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

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2022 IIA

Q1: Why does Bacon describe his essays as "Dispersed Meditations"?

Because his essays do not appear as a deliberate and consciously written piece of prose. He just wrote whatever came to his mind as if he were in a state of meditation. Source

Q2: What are the Principal fruits of friendships?

Already answered

Q3: How does Gulliver escape from Lilliput?

Gulliver finds an upside down boat in Blefuscu after he learns that he is charged with treason and then he is rescued by an English ship. 

Q4: What did Gulliver tell in the master of the Houyhnhms' about the law-suits in English Courts?

Gulliver told the Houyhnhnms' master that the lawyers in English legal system would fight to defend everything, "even lies". Gulliver concluded that lawyers are enemies of "knowledge and justice". 

Q5: How did Charles George Gordon become a national hero?

Gordon became a national hero in England for his 'brave' missions in Cremean War. 

Q6: When did Florence Nightingale found the Nightingale Training School for nurses?

In 1860. 

Q7: Why and when was Russel awarded with Noble Prize?

Russell was awarded with Nobel Price in 1950 for his "varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought". 

Q8: Define Imperialism. 

Already answered. 

Q9: How does America justify its involvement in the affairs of the world?

The US justifies its involvement in middling into other countries to "protect freedom and liberty". Yet in reality, US eye its own interests. 

Q10: What does Franz Fanon say about colonialism and imperialism?

Fanon thinks "colonialism is a form of domination that aims to reorder the world of indigenous peoples" and imperialists leave behind the "germs of rot" that can only be exterminated with violence. 

2022

Q1: What does Bacon mean by ‘writing makes an exact man’ in his essay ‘Of Studies’? 

Writing is, well, a written reflection of thoughts. That is why Bacon asserts that "Writing makes an exact man" because one's writing is an exact representation of one's thoughts and one's quest to find the right words to mirror the exactness of one's exact thoughts further adds to the "exactness" of that person. Source

Q2: What is the main theme of Florence Nightingale by Lytton Stretchy? 

The main theme of the portrayal of Florence Nightingale is to showcase the transitioning from the religious and social confinement of women to gradual acquisition of freedom women observed in the early twentieth century. Since Florence Nightingale, despite being a woman, stepped out of her home to assist the wounded humanity. 

Q3: What is ‘mock utopia’? (Gulliver’s Travels) 

"Mock Utopia" is an ideal fictional world that is portrayed to be "perfect". Yet upon close inspection, that Utopia is riddled with flaws. For example, Swift presents the creed of Houyhnhnms, as a superior and peaceful alternatives to humans but their disdain and discomfort with Yahoos makes this utopia flawed as those rational horses literally use human-like "Yahoos" as beasts for their carriages. 

Q4: What is meant by Imperialism? 

Imperialism is the utilization/manipulation of the natural resources and man-power of (financially) weak nations by the strong nations. 

Q5: What is meant by Juvenalian satire? 

The most bitter satire that fills the audience with contempt against a certain idea or even the work carrying that satire. This kind of Satire is also called a Corrosive Satire. An example of this Satire can be seen by the enslavement of Yahoos by the rational horses, AKA Houyhnhnms. Such mistreatment of humanity fills an average Joe with contempt against Gulliver's Travels. 

Q6: What ideas did helped mankind in prehistoric times. 

Controlling of animals and growing of crops. Source

Q7: What does Russell mean by “Intellectual Rubbish”? 

By "Intellectual Rubbish", Russell means illogical beliefs based on false, baseless and superstitious ideas. 

Q8: Where does Gulliver allow his wife to sit when he starts dining with her again? 

Gulliver is so much disgusted with "Yahoo-like" humans that he lets his wife sit at the far end of the dining table after five years of returning home. 

Q9: What is meant by misanthropist and philanthropist? 

A philanthropist is a person who loves humanity and donates his valuables for the welfare of the needy. 

Q10: In Gulliver's fourth voyage, what is the name of the ship he captains? 

The name of the ship Gulliver captains during the beginning of his fourth voyage is "The Adventures". Source

2021

Q1: What is meant by empiricism?

The word empiricism hints at a theory which asserts that all the knowledge is accumulated by the experiences attained through the use of five senses. 

Q2: What are the fruits of friendship as described in Bacon's 0f Friendship?

Exchange and exhaling of feelings and emotion

Acquisition of clarity when confused

Assistance and aid in many aspects of life Source

Q3: What evil passions have harmed mankind (Russell)?

• Selfishness
• Envy
• Jealousy
• False religious, political and superstitious beliefs

Q4: How Bacon's idealism is reflected in his essay 'Of Great Places7

Bacon, being himself a bureaucrat, reflects his own approach to bureaucratic as well as political landscape. His essay, "Of Great Place" aptly demonstrates that a bureaucrat is thrice a servant of his own ambition to climb up in hierarchy, to the upper hierarchy as well as the public. Source

Q5: What is the reason behind using 'of' in the titles of Bacon's essays?

Already answered 

Q6: What does Russell discuss in "The Philosophy for Laymen"? 

He discusses the importance of Philosophy for modern society to establish the value of a person as a human and as a citizen. 

Q7: What is Imperialism?

Imperialism is the utilization of people and resources of a weak nation by a strong nation for their own benefits. 

Q8: Point out the prominent Renaissance elements in Bacon's essays. 

• Love for Knowledge and Art
• Machiavellous materialism

Q9: What was the name given to Florence Nightingale?

Lady with the Lamp

Q10: Why Mis Florence Nightingale was admired?

Florence Nightingale was admired for her services as a nurse and her contribution to the profession of nursing.

2020

Q1: What are the chief advantages of studies as discussed by Bacon?

Already answered in 2019 section

Q2: How is Bacon 'meanest of mankind'?

He is called the meanest of mankind because of his utilitarian approach towards everything and even in matters of the heart. For instance, Bacon prosecuted agaiinst his patron, Earl of Essex to claim the favour of Queen Elizabeth I. 

Q3: Who is Gulliver's worst enemy at the Lilliputian court?

The king himself is the worst enemy of Gulliver because he is the most powerful person in the Lilliput and the king's disgust against Gulliver increases when he refuses to destroy the Blefuscu fleet. View Source

Q4: What are some of the shows Gulliver sees and participates and how do high government officials participate in them?

Gulliver participates in various acrobatic shows. So as the government officials to get themselves promoted. One of these shows is rope dancing. It is a dangerous acrobatic show in which parliamentary participants dance on tight ropes to attain a seat in the parliament. View Source

Q5: What is the difference between Simulation and Dissemination?

Already answered in 2016 section

Q6: What is culture, according to Edward Said?

According to Edward Said, culture is an identity for a country. View Source

Q7: What are a couple of qualifies of Russell's prose style?

Already answered in 2015 section

Q8: What are Strachey's targets of irony?

Strachey's target of irony is the eminent Victorians who were showcased as flawless beings. 

Q9: How did Florence Nightingale prepare for her life as a nurse?

Florence Nightingale put her leaning of nursery to test during Crimean Wars when she focused on cleanliness and healthy welfare for the soldiers. 

Q10: Why was General Gordon given the nickname 'Chinese'? 

General Gordon was given the title of Chinese Gordon for rendering his services during the Tipang Rebellion in 1863. 

2019

Q1: What are the chief advantages of studies discussed by Bacon?

Studies, according to Francis Bacon, serve usefully as a delight in a person's solitude, decorate his conversation and develops practicality in worldly pursuits.

Q2: How is Gulliver fed?

Gulliver is fed through many a small people, carrying meat in buckets and they use ladders to reach Gulliver's mouth.

Q3: What does Gulliver's Travels suggest about the relationship between 'Reason' and 'Brutality'?

Gulliver's Travels suggests that the relationship between Reason and Brutality can be switched from one creature to the other. For instance, Houyhnhnms are rational horses while Yahoos are vileful brutal creatures, detesting each other as contrary to the world of human beings.

Q4: Comment how the voyage to Lilliput shows smallness of man?

The voyage to Lilliput exhibits smallness of man over his small achievements that humans can devise as many reasons to draw daggers as Lilliputians used to fight with their enemies over the issue of breaking an egg. If a person of the present age is physically taller but morally, he is a Lilliputian.

Q5: What is Edward Said's idea about the plight of Palestine?

Edward Said's idea about the plight of Palestine is the imperialism of superpowers and lack of communication between the U.S. and Arab countries.

Q6: Why is Russell called a prophet?

Russell is called a prophet because his predictions regarding the world and politics went true.

Q7: What are Russell's views on religion?

Russell did not believe in any God or in any religion or in the afterlife. He termed Puritanism as fanaticism.

Q8: In his preface, what does Strachey claim are his goals in writing 'Eminent Victorians'?

Strachey says that he has attempted to present some Victorian visions to the modern eye. His choice has been determined by simple motives of convenience and of art. His purpose is to illustrate rather than to explain. He claims a brevity which excludes everything that is redundant and nothing that is significant. (Copied)

Q9: How did Florence get the title "Lady with the Lamp"?

Florence Nightingale attained the eminent title for rendering her services in Crimean War to the wounded soldiers along with other nurses, trained by her while carrying a lamp in the night.

Q10: What services did General Gordon as the governor general of Sudan?

As the governor general of Sudan, Gordon rendered many services. He mapped the upper Nile River and established a line of stations along the river. He established his ascendancy over this vast area, crushing rebellions and suppressing the slave trade. (Copied)

2018

Q1: What are three great advantages of simulation and dissimulation?

1. They envelop suspicion and surprise the other party.
2. They help a person to show a fair retreat, if he thinks he cannot achieve his aim.
3. Concealment of one's intentions paves the way to know about other's intentions.

Q2: What is Bacon's contribution in essay writing?

Sir Francis Bacon is the one who fathered 'essay' linguistically and regionally for he converted the French word 'assay' for the one we are acquainted with and he pioneered essay writing in English language and region.

Q3: What does Allegory mean?

An Allegory is the story with another layer of the hidden story. An allegory is a literary work which conveys a hidden moral, social, situational and historical ideas through living characters.

Q4: What is mock-utopia?

Mock-utopia is the mockery of an ideal government. It is rendered as fictitious by the masses just like no one will believe in rational governance of Houyhnhnms.

Q5: Why does Russell prefer American victory?

Russell prefers American victory as the U.S. offers freedom of speech and propaganda than the confiscated atmosphere in Russia.

Q6: What does Russell say about liberalism?

"Liberalism is not so much a creed as a disposition. It is, indeed, opposed to creeds. But the liberal attitude does not say that you should oppose authority." says Russell that liberality and freedom of expression must be allowed but it should be limited through law.

Q7: What is imperialism?

Imperialism is the gainity of a nation's territory through the dint of military invasion or political interruption for one's personal pursuits.

Q8: Why does America involve itself in the affairs of Third World Countries?

America involves itself in the affairs of Third World Countries to get hold of their geographical, cultural as well as economical resources.

Q9: How was General Gordon killed?

In 1884 Gordon was again sent to Sudan by the British government to evacuate Egyptian forces from Khartoum. Khartoum came under siege a month later, and on January 26, 1885, the Mahdists broke into the city and killed General Gordon at the Governor-General palace about an hour before dawn. The manner of his death is uncertain. (Copied)

Q10: Why is Lytton Strachey accused of being a partial biographer?

Lytton Strachey is accused of being a partial biographer because of his method of selective scrutiny of the "Eminent Victorians". His selective approach faintly magnifies the truth. Yet his biographies hold a trusting identity among literary people and historians despite being "partially impartial". (Answered with the help of Sir Mohsin and some literary Reddit users from r/AskLiteraryStudies)

2017

Q1: What is meant by terse and epigrammatic style?

Terse means brief and to-the-point statement while an epigram is a joyful statement, carrying a moral lesson in it. The style of writing which is brief, enjoyable and lesson giving at the same time is termed as terse and epigrammatic style.

Q2: Give an example of Bacon’s terse and epigrammatic style.

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested" (Of Studies)

Q3: What is the question debated at the grand assembly of the Houyhnhnms?

At the grand assembly of the Houyhnhnms, the question debated is whether to exterminate the Yahoos. (Copied)

Q4: How does the Emperor of Blefuscu receive Gulliver?

The emperor of Blefuscu receives Gulliver warmly who has escaped death from Lilliput successfully. The king refuses to send Gulliver back to the little tyrants.

Q5: What was the argument between Tramecksan and Slamecksa about?

Tramecken requested the people to wear the shoes of high heels as he argumented that it was a demand of time while Slamecksa demanded the people to wear small heeled shoes as of modern time.

Q6: What are the Three possible Scenarios for the future of mankind?

Russell asserts three possible scenarios in his one 'Unpopular Essay', "The Future of Mankind". The first prediction is the human race might go extinct the second scenario might be seen in reversal of humanistic barbarism while the third scenario might end up in the establishment of a singular global government.

Q7: What are the chief advantages of studies as discussed by Bacon?

Beep Boop! Already answered.

Q8: What is imperialism?

Can't sing the melody already sung.

Q9: Define prose.

Prose is a simple flow of language devoid of any metrical or rhyming structure but embroidered with grammatical structure.

Q10: What is the physical appearance of General Gordon.

General Gordon was short-statured with grey whiskers and hair. His face was brick-red along with shining but large blue eyes.

2016

Q1: What is meant by simulation and dissimulation?

Simulation means to pretend like someone and dissimulation means concealment of one's intentions and emotions.

Q2: “The rising unto place is laborious” Explain the statement.

Francis Bacon asserts the fact in his essay, 'Of Great Place' that attainment of a higher position (here in this essay, place means position or rank) requires extensive the struggle of the head, heart and a Machiavellian policy.

Q3:  What is Horatian satire?

Horatian satire is a mild satire on the follies of man-kind, sounding tolerant, witty and amusing sentences. Roman Satirist, Horace fathered this type of satire.

Q4: In Gulliver’s fourth voyage, what is the name of the ship Gulliver captain?

The name of a Portages ship's captain, who gives Gulliver his finest suits and twenty pounds for his after-voyage in England.

Q5: What is the fault in humanity that Gulliver cannot be patient with-even though he is not provoked by pickpockets, fools, gamesters, whoremongers, lawyers, colonels, and physicians?

The fault of humanity which provokes Gulliver despite other 'small' evils is humans' lust for power and their shady overture of utilizing weapons and imposing wars and other forms of imperialism. In short, Gulliver hates humanity for cutting the heads of itself.

Q6: What, according to Russell, is the main purpose of writing his essays?

According to Russell, the main purpose behind writing his "Unpopular Essays" is to combat dogmatism from both Left and Right side (of the world).

Q7: Explain the quote “When he sits in place he is another man’ (of great place).

Francis Bacon wants to evaluate the statement that when a person joins a high seat, he has to forget his previous leisure-self and he has to make himself ready for a careful rather responsible ruler for once he was carefree.

Q8: Why does Said refer to various novelists?

Said refers to various novelists as according to The Professor, novels or fiction depict the imperialistic society far better than any genre of writing. View Source

Q9: What is the etymological root of Houyhnhnm or horse in the Houyhnhnm language?

The etymological root of the word 'Houyhnhnms' is watered through its meaning in Houyhnhnms' language which reads "perfection of Nature". The actions of these utopian rational horses were directed through Nature and reason

Q10: What do you know about the Bloomsbury group?

Bloomsbury is a group of some renowned Cambridge graduates including Lytton Strachey who utilized their philosophical and intellectual forces in their prosaic creations.

2015

Q1: How, according to Bacon, men are servant and how they are master in Of Great Place?

In essay 'Of Great Place', Bacon asserts the fact that men are servants of state, fame and business. The one who rises to a high place, one becomes a servant to one's self and master of one's employs. View Source

Q2: Why Bacon used “OF” before starting his essays?

Bacon has used the preposition 'Of' in place of 'about' to signify or pivot the reader's attention on the topic presented by the author. For example, the essay 'Of Truth' deals with the cultural association of truth as well as lies.

Q3: Discuss that the charge of misanthropy against Swift is a serious misunderstanding.

It is Gulliver who shows misanthropy against the civilized Yahoos. But Gulliver's author Jonathan Swift is a philanthrope as he presents Gulliver's hatred, for reformation of mankind so that they might refrain from cutting each other's head.

Q4: How Gulliver’s Travels is a political allegory?

The first voyage to the island of Lilliput is a political allegory. The rope dancing allegorizes Walpole's tactics and political intrigues while the conflict between Low Heels and High Heels symbolize the tug of war between two political parties Whig and Tories. View Source

Q5: What are some of the autobiographical elements found in Lamb’s essays?

Not in our syllabus

Q6: What according to Ruskin is The Crown of Wild Olive stand for?

Not in our syllabus

Q7: What is the message of War given by Ruskin?

Not in our syllabus

Q8: What are a couple of qualities of Russell's prose style?

Russell's prose style is lucid and simple enough that the sentences are understood by every Tom, Dick and Harry while the subject matter is a hard pill to swallow. To understand the meanings of his essays, one has to reread several sentences.

Q9: Why is Russell called a prophet?

Already answered

Q10: What is postcolonialism, according to Edward Said?

Post colonialism, according to Edward Said, is the philosophical as well as historical studies of colonial motives, accomplishments and its aftermaths. Before Said's 'Postcolonial Theory', it was loosely known as 'Colonial Discourse Studies'. View Source