Classical Drama - Short Questions and Their Answers (From Sargodha University Past Papers) MA English Literature Part 1

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2022 IIA

Q1: What was the will of the oracle brought by Creon?

The oracle suggested that the plague would only end when the murderer of King Lauis got captured and expelled. Source

Q2: When did Jocasta come to know that Oedipus is her own son?

When Oedipus told her about the oracle he received when he was a child. 

Q3: Why has Bellamira's business dried up?

Because she can't get more "customers" due to the Turkish blockade. Source

Q4: How does Barabas kill Ithamore?

Barabas disguises himself as a French musician and the poisoned bouquet of flowers kills Ithamore. 

Q5: From whom did Desdemona first hear the "song of "Willow?

From her mother's maid, Barbary. 

Q6: What did happen to Othello, lago and Cassio in the end?

Othello killed himself, Iago was sentenced to torture and Cassio became the governor of Cyprus. 

Q7: What do Prospero's books symbolize for?

Power and knowledge. Prospero learned magic from his books. 

Q8: What description of the island does Gonzalo give?

Gonzalo was marveled by the "lush and lusty" greenery of the island and how "green" the grass looked. 

Q9: What is Wilde's opinion of aristocracy?

Wilde considered people belonging to the aristocratic class shallow and hypocritical. Source

Q10: Define comedy of manners.

Already defined below. 

2022

Q1: What news does the messenger bring from Corinth? 

The Corinthian Messenger brings the news of the death of Polybus (the former King of Corinth) and requests Oedipus to return back to Corinth so that he may assume the charge of Corinth as king. This news makes Jocasta happy that Oedipus is Polybus' son and the prophecy is false, without realizing the fact that Oedipus is not Polybus'actual son. 

Q2: Name two plays other than 'Oedipus, the King’ written by Sophocles’? 

1. Antigone
2. Electra

Q3: What alternative does Ferneze offer the Jews to surrendering one-half of all of their estates?

They should convert to Christianity. (This exact question is available in the quiz of SparkNotes) 

Q4: How does Barabas escape arrest by Ferneze? 

Barabbas escapes the arrest by feigning his death which results in being thrown outside. Thus, liberating him from the arrest by Ferneze. 

Q5: What lie did Iago tell Montano about Cassio? 

Iago told Montano that Cassio was drunk every night, had illegitimate children and was wrongly promoted by Othello as he would get drunk in the hour of crisis. More Short Questions

Q6: What “proof” does Iago use to convince Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are lovers?

Iago uses the "proof" of his "skilled" tongue by assuring Rodrigo that both Cassio and Desdemona held their hands. Source

Q7: Why was Caliban so much shrewder than Stephano and Trinculo?

Caliban was shrewder than Stephano and Trinculo because Caliban learned so many things by Prospero. Source

Q8: What is the dramatic purpose of the quarrel between Prospero and Ariel?

To introduce the audience with the history and character of Prospero and Ariel. Source

Q9: How does Wilde use the subject of cucumber sandwiches to reveal the characters of Jack and Algernon? 

Here, the subject of cucumber sandwiches or muffins as a symbol of excess and Algernon stuffing them in his mouth, showing his excessive desire to engulf everything to look dandy or elegant (or the opposite of elegance in this case of snagging muffins). Source

Q10: What is Wilde's view towards formal education? 

Wilde thinks that formal education is too restrictive as everything has to be permitted by the school. Source

2021

Q1: Why does Apollo punish the Thebes?

Apollo punishes the city of Thebes because they did not find the murderer of the former king of Thebes when Oedipus took power. 

Q2: How does Jocasta end her life?

Jocasta ends her life by hanging herself over the bed where Oedipus unknowingly committed incest with Jocasta. 

Q3: According to Machiavelli, why has he come to England?

In the Prologue to the play, Machiavelli claims that he has come to England to present the tragedy of a famous Jew merchant of Malta. 

Q4: Who says that the sudden death of Barabas is very strange?

Bosco says that the sudden death of Barnabas is very strange when his [not so] dead body is presented before Ferneze.  

Q5: How does Iago make himself look favourable in Othello's eyes?

At first, Iago hatches the seeds of anger against Brabantio's daughter and then uses the information about Brabantio's anger to establish trust in Othello's eyes. 

Q6: Why was Bianca angry with Cassio?

Bianca was angry with Cassio because after she got the sight of Othello's handkerchief, she thought that he was cheating on her and was in love with another woman. 

Q7: On what grounds does Prospero agree to release his prisoners?

Prospero agrees to release the prisoners on one condition that they will not hatch any plots. 

Q8: Name the speaker (The Tempest): "He that dies pays all debts."

Stephano speaks these lines. 

Q9: According to Algernon, what is the essence of romance?

According to Algernon, the essence of romance is uncertainty. 

Q10: What do the main characters in The Importance of Being Earnest' think about the lower classes?

They think that the lower classes are less ostentatious and more humble as compared to their aristocratic counterparts. 

2020

Q1: What does Oedipus think when Jocasta forbids him to explore more about his identity? 

Oedipus thinks that Jocasta might be worried about his lineage as he might turned out to be the son of a slave. 

Q2: How does Oedipus kill Jocasta?

Possible Answer 1: Oedipus does not kill Jocasta directly but she hangs herself when Oedipus' "fated" guilt is revealed. 

Possible Answer 2: Tiresias and Jocasta tried their best not to proceed the ongoing investigation about the man at fault but he resists and kept on to reveal the curiosity. When the way was being made cleared and the disclosure was ready to be revealed then Jocasta realized that Oedipus is leading him and herself to a blind alley. So she skipped out of the scene and hanged herself. In this sense, it can be said that Oedipus became the main source for her suicide and in this sense, he can be considered her killer. (Originally answered by Zahid Shabeer) Learn more

Q3: What had Ithamore been doing before Barabas bought him? 

Ithamore was as callous as Barabas or even surpassed him in certain "arts". Ithamore had been involved in poisoning wells; cutting throats of Christian travelers and maimed pilgrims in Jerusalem. 

Q4: Why is Barnardine grieved by Abigail's death?

Barnardine is grieved by Abigail's death because he did not have enjoyed her physical "grace". He shows his grief as thus in a response to Friar Jacomo:

"And a virgin too."

Q5: Why did Othello strip Cassio of his rank?

Othello stripped Cassio of his rank of Lieutenant on his fierce fight with Rodrigo and Lodovico, cunningly provoked by Rodrigo as a plot of Iago. 

Q6: What pattern is present on Othello's handkerchief?

The pattern present on Othello's handkerchief is of strawberries. The colour of strawberries signifies the power of love. 

Q7: Mention two motifs in The Tempest. 

Two hidden but tracible motifs of The Tempest are as thus: 

1. Music
2. Mysterious noises
3. Drawing

Q8: In what way does Caliban mention his mental and moral degradation?

Caliban, the "fish-like monster" mentions his mental and moral degradation as thus when he is thrashed by Prospero,

Thou didst prevent me. I had peopled else

This isle with Calibans.

Q9: How does Jack's cigarette case betray his identity to Algernon?

Jack unintentionally leaves his cigarette case to Algernon's lodgings on which Jack's true name is written. View Source

Q10: What is Lady Bracknell's initial opinion about Cecily?

Lady Bracknell's initial opinion about Cecily is that she belongs to a poor family. But when she learns about Cecily's wealth, her stern attitude against her changes to a moderate one. 

2019

Q1: How many odes are present in Oedipus Rex?

There are 4 odes present after every scene of Oedipus Rex.

Q2: Why is Oedipus reluctant to go to Corinth after the death of King Polybus?

Oedipus fears to go back to Corinth as he might fulfil the second part of the oracle of committing the crime of incest.

Q3: What is Act 2 Scene 1 in Jew of Malta mainly about?

Act 2 Scene 1 is mainly about Abigail throwing the bags full of gold and money and Barabas catches his "bliss" and hugs his moneybags while standing in an alley of his counting-house which is turned into a nunnery.

Q4: What does Barabas' nose symbolize for?

Barabas' nose symbolizes for humour and satire. It is a common symbol for a Jew to have a long pointing nose.

Q5: What is Brabantio's warning to Othello about Desdemona?

Brabantio who is much dejected by the marriage of his gentle Desdemona with "An Old Black Ram", warns Othello that she has deceived her father by marrying and she might deceive the Moor too.

Q6: How did Vince treat Othello before he was dispatched for Cyprus?

Venice treated the "Valiant Moor" in an engaging manner and wished for his victory in silent prayers.

Q7: How are Ariel and Caliban different?

Ariel is a faithful servant spirit of Prospero while Caliban is rude in his behaviour towards his master and he was born out of wedlock through the womb of a witch.

Q8: Who is Sycorax?

Sycorax is the name of a witch who gave birth to a beast Caliban and overtook the throne of the lonely island where Prospero and his daughter took shelter.

Q9: What is a Dandy with a reference to 'The Importance of Being Earnest'?

A dandy is a person who pays excessive attention to his dress, looks and lifestyle, while pinpointing his society's dual identities through his wit. Jack and Algernon are those two dandies in The Importance of Being Earnest. View Source

Q10: Define artificial comedy:

Artificial comedy is just another term for comedy of manners, where a playwright decides to satirize the behaviour of a particular social group, which is normally upper class in some way. (Copied from eNotes)

2018

Q1: How was Lais murdered?

King Laius was murdered by his own son, Oedipus the King in the place where three roads met. Oedipus killed the old man with his youthful might, taking the old man for merely a stranger.

Q2: Who was called the son of Labdakos?

Oedipus was called the son of Labdakos by the Chorus in Ode 1 in the following line: Labdakos' line, and the son of Polybos

Q3: What is Oedipus' request to Creon in the ending scene of the play?

Oedipus requests his brother-in-law Creon after his tragedy is unfolded before him that his sons shall grow up in the warm winds of the society but his daughters shall not withstand these warm winds and they have no one except their uncle Creon to fall back upon.

Q4: Why is Othello sent to Cyprus?

Othello is sent to Cyprus by the Venetian Senator to combat with a possible Turkish invasion prevailing in Cyprus.

Q5: How is Rodrigo befooled by Iago?

Lago uses his stealthy and fatal weapon of his persuasive tongue and convinces Roderigo to "put money in thy purse" for him to attain Desdemona for his sexual satisfaction but Iago stabs him back after "serving for his own purposes".

Q6: Why does Desdemona marry Othello?

Desdemona marries Othello after learning about his dangerous military ventures and she professes to love Othello's occupation as a general. I, as a reader, assume that she might have married Othello in order to serve Othello as his companion in his ordeals.

Q7: Who is Bunbury in the play "Importance of Being Ernest"?

Algernon is Bunbury[ing] in the play The Importance of Being Earnest as Jack's invalid brother, Earnest just to escape from his responsibilities in his society. View Source

Q8: Why does Miss Prism fear from Lady Bracknell?

Miss Prism fear from Lady Bracknell as she might be questioned for stealing a baby from Bracknell's house. View Source

Q9: Why does Barabas decide to kill Ithamore?

Barabas decides to kill Ithamore because he "knows too much" about Barabas' vengeance and he might confess to Ferneze. Thus Barabas decides to poison his "heir".

Q10: Who is Ceres?

Ceres is one of Prospero’s spirits (likely Ariel) representing the goddess of the harvest in the masque. She joins Juno to bless Ferdinand and Miranda’s union. (Copied)

2017

Q1: What is the other name of Apollo used in “Oedipus Rex’?

Another name used for god Apollo in Oedipus Rex is Phoebus, a dazzling ray of light.

Q2: How does Creon treat blind Oedipus in the end?

Creon treats the blind Oedipus as a true brother-in-law and uses every possible mean to make Oedipus stay in his Theban palace.

Q3: What is meant by the Machiavellian statement “End justifies the means”?

This Machiavellian statement indicates that a person's death reveals all his concealed intrigues so as his follower Barabas reveals his own policies before his arch-enemy, Ferneze, when he falls in his own "dainty gallery".

Q4: Why is Barabas angry with the three Jews?

Barabas is angry with three Jews as they have arrived to seek Barabas' help on the arrival of Turkish galleys and Barabas only cares about his own gold and coffer.

Q5: Why does Desdemona marry Othello?

Already Answered

Q6: Who is the first character to refer to Othello by name?

Duke of Venice refers to "Valiant Othello" in Act I scene ii.

Q7: Who, in “The Tempest’, says: “He that dies pays all debts”?

Stephano speaks these lines in The Tempest in Act III Scene ii.

Q8: Introduce Boatswain in the Tempest:

Boatswain is in charge of running the ship in the storm. He has no time for time-wasters and does not bother to shackle his tongue when talking to landlubbers coming on deck and getting in the way. (Copied)

Q9: How is Algernon a dandy in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’?

Algernon serves as a dandy in The Importance of Being Earnest because he remains conscious about good clothes and spends lavishly on throwing parties.

Q10: When is Cecily bad and good for lady Bracknell?

Initially, Cecily is bad for Lady Bracknell because she is a niece of the Lady's poor sister's son, Jack. But the Lady takes Cecily good when it is revealed that she is wealthy. View Source

2016

Q1: How does Oedipus become the king of Thebes?

Oedipus becomes the king of Thebes by solving the mind-wrenching riddle of Sphinx. He achieves the monarchy as a reward of solving the puzzle.

Q2: What are the charges of Oedipus against Creon?

Oedipus charges Creon for plotting the murder of King Laius with the companionship of "Child of Endless Night".

Q3: Who says in “Jew of Malta”: “I count religion but a childish toy”?

This sentence is uttered by the soul of Machiavelli who prologues to present "the tragedy of a Jew".

Q4: What does Ithamore reveal about his past deeds to Barabas?

Ithamore reveals about his cruel profession of slaining and poisoning the innocent people and he hates Christians as his master does.

Q5: Why does Iago turn against Othello?

Iago turns against Othello for not promoting him as Othello's lieutenant and giving his seat to Cassio who is "mere prattle without practice".

Q6: What is called “a green-eyed monster”?

Jealousy is personified as "a green-eyed monster" by the Bard of Avon.

Q7: Why is ‘The Tempest’ called a play about revenge?

'The Tempest' is called a play about revenge because this theme prevails right after the play begins and Prospero's Ariel creates a tempest on the ocean to make the being-revenged submissive for once they used their influences to throw Prospero and his newly born daughter in the ocean.

Q8: Mention some ambitions of Caliban.

Caliban, the "fish-like monster" wants to kill Prospero to rule over his mother's island and for this ambition, he instruments Stephano, a "heavenly-drunkard" to accomplish the monster's long-cherished desire.

Q9: On what grounds, do you dislike Lady Bracknell?

I dislike Lady Bracknell for her interfering, authoritative and hypocrite behaviour. She wants everyone to press under her thumb. Her obsessed vision of the three Cs (Cash, Caste and Character) creates detest against her in our heart.

Q10: Define Artificial Comedy.

Already Answered.

2015

Q1: Why does Oedipus run away from Corinth?

Oedipus has run away from Corinth in order to flee from his destined fate of committing the crimes of patricide and incest towards his (adopting) parents.

Q2: What are the traits of Apollo?

Apollo is an ancient Greek god, son of Zeus and Leto. He is a god of oracles, fertility, diseases and cure.

Q3: How does Ferneze treat Basso when Basso demands tribute?

Ferneze replies bluntly upon Basso's demand of ten years' unpaid tribute that he shall have no tribute from Malta, thus treating him worthlessly.

Q4: With whom is Abigail in love with?

Abigail is in love with Don Mathias.

Q5: What is Othello’s opinion about unexposed Iago?

Othello considers his ancient honest as he is unaware of the knavery which is about to take his faith away.

Q6: Why is Brabantio dismayed about Desdemona?

Brabantio is dismayed about Desdemona's marriage with Othello because of his black complexation.

Q7: What is the reaction of Prospero when he notices Ferdinand in love with Marinda?

Prospero rejoices, noticing signs of affections between Ferdinand, Prince of Naples and Miranda, Queen of Milan. But he plans to put The Prince on test as "too light winning make the prize light".

Q8: How was Caliban begotten?

Caliban was begotten through his mother. She died on the island while giving birth to a half-beast where Prospero and his daughter lodged in.

Q9: What do you know about Lane in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest”?

Lane is Algernon's butler who knows pretty much everything about his master. He even saves his master from Lady Bracknell's possible insult when his master eats sandwiches "unethically". View Source

Q10: What picture of Lord Bracknell is created by the things Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen say about him?

The picture of Lord Bracknell is painted through his wife Lady Bracknell and his daughter Gwendolen as another aristocrat who remains absent in functions of the family. View source