Classical Drama - Past Papers - MA English Literature - Part 1 - 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.

2023

Short Questions

  1. Why is Tiresias sent for by Oedipus?
  2. What is a Strophe?
  3. Who is Catherine in "The Jew of Malta"?
  4. What is meant by the Machiavellian saying: "End justifies the Mean"?
  5. Name the speaker of the given line from 'Othello": " "Reputation, reputation, reputation! I have lost my reputation!"
  6. When does Othello threaten to kill lago?
  7. Who is Ferdinand in 'The Tempest"?
  8. Why does Sycorax lock Ariel in a tree for 12 years?
  9. Give two examples of inversion used in 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
  10. Why is Lady Bracknell, to a great extent, a condemnable character?

Long Questions

  1. How does the play 'Oedipus Rex' show man's fruitless struggle against the unchangeable?
  2. Religion is rife with hatred, deception and hypocrisy in The Jew of Malta illustrate.
  3. "Iago is called a likable villain". Agree or disagree with examples from the text.
  4. Describe the main plot and the sub plots in The Tempest.
  5. In what ways is Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' "a trivial comedy for people?
  6. Compare and contrast the Greek tragedy and Shakespearean tragedy.

2022 IIA

Short Questions

  1. What was the will of the oracle brought by Creon?
  2. When did Jocasta come to know that Oedipus is her own son?
  3. Why has Bellamira's business dried up?
  4. How does Barabas kill Ithamore?
  5. From whom did Desdemona first hear the "song of "Willow?
  6. What did happen to Othello, lago and Cassio in the end?
  7. What do Prospero's books symbolize for?
  8. What description of the island does Gonzalo give?
  9. What is Wilde's opinion of aristocracy?
  10. Define comedy of manners.

Long Questions

  1. Mention the characteristics of Oedipus that both impress and disappoint you most.
  2. Prove or refute but with strong arguments that 'The Jew of Malta' is an intrigue play with tragic intentions.
  3. "Love and hatred are presented as opposite sides of the same coin in Shakespeare's play Othello". Elucidate.
  4. Some people believe that The Tempest takes place in Prospero's head/imagination, rather than in reality. Make a case for or against this concept using examples from the text.
  5. How does the play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' challenge conventional notions of s*x and gender and public and private spheres?
  6. How do Marlowe and Shakespeare reflect the spirit and colour of their eras in their work?

2022

Short Questions

  1. What news does the messenger bring from Corinth?
  2. Name two plays other than 'Oedipus, the King' written by Sophocles?
  3. What alternative does Ferneze offer the Jews to surrendering one half of all of their estates?
  4. How does 'Barabas' escape arrest by Ferneze?
  5. What lie did lago tell Montano about Cassio?
  6. What "proof" does lago use to convince Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are lovers?
  7. Why was Caliban so much shrewder than Stephano and Trinculo?
  8. What is the dramatic purpose of the quarrel between Prospero and Ariel?
  9. How does Wilde use the subject of cucumber sandwiches to reveal the characters of Jack and Algernon?
  10. What is Wilde's view towards formal education?

Long Questions

  1. How would you descrite Oedipus' relationship with the gods? What role do the gods play in the drama?
  2. What evil deeds of Barabas will you count to prove him an evil incarnate?
  3. Compare and contrast 'Desdemona and Emilia.
  4. 'The Tempest' at the start of the play is a symbol of the chaos to come. Explore the use of "chaos and misrule" in the play.
  5. George Bernard Shaw described Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' as "rib-tickling fun," but claimed that it lacked humanity. Do you agree or disagree? Support your conclusion with specific details from the play.
  6. Differentiate between the Greek tragic hero and the Shakespearean tragic hero.

2021

Short Questions

  1. Why does Apollo punish the Thebes?
  2. How does Jocasta end her life?
  3. According to Machiavelli, why has he come to England?
  4. Who says that the sudden death of Barabas is very strange? 
  5. How does Iago make himself look favourable in Othello's eyes?
  6. Why was Bianca angry with Cassio?
  7. On what grounds does Prospero agree to release his prisoners?
  8. Name the speaker (The Tempest): "He that dies pays all debts."
  9. According to Algernon, what is the essence of romance?
  10. What do the main characters in The Importance of Being Earnest' think about the lower classes?

Long Questions

  1. What view of the human condition is offered by the play 'Oedipnas Rex7
  2. "Feelings of repentance and remorse even in their worst periods (except in Faustus) rarely come to the lips of Marlowe's protagonists. They remain triumphant even in their defeat. "Bring to mind the manner of Barabas's death and analyse his character in the light of the above-mentioned statement
  3. Jealousy is one of the major themes of 'Othello'. Who is more jealous--Othello or lago? Justify your answer by giving examples from the text.
  4. What do we learn about colonialism in "The Tempest'?
  5. What is your estimate of Lady Bracknell- a flat or a round character? Give examples to prove your point
  6. How do Marlowe and Shakespeare exploit blank verse in their plays?

2020

Short Questions

  1. what does Ocdipus think when Jocate forbids him to explore more about his identity. 
  2. How does Oedipus kill Jocasta?
  3. What had Ithamore been doing before Barabas bought him
  4. Why is Bamardine grieved by Abigail's death?
  5. Why did Othello strip Cassio of his rank?
  6. What pattern is present on Othello's handkerchief?
  7. Mention two motifs in The Tempest
  8. In what way does Caliban mention his mental and moral degradation?
  9. How does Jack Worthing's cigarette case betray his identity to Algernon
  10. What is Lady Bracknell's initial opinion about Cecily?

Long Questions

  1. investigate thoroughly to discern who is really responsible for the miserable end of Oedipus
  2. Barabas seems both an oppressor and the oppressed. Quote text to prove your point
  3. "Women are not presented in a very positive light in Shakespeare's Othello" Elaborate
  4. Explore the ways in which Shakespeare portrays power and authority in "The Tempest
  5. Mention the elements that categorize 'Importance of Being Earnest' as an artificial comedy.
  6. How do Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare present the Renaissance colour in their works?

2019

Short Questions

  1. How many Odes are present in "Oedipus Rex?
  2. Why is Oedipus reluctant to go to Corinth after the death of Polybos?
  3. What is the Act 2 Scene 1 of Jew of Malta' mainly about?
  4. What does Barabas' nose symbolize for?
  5. What is Brabantio's warning to Othello about Desdemona?
  6. How did Venice treat Othello before he was dispatched to Cyprus?
  7. How are Ariel and Caliban different?
  8. Who is Sycorax?
  9. What is a dandy with reference to "Importance off Being Eamest?
  10. Define artificial comedy.

Long Questions

  1. Justify the claim that Oedipus Rex is primarily a religious play.
  2. I count religion but a childish toy, and hold there is no sin but ignorance." How far is Marlowe justified in these claims in "The Jew of Malta?
  3. Why does Othello fail to recognize an evil like lago?
  4. illustrate the impact of symbols used in "The Tempest on the developments in the play.
  5. Evaluate the so-called interview Lady Bracknell conducts of her future son-in-law.
  6. Why are Shakespearean tragedies more lasting than those of his contemporaries

2018

Short Questions

  1. How was Lais murdered in Oedipus Rex?
  2. Who was called the son of Labdakos?
  3. What is the request of Oedipus to Creon in the ending scene of the play
  4. Why is Othello sent to Cyprus?
  5. How is Roderigo befooled by lago? (Othello)
  6. Why does Desdemona marry Othello?
  7. Who is Bunbury in the play "Importance of Being Earnest"?
  8. Why does Miss Prism fcar from Lady Bracknell? (Importance of Being Earnest)
  9. Why does Barubas decide to kill Tthamore?
  10. Who is Ceres? (Tempest)

Long Questions

  1. In Sophocle's view, what role do the gods play in man's destiny?
  2. Discuss the character of Barabas in the play The Jew of Maita"?
  3. How does Shakespeare present lago across the play in Othello?
  4. Describe the character sketch of Desdemona in Othello.
  5. What are the four main characters relationships to reality? How do they cope, romanticize or escape from it? In "Importance of Being Earnest."
  6. Is the Tempest a romance?

2017

Short Questions

  1. What is the other name of Appolo used in “Oedipus Rex’?
  2. How does Creon treat blind Oedipus in the end?
  3. What is meant by the Machiavellian statement “End justifies the means”?
  4. Why is Barabas angry with the three Jews?
  5. Why does Desdemona marry Othello?
  6. Who is the first character to refer to Othello by name?
  7. Who is “The Tempest’ says: “He that dies pays all debts”.
  8. Introduce Boatswain.
  9. How is Algernon a dandy in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest?
  10. When is Cecily bad and good for lady Bracknell?

Long Questions

  1. Is ‘Oedipus Rex’ a tragedy of fate or character? Quote text to prove your point.
  2. “Jew of Malta’ is a tragic-comedy: Satire of religious hypocrisy and Machiavellian scheming. Agree or disagree with examples.
  3. “Iago is the most evil but also the most fascinating character in the play ‘Othello’”, How?
  4. The so-called civilized characters are far worse than the ‘uncivilized’ Caliban. Discuss.
  5. Why is ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ considered a comedy of Manners? What elements of this literary genre are included in the play?
  6. Give a precise character sketch (in not more than 300 words) of the following:
    a. Abigail                    b. Cassio

2016

Short Questions

  1. How does Oedipus become the king of Thebes?
  2. What are the charges of Oedipus against Creon?
  3. Who says in “Jew of Malta”: “I count religion but a childish toy”?
  4. What does Ithamore reveal about his past deeds to Barabas?
  5. Why does Iago turn against Othello?
  6. What is called “a green-eyed monster”?
  7. Why is ‘The Tempest’ called a play about revenge?
  8. Mention some ambitions of Caliban.
  9. On what grounds, do you dislike Lady Bracknell?
  10. Define Artificial Comedy.

Long Questions

  1. Enlist the major conflicts present in the play “Oedipus Rex”.
  2. “I am my own best friend”. Justify the statement by analyzing the character of Barabas.
  3. Prove with examples that Othello himself is responsible for his downfall.
  4. What are the dramatic purposes of using supernatural elements in “The Tempest”?
  5. How does ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ satirize the problems of Victorian society?
  6. Give a precise character sketch (in not more than 300 words) of the following:
    a. Desdmona b. Miranda

2015

Short Questions

  1. Why does Oedipus run away from Corinth?
  2. What are the traits of Apollo?
  3. How does Ferneze treat Basso when Basso demands tribute?
  4. With whom is Abigail in love with?
  5. What is Othello’s opinion about unexposed Iago?
  6. Why is Barbantio dismayed about Desdemona?
  7. What is the reaction of Prospero when he notices Ferdinand in love with Marinda?
  8. How was Caliban begotten?
  9. What do you know about Lane in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest”
  10. What picture of Lord Bracknell is created by the things Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen say about him?

Long Questions

  1. Who is responsible for Oedipus’ tragedy – character or fate? Prove with examples from the text.
  2. “For, so I live, perish may all the world” is the policy of Barabas. How does he materialize this policy?
  3. On what grounds can Othello be called one of the greatest tragedies?
  4. Compare and contrast the characters of Ariel and Caliban in ‘The Tempest’.
  5. “The Importance of Being Earnest’ is more a psychological farce than a farcical comedy. Prove with examples from the text.
  6. How is Greek tragedy different from Shakespearean tragedy?

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