M.A 3 RD SEM MODERN DRAMA 2019
Question 1 (2 Marks Each)
1(a) What is a Fabian Society?
Answer:
The Fabian Society is a British socialist organization founded in 1884. It advocates the gradual and democratic establishment of socialism through reforms rather than revolution. Many intellectuals, including George Bernard Shaw, were associated with it and helped spread its ideas through literature and social criticism.
1(b) Comment briefly on the term ‘wake’.
Answer:
A wake is a traditional gathering held before a funeral where relatives, friends, and neighbors assemble to mourn the deceased. In Irish society, a wake often includes storytelling, music, drinking, and social interaction, combining grief with communal celebration.
1(c) Mention two important features of a poetic play.
Answer:
Two important features of a poetic play are:
- The use of verse or highly rhythmic language instead of ordinary prose.
- The use of symbolism and imagery to express deep emotions, spiritual ideas, and psychological experiences.
1(d) State the function of the Chorus in Murder in the Cathedral.
Answer:
The Chorus in Murder in the Cathedral represents the common people of Canterbury. It comments on the action of the play, expresses the fears and feelings of ordinary people, and helps the audience understand the spiritual significance of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom.
1(e) What were the reasons of John Osborne’s anger?
Answer:
John Osborne’s anger arose from post-war disillusionment, social inequality, class discrimination, political hypocrisy, and the decline of Britain’s influence. He expressed the frustrations of a generation that felt neglected and dissatisfied with contemporary society.
1(f) Define the term ‘black humour’.
Answer:
Black humour, or dark comedy, is a form of humour that deals with serious, tragic, or disturbing subjects such as death, suffering, and human misery in a comic or ironic manner. It exposes the absurdity of life and human existence.
Question 2 (4 Marks Each)
2(a) “The Caretaker is a tragedy on human shortcomings and isolation.” Explain with reference to the context.
Answer:
Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker presents a tragic picture of human shortcomings and isolation through the characters Aston, Davies, and Mick. Each character suffers from loneliness and an inability to communicate effectively. Aston is emotionally damaged by his past experiences and lives in isolation. Davies, a homeless old man, is selfish, suspicious, and incapable of maintaining relationships. Mick hides his loneliness behind aggressive behavior and unrealistic dreams.
Instead of helping one another, the characters engage in conflicts and power struggles. Their inability to trust and understand each other prevents meaningful human relationships. Davies eventually loses the shelter offered to him and is left alone again. The play shows how personal weaknesses, insecurity, and communication failure lead to isolation and suffering, making it a modern tragedy.
2(b) Write a note on the salient features of the ‘Angry Young Men’ movement.
Answer:
The ‘Angry Young Men’ movement emerged in Britain during the 1950s and was associated with writers such as John Osborne. It reflected the dissatisfaction of the younger generation with post-war British society.
The movement focused on working-class and lower-middle-class characters rather than aristocratic figures. It criticized social inequality, class distinctions, political hypocrisy, and the conservative values of society. The writers adopted a realistic style and often used ordinary domestic settings, giving rise to “Kitchen Sink Realism.” Their works expressed frustration, rebellion, and disappointment with social conditions.
Thus, the movement became an important voice of post-war disillusionment and social protest in modern British literature.
2(c) Justify the significance of the title Murder in the Cathedral.
Answer:
The title Murder in the Cathedral is significant both literally and symbolically. Literally, it refers to the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 by the knights of King Henry II.
Symbolically, the title highlights the conflict between worldly political power and spiritual authority. The Cathedral represents holiness, faith, and divine authority, while the murder symbolizes violence and political ambition. By placing the act of murder within a sacred place, T.S. Eliot emphasizes the seriousness of Becket’s sacrifice and martyrdom. Therefore, the title effectively captures the central theme and dramatic conflict of the play.
2(d) Comment on the sources of the play The Playboy of the Western World.
Answer:
J.M. Synge drew the material for The Playboy of the Western World from Irish rural life, folklore, and stories he heard during his visits to the Aran Islands. He was inspired by tales about young men who gained admiration by defying authority and social conventions.
The central idea of Christy Mahon’s claim that he killed his father was influenced by real incidents known to Synge. He also used the rich oral storytelling tradition and poetic speech of the Irish peasantry. By combining these elements with his observations of rural society, Synge created a play that is both realistic and imaginative. The play reflects Irish culture, customs, and folk traditions.
Question 3 (6 Marks Each)
3(a) Analyse the themes of Look Back in Anger.
Answer:
John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger is one of the most important plays of modern British drama. The play deals with several significant themes, including class conflict, alienation, disillusionment, and the failure of human relationships.
The central character, Jimmy Porter, represents the frustrations of the post-war generation. Although educated and intelligent, he is unable to achieve social advancement because of the rigid British class system. His anger is directed against social inequality and the hypocrisy of the upper classes.
Another important theme is alienation. Jimmy feels disconnected from society and expresses his dissatisfaction through constant criticism and verbal attacks. This alienation also affects his marriage with Alison. Their relationship is marked by misunderstanding, emotional conflict, and lack of communication.
The play also reflects the disappointment of a generation that found no inspiring ideals in post-war Britain. Through Jimmy’s anger and frustration, Osborne presents a powerful criticism of contemporary society. Thus, Look Back in Anger is a realistic portrayal of social unrest, personal dissatisfaction, and emotional isolation.
3(b) In what ways does the play The Caretaker reflect on the conditions of a modern human being?
Answer:
Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker reflects many aspects of modern human existence, particularly loneliness, insecurity, identity crisis, and communication failure.
The characters live isolated lives and struggle to establish meaningful relationships. Their conversations often fail to create understanding, reflecting the breakdown of communication in modern society. Aston’s mental trauma, Davies’ homelessness, and Mick’s aggressive behavior reveal different forms of psychological insecurity.
The play also explores the problem of identity. Davies constantly talks about obtaining his papers from Sidcup because they represent recognition and belonging. Without them, he feels uncertain about his place in society.
The setting of a cluttered room symbolizes the confusion and instability of modern life. The characters compete for control and security, showing the struggle for survival in an indifferent world. Through these elements, Pinter presents a realistic picture of modern human beings as lonely, insecure, and unable to communicate effectively.
3(c) Give a character sketch of Shawn Keogh. Does he have anything in common with Christy Mahon?
Answer:
Shawn Keogh is a wealthy young farmer in J.M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World and the fiancé of Pegeen Mike. He is timid, obedient, and deeply influenced by religious authority. He fears public opinion and depends heavily on the guidance of Father Reilly. His lack of courage and self-confidence prevents him from winning Pegeen’s admiration.
In contrast, Christy Mahon gains popularity because people believe he has courageously killed his father. As a result, Christy appears bold and heroic, while Shawn appears weak and fearful.
However, the two characters share some similarities. Both seek acceptance and affection from Pegeen and the local community. Both are influenced by external authority and social expectations. The major difference is that Christy gradually gains confidence and independence, whereas Shawn remains submissive and dependent throughout the play. Thus, Shawn serves as a foil to Christy and highlights Christy’s personal growth.
3(d) What is Candida’s decision and how does the play finally end? How does this decision go against the idea of a 19th-century woman of England?
Answer:
In George Bernard Shaw’s Candida, Candida is asked to choose between her husband, Reverend James Morell, and the young poet Eugene Marchbanks. During the famous “auction scene,” both men express their love and explain why Candida should choose them.
Candida ultimately chooses her husband, Morell. However, she explains that she chooses him because he is actually the weaker of the two and depends on her support, care, and guidance. She realizes that Marchbanks is capable of facing life independently, while Morell needs her presence to maintain his confidence and stability.
The play ends with Candida remaining with her husband, while Marchbanks leaves with a better understanding of himself and his future.
Candida’s decision challenges the traditional Victorian view of women as dependent on men. Instead, Shaw presents Candida as intelligent, independent, and emotionally strong. She becomes the decision-maker and demonstrates that women can possess greater strength and wisdom than men. Thus, the play questions conventional gender roles and promotes female independence.
Comments
Post a Comment