BEGC-109
British Romantic Literature
BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Q 1. Briefly explain the impact of French Revolution on Literature.
Ans. The French Revolution (1789-1799) had a profound impact on literature, not only in France but across Europe and the world.
The Revolution transformed the political and social landscape of France and inspired writers to reflect on its consequences, both positive and negative.
One of the most significant impacts of the French Revolution on literature was the emergence of Romanticism, a literary movement that emphasized individualism, emotion, and the imagination.
The Romantic poets, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron, were inspired by the ideals of the Revolution and saw it as a symbol of the power of the people to overthrow tyranny and establish a new order based on freedom, equality, and justice.
They also drew on the French Revolution’s themes of passion, heroism, and tragedy, creating works that expressed the intensity and complexity of human experience.
Another significant impact of the French Revolution on literature was the rise of the novel as a popular literary form.
The Revolution created a new sense of social mobility and cultural change, which led to the emergence of the middle class as a significant force in society.
The novel became a means for writers to explore the experiences and perspectives of this new social class, as well as to reflect on the broader social and political changes taking place. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Some of the most famous novels of the period, such as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) and Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859), were set in the context of the French Revolution and explored its impact on individual lives.
The French Revolution also had a significant impact on the theatre, which became a means for writers to explore the political and social issues of the time.
Plays such as “The Marriage of Figaro” (1784) by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais and “The Oresteia” (458 BCE) by Aeschylus, were written during the French Revolution and explored themes such as social inequality, justice, and the power of the people.
Theatre became a powerful medium for political and social critique, and many playwrights used it to challenge the status quo and advocate for change.
The French Revolution also had a significant impact on the development of literary genres.
The memoir, for example, became a popular literary form during the Revolution, as individuals sought to record their experiences of the period.
Memoirs such as Madame Roland’s “Memoirs of Madame Roland” (1795) and François-René de Chateaubriand’s “Memoirs from Beyond the Tomb” (1849) provide a firsthand account of the Revolution and its aftermath, giving readers an insight into the personal experiences of those who lived through it.
Finally, the French Revolution had a profound impact on the political and philosophical ideas that underpinned literature.
The Revolution challenged traditional notions of power, authority, and hierarchy, and writers began to explore new ideas about the nature of society, human rights, and the role of the individual. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Writers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire, who had laid the foundations of the Enlightenment, were now seen as key figures in the development of revolutionary thought, and their works were widely read and debated.
The Revolution also gave rise to new philosophical movements, such as anarchism and communism, which had a profound impact on literature in the years that followed.
One of the most significant ways in which the French Revolution impacted literature was by challenging traditional gender roles and giving voice to women writers.
Women were active participants in the Revolution and played a key role in shaping public opinion and advocating for change.
Women writers such as Olympe de Gouges, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Jane Austen used their work to challenge gender stereotypes and to advocate for women’s rights.
Their works reflected the changing social and cultural landscape of the time and helped to pave the way for the feminist movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The French Revolution also had a profound impact on the way writers used language and form. Writers began to experiment with new forms and styles, moving away from the rigid structures of neoclassicism and embracing a more expressive and emotional style. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This led to the development of new literary movements such as Romanticism and Symbolism, which emphasized the power of the imagination and the importance of individual experience.
Writers also began to use language in new and innovative ways, creating new forms of expression and exploring the boundaries of literary language.
The French Revolution also had an impact on the way writers engaged with history and historical events. Writers began to see history not just as a record of past events, but as a dynamic force that could shape the present and the future.
Historical events such as the French Revolution became a powerful means for writers to explore the complexities of human experience and to reflect on the nature of power, authority, and resistance.
Works such as Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” (1862) and Stendhal’s “The Red and the Black” (1830) use the French Revolution as a backdrop for exploring the social and political upheavals of their own time.
The French Revolution also had an impact on the way writers engaged with the natural world.
Romantic writers such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge used the natural world as a means of exploring the human psyche and the complexity of human experience. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
They saw the natural world as a source of inspiration and a symbol of the power of the imagination.
This emphasis on the natural world also helped to pave the way for the development of environmentalism and the conservation movement in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The French Revolution also had an impact on the way writers engaged with popular culture and mass media.
The rise of print culture during the Revolution meant that literature could reach a wider audience than ever before, and writers began to engage with popular forms such as newspapers, pamphlets, and ballads.
This led to the development of new literary genres such as the feuilleton and the serial novel, which were designed to be read in installments and appealed to a broad popular audience.
The French Revolution also had an impact on the way writers engaged with the social and cultural diversity of their time.
The Revolution created a new sense of social and cultural mobility, as individuals from different backgrounds and social classes were brought together in new ways.
This led to a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and a greater willingness to explore different perspectives and experiences.
Works such as Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” (1851) and Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” (1855) reflect this diversity and offer a vision of a society that is inclusive and open to difference.
Q 2. Explain the salient features of British Romantic poetry.
Ans. British Romantic poetry is a literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century.
It is characterized by its emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the individual experience. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Romantic poets were interested in exploring the beauty of nature, the power of the imagination, and the complexity of human experience.
One of the most important features of British Romantic poetry is its emphasis on emotion, particularly on the expression of powerful feelings such as love, grief, and passion.
The Romantic poets rejected the rationalism and intellectualism of the Enlightenment, and instead placed a greater emphasis on subjective experience and personal feelings.
They believed that poetry should be a direct expression of the poet’s emotions, rather than an imitation of reality.
This is reflected in the poetry of William Wordsworth, who wrote that “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
Another key feature of British Romantic poetry is its emphasis on imagination. The Romantic poets believed that the imagination was a powerful tool for understanding the world, and that it could help to reveal truths that reason and logic could not.They
were interested in exploring the power of the imagination to transform reality and to create new and exciting worlds. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This is reflected in the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who wrote about the “willing suspension of disbelief” and the power of the imagination to create a sense of wonder and enchantment.
The Romantic poets also had a strong interest in the individual experience, and many of their poems are written from a first-person perspective.
They were interested in exploring the inner world of the individual, and in understanding the complexities of human experience.
This is reflected in the poetry of John Keats, who wrote about the “negative capability” of the poet to enter into the experiences of others and to explore the depths of human emotion.
Another key feature of British Romantic poetry is its use of nature and the sublime. The Romantic poets were interested in exploring the beauty of nature, and in understanding the ways in which it could inspire feelings of awe and wonder.
They believed that nature was a powerful force that could help to connect individuals to the divine, and to reveal the mysteries of the universe.
This is reflected in the poetry of William Wordsworth, who wrote about the “beauty of the morning” and the power of nature to restore the soul.
The Romantic poets were also interested in exploring the supernatural and the Gothic. They were fascinated by the unknown and the mysterious, and were interested in exploring the darker side of human experience.
This is reflected in the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who wrote about the “kubla khan” and the power of the imagination to create fantastical and otherworldly worlds. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The Gothic elements of British Romantic poetry can also be seen in the work of Mary Shelley, who wrote “Frankenstein,” a novel that explores the dangers of playing God and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
In addition to its emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the individual experience, British Romantic poetry is also characterized by its interest in social and political issues.
The Romantic poets were interested in exploring the complexities of human society, and in understanding the ways in which social and political systems could impact individual experience.
This is reflected in the poetry of William Blake, who wrote about the injustices of the Industrial Revolution, and in the poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who wrote about the need for political and social reform.
Another important feature of British Romantic poetry is its use of symbolism and metaphor. The Romantic poets often used nature and the natural world as a symbol for human emotions and experiences.
For example, William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” uses the image of a field of daffodils to symbolize the beauty and joy of the natural world.
Similarly, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” uses the image of the albatross as a metaphor for guilt and sin.
The Romantic poets were also interested in exploring the relationship between the individual and society. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
They were concerned about the impact of social and political systems on individual experience, and were interested in exploring the ways in which individuals could resist or challenge those systems.
This is reflected in the poetry of William Blake, who wrote about the need for individual freedom and the dangers of conformity, and in the poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who wrote about the need for political and social revolution.
Another important aspect of British Romantic poetry is its interest in the sublime. The sublime refers to experiences that are so awe-inspiring and overwhelming that they are almost frightening.
The Romantic poets were interested in exploring the power of the sublime to inspire feelings of awe and wonder, and in understanding its relationship to nature and the natural world.
This is reflected in the poetry of John Keats, who wrote about the “beauty that is joy forever” and the power of the sublime to reveal the mysteries of the universe.
Finally, British Romantic poetry is characterized by its interest in the individual voice. The Romantic poets believed that poetry should be a direct expression of the poet’s emotions and experiences, and that it should reflect the individuality and uniqueness of the poet.
This is reflected in the poetry of William Wordsworth, who wrote about the importance of “spontaneous overflow” and the need for poetry to be a direct expression of the poet’s feelings and experiences.
Q 5. Explain Coleridge’s ideas on ‘Fancy’ and ‘Imagination’.
Ans. Coleridge was a poet and philosopher of the Romantic era who made significant contributions to the development of literary theory.
One of his most important contributions was his distinction between two different types of imagination: fancy and imagination.
Coleridge distinguished between fancy and imagination by suggesting that fancy was the lower form of imagination, concerned with superficial aspects of things, while imagination was the higher form of imagination, concerned with the deeper meanings and essences of things. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Fancy, according to Coleridge, was based on “mechanical combinations” of ideas, while imagination was “the living power and prime agent of all human perception.”
Coleridge saw fancy as being concerned with the external aspects of things, such as their appearances and surfaces, without delving deeper into their underlying essences or meanings.
Fancy, for Coleridge, was a kind of playful or decorative imagination, concerned with “pretty” things and with the surface-level aspects of language.
Fancy was characterized by a tendency to create fanciful or whimsical images, which were often superficial and lacked depth.
In contrast, imagination was for Coleridge a deeper and more profound form of creativity, concerned with the underlying meanings and essences of things.
Imagination was characterized by a sense of depth and complexity, and by a willingness to explore the innermost aspects of human experience.
Imagination, for Coleridge, was the power that allowed human beings to create works of art that could move and inspire others.
According to Coleridge, imagination had the power to transcend the limitations of the physical world, allowing human beings to explore the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Imagination was for Coleridge a kind of spiritual faculty that allowed human beings to access the divine and to see beyond the mundane and ordinary aspects of existence. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Imagination was, in essence, a visionary power that allowed human beings to create works of art that could transcend time and space, and that could move and inspire others for generations to come.
One of the most significant aspects of Coleridge’s distinction between fancy and imagination is the way in which it challenged traditional notions of creativity and artistic expression.
In Coleridge’s view, creativity was not simply a matter of creating pretty images or clever wordplay, but was rather a profound and transformative process that allowed human beings to access the deepest truths and realities of existence.
By distinguishing between fancy and imagination, Coleridge challenged the superficiality and superficiality of much of the art and literature of his time, and encouraged artists and writers to strive for greater depth and complexity in their work.
Another important aspect of Coleridge’s ideas on fancy and imagination is their influence on the development of literary theory.
Coleridge’s distinction between fancy and imagination helped to shape the Romantic era’s approach to literature and art, and laid the groundwork for many of the key ideas and concepts that would come to define literary theory in the years to come.
Coleridge’s ideas on fancy and imagination helped to shift the focus of literary criticism from formalist concerns with language and structure to a more profound and substantive engagement with the deeper meanings and implications of literary works. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Furthermore, Coleridge’s ideas on fancy and imagination have practical implications for the creation of works of art and literature.
Coleridge’s emphasis on the importance of imagination as a transformative and visionary power encourages artists and writers to seek out new and innovative ways of exploring the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Coleridge’s ideas also highlight the importance of depth and complexity in works of art and literature, and encourage artists and writers to create works that are not simply pleasing to the eye or the ear, but that are also intellectually and emotionally engaging.
Coleridge’s distinction between fancy and imagination also has implications for the way that we understand the creative process.
Coleridge’s ideas challenge the idea that creativity is simply a matter of talent or inspiration, and suggest instead that creativity is a complex and transformative process that requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to engage deeply with the world around us.
Coleridge’s distinction between fancy and imagination encourages us to take a more profound and substantive approach to creativity and artistic expression, and to view works of art and literature as powerful and transformative tools for engaging with the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Overall, Coleridge’s ideas on fancy and imagination are an important contribution to our understanding of creativity, art, and literature.
Coleridge’s distinction between fancy and imagination challenges traditional notions of creativity and encourages artists and writers to strive for greater depth and complexity in their work. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Coleridge’s ideas also have practical implications for the creation of works of art and literature, and highlight the importance of depth and complexity in creative expression.
Coleridge’s ideas continue to have a significant impact on literary theory and criticism, and will likely continue to shape our understanding of creativity and artistic expression for generations to come.
Q 6. What is the usefulness of poetry as stated by Shelley in his “Defence”?
Ans. In his “Defence of Poetry,” Percy Bysshe Shelley presents a powerful argument for the usefulness of poetry.
According to Shelley, poetry is not merely a form of entertainment or a way to express emotion, but rather a vital and necessary component of human existence.
Shelley argues that poetry has the power to transform and uplift society, and that it is essential to the full development of the human spirit.
Shelley begins his “Defence of Poetry” by arguing that poetry is not merely a matter of entertainment or amusement, but rather a vital and necessary component of human existence.
According to Shelley, poetry is the “expression of the imagination,” and it allows us to explore and understand the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Shelley argues that poetry has the power to transform and uplift society by inspiring us to seek out new and innovative ways of living and engaging with the world around us. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Shelley also argues that poetry is an essential tool for the full development of the human spirit.
According to Shelley, poetry has the power to awaken us to new possibilities and to inspire us to pursue our highest ideals and aspirations.
Shelley argues that poetry can help us to break free from the limitations of our current circumstances and to imagine new and better ways of living and engaging with the world around us.
Moreover, Shelley argues that poetry has a profound and transformative effect on human society.
According to Shelley, poetry can help us to break down the barriers that divide us and to unite us in common ideals and aspirations.
Shelley argues that poetry has the power to bring about social and political change by inspiring us to work together to create a better world.
Shelley sees poetry as a force for social and political transformation, and he believes that poets have a vital role to play in shaping the future of human society.
Shelley also argues that poetry is a necessary component of the human experience. According to Shelley, poetry allows us to connect with the deepest truths and realities of existence, and it helps us to understand our place in the world.
Shelley argues that poetry allows us to explore the mysteries of life and to connect with the transcendent and the sublime.
Shelley sees poetry as a way to bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual, and he believes that it is essential to the full development of the human spirit. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Furthermore, Shelley argues that poetry is a tool for moral and ethical development. According to Shelley, poetry has the power to inspire us to live virtuous and noble lives.
Shelley argues that poetry can help us to develop a strong sense of morality and ethics, and it can encourage us to act in ways that are in line with our highest ideals and aspirations.
Shelley believes that poetry can help us to become better people, and that it is essential to the development of a just and humane society.
Shelley’s “Defence of Poetry” is a powerful argument for the usefulness of poetry. According to Shelley, poetry is not merely a form of entertainment or amusement, but rather a vital and necessary component of human existence.
Shelley argues that poetry has the power to transform and uplift society, and that it is essential to the full development of the human spirit.
Shelley sees poetry as a force for social and political transformation, and he believes that it is a necessary tool for the exploration of the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Shelley’s ideas about the usefulness of poetry have had a profound impact on literary theory and criticism, and they continue to shape the way that we understand and appreciate works of art and literature today.
Shelley’s ideas on the usefulness of poetry have important implications for the way we think about art and literature. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In Shelley’s view, poetry is not merely a matter of aesthetic pleasure or personal expression, but rather a vital component of human culture and society.
Shelley’s argument suggests that poetry has a unique and important role to play in the development of human society and the human spirit.
Shelley’s emphasis on the transformative power of poetry also has important implications for the role of the artist in society.
According to Shelley, poets are not simply entertainers or decorators of language, but rather agents of social and political change.
Shelley believes that poets have a responsibility to use their art to inspire and challenge society, and to help us imagine new and better ways of living and engaging with the world around us.
Shelley’s ideas on the usefulness of poetry also have important implications for the way we approach the study of literature.
If we accept Shelley’s argument, then we must view literature not simply as a source of entertainment or diversion, but rather as a vital component of human culture and society.
Literature, in this view, has the power to transform and uplift society, and it is an essential tool for the exploration of the deepest truths and realities of existence.
Shelley’s “Defence of Poetry” has had a profound impact on the way that we think about the role of art and literature in society.
Shelley’s argument suggests that poetry is not simply a matter of personal expression or aesthetic pleasure, but rather a vital and necessary component of human existence. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Shelley’s ideas have inspired generations of artists and writers, and they continue to shape the way that we understand and appreciate works of art and literature today.
Q 10. How did Mary conceive and create a world-famous novel Frankenstein?
Ans. Mary Shelley’s world-famous novel Frankenstein is the product of a fascinating and complex creative process that involved a number of different influences and experiences.
One of the most important factors in the creation of Frankenstein was Mary Shelley’s own life experiences.
Mary’s upbringing was marked by tragedy and loss, including the death of her mother shortly after her birth, and the suicide of her half-sister Fanny.
Mary’s tumultuous relationship with her father, the philosopher William Godwin, also played a role in shaping her worldview and her approach to writing.
In addition to her personal experiences, Mary Shelley was heavily influenced by the literary and philosophical traditions of her time.
The Gothic novel, with its emphasis on supernatural horror and psychological suspense, was a major influence on Shelley’s writing, as was the Romantic movement with its emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the sublime.
Shelley was also influenced by the work of her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose radical political and social views played an important role in shaping Mary’s own political and social consciousness.
The inspiration for the story of Frankenstein itself came from a dream that Mary had while staying in Geneva with her husband and a group of fellow writers, including Lord Byron. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In her dream, Mary saw a hideous figure being brought to life by a scientist, and the image stayed with her, inspiring her to write a story about a mad scientist who creates a monster.
The process of writing Frankenstein was a long and difficult one for Mary Shelley.
She began the novel in 1816, shortly after her dream, but progress was slow due to personal and financial difficulties, as well as the demands of caring for her infant son.
It was not until 1818 that the novel was finally published, after much revision and editing.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Frankenstein is its complex and multi-layered narrative structure.
The novel is framed as a series of letters written by Robert Walton, a sailor exploring the Arctic, to his sister in England.
Within this framework, the story is told in the form of a series of narratives, including the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the monster’s own story, and the story of the DeLacey family, who the monster observes and learns from.
The use of multiple narrators and nested narratives serves to complicate and enrich the novel’s themes and ideas, allowing Shelley to explore a range of philosophical and ethical questions related to science, nature, and the human condition.
The novel also engages with a range of literary and cultural traditions, including the Gothic novel, the Romantic movement, and the emerging genre of science fiction.
Frankenstein’s enduring popularity and significance can be attributed to its powerful themes and ideas, as well as its masterful storytelling and literary craft.
The novel’s exploration of the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical responsibilities of the creator has resonated with readers for generations, and its influence can be seen in a range of literary and cultural works that have followed in its wake. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The novel’s examination of the ethical responsibilities of the creator has particular resonance in an age of rapidly advancing science and technology, and its warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge at any cost is as relevant today as it was in the early 19th century.
Moreover, the novel’s exploration of the nature of humanity and the question of what it means to be human has continued to captivate readers and scholars alike.
The monster’s desire for acceptance and love, despite his grotesque appearance, raises profound questions about the nature of identity and belonging, while Victor’s descent into madness and despair speaks to the dark side of the human psyche.
In addition to its enduring themes and ideas, Frankenstein also continues to fascinate readers with its intricate and layered narrative structure, as well as its vivid and unforgettable characters.
From the tragic figure of the monster to the tormented genius of Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s characters have captured the imaginations of generations of readers and inspired countless adaptations and reinterpretations.
Ultimately, the creation of Frankenstein was the result of a unique and complex set of circumstances, blending personal experiences, literary and philosophical influences, and a stroke of inspiration into a work of enduring significance and power. BEGC 109 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Mary Shelley’s novel remains a testament to the enduring power of the creative imagination, and a reminder of the complex and often unpredictable ways in which art is made.