Dibrugarh University| B.A/ B.COM/ B.SC | CBCS| Alternative English| Solved Paper - (Nov/ Dec) - 2022| 1st Semester
2022
(Nov/ Dec)
ALTERNATIVE ENGLISH
Paper: AECC – 2
Full Marks: 40
Pass Marks: 16
Time: 2 hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions
Unit – I
1. Answer the following questions: 5x4=20
(a)
“Non-violence is superior to violence.” Explain the above line with reference
to M. K. Gandhi’s The Doctrine of the Sward.
Ans:-
Mahatma Gandhi's claim that "nonviolence is superior to violence"
stems from his belief that nonviolence is the fundamental law of humanity, as
opposed to violence, which is the law of brute force. In The Doctrine of the
Sword, Gandhi makes clear that nonviolence is not passive cowardice but
"conscious suffering" – an active, courageous resistance against
tyranny. He argues that true strength derives from "indomitable will"
rather than physical power, emphasizing that forgiveness – when exercised from
a position of strength – demonstrates greater moral courage than vengeance. For
example, Gandhi advised his son to use violence in self-defense, if necessary,
yet he maintained that nonviolence is spiritually and morally superior because
it preserves human dignity and promotes long-term social uplift. He saw
nonviolence as a universal, limitless force capable of challenging unjust
empires, insisting that India's adoption of this principle would reflect
conscious strength and not weakness.
Or
Write an
illustrative note on Sinn Feminism.
Ans:-
Sinn Féin's feminist evolution represents a transformational shift from a
historically male-dominated structure to a party actively promoting gender
equality.
Historical
context and changes:-
(i) Sinn Féin's
1916 declaration promised gender equality, but post-independence leader Éamon
de Valera enacted policies restricting women's rights, such as banning married
women from civil service roles and enshrining domestic gender roles in the 1937
constitution.
(ii) By the
1990s, women within Sinn Féin formed a dedicated women's department to
challenge this legacy and advocated for policy reforms in childcare, divorce
and reproductive rights.
Contemporary
progress:-
(i)
Representation: Women now hold 50% of Sinn Féin's seats in peace forums and
key leadership roles, including general secretaries and directors of key
departments.
(ii) Policy
framework: The party institutionalised gender equality through mechanisms
such as affirmative action, gender-proofing legislation and funding for women's
groups, explicitly committing to "equal participation in
decision-making".
(iii) Ongoing
conflict: While progressive policies on divorce and childcare were adopted,
internal resistance remains – particularly on abortion, where consensus has not
been reached despite incremental progress.
This feminist
resurgence redefines Sinn Féin as a vehicle for social equality, although full
alignment with feminist ideals is still a work in progress.
(b) Discuss
the features of the caste system in India as outlined by Ambedkar in Prospects
of Democracy in India.
Ans:- Features
of the caste system in India as described by Ambedkar in "Prospects of
Democracy in India" are as follows:-
(i) Gradual
inequality: Ambedkar considers "gradual inequality" to be the
most pernicious feature of the caste system. Castes are not of equal status;
instead, they are arranged in a strict hierarchy, "standing one above the
other," resulting in an "increasing scale of hatred and a diminishing
scale of contempt." This structure breeds jealousy and resentment among
castes and destroys the possibility of voluntary and helpful cooperation within
society.
(ii) Social
isolation: The caste system enforces complete social isolation among
groups. Unlike class systems, where mobility and interaction are possible,
castes are exclusive and have little or no common experience or sympathy for
one another. This exclusivity means that Indian society lacks the
"community of purpose" and "mutuality of sympathy"
necessary for a democratic society.
(iii)
Pervasiveness in social life: Ambedkar said that the caste system pervades
every aspect of Indian life—marriage, politics, industry, commerce, and
charity. For example, in industry and commerce, top positions are monopolised
by members of a particular caste, while others are excluded or relegated to the
lowest rung. Even charitable activities are often limited to benefiting only
members of the donor's caste.
(iv) Denial
of social mobility and equality: The caste system creates a rigid division
between privileged and subordinate classes. The higher castes enjoy privileges,
while the lower castes have to bear the burden. This division educates some
people as "masters" and others as "slaves", perpetuating
inequality and depriving the oppressed of opportunities for advancement.
(v)
Obstacle to democracy: Ambedkar argues that the existence of the caste
system is a "permanent denial" of the ideals essential to
democracy—liberty, equality, and fraternity. The lack of social cohesion and
shared experience among castes makes the development of genuine democratic
relations impossible.
Or
“The
prospects of democracy is bleak in India.” Discuss.
Ans:- The prospects
of democracy in India are bleak.":-
Ambedkar
expresses doubts about the prospects of democracy in India, primarily because
of the deep-rootedness of the caste system and the lack of social democracy.
(i) Democracy
beyond government: Ambedkar emphasizes that democracy is not merely a form
of government or periodic elections; it is "primarily a way of living an
associated life." For democracy to flourish, society must be bound by
shared experiences, mutual sympathies, and a common purpose – qualities
weakened by the caste system.
(ii) Social
versus political democracy: While India has achieved political democracy
(universal suffrage, elected government), Ambedkar warns that social democracy
– based on liberty, equality, and fraternity – is still incomplete. The
persistence of caste divisions and social inequalities means that only an
"unbalanced" and incomplete democracy exists.
(iii) Caste
and electoral politics: Ambedkar and later commentators found that Indian
electoral politics often reinforces caste and religious identities rather than
promoting enlightened citizenship. Political parties mobilise votes on the
basis of caste and religion, thereby undermining the spirit of secularism and
liberal democracy.
(iv)
Obstacles to fraternity: Ambedkar sees fraternity as essential to
democracy. However, when society is divided along caste lines, there can be no
genuine fraternity or respect between groups. This gap between political and
social democracy poses a serious challenge to the future of Indian democracy.
(v) Current
challenges: Despite some expansion of democratic space through social
movements, the continuation of caste-based discrimination, economic inequality
and communal politics continue to threaten the health of Indian democracy.
Ambedkar’s vision of democracy as a way of life rooted in social justice is
still incomplete.
(c) No foreigner
can speak English exactly as an Englishman. How can a non-native speaker of
English be understood in England? Discuss with reference to Spoken English and
Broken English by G. B. Shaw.
Or
What is a
Cockney dialect? Why are people ashamed of speaking it? Discuss.
(d) Elaborate
Shaw’s views on Company manners and home manners.
Or
What are
Gandhi’s views on ‘forgiveness’ as underlined in his essay, The Doctrine of the
Sword?
UNIT – II
2. Answer the following questions: 5x4=20
(a) Examine
the significance of the title, How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy.
Ans:- The
title "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" is highly significant because
it encapsulates the central theme of the story—human greed and the consequences
of excessive desire. The question in the title is both literal and
philosophical. It prompts readers to consider the endless pursuit of material
possessions versus the true necessities of life. Throughout the story, the
protagonist, Pahom, believes that more land will bring him happiness and
security. However, his insatiable greed leads to his downfall. The title
foreshadows the moral lesson that Tolstoy gives: in the end, a man needs only
as much land as is needed for his grave. Thus, the title serves as a powerful
reminder of the futility of greed and the importance of contentment. It
encourages readers to reflect on their own desires and the true meaning of fulfilment
in life.
Or
Write the
character sketch of Pahom.
Ans:-
Pahom is the central character of Leo Tolstoy's story. He is a farmer who is
initially portrayed as a hardworking and honest man. However, he is also
dissatisfied with his life and believes that owning more land will solve all
his problems. Pahom's ambition and greed gradually consume him, blinding him to
the simple joys and contentment he once had.
Despite his good
qualities, Pahom's flaws become apparent as the story progresses. He becomes
selfish, quarrelsome, and obsessed with acquiring more land, often at the
expense of his relationships with others. His inability to recognize his
limitations ultimately leads to his tragic end. Pahom's character is a
cautionary example of how unchecked greed can destroy a person's happiness and
even his life.
(b) How does
O. Henry portray the affluent section of the city in The Unfinished Story?
Ans:- O.
Henry portrays the city's wealthy class with a sense of irony and subtle
criticism. He describes the wealthy areas as places of luxury, elegance, and
comfort, and contrasts them with the modest circumstances of the story's
protagonist, Dulcie. The wealthy areas are depicted through their grand stores,
fashionable streets, and well-dressed residents, highlighting the material
prosperity and social privileges enjoyed by the upper class.
However, O.
Henry also hints at the superficiality and emptiness that come with such
wealth. The wealthy are often depicted as detached from the struggles of
ordinary people like Dulcie, who work hard to make ends meet. The author uses
vivid imagery and sharp contrasts to emphasize the gap between the rich and the
poor, suggesting that while the wealthy class shines with its outward charm, it
may lack the warmth and genuine human connection found among those less
fortunate. In this way, O. Henry not only paints a picture of the affluent
areas of the city, but also critiques the social inequalities that define urban
life.
Or
Why did
Dulcie change her mind about going out on a date with Piggy?
Ans:- Dulcie
initially considers accepting Piggy's invitation because she is tempted by the
prospect of enjoying a luxurious evening—something she rarely experiences due
to her modest means. The promise of a fine dinner and a taste of the opulent
lifestyle is tempting. However, Dulcie ultimately changes her mind due to her
strong sense of self-respect and integrity.
She realizes that
accepting Piggy's offer would mean compromising her values and possibly lead
to a situation where she would have to give something in return. Dulcie knows
that Piggy's intentions are not entirely honorable, and she does not want to be
indebted to him or risk her reputation. Her decision reflects her inner
strength and moral character; She chooses dignity over temporary pleasure,
demonstrating that her principles are more important than material comfort.
This moment highlights Dulcie's resilience and the quiet heroism of ordinary
people facing difficult choices.
(c) How do the
Indian and Pakistani soldiers view their role in the war that they are
fighting? Examine with reference to The Dog of Tithwal.
Or
Who is the
central character in Manto’s The Dog of Tithwal? How does the central character
draw out the several layers of meaning in the story? Justify your answer.
(d) Write a note
on the ending of the story, The Unfinished Story by O. Henry.
Or
Discuss the
symbolic significance of Manto’s story, The Dog of Tithwal.
***
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