through the character of Madame Defarge, who becomes a symbol of the revolution's bloodlust and unrelenting desire for revenge. Madame Defarge’s knitting, in which she records the names of those to be executed, symbolizes the cold, mechanical nature of revolutionary justice. Her determination to destroy not just the aristocrats but their entire families—including innocent women and children—shows how the revolution, born from a desire for justice, devolves into indiscriminate cruelty. 

The guillotine becomes the symbol of this excess, a machine of death that claims victims on both sides, including some who were originally sympathetic to the revolutionary cause. Dickens critiques the revolutionaries for replicating the very tyranny and injustice they sought to overthrow. He illustrates this moral ambiguity through the fall of figures like Charles Darnay, an innocent man caught in the crossfire simply because of his aristocratic lineage. The relentless cycle of violence, Dickens suggests, leads to more suffering and corruption, with no clear winners. 

3. Duality and the Human Element: 

One of Dickens’ central themes in A Tale of Two Cities is the idea of duality—the coexistence of good and evil, order and chaos, life and death. This theme extends to his portrayal of the revolution, which is both a force of justice and destruction. The revolution brings freedom to the oppressed, but at the cost of a brutal cycle of vengeance. Dickens explores the human side of these events, focusing on how ordinary people are caught up in the tide of history. Characters like Dr. Manette, Lucie, and Sydney Carton are not revolutionaries themselves but must navigate the turbulent waters of the times, showing how personal lives are shaped by larger social forces. 

4. Overall Representation: 

Ultimately, Dickens’ portrayal of the French Revolution is one of complexity. He does not glorify the violence of the revolutionaries, nor does he defend the old regime. Instead, A Tale of Two Cities reflects his belief in the need for social change, while also cautioning against the dangers of unchecked anger and revenge. Dickens emphasizes that, while the revolution was a response to genuine injustice, the human cost of such extreme upheaval can be devastating. 

2. What role does Fate or Chance play in the novel The Mayor of Casterbridge? 

Ans) In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy intricately weaves themes of fate and chance, portraying them as powerful, uncontrollable forces that shape the lives of the characters, particularly the tragic figure of Michael Henchard. Hardy’s worldview, often referred to as fatalistic, reflects his belief that human life is governed by forces beyond individual control—whether these are fate, chance, or a combination of both. The novel illustrates how, despite one’s efforts to improve or control circumstances, the randomness of life often dictates outcomes, leading to Henchard’s inevitable downfall. 

1. Fate as an Overarching Force: 

Throughout the novel, Hardy presents fate as an inexorable and almost predetermined force that governs the trajectory of Henchard’s life. Henchard’s tragic arc mirrors the classical notion of a tragic hero, whose fate is sealed by both personal flaws and external forces. From the very beginning, Henchard’s rash decision to sell his wife while drunk sets in motion a chain of events that lead to his eventual ruin. This act becomes a symbol of Henchard’s inability to escape his past, regardless of his attempts at redemption. 

Fate seems to bring Susan, Henchard’s wife, back into his life after nearly two decades, and with her return, Henchard is forced to confront the consequences of his earlier mistakes. This theme of inescapable fate is further emphasized by the appearance of Elizabeth-Jane, the child Henchard assumes to be his biological daughter. Henchard's later discovery that Elizabeth-Jane is not his daughter marks a cruel twist of fate that intensifies his sense of personal failure and loss. 

Hardy’s use of fate suggests that Henchard’s downfall is not just the result of his character flaws but is also part of a larger, impersonal design. Even when Henchard tries to live a better life—taking a vow of sobriety and rising to the position of Mayor—he cannot escape the shadow of his past actions. Fate continuously works against him, culminating in his ultimate isolation and death. 

2. The Role of Chance: 

Alongside fate, chance plays a significant role in The Mayor of Casterbridge, often influencing the course of events in arbitrary and unexpected ways. Hardy illustrates how small, seemingly random incidents can have life-altering consequences. A key moment of chance occurs when Donald Farfrae, a young and capable man, happens to arrive in Casterbridge on the very day Henchard is trying to solve a problem related to grain storage. This chance meeting alters the course of both men’s lives, as Farfrae becomes Henchard’s business manager and, eventually, his rival. 

Similarly, chance plays a role in Henchard’s letter, which he sends to Susan before her return, asking her to seek him out if he is successful, and to ignore him if not. By a mere coincidence, Susan misinterprets the letter and seeks him out regardless of the instruction. This misunderstanding sets the stage for Henchard’s reunion with Susan and Elizabeth-Jane, leading to the unraveling of his carefully constructed life. 

Chance also acts as a counterbalance to Henchard’s impulsive decisions. His rivalry with Farfrae intensifies not due to any deliberate machination, but through a series of coincidental events. Farfrae's rise to success and popularity seems to happen by accident, while Henchard's fall from grace is hastened by similarly random occurrences, such as a weather forecast that destroys his business. 

3. Fate, Chance, and Personal Responsibility: 

While fate and chance play significant roles, Hardy does not entirely absolve Henchard of responsibility for his downfall. Henchard’s character flaws—his pride, impulsiveness, and inability to manage his emotions—often compound the effects of fate and chance. His rash decision to sell his wife, his later jealousy of Farfrae, and his failure to communicate honestly with Elizabeth-Jane all contribute to his eventual ruin. In this way, Hardy presents a complex interplay between personal responsibility and the external forces of fate and chance. 

4. Fate and the Tragic Vision: 

Hardy’s exploration of fate and chance aligns The Mayor of Casterbridge with the classical structure of tragedy. Henchard, like a tragic hero, suffers from a combination of internal flaws and external forces beyond his control. Hardy’s vision is inherently pessimistic, suggesting that while individuals may strive for success, they are often at the mercy of forces they cannot understand or influence. This sense of helplessness in the face of fate and chance gives the novel its tragic tone, as Henchard’s life is repeatedly shaped by forces outside his control, despite his efforts to change his destiny. 

3. Write a critical analysis of the poem “My Last Duchess.” 

Ans) Robert Browning’s poem "My Last Duchess" is a dramatic monologue that presents the character of a controlling and manipulative Duke, who reveals more about his own personality than the deceased Duchess he describes. Through the Duke's speech, Browning explores themes of power, control, jealousy, and the objectification of women. The poem is notable for its psychological depth, its use of dramatic irony, and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. 

1. Dramatic Monologue and Speaker's Character: 

My Last Duchess is a dramatic monologue, a poetic form in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their thoughts and emotions. In this poem, the Duke of Ferrara is speaking to an emissary who has come to negotiate a new marriage for the Duke. As the Duke shows the emissary a painting of his former wife, the "last Duchess," he begins to describe her, but his description quickly shifts from admiration to criticism, revealing his possessive and authoritarian nature. 

The Duke's choice of words and tone indicate that he viewed the Duchess as his possession, rather than as an autonomous individual. He describes her as a beautiful object whose only function was to reflect his power and status. His complaints about her behavior, such as her tendency to smile at everyone or her lack of exclusive admiration for him, reveal his extreme jealousy and insecurity. The Duke's frustration with the Duchess's inability to meet his expectations leads to the chilling revelation that he "gave commands; then all smiles stopped together," strongly implying that he had her killed to maintain his control and superiority. 

2. Themes of Power and Control: 

One of the central themes of the poem is the Duke's need for absolute power and control, particularly over the women in his life. The Duke is obsessed with the idea of ownership, treating his wife as one of the many valuable objects in his collection, like the artwork and statues he mentions. The fact that he keeps the Duchess’s portrait behind a curtain, allowing only himself to decide who can look at it, symbolizes his desire to control her image even after her death. The Duke's need to dominate extends beyond physical ownership to emotional control. He resents the Duchess for her independent spirit and for showing affection or gratitude to others, as he believes all of her attention should have been directed toward him alone. 

The Duke's view of relationships is transactional and hierarchical. His expectation of absolute loyalty and submission from the Duchess reflects a broader critique of patriarchal power structures in society, where women are often treated as objects or possessions. The Duke’s controlling behavior not only led to the destruction of the Duchess but also reveals his fundamental misunderstanding of human relationships, which he views as extensions of his own authority and wealth. 

3. Jealousy and Objectification: 

Jealousy plays a significant role in the Duke’s character. The Duchess's natural kindness and inclination to find joy in simple pleasures—her appreciation of a sunset or her gratitude for a gift—are seen as faults by the Duke, who cannot tolerate her warm responses to others. His possessiveness extends to the point where he interprets her smiles as a betrayal, rather than as an expression of her kind nature. This extreme jealousy leads him to take drastic and irreversible actions to stop her from acting in ways he perceives as disrespectful to his authority. 

Furthermore, Browning criticizes the objectification of women through the Duke's treatment of the Duchess as an aesthetic object rather than a living, breathing person. The Duke prefers her as a painting—silent, immobile, and permanently under his control—rather than as a person with her own will and desires. This objectification is central to the Duke’s worldview and contributes to his inability to engage in genuine human relationships. 

4. Dramatic Irony and Psychological Depth: 

Browning masterfully uses dramatic irony in My Last Duchess. The Duke believes he is presenting himself as a cultured, refined, and powerful man, but the reader sees through his words to the darker truth beneath. His calm and composed description of the events, contrasted with the horrifying implication that he had his wife murdered, reveals the Duke’s cold and calculating nature. The Duke’s apparent lack of remorse or self-awareness adds psychological complexity to his character, making him both fascinating and repulsive. 

The reader can also see the contrast between the Duke’s view of the Duchess and her likely real personality. Where the Duke sees her openness and warmth as flaws, the reader recognizes them as signs of her kindness and vitality. This contrast deepens the reader's sympathy for the Duchess and highlights the Duke's tyrannical attitude. 

4. Write a detailed commentary on the deeper connotation of the poem “Goblin Market.” 

Ans) Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market" is a richly symbolic and multi-layered poem that offers deeper connotations beyond its surface narrative of two sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who encounter goblin merchants selling forbidden fruit. While the poem can be read as a simple fairy tale or moral fable, it contains profound themes related to temptation, sin, redemption, sisterhood, and the complexities of female sexuality in Victorian society. Goblin Market has been interpreted through various lenses, including Christian allegory, feminist critique, and social commentary, which give the poem its enduring significance. 

1. Temptation and Sin: 

At its core, Goblin Market is a story about temptation and the consequences of succumbing to it. The goblin men represent seductive, dangerous forces that tempt Laura with their exotic and forbidden fruits. The act of eating the fruit can be seen as a metaphor for indulging in sinful or forbidden desires, drawing a parallel to the biblical story of Eve’s temptation in the Garden of Eden. Like Eve, Laura faces dire consequences after consuming the fruit—she begins to waste away, her vitality and happiness drained by the goblins' enchantment. 

The fruit itself symbolizes the allure of worldly pleasures and forbidden knowledge, and the goblins’ coercive tactics echo the manipulation often associated with temptation. The consequences of Laura’s indulgence, such as her physical decline and mental despair, serve as a warning against giving in to desires that go against moral or societal boundaries. The goblins, who represent these dark forces, act as agents of destruction, leading Laura toward spiritual and physical ruin. 

2. Redemption and Sacrifice: 

While Goblin Market explores the dangers of temptation, it also emphasizes the possibility of redemption. Lizzie, Laura’s sister, plays a key role in this aspect of the poem. After Laura falls victim to the goblin men, it is Lizzie who bravely confronts them to save her sister. Lizzie’s self-sacrifice and resistance to the goblins symbolize the path to salvation. Despite being attacked and tormented by the goblins, Lizzie endures their assault without giving in, thus becoming a Christ-like figure who suffers to bring redemption to her sister. 

The climactic moment when Lizzie returns to Laura with the goblins’ juices on her face, offering them as a cure, represents the transformative power of love and sacrifice. This act echoes religious themes of atonement, where one person’s suffering can lead to the salvation of another. Laura, after tasting the juices from Lizzie’s face, is healed and restored to life, demonstrating the power of selfless love to overcome sin and destruction. 

3. Sisterhood and Female Solidarity: 

Another prominent theme in Goblin Market is the bond of sisterhood and female solidarity. Rossetti highlights the deep connection between Laura and Lizzie, presenting their relationship as the primary source of strength and salvation in the face of external dangers. While the goblin men embody the destructive forces of temptation and male dominance, the sisters' love for each other offers an alternative model of support, care, and protection. 

Lizzie’s courageous effort to save Laura underscores the idea that women can rescue and heal one another, standing in solidarity against the forces that seek to exploit them. In Victorian society, where women often faced oppression and had limited agency, this message of female empowerment and mutual support is particularly significant. The poem suggests that through unity and love, women can resist and overcome the dangers posed by patriarchal or corrupting influences. 

4. Sexuality and Desire: 

Beneath the poem’s surface lies a deeper exploration of female sexuality and desire. The goblin fruit is often interpreted as a metaphor for sexual temptation, and the goblin men’s aggressive attempts to coerce Laura and Lizzie reflect Victorian anxieties about female sexuality. Laura’s indulgence in the goblin fruit can be seen as her engagement with forbidden sexual knowledge, and the consequences she suffers mirror societal fears about the dangers of female sexual autonomy and transgression. 

However, Goblin Market complicates the traditional moralistic view of female sexuality. Rather than condemning Laura for her desire, the poem ultimately offers her redemption, suggesting that mistakes can be overcome through love and solidarity. Furthermore, Lizzie’s resistance to the goblins' advances is not framed in terms of fear or shame about sexuality, but rather as an assertion of agency and self-control. In this way, Goblin Market challenges the rigid sexual norms of its time, offering a more nuanced view of female desire and its consequences. 

5. Social and Economic Commentary: 

On a broader level, Goblin Market can also be read as a commentary on the dangers of consumerism and exploitation in the marketplace. The goblins represent manipulative merchants who prey on vulnerable individuals, offering tempting goods that lead to ruin. The poem reflects anxieties about the rise of capitalism and the exploitation of the working class, particularly women, in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The goblins’ fruit may symbolize material wealth or luxury, which, when consumed without restraint, leads to moral and physical decay.