Assignment Code: BEGLA-137/ 2023-2024

Course Code: BEGLA-137

Assignment Name: Language Through Literature

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Max. Marks: 100

Answer all questions.

1. Fill in the blanks with suitable adverbs or prepositions to form phrasal verbs:

i) Please take ……………………………… your coat.

ii) We have taken ……………………………………. a new project.

iii) I was taken …………………………… a doctor because I had been able to cure some people in the neighbourhood.

iv) Seeta takes …………………………………. her mother.

v) The old lady offered to take ………………………. the homeless stranger.

Ans)

i) Please take off your coat.

ii) We have taken on a new project.

iii) I was taken for a doctor because I had been able to cure some people in the neighbourhood.

iv) Seeta takes after her mother.

v) The old lady offered to take in the homeless stranger.

2. Give meanings of the phrasal verbs in the following sentences in a few words. (10)

i) Don’t give in to the threats of the terrorists.

ii) The engine gives off steam.

iii) They tried to cover up the evil dead.

iv) I fell for the beautiful girl.

v) We’ll see you off at the station

Ans) The meanings of the phrasal verbs in the given sentences:

i) Give in to: To yield or surrender to something, in this case, yielding to the threats of terrorists.

ii) Give off: To emit or produce something, in this case, the engine emits or produces steam.

iii) Cover up: To hide or conceal something, in this case, trying to hide or conceal the evil deed.

iv) Fall for: To be deceived or tricked by something or someone, in this case, being deceived by the beautiful girl.

v) See off: To say goodbye to someone who is leaving, in this case, saying goodbye to someone at the station who is departing.

3. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences by using the correct forms of the words given below. Indicate in each case whether the word is used as a noun or a verb. (Each word has to be used twice, once as a noun and once as a verb.) pitch, race, litter, file, spell.

i) He usually ……………………………. the ball at the right place.

ii) The cricket ………………………………… is wet today.

iii) Many thoughts …………………………. through his mind when his son was in the operating theatre.

iv) I wish to see his personal …………………………………

v) You have to feed the cat and its ……………………………………….

vi) He has ……………………………………… the word wrongly.

vii) She came first in the 100-metre ………………………………………….

viii) The magician cast a ……………………………………. on her.

ix) Please ………………………………………………. this letter.

x) ‘The muddy ground was …………………………………… with crawling worms.’ (Khushwant Singh: The Mark of Vishnu)

Ans) i) He usually pitches the ball at the right place. (verb)

ii) The cricket pitch is wet today. (noun)

iii) Many thoughts raced through his mind when his son was in the operating theatre. (verb)

iv) I wish to see his personal file. (noun)

v) You have to feed the cat and its litter. (noun)

vi) He has spelled the word wrongly. (verb)

vii) She came first in the 100-metre race. (noun)

viii) The magician cast a spell on her. (noun)

ix) Please file this letter. (verb)

x) 'The muddy ground was littered with crawling worms'. (verb)

4. Write short notes on any four of the following. Give suitable examples.

i) Alliteration

Ans) Alliteration is a literary device that enriches the rhythm and resonance of language by repeating initial consonant sounds within a sequence of words. It is a versatile and widely used technique in literature, poetry, and prose that serves to create memorable phrases, emphasize key points, and infuse a musical quality into the text. This device is much more than just a catchy linguistic trick; it is a potent tool in the arsenal of writers and poets.

One of the primary functions of alliteration is its contribution to the auditory experience of language. When words within a sentence or phrase share the same initial consonant sounds, it generates a harmonious and melodic effect, making the language more engaging and appealing to the ear. Consider the classic tongue-twister: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." The repeated 'p' sounds create a delightful sound pattern that is both entertaining and challenging to pronounce, exemplifying the auditory allure of alliteration.

Moreover, alliteration plays a pivotal role in aiding memory and retention. Phrases or sentences that employ this device tend to be more memorable because the repetition of consonant sounds creates a mnemonic quality. Take the famous phrase: "She sells seashells by the seashore." The recurrence of the 's' sound not only adds a melodious rhythm but also ensures that the phrase sticks in our minds. This mnemonic effect is a valuable asset for writers who seek to leave a lasting impact on their readers.

Alliteration is a flexible literary tool that can encompass a range of consonant sounds, not confined to a single letter. Writers and poets can experiment with various consonant combinations to achieve specific effects or convey particular emotions. It allows for creative expression by enhancing the aesthetics of language.

In literature, the deliberate use of alliteration is a sign of craftsmanship and artistry. Writers employ it to craft poetic verses, enhance the beauty of prose, or draw attention to key themes or ideas. The careful selection of words with shared consonant sounds can heighten the emotional resonance of a piece, making it more engaging and resonant.

In conclusion, alliteration transcends mere linguistic ornamentation; it is a powerful literary device that enriches the auditory and mnemonic qualities of language. Through the repetition of initial consonant sounds, alliteration infuses text with a melodic rhythm, enhances memorability, and elevates the overall aesthetic appeal.

ii) Assonance

Ans) Assonance is a literary device used in poetry and prose to create a musical or rhythmic quality in the text. It involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words or phrases, specifically the stressed syllables. Unlike rhyme, which involves the repetition of both consonant and vowel sounds, assonance focuses solely on vowel sounds.

One of the key purposes of assonance is to enhance the auditory experience of the text, creating a pleasing or musical quality. It can also draw attention to specific words or ideas, adding emphasis and depth to the writing. Here are a few examples to illustrate assonance:

• In Shakespeare's "Sonnet 73," he uses assonance to convey the idea of aging and the passing of time: "That time of year thou mayst in me behold." The repetition of the long "o" sound in "old" and "behold" emphasizes the theme of growing older.

• In T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," he writes, "Let us go then, you and I." The repetition of the short "e" sound in "let," "us," and "then" creates a sense of unity and connection in the text.

• In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," he uses assonance to create a haunting and melancholic mood: "Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing." The repetition of the long "e" sound in "deep," "peering," and "fearing" contributes to the eerie atmosphere of the poem.

• In Langston Hughes' poem "The Weary Blues," he employs assonance to capture the rhythm and emotion of jazz music: "He did a lazy sway... He did a lazy sway." The repetition of the long "a" sound in "lazy" and "sway" mirrors the languid and soulful quality of the music.

Assonance can be a powerful tool for poets and writers to evoke emotions, create vivid imagery, and establish a memorable cadence in their works. It adds depth and texture to the language, making it a valuable element of literary expression.

iii) Rhyme

Ans) Rhyme is a frequent literary device that involves the likeness or recurrence of sounds at the end of words, commonly utilised in poetry and songs to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. Rhyming words often share similar vowel and consonant sounds, producing a harmonizing affect in the text.

There are numerous varieties of rhymes, including perfect rhyme (where the final sounds match perfectly), slant rhyme (where the sounds are similar but not identical), and eye rhyme (where the words seem similar but have distinct sounds) (where the words look similar but have different sounds) (where the words look similar but have different sounds). Rhymes can enhance the aural experience of a poem or song, making it more pleasant to the ear and simpler to remember.

• End Rhyme: This is the most recognizable type of rhyme, where words at the end of lines rhyme with each other. For instance, in Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," the end rhymes include "knows" and "snows," creating a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem.

• Internal Rhyme: In internal rhyme, words within the same line rhyme with each other, adding complexity and depth to the verse. Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" is renowned for its use of internal rhyme, as seen in the line "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary."

• Slant Rhyme: Also called near rhyme or off rhyme, slant rhyme involves words with similar, but not identical, sounds. Emily Dickinson frequently employed slant rhyme in her poems, such as "stone" and "been." This type of rhyme creates a subtle, almost haunting effect.

• Eye Rhyme: Eye rhyme is a visual rhyme where words look like they should rhyme due to their spelling but have different sounds. Examples include "move" and "love." This type of rhyme can challenge the reader's expectations.

• Perfect Rhyme: Perfect rhyme is characterized by identical sounds in the stressed syllables of words, as in "cat" and "hat." It is often used in traditional and formal poetry for its clarity and musicality.

iv) Onomatopoeia

Ans) Onomatopoeia is a fascinating literary device that involves using words that imitate, resemble, or replicate the sounds they describe. It is a way of bringing sounds to life through language, creating a vivid sensory experience for readers. Onomatopoeic words often mimic noises made by animals, objects, or natural phenomena, adding depth and vividness to writing.

For example, consider the word "buzz." When you hear or read "buzz," you immediately form a mental connection with the sound of a bee or a vibrating phone. Similarly, "meow" replicates the sound a cat makes, and "hiss" imitates the noise of escaping air or an angry snake.

Onomatopoeia is not limited to the animal kingdom. It extends to various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, "sizzle" recreates the sound of food cooking on a hot grill, while "clang" echoes the noise of metal striking metal.

In literature and poetry, onomatopoeia serves multiple purposes. It enhances the sensory experience, making writing more engaging and immersive. By employing onomatopoeic words strategically, authors can evoke emotions, create imagery, and even establish a specific mood. A well-placed "crash" can make a thrilling action scene more intense, while "whisper" can convey an air of secrecy or intimacy.

Onomatopoeia is also a valuable tool in children's literature and comic books, where it simplifies the task of portraying sounds vividly. For instance, in a comic book, the word "boom" next to an explosion instantly conveys the noise and impact.

In summary, onomatopoeia is a versatile and powerful literary device that bridges the gap between language and sensory experience. Through words that echo real-world sounds, it enriches storytelling, poetry, and communication, adding depth, imagery, and emotional resonance to the written word. So, the next time you encounter onomatopoeic words like "splash," "crash," or "chirp," take a moment to appreciate how they bring the world of sounds to life on the page.

v) Rhythm

Ans) Rhythm is a fundamental element of art and literature that governs the pattern of beats, movements, or sounds in a sequence. It creates a sense of flow, tempo, and predictability, adding structure and musicality to various forms of expression. In literature, rhythm often refers to the regular recurrence of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry, contributing to the poem's musical quality and readability.

In poetry, rhythmic patterns are established through meter, which dictates the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in each line. There are various types of meters, such as iambic pentameter, trochaic tetrameter, and anapaestic trimeter, each with its unique rhythmic pattern. For instance, in iambic pentameter, the most common meter in English poetry, each line consists of five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables, creating a steady and sonorous rhythm.

Here is an example from William Shakespeare's sonnet 18, which employs iambic pentameter:

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"

In this line, the rhythm flows smoothly with ten syllables following the unstressed-stressed pattern.

Beyond poetry, rhythm also plays a vital role in prose, where sentence structure, punctuation, and the pacing of words contribute to the overall rhythm of a piece. In storytelling, a well-crafted rhythm can engage readers and enhance the narrative's emotional impact. For example, short, staccato sentences can convey tension and urgency, while long, flowing sentences can create a sense of calm or reflection.

Moreover, rhythm extends to other art forms, including music, dance, and visual arts. In music, rhythm is the heartbeat of composition, governing the arrangement of notes and beats. In dance, it guides movements, creating a harmonious choreography. In visual arts, rhythm can be seen in the repetition of shapes, colour, or patterns, creating a visual flow and coherence in a piece.

Rhythm is a multifaceted concept that adds structure, depth, and emotional resonance to various forms of artistic expression, making it an essential element in literature, poetry, and the broader world of creativity.

Q5) What do you understand by Irony? Discuss in detail the following.

a) Irony of situation

Ans) Irony is a literary device or figure of speech in which there is a contrast between what is said and what is meant, or between what appears to happen and what is actually happening. It is a way of expressing meaning through the use of language that usually signifies the opposite, often for humorous or dramatic effect.

Irony of Situation, also known as situational irony, occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. In other words, it's a situation where the outcome is entirely different from what one would naturally anticipate.

Here are a few examples to illustrate irony of situation:

• Fire Station on Fire: Imagine a fire station burning down due to a fire. The place designed to combat fires becomes a victim of fire itself. This is a classic example of situational irony.

• The Safety Conference Tragedy: At a safety conference, where experts gather to discuss safety measures, an accident happens due to the unsafe setup of the event. The irony lies in the fact that an event dedicated to safety results in an accident.

• A Surgeon's Slip: During a surgery, a renowned surgeon accidentally leaves a surgical instrument inside the patient's body. This is ironic because the surgeon is expected to prevent such occurrences.

• The Rain on Your Wedding Day: In Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic," one of the examples is "It's like rain on your wedding day." This is a classic example of situational irony because a wedding day is typically associated with happiness and good weather, but rain is often seen as a symbol of bad luck.

Situational irony is used in literature and storytelling to create unexpected and often thought-provoking twists in the plot. It engages readers and viewers by challenging their expectations and assumptions, making it a powerful narrative tool.

b) Irony in satire

Ans) Irony of satire is a specific form of irony used in literature, comedy, or commentary to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society. It is employed to expose hypocrisy, foolishness, or vices through humour and sarcasm. Here's a detailed explanation:

• Verbal Irony: Satirical works often use verbal irony, where the speaker says one thing but means another. For example, in Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," he ironically suggests that poor Irish families should sell their children as a source of income, highlighting the absurdity of British policies towards Ireland.

• Exaggeration: Satire employs exaggeration to make a point. By taking an issue to an extreme, it highlights the flaws in current practices or beliefs. For instance, in George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the pigs' excessive abuse of power satirizes the corruption of political leaders.

• Understatement: Satire may also use understatement to draw attention to a problem indirectly. By downplaying a situation, it exposes the seriousness of the issue. Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" satirizes racism in the American South by subtly portraying its absurdity through Huck's innocent perspective.

• Situational Irony: This type of irony involves a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. Satire often uses situational irony to reveal the consequences of certain behaviours or beliefs. For instance, in Voltaire's "Candide," the characters' relentless pursuit of utopian ideals leads to tragic and ironic outcomes.

• Parody: Satire frequently includes parody, where it imitates the style or characteristics of a person, work, or genre to ridicule or criticize it. "The Colbert Report," hosted by Stephen Colbert, parodied political talk shows to critique media and politics.

The irony of satire allows writers and satirists to critique society, politics, or human nature in a thought-provoking and entertaining manner. It encourages readers and viewers to reflect on the issues being satirized and often prompts social or political change through humour and wit.

c) Ironic contrast

Ans) Ironic contrast is a literary device that involves highlighting a sharp, unexpected difference or incongruity between two or more elements in a way that creates irony or humour. It is often used to emphasize the unexpected or the absurd and can be found in various forms of literature, including novels, short stories, plays, and even everyday language.

Here's a detailed explanation of ironic contrast:

• Emphasizing Irony: Ironic contrast draws attention to the irony in a situation. Irony occurs when there is a contradiction between appearance and reality, expectation, and outcome, or what is said and what is meant. By contrasting elements that should logically go together but don't, writers create irony, which can be humorous, satirical, or thought-provoking.

• Creating Humour: Ironic contrast is frequently employed for comedic effect. It involves presenting something in a way that defies our expectations, leading to laughter or amusement. Comedians often use ironic contrast in their routines to deliver punchlines that catch the audience off guard.

• Social Commentary: Ironic contrast can also serve as a tool for social commentary. It allows writers to critique societal norms, hypocrisy, or contradictions by juxtaposing contrasting elements. This can prompt readers or viewers to reflect on the incongruities they observe in real life.

Examples of Ironic Contrast:

• In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the concept of "all animals are equal" is ironically contrasted with the eventual rise of a tyrannical regime led by the pigs, who proclaim, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

• In the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the love between the title characters is ironically contrasted with the hatred and violence between their feuding families, the Montagues, and the Capulets.

6. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

May she be granted beauty and yet not Beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught, or hers before a looking-glass, for such, Being made beautiful overmuch, Consider beauty a sufficient end, Lose natural kindness and maybe The heart-revealing intimacy The chooses right, and never find a friend. (William Butler Yeats: ‘A Prayer for My Daughter’)

i) What kind of beauty does the poet want his daughter to have?

Ans) The poet, William Butler Yeats, wants his daughter to have a beauty that is not excessively striking or attention-grabbing. He hopes for her to have a balanced and natural beauty that doesn't make a stranger's eye "distraught" (meaning overly agitated or overwhelmed) when they see her. In other words, he wishes for her to possess a beauty that is pleasing but not so extraordinary that it becomes the sole focus or obsession of her or others. The poet expresses concern that excessive beauty might lead to vanity and a loss of natural kindness, preventing her from forming genuine, heart-revealing, and intimate connections with others. Ultimately, he wishes for her to find true friends who appreciate her for who she is, rather than just her external beauty.

ii) What are the hazards of being made beautiful overmuch’? How does the poet illustrate his point?

Ans) In the passage from William Butler Yeats' poem "A Prayer for My Daughter," the hazards of being made excessively beautiful are explored. The poet suggests that if his daughter is granted too much beauty, it may have negative consequences.

The hazards of being made beautiful overmuch are illustrated in the following ways:

• Distraction of Strangers: Excessive beauty may attract the attention of strangers and make their eyes "distraught." This suggests that the overwhelming beauty of the daughter could lead to unwanted advances or distractions from others who are captivated by her physical appearance.

• Obsession with Self: The poet mentions the danger of the daughter becoming preoccupied with her own beauty when looking in a mirror. This self-absorption might lead to vanity and a focus on physical appearance at the expense of more meaningful qualities.

• Loss of Kindness: The poem implies that extreme beauty might cause the daughter to consider her beauty as an end in itself. In this pursuit of beauty, she might lose her natural kindness and empathy toward others. Excessive focus on external beauty could make her self-centred and less compassionate.

• Difficulty in Finding True Friends: The final lines of the poem suggest that if the daughter considers beauty as the primary goal and becomes too self-absorbed, she may have difficulty finding genuine friends. True friendship, characterized by "heart-revealing intimacy" and choosing right over superficial beauty, might elude her.

The poet's concern is that an excessive emphasis on physical beauty could lead to shallowness, isolation, and the loss of deeper, more meaningful connections with others. He prays for a balanced and harmonious life for his daughter, recognizing the importance of inner qualities and kindness alongside external beauty.

7. Outline the main strategies for being polite while doing things with language.

Ans) Being polite in language is crucial for effective communication and maintaining positive relationships. Here are some main strategies for politeness in language:

• Use Polite Words and Phrases: Start by using polite words and phrases such as "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "I'm sorry" appropriately. These expressions show respect and consideration for others.

• Avoid Offensive Language: Refrain from using offensive or derogatory language that could hurt or offend others. Be mindful of cultural and social sensitivities.

• Use Indirect Requests: When making requests, especially if they might inconvenience someone, use indirect or polite forms. For example, instead of saying, "Give me the report," you can say, "Could you please pass me the report?"

• Offer Compliments and Praise: Compliments and praise can go a long way in showing politeness. Recognize others' efforts and achievements genuinely.

• Active Listening: Being a good listener is a polite way to engage in conversations. Show that you're paying attention, nod, and provide feedback when appropriate.

• Avoid Interrupting: Allow others to finish speaking before you respond. Interrupting can be seen as impolite and disrespectful.

• Be Respectful of Boundaries: Respect personal boundaries and privacy. Avoid prying questions or discussions that might make others uncomfortable.

• Use Formal Language When Appropriate: In formal settings or when addressing people of authority, use formal language and titles to show respect.

• Avoid Negative Criticism: If you need to provide constructive criticism, do so in a considerate and positive manner, focusing on the issue rather than attacking the person.

• Apologize Sincerely: When you make a mistake, apologize sincerely, and take responsibility for your actions. Avoid making excuses or shifting blame.

• Practice Empathy: Try to understand and empathize with the feelings and perspectives of others. This can help you respond with kindness and consideration.

• Be Patient: Patience is a virtue in polite communication. Allow others to express themselves fully, even if it takes some time.

• Respect Cultural Differences: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and customs. What is polite in one culture may not be the same in another.

• Give and Receive Feedback Gracefully: When giving feedback, do so constructively and respectfully. When receiving feedback, be open to it and thank the person for their input.

• End Conversations Appropriately: When ending a conversation, do so politely by expressing appreciation for the interaction or using polite closing phrases.

Remember that politeness in language is not just about words but also about tone, body language, and overall attitude. It reflects your respect for others and your commitment to maintaining positive relationships in various personal and professional contexts.