BEGC-111
Women’s Writing
BEGC 111Solved Free Assignment 2023
BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Explain the following with reference to the context:
Q 1. I wonder if it hurts to live –
And if They have to try –
And whether – could They choose between –
It would not be – to die –
Ans. The context appears to be a poem or a piece of writing where the speaker is reflecting on the nature of life and death.
The lines “I wonder if it hurts to live – And if They have to try – And whether – could They choose between – It would not be – to die –” suggest that the speaker is contemplating the pain and effort required to live, and whether those who are alive have a choice in the matter of living or dying.
The first line, “I wonder if it hurts to live,” implies that the speaker is questioning whether life is inherently painful. They may be wondering if the struggles and challenges of life make it difficult to bear.
The second line, “And if They have to try,” suggests that the speaker is considering whether living requires effort and perseverance. They may be questioning whether it is possible to simply coast through life without putting in any effort.
The third line, “And whether – could They choose between – It would not be – to die –” seems to suggest that the speaker is contemplating the possibility of choosing between life and death.
They may be wondering whether it is possible to simply opt out of living if it becomes too difficult or painful.
Overall, the lines express the speaker’s contemplation of the nature of life and whether it is worth living if it is painful and requires effort. They also consider the possibility of choosing death as an alternative to living.
Q 2. The language I speak
Becomes mine, its distortions, its queerness
All mine, mine alone. It is half English, half
Indian, funny perhaps, but it is honest,
It is as human as I am human, don’t
You see?
Ans. The context appears to be a poem or a piece of writing where the speaker is reflecting on their identity and their relationship with language.
The lines “The language I speak / Becomes mine, its distortions, its queerness / All mine, mine alone” suggest that the speaker has a unique relationship with their language, and that they have a sense of ownership over it.
The phrase “half English, half Indian” implies that the speaker has a mixed cultural background and that their language reflects this.
The speaker acknowledges that their language may sound funny or strange to others, but they also assert that it is honest and authentic.
The line “It is as human as I am human, don’t / You see?” is a rhetorical question that suggests that the speaker wants the reader to understand that their language is an integral part of their humanity. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The speaker is asserting that their language is not something to be ashamed of or hidden away, but rather something to be celebrated as a unique aspect of their identity.
Overall, the lines express the speaker’s pride in their language and their cultural heritage, and their desire to be recognized and respected for who they are.
Q 3. You need no book, Rasha Sundari
no paper or pen either
you have the black, smudgy kitchen wall
for your magical scribbles
lines, ellipses, curves
all of them your secret codes for
a whole new world
Ans. The context appears to be a poem or a piece of writing where the speaker is addressing someone named Rasha Sundari.
The lines “You need no book, Rasha Sundari / no paper or pen either / you have the black, smudgy kitchen wall / for your magical scribbles” suggest that the speaker is encouraging Rasha Sundari to be creative and expressive without needing traditional tools like books, paper, or pens.
The phrase “black, smudgy kitchen wall” suggests that the speaker sees this space as a blank canvas for Rasha Sundari’s creativity.
The use of the word “magical” implies that the speaker believes that Rasha Sundari’s scribbles have a special quality that transcends their material form.
The lines “lines, ellipses, curves / all of them your secret codes for / a whole new world” suggest that the speaker sees Rasha Sundari’s scribbles as more than just random markings on a wall. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Instead, they believe that these marks are a language that only Rasha Sundari can understand, and that they unlock a whole new world of imagination and possibility.
Overall, the lines express the speaker’s admiration for Rasha Sundari’s creativity and their belief in the power of unconventional forms of expression.
They encourage Rasha Sundari to embrace her unique way of creating and to see the world in a new and magical way.
Q 4. When some day in distant parts she dwells
Where what the people be like! I know not,
Will they awaken her on gentle, mellow sounds?
Or, will they, I misgive, snatch her sleep away?
Ans. The context appears to be a poem or a piece of writing where the speaker is contemplating the future of a person who will be living in a distant place.
The lines “When some day in distant parts she dwells / Where what the people be like! I know not” suggest that the speaker does not know what kind of environment this person will be living in.
The next lines “Will they awaken her on gentle, mellow sounds? / Or, will they, I misgive, snatch her sleep away?” suggest that the speaker is concerned about how the people in this distant place will treat this person.
The use of the word “misgive” implies that the speaker is worried that the person’s sleep may be disturbed or disrupted in some way.
The phrase “gentle, mellow sounds” suggests that the speaker hopes that the people in this distant place will be kind and considerate, and that they will treat this person with care and respect. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
However, the use of the word “snatch” implies that the speaker fears that this person may be subjected to harsh or disturbing sounds that could disturb their sleep or cause them distress.
Overall, the lines express the speaker’s uncertainty and concern about the future of this person in a distant place.
They reflect the speaker’s hope that this person will be treated well and with kindness, but also their fear that they may not be.
SECTION-B
Q 5. What are the issues that Mary Wollstonecraft touches upon?
Ans. Mary Wollstonecraft was an influential feminist writer and philosopher of the late 18th century.
Her work addressed a range of issues related to women’s rights and gender equality, and she is considered to be one of the founding figures of modern feminism.
Education
One of the central themes of Wollstonecraft’s work is the importance of education for women.
In her seminal work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, Wollstonecraft argues that women should have access to the same education as men.
She believed that education was the key to empowering women and enabling them to become equal members of society. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Wollstonecraft argued that women were not naturally inferior to men, but rather had been denied the same opportunities for education and intellectual development.
By advocating for equal education for women, Wollstonecraft challenged the traditional gender roles and stereotypes of her time.
Marriage and Relationships
Another key theme in Wollstonecraft’s work is the issue of marriage and relationships.
Wollstonecraft was critical of the institution of marriage as it existed in her time, arguing that it often involved unequal power dynamics between men and women.
She believed that women were often forced into marriage for economic reasons and that they had little agency or control over their own lives.
Wollstonecraft argued that women should have the right to choose their own partners and that marriage should be based on mutual respect and affection, rather than financial considerations.
Sexuality and Reproduction
Wollstonecraft also addressed the issue of sexuality and reproduction in her work. She argued that women’s sexuality had been suppressed and controlled by men in order to maintain male dominance in society.
Wollstonecraft believed that women should have control over their own bodies and reproductive choices. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
She was an advocate for contraception and believed that women should have the right to limit their own fertility.
Wollstonecraft also challenged the idea that women were inherently weaker and more emotional than men, arguing that these stereotypes were used to justify male control over women’s bodies and sexuality.
Political Rights and Representation
Wollstonecraft was also a strong advocate for women’s political rights and representation. She believed that women should have the same rights as men to participate in politics and to have a voice in government.
Wollstonecraft argued that women’s exclusion from politics was unjust and that it perpetuated their subordination to men.
She believed that women’s participation in politics would lead to greater equality and justice for all members of society.
Religion and Morality
Finally, Wollstonecraft addressed the issue of religion and morality in her work.
She argued that traditional religious and moral teachings had been used to justify the subordination of women and to limit their opportunities for education and self-improvement.
Wollstonecraft believed that women should be allowed to think for themselves and to question traditional beliefs and values.
She challenged the idea that women were inherently morally inferior to men and argued that women had the capacity for reason and moral judgment.
At last, Mary Wollstonecraft addressed a wide range of issues related to women’s rights and gender equality in her writing.
Her work challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes and advocated for equal education, political rights, and representation for women.
Wollstonecraft’s ideas continue to be influential in modern feminist thought and have helped to shape our understanding of gender and power dynamics in society.
Q 6. Comment on the changed perspective in Chandrabhati’s Ramayana.
Ans. Chandrabhati’s Ramayana, also known as the Nepali Ramayana, is a retelling of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, in the Nepali language.
The text was written in the 14th century by Chandrabhati, a Nepalese poet, and scholar. Unlike the original version of the Ramayana, Chandrabhati’s version presents a changed perspective on several key aspects of the story.
One of the most significant changes in Chandrabhati’s Ramayana is the portrayal of Sita, the wife of Rama. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In the original version of the story, Sita is portrayed as a virtuous and obedient wife who follows her husband’s commands without question.
However, in Chandrabhati’s version, Sita is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who challenges Rama’s authority and speaks out against injustice.
This change in perspective reflects a growing awareness of women’s rights and the need for gender equality in Nepali society.
Another significant change in Chandrabhati’s Ramayana is the portrayal of Ravana, the demon king who kidnaps Sita.
In the original version of the story, Ravana is portrayed as an evil and immoral character who is motivated by his desire for power and control.
However, in Chandrabhati’s version, Ravana is portrayed as a tragic figure who is driven to his actions by a sense of injustice and a desire for revenge.
This change in perspective reflects a greater awareness of the complexities of human motivation and the need to move beyond simplistic binary thinking.
Chandrabhati’s Ramayana also presents a more inclusive and diverse perspective on Nepali society.
Unlike the original version of the story, which is dominated by upper-caste characters, Chandrabhati’s version includes characters from a range of castes and social backgrounds. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This change in perspective reflects a growing awareness of the need for social justice and the importance of inclusivity in Nepali society.
Overall, Chandrabhati’s Ramayana represents a significant change in perspective from the original version of the story.
By challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes, presenting a more nuanced portrayal of characters, and including a wider range of voices and perspectives, Chandrabhati’s version of the Ramayana reflects a growing awareness of the need for social justice, inclusivity, and diversity in Nepali society.
Q 7. How does Ambai critique patriarchy in her story?
Ans. Ambai, also known as C.S. Lakshmi, is a prominent feminist writer from India who has written extensively on gender and social justice issues.
In her short story, “A Kitchen in the Corner of the House,” Ambai critiques patriarchy and its impact on women’s lives in India.
The story revolves around the experiences of an unnamed protagonist who is sent to her husband’s family home after her father dies.
The protagonist, who is a trained classical singer, is forced to give up her passion and take up domestic duties.
Through her experiences, Ambai exposes the ways in which patriarchal norms restrict women’s lives and limit their opportunities.
One of the key ways in which Ambai critiques patriarchy in the story is by highlighting the ways in which women are denied agency and autonomy.
Throughout the story, the protagonist is subjected to a range of restrictions and rules that limit her ability to make choices and control her own life.
For example, she is not allowed to leave the house without permission, she is forced to wear a veil in front of male relatives, and she is not allowed to pursue her passion for singing. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
These restrictions are all imposed on her by male relatives who use patriarchal norms and values to justify their actions.
Ambai also critiques the ways in which patriarchy reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates harmful gender norms.
For example, the protagonist’s husband and his male relatives view her primarily as a wife and mother, and they expect her to fulfill traditional domestic duties.
This expectation is based on the idea that women are naturally suited to domestic work and that their primary role is to serve their families.
By presenting this expectation as harmful and oppressive, Ambai challenges the idea that gender roles are natural or inherent.
Another way in which Ambai critiques patriarchy in the story is by exposing the ways in which it perpetuates gender-based violence and abuse.
Throughout the story, the protagonist is subjected to a range of verbal and emotional abuse by her male relatives.
They criticize her cooking, belittle her intelligence, and dismiss her opinions. In one particularly disturbing scene, the protagonist’s father-in-law gropes her while she is sleeping. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
By exposing these acts of violence and abuse, Ambai challenges the idea that patriarchy is benign or harmless.
Finally, Ambai critiques patriarchy by presenting alternative models of femininity and womanhood.
The protagonist’s mother-in-law, for example, is presented as a strong and independent woman who challenges patriarchal norms and expectations.
She refuses to wear a veil, speaks her mind freely, and even confronts her husband when he tries to restrict her activities.
By presenting this alternative model of femininity, Ambai challenges the idea that women must be subservient or passive in order to be considered “feminine.”
In conclusion, Ambai’s “A Kitchen in the Corner of the House” is a powerful critique of patriarchy and its impact on women’s lives in India.
Through her story, Ambai exposes the ways in which patriarchy restricts women’s agency, perpetuates harmful gender norms, and perpetuates gender-based violence and abuse.
By presenting alternative models of femininity and womanhood, Ambai challenges the idea that women must conform to patriarchal norms in order to be considered “good” women.
Ultimately, Ambai’s story calls for a more just and equitable society in which women are free to pursue their passions and live their lives on their own terms.
Q 8. Can The Yellow Wallpaper be described as self-confessional literature? Elaborate.
Ans. “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1892, which has become a landmark piece of feminist literature.
The story tells the tale of a woman who is confined to her bedroom by her husband, who is a doctor, as part of her treatment for a nervous condition.
As the story unfolds, the woman begins to fixate on the yellow wallpaper in her room, which becomes a symbol of her own confinement and her struggle for autonomy and freedom.BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
While “The Yellow Wallpaper” is not an autobiographical work, it can be described as self-confessional literature, in the sense that it reflects the author’s own experiences and emotions.
Like the protagonist in the story, Gilman also suffered from a nervous condition, and she was also treated by doctors who prescribed the “rest cure,” which involved confinement and isolation.
In fact, Gilman wrote “The Yellow Wallpaper” as a response to her own experience with the rest cure and the way it affected her mental health.
One way in which “The Yellow Wallpaper” can be described as self-confessional literature is through its use of first-person narration.
The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist, who is unnamed, and we are privy to her thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Through the protagonist’s narration, we gain insight into her mental state and her struggle for agency and independence.
This close first-person narration creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making the story feel more personal and confessional.
Another way in which “The Yellow Wallpaper” can be described as self-confessional literature is through its use of symbolism.
The yellow wallpaper in the protagonist’s room can be seen as a metaphor for the patriarchal oppression that she experiences.
The wallpaper is described as “repellent, almost revolting,” and the protagonist becomes obsessed with its pattern, which she sees as a reflection of her own confinement and entrapment. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This symbolism can be seen as a reflection of Gilman’s own experience with patriarchal oppression and the limitations that it placed on her life.
Additionally, “The Yellow Wallpaper” can be described as self-confessional literature because it reflects Gilman’s own feminist beliefs and her desire to challenge the dominant patriarchal narratives of her time.
The story can be seen as a critique of the medical profession and the ways in which it infantilized and disempowered women. It can also be seen as a call for women’s autonomy and agency, and a challenge to the patriarchal norms that limited women’s opportunities and restricted their lives.
Final “The Yellow Wallpaper” can be described as self-confessional literature, in the sense that it reflects Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s own experiences and emotions.
Through its use of first-person narration, symbolism, and feminist themes, the story offers a powerful critique of patriarchal oppression and the ways in which it limits women’s lives.
By revealing the protagonist’s inner thoughts and struggles, the story creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making it feel personal and confessional.
Ultimately, “The Yellow Wallpaper” remains a landmark piece of feminist literature, and a testament to the power of self-expression and self-confession.
SECTION-C
Q 9. How does Sunlight on a Broken Column reflect the society of that time and place?
Ans. Sunlight on a Broken Column is a novel written by Attia Hosain that portrays the society of British India during the early 20th century.
The novel is set in Lucknow, a city in northern India, and follows the life of a young woman named Laila, who comes from an aristocratic Muslim family.
Through Laila’s story, the novel reflects the complex social, cultural, and political issues of the time and place in which it is set.
One of the primary themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Laila’s family represents the old aristocracy of Lucknow, steeped in tradition and custom, while the younger generation is increasingly influenced by Western ideas and values.
This tension is reflected in the conflicts between Laila and her family, particularly her grandfather and her cousin, as they struggle to reconcile their traditional values with the changing world around them.
The novel also touches on issues such as gender roles and the role of women in society, as Laila’s struggle for independence and self-determination is set against the backdrop of a patriarchal society.
Another theme that is prominent in the novel is the impact of British colonialism on Indian society.
The novel portrays the ways in which the British Raj affected Indian society, culture, and politics, and how it led to tensions and conflicts between different communities.
The novel also reflects on the impact of nationalism and the struggle for Indian independence, as Laila and her family are caught up in the political movements of the time.
The novel also portrays the social and economic disparities in Indian society, as Laila’s family belongs to the privileged class, while the lower classes and the poor are marginalized and excluded.
The novel highlights the issues of class and caste, as well as the exploitation of labor and the struggles of the working class.
The novel is also significant for its portrayal of the Muslim community in India, particularly during a time of significant political and social change.
The novel depicts the diversity within the Muslim community, as well as the tensions between different sects and religious groups.
The novel also offers insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Muslim community in India, and the ways in which they intersect with broader social and political issues. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Overall, Sunlight on a Broken Column offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of the society of British India during the early 20th century.
Through its portrayal of the tensions between tradition and modernity, the impact of colonialism, and the struggles for independence and social justice, the novel offers insights into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time and place in which it is set.
In addition to the themes discussed above, Sunlight on a Broken Column also portrays the role of education in society.
Laila is fortunate to receive an education, which allows her to develop her own ideas and perspectives, and to pursue a career as a teacher. However, the novel also highlights the limited opportunities available to women, particularly in the context of a patriarchal society, and the ways in which education can be used as a tool for social control.
The novel also touches on the themes of love and marriage, as Laila navigates her relationships with the men in her life.
Laila’s struggle to assert her own desires and to find a partner who values her for her intelligence and independence reflects the broader social and cultural expectations placed on women in Indian society.
The novel also portrays the significance of language and literature in shaping cultural identity.
Laila is fluent in both Urdu and English, and the novel reflects on the ways in which language and literature can be used to assert cultural identity, as well as the tensions that arise from linguistic and cultural differences.
Sunlight on a Broken Column also portrays the significance of family and community in Indian society. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The novel depicts the complex relationships between family members, and the ways in which these relationships are shaped by social and cultural expectations.
The novel also reflects on the importance of community and solidarity in the face of social and political challenges.
The novel is also significant for its portrayal of the city of Lucknow, which is depicted as a vibrant and culturally rich center of Indian society.
The novel reflects on the history and traditions of the city, as well as the ways in which it is changing and evolving in response to political and social developments.
Sunlight on a Broken Column is also notable for its nuanced and complex portrayal of religion and spirituality.
The novel reflects on the role of Islam in Indian society, as well as the ways in which spiritual beliefs and practices intersect with broader social and cultural issues.
Finally, the novel is significant for its portrayal of women’s agency and empowerment.BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Laila’s struggle to assert her independence and to pursue her own desires reflects the broader social and cultural challenges facing women in Indian society.
However, the novel also portrays the ways in which women can assert their agency and resist patriarchal norms, through education, career, and activism.
Overall, Sunlight on a Broken Column is a rich and complex novel that offers insights into the social, cultural, and political issues of British India during the early 20th century.
Through its portrayal of the tensions between tradition and modernity, the impact of colonialism, and the struggles for independence and social justice, the novel offers a nuanced and multifaceted view of Indian society and culture.
Q 10. What do you think women’s writing seeks to express?
Ans. Women’s writing is a powerful tool for expressing the experiences, perspectives, and struggles of women across time and place.
Throughout history, women have been marginalized and excluded from mainstream literary and artistic traditions, which have been dominated by male voices and perspectives.
As a result, women’s writing has often sought to challenge these dominant narratives and to assert the agency and voice of women in literature and society.
One of the key themes in women’s writing is the experience of gender inequality and discrimination.BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Women’s writing often explores the ways in which patriarchal social structures, cultural norms, and stereotypes limit women’s opportunities, restrict their choices, and deny them agency and autonomy.
By giving voice to these experiences, women’s writing seeks to raise awareness about the ways in which gender inequality impacts women’s lives and to challenge the norms and structures that perpetuate it.
Women’s writing also seeks to challenge traditional notions of femininity and to assert the diversity and complexity of women’s experiences and identities.
Women writers have often explored the ways in which gender intersects with other social and cultural identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, and class.
By highlighting the diversity of women’s experiences and perspectives, women’s writing seeks to challenge essentialist and limiting notions of femininity and to promote a more inclusive and intersectional feminist discourse.
Another important theme in women’s writing is the exploration of women’s relationships with one another.
Women’s writing often depicts the complexity and richness of women’s friendships, alliances, and communities, and explores the ways in which these relationships can be a source of strength and solidarity in the face of social and cultural challenges.
Women’s writing also often critiques the traditional roles and expectations placed on women in society, particularly in the realm of marriage and motherhood.
Women writers have often challenged the norms of heteronormative marriage and motherhood, and have explored alternative models of family and relationships.
women’s writing often seeks to empower women and to inspire social and political change. BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Women writers have often used their work to promote social justice, to advocate for women’s rights and autonomy, and to challenge the structures and systems of oppression that impact women’s lives.
Through their writing, women have sought to inspire women to assert their own voices and agency, and to work towards a more equitable and just society.
Furthermore, women’s writing has often sought to reclaim women’s bodies from the male gaze and from patriarchal control.
Women writers have challenged traditional notions of beauty and femininity, and have explored the ways in which women’s bodies have been objectified, commodified, and controlled by patriarchal society.
Through their writing, women have asserted their own bodily autonomy and challenged the norms and expectations placed on women’s bodies.
Women’s writing has also been a means of reclaiming women’s histories and stories from marginalization and erasure.
Women’s voices have often been excluded from historical narratives, and women’s experiences and contributions have been overlooked or minimized.
Women’s writing has sought to challenge this marginalization and to assert the importance and validity of women’s stories and histories.
Additionally, women’s writing has been a means of celebrating and affirming women’s creativity and imagination.
Women writers have often explored the richness and complexity of women’s inner lives, and have asserted the importance of women’s voices and perspectives in the realm of art and literature.BEGC 111 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Moreover, women’s writing has often been a means of connecting and building solidarity across different social and cultural contexts.
Women writers have often used their work to explore the intersections of gender, race, class, and other social identities, and to build alliances across these divides.
Through their writing, women have sought to create a shared space of recognition, understanding, and support among women.
Finally, women’s writing has been a means of promoting self-reflection and self-discovery among women.
Women writers have often explored the ways in which gender and other social identities intersect with personal experience, and have used their work to inspire women to reflect on their own lives and experiences.
Through their writing, women have encouraged women to assert their own voices and perspectives, and to embrace the complexity and diversity of their own experiences.