Modern Drama - Past Papers - MA English Literature - Part 2 - Sargodha University

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Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Total Marks: 100
Passing Marks: 40 (As of 2020)
Note: Objective part is compulsory. Attempt any four questions from the subjective part.

2022 IIA

Short Questions

  1. What is response of Hedda when Judge Brack tries to blackmail her?
  2. Why does Loveborg commit suicide?
  3. In what ways is Captain Bluntschli an anti-hero?
  4. Why does Raina prefer Bluntschli to Sergius?
  5. What is the setting of the play "Waiting for Godot"?
  6. Where did Estragon spend the night? what happened to him there?
  7. Give some instances of Ranevsky's aristocratic way of life.
  8. What does Firs in *The Cherry Orchard" signify?
  9. How does Bond satirize the hollowness of the church in the play "The Sea'?
  10. Briefly describe Bond's concept of violence

Long Questions

  1. Discuss Hedda Gabler as a naturalistic play,
  2. "G.B Shaw is a mere propagandist and social reformer'. How far do you agree with statement?
  3. Waiting for Godot exposes the eternal loneliness, bafflement and tedium suffered by Comment.
  4. The Cherry Orchard' is a tragedy despite the fact that Chekov described it as comedy. Doagree with this statement?
  5. What does Edward Bond gain by interesting the classical tragedy of Orpheus within the tragedy, the modern world in "The Sea"?
  6. Discuss the main features of British drama after the World War-ll

2022

Short Questions

What do you know about Aunt Julia?
What is Hedda's last act before she dies?
What is the historical background of the play Arms and the Man"?
Write a short note on the dramatic significance ofthe Coat episode in *Arms and the Man"?
What happens when Vladimir and Estragon try to help Pozzo?
Why is 'Waiting for Godot' written only in two acts?
Who is Mr. Peter Trofimov?
Why is Cherry Orchard very dear to Madame Ranevsky?
What do Hollarcut, Carter and Thompson think about Hatch?
What does the character of Willy symbolize?

Long Questions

  1. Who is responsible for the destruction of Hedda-Fate or Society? Give examples and quote text to prove your viewpoint.
  2. Shaw's aim is to destroy all shams and illusions and he always tries to compel his audience to face sound realities of life. Discuss Arms and the Man in the light of this remark.
  3. 'Waiting for Godot is a true specimen of existentialism'. Comment
  4. Write a critical note on the character of Lopakhin in "The Cherry Orchard'.
  5. How far does the little 'The Sea' befits the play?
  6. Write precise character sketches (in 250-300 words) of the followings:
            a) George Tesman b) Peter Trofimov

2021

Short Questions

  1. Describe the physical personality of Hedda Gabler? 
  2. What is the attitude of Hedda Ciabler towards other female characters in the play "Hedda Gabler"? 
  3. Define tragi-cemedy giving two examples of this particular geare?
  4. What is relation of Varya to Mrs. Ranevsky?
  5. What is the setting of the play "The Sea"?
  6. Who is Mr Evans?
  7. Where does Bluntschli hide himself? 
  8. Why do Vladimir and Estagen want to commit suicide? 
  9. What changes Pozzo and Lucky in Act-II?
  10. What is the opinion of Sergius about the art of soldiering?

Long Questions

  1. The Cherry Orchard truly represents a decaying order which cannot sustain itself for long. Comment
  2. What is meant by the Theatre of the Absurd? How far Waiting for Godot can be termed as an Absurd Play?
  3. Hedda Gabler is a tragedy in a true sense. Do you agree with this statement? Substantiate your stance with special reference to Aristotle's concept of tragedy
  4. What are the contributions of Henrik Ibarn und GB Shaw to the development and growth of modern English drama?
  5. Discuss Arms and the man as an anti-romantic comedy
  6. Critically analyze the character of Mrs. Refi in The Sea. 

2020

Short Questions

  1. In what two ways is the theme of motherhood introduced in 'Hedda Gabler'?
  2. Why is Hedda so cruel to other female in the play?
  3. From what class struggle does Louka pass?
  4. Compare the thematic and structural unity of Waiting for Godot"?
  5. What does the falling of axe stand for in 'The Cherry Orchard'?
  6. How is carrot used as a symbol in "Waiting for Godot"?
  7. Mention the major fear of Mrs. Rafi.
  8. Briefly introduce Epic Theatre.
  9. What is primarily anti-romantic in 'Arms and the Man'?
  10. Define Naturalism.

Long Questions

  1. The play 'Hedda Gabler' focuses on certain clashes between the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. Point out those clashes and their effects on man and society.
  2. How do you take the play "The Sea' - a light-hearted tragedy or a black comedy? Quote text to support your answer.
  3. Evaluate 'The Cherry Orchard' as a briefing on social and economic depression in the contemporary Russia.
  4. A Shavian character has certain specifications. Who is a real Shavian character in 'Arms and the Man' and on what grounds?
  5. Describe the various symbols used in 'Waiting for Godot'.
  6. Explain the given lines:

"I'm like that. Either I forget right away or I never forget."

"Suffering is a human language and everything that has a voice is a human. "

2019

Short Questions

  1. What is the importance of home in Hedda Gabler"?
  2. Who can be called Chekov's spokesman in 'The Cherry Orchard' and why?
  3. What is the main character flaw of Trofimov in "The Cherry Orchard'?
  4. How do Willy and Rose create their personal maturity?
  5. What is the importance of tree in 'Waiting for Godot'?
  6. Briefly describe Bond's concept of Violence.
  7. Why is there no climax to Waiting for Godot"?
  8. Why does Raina prefer Bluntchili to Sergius?
  9. Why does Judge Brack never marry?
  10. Define Naturalism.

Long Questions

  1. How would a Pakistani audience/reader take Hedda? Detestable? Captivating? Admirable? something else?
  2. Does Waiting for Godot provide a solution to the problems of present day man? If yes, how? If no, why not?
  3. "Everything I touch seems destined to turn into something mean and farcical."
  4. Shaw is predominantly realistic but deviations are still there. How much realistic and unrealistic does he appear in 'Arms and the Man'? Quote text where necessary.
  5. Evaluate "The Cherry Orchard' as a political play.
  6. Critically analyze the character of Mrs. Rafi ("The Sea'). Explain the given lines:

"Everything I touch seems destined to turn into something mean and farcical."

"Life has gone by as if I never lived."

2018

Short Questions

  1. Describe the physical features of Hedda Gabbler.
  2. From where do Hedda and George return when the play opens?
  3. Why is G.B.Shaw call an iconoclast?
  4. Who says in 'Arms and the Man":
  5. "Soldiering, my dear, is the coward's art of attacking when you are strong and keeping out of harm's way when you are weak".
  6. Who does purchase Cherry Orchard? What does it signify?
  7. Give a brief estimate of Yasha?
  8. What does sea in 'The Sea' symbolize"?
  9. Why do Vladimir and Estragon want to commit suicide?
  10. What are the major themes of Bond's plays?
  11. Why is 'Waiting for Godot written only in two acts?

Long Questions

  1. 'Hedda Gabbler's character anticipates the modern emancipated woman who invariably places herself in opposition to the traditional maternal role'. Elaborate.
  2. 'The Cherry Orchard' truly represents a decaying order which cannot sustain itself for long." Comment
  3. What is Theatre of Absurd? How far *Waiting for Godot can be called as an Absurd play? 
  4. What does Bond gain by inserting the classical tragedy of Orpheus with in the tragedy of modern world in 'The Sea'?
  5. Shaw's aim is to destroy illusions and to compel his audience to face realities. Discuss Arms and the Man in the light of this remark.
  6. Discuss the main features of British drama after the World War-11.

2017

Short Questions

  1. Mention Hedda’s life before and after marriage.
  2. Why is Hedda called “a female Hamlet” in ‘Hedda Gabler’?
  3. How does Act 1 of ‘Arms and the Man’ introduce the themes of the play?
  4. Who says in ‘Arms and the Man’: “Act as if you expected to have your own way, not as if you expected to be ordered about”?
  5. What does Lucky’s “Dance in a Net’ symbolize?
  6. What benefit does Pozzo get from his blindness?
  7. Who says in “The Cherry Orchard”: “Well, good-bye, old man. It’s time to get. Here we stand pulling one another’s noses, but life goes its own way all the time”.
  8. What did anya do in Paris?
  9. Differentiate between theme and motif.
  10. Give a pen-picture of Rose with reference to ‘The Sea’.

Long Questions

  1. Should “Hedda Gabler’ be considered a tragedy? How does it adhere (Or not adhere) to tragic characterization, structure, or catharsis?
  2. ‘Arms and the Man’ is an attempt on ‘reversal of values’. Elucidate.
  3. Is ‘Waiting for Godot’ about Godot or Wait? Justify your answer with strong arguments.
  4. How does the comic element in “The Cherry Orchard” enhance the tragic impact of the play?
  5. Examine Edward Bond’s use of symbolism, metaphor and surrealism in “The Sea”.
  6. Who deserves the better claim as “the father of modern drama” and how— Ibsen or Shaw?

2016

Short Questions

  1. Describe the physical appearance of Hedda.
  2. Why is Hedda so cruel to other females in “Hedda Gabler”?
  3. What is Raina’s nickname for Bluntschli?
  4. In what ways is Captain Bluntschli an Anti-hero?
  5. Discuss Beckett’s attitude toward hope in “Waiting for Godot”.
  6. What is the function of the boy in “Waiting for Godot”?
  7. What is Varya’s relation to Mrs. Ranavksy?
  8. Why does Trophimov not accept Lopakhin’s money?
  9. What are the Vicar’s views about Colin?
  10. How does Bond criticize religion with regard to the aristocratic class?

Long Questions

  1. Describe the major social issues reflected by the play “Hedda Gabler”.
  2. How does Shaw in “Arms and the Man’ reconsider romance and heorism in the light of realism?
  3. Point out the similarities and dissimilarities present between Vladimir and Estragon.
  4. Class conflict is quite evident in “The Cherry Orchard”. Prove with examples from the text.
  5. What is the role of Mrs. Rafi in the play “The Sea”?
  6. What are the contribution of Shaw and Ibsen to modern drama?

2015

Short Questions

  1. For what physical feature does Hedda not like Thea?
  2. In what extraordinary way does Hedda greet Judge Brack. When he comes to tell about the purchase of a villa?
  3. How does Shaw employ irony in the opening lines of “Arms and The Man’?
  4. How did Petkoff become a major?
  5. Why is “Waiting for Godot” in two acts?
  6. Explain the idea of pairing throughout “Waiting for Godot’.
  7. What is the metaphoric significance of sea in “The Sea”?
  8. Why does Mrs. Rafi arrange a play?
  9. What does Charlotta’s character represent in “The Cherry Orchard”?
  10. How is Dunyasha an especially Ironic Character?

Long Questions

  1. Who is responsible for the destruction of Hedda—Fate or Society? Give examples to prove your point.
  2. How does Sergius’ view of war differ from Bluntschli’s?
  3. How far is it correct to say that “Waiting for Godot” voices the infinite hope and despair of man about the future of humanity?
  4. Why does Bond refuse to suggest a solution to the problems of the society? What are the recommendations made in “The Sea” regarding the responsibility of the individual in the search of the truth?
  5. How does the comic element in “The Cherry Orchard” enhance the tragic impact of the play?
  6. Discuss the main features of drama after the World War-II.

2014

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