BEGE-144
Understanding the Novel
BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Section A
Q 1. Write short notes On
(i) Narrative
Ans. A narrative is a type of writing that tells a story or describes a series of events. It can be fictional or non-fictional, and can take many different forms, including novels, short stories, memoirs, and autobiographies.
Narratives typically have a beginning, middle, and end, and often follow a chronological structure, with events presented in the order in which they occurred.
The narrative may also have a central character or protagonist, and the events described may be related to the protagonist’s experiences or perspective.
Narrative writing can be used to entertain, inform, or persuade readers, and can be written in a variety of different styles and tones.
For example, a narrative may be humorous, suspenseful, or reflective, depending on the author’s intention and the story being told.
Narrative writing often involves the use of descriptive language and sensory details to create vivid images and convey emotions to the reader.
It may also include dialogue between characters, which can add depth and complexity to the story.
In addition to traditional written narratives, there are also many other forms of storytelling, including film, theater, and oral storytelling.
These different mediums often use similar narrative techniques, such as developing characters and creating a sense of tension or conflict, to engage audiences and create a compelling story.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Overall, narrative writing is a powerful tool for communication and expression, allowing authors to share their experiences and perspectives with others and create a shared understanding of the world around us.
(ii) New Trends in Fiction Writing
Ans. II) Fiction writing is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging as writers experiment with different approaches to storytelling.
In recent years, there have been several new trends in fiction writing that have gained popularity among readers and writers alike.
Hybrid Genres: One of the most significant trends in fiction writing is the blending of genres to create new and unique forms of storytelling.
For example, writers are combining elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and other genres to create “genre-bending” works that defy traditional categorization.
Diversity and Representation: Another trend in contemporary fiction is a focus on diversity and representation.
Writers are creating stories that feature characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and are exploring issues of race, gender, sexuality, and identity in their work.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Experimental Narratives: Many writers are experimenting with non-linear and unconventional narrative structures, using techniques such as multiple narrators, stream of consciousness, and fragmentary storytelling to create new and interesting forms of fiction.
Eco-Fiction: With concerns about climate change and environmental degradation becoming more urgent, many writers are turning to “eco-fiction” – stories that focus on ecological issues and explore the relationships between humans and the natural world.
Social Media Fiction: The rise of social media has also given rise to a new form of fiction writing – stories that are told through tweets, text messages, and other social media platforms.
This new form of storytelling has gained popularity among younger readers, who are used to consuming content in short, bite-sized chunks.
Metafiction: Metafiction is a style of fiction that is self-referential and self-aware, often breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader directly.
This trend has gained popularity in recent years, with writers using metafiction to explore the nature of storytelling and challenge traditional narrative conventions.
Overall, these new trends in fiction writing reflect the changing landscape of literature in the 21st century, with writers pushing boundaries and experimenting with new forms of storytelling to engage readers and explore complex themes and ideas.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
(iii) Characterisation
Ans III) Characterisation is the process by which an author creates and develops characters in a story, novel, or play.
It involves the use of various techniques to establish the personality, motivations, and behaviors of characters in order to bring them to life for the reader or audience.
One of the key elements of characterisation is physical description. Authors often use details such as appearance, clothing, and body language to give readers a sense of what a character looks like and how they carry themselves.
This information can also provide clues about a character’s personality and emotional state.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Another important aspect of characterisation is dialogue. The way characters speak, the words they use, and their tone and inflection can reveal a lot about their personality, beliefs, and motivations.
Dialogue can also establish the relationships between characters, as well as provide important information about the plot and setting.
Actions and behaviors are also critical components of characterisation. The choices a character makes and the way they behave in different situations can reveal their personality and provide insight into their motivations and beliefs.
For example, a character who is honest and trustworthy might be willing to take risks to help others, while a character who is selfish and deceitful might be more interested in personal gain.
Characters can also be developed through their relationships with other characters. The way characters interact with one another, the conflicts they have, and the emotional connections they form can all provide insight into their personalities and motivations.
Relationships can also drive the plot of a story, as characters work together or against each other to achieve their goals.
(iv) Theme
Ans IV) Theme is a fundamental concept in literature, referring to the central message or underlying meaning that the author is trying to convey through their work. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Themes can be universal, addressing fundamental human experiences and emotions that transcend time and place, or they can be more specific, reflecting the particular concerns and issues of a particular era or culture.
Some common themes in literature include:
Love: Love is a universal theme that appears in countless works of literature across different genres and time periods. Love can take many forms, including romantic love, familial love, and platonic love.
Loss: The experience of loss is another common theme in literature. Loss can take many forms, including the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or the loss of a sense of identity or purpose.
Coming of Age: Many works of literature explore the experience of growing up and coming of age. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This theme can encompass a range of experiences, including the transition from childhood to adulthood, the search for identity and belonging, and the struggles of adolescence.
Power: The theme of power often appears in literature, exploring the dynamics of power and control between individuals, groups, and institutions. This theme can encompass topics such as politics, social hierarchy, and abuse of power.
Freedom: The theme of freedom explores the idea of individual and collective liberation from constraints, whether they are political, social, or personal.
This theme often appears in works that explore topics such as human rights, civil liberties, and personal agency.
Justice: The theme of justice explores the idea of fairness and equity in society, often addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and social justice.
This theme can encompass a range of topics, including legal justice, moral justice, and social justice.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Section B
Q 1. Examine the similarities/ points of contrast between Kate Chopin and Edna Pontellier in The Awakening.
Ans. Kate Chopin’s novel The Awakening tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who struggles to reconcile her desires and ambitions with the expectations of the society in which she lives.
As a character, Edna embodies many of the themes and concerns that are important to Chopin as a writer, including issues of gender, identity, and personal freedom.
While there are certainly similarities between Chopin and Edna as characters, there are also significant points of contrast that highlight the complexity and nuance of both the novel and its author.
One of the most notable similarities between Chopin and Edna is their interest in exploring the limitations and restrictions placed on women in the late nineteenth century. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Both Chopin and Edna were part of a society that valued women primarily for their roles as wives and mothers, and both struggled to find a sense of personal fulfillment and identity beyond these prescribed roles.
Through Edna’s story, Chopin exposes the ways in which women were expected to conform to certain standards of behavior and morality, often at the expense of their own happiness and autonomy.
Another similarity between Chopin and Edna is their interest in the themes of passion and desire.
Both Chopin and Edna are interested in exploring the ways in which women were denied the opportunity to pursue their own desires and ambitions, whether in the realm of sexuality, creativity, or personal fulfillment.
In The Awakening, Edna’s passion for art and music, as well as her sexual desire for men other than her husband, are depicted as natural and healthy expressions of her individuality and agency.
However, there are also significant points of contrast between Chopin and Edna as characters. For one, Chopin’s life was much more conventional and traditional than Edna’s. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
While Chopin was certainly a woman ahead of her time in terms of her writing and her advocacy for women’s rights, she was also a devoted wife and mother who lived a relatively conventional life by the standards of her time.
Edna, on the other hand, is a much more radical and unconventional figure, who rejects many of the traditional roles and expectations placed on women in her society.
Another point of contrast between Chopin and Edna is their attitudes towards motherhood.
While Chopin was certainly interested in exploring the limitations and restrictions placed on women as mothers, she also believed in the importance of maternal love and nurturing.
Edna, on the other hand, rejects the idea of motherhood entirely, viewing it as a kind of prison that prevents her from living the life she truly desires.
This rejection of motherhood is one of the most radical aspects of Edna’s character, and it highlights the extent to which she is willing to challenge the norms and expectations of her society.
Overall, the similarities and contrasts between Kate Chopin and Edna Pontellier in The Awakening highlight the complexity and nuance of both the novel and its author.
While Chopin and Edna share a common interest in exploring the limitations and restrictions placed on women in their society, they also represent different perspectives and attitudes towards issues such as motherhood, sexuality, and personal fulfillment. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
By creating a character as complex and nuanced as Edna, Chopin was able to challenge the norms and expectations of her own society, while also creating a powerful work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Q 2. Do you think that Things Fall Apart also appeals to readers across national boundaries? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Ans. Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart has achieved international acclaim since its publication in 1958.
It is a novel that explores the complexities of pre-colonial Nigeria and the cultural, religious, and political upheavals that occurred during the early stages of colonialism.
The novel’s portrayal of the Igbo people and their culture has made it a significant work in African literature, but the novel’s appeal extends beyond national boundaries.
One of the main reasons why Things Fall Apart appeals to readers across national boundaries is its exploration of universal themes.
The novel grapples with questions of power, identity, and cultural change, which are issues that resonate with readers regardless of their cultural or national background.
The novel’s portrayal of Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain his identity in the face of external pressures is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the experience of individuals and communities that have been marginalized or oppressed by dominant cultures.BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Moreover, the novel’s portrayal of the impact of colonialism on the Igbo people is a theme that has global resonance.
The novel provides a detailed insight into how colonialism can lead to the destruction of traditional cultures and the suppression of indigenous knowledge and practices.
This theme has particular relevance in today’s world, where cultural diversity is threatened by globalization and the spread of dominant cultures.
Readers across the globe can relate to the idea of cultural loss and the need to preserve cultural heritage in the face of external pressures.
Another reason why Things Fall Apart appeals to readers across national boundaries is its portrayal of complex characters.
The novel’s protagonist, Okonkwo, is a character who is both admirable and flawed, and his struggle to reconcile his traditional values with the demands of a changing world is both relatable and compelling.
The novel’s portrayal of other characters, such as the colonial administrator Mr. Brown and the missionary Reverend Smith, is similarly nuanced, and readers can appreciate the complexities and contradictions of these characters, regardless of their cultural background.
The novel’s accessible writing style is also a reason why Things Fall Apart appeals to readers across national boundaries.
Achebe’s use of English to tell an African story has been praised for its accessibility and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
The novel’s use of proverbs and idioms, which are common in many African cultures, also adds to its accessibility, as these expressions are often more easily understood by readers who are not familiar with the culture being depicted.
Lastly, the novel’s historical and cultural significance has made it a popular read across national boundaries. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Things Fall Apart is considered a seminal work in African literature, and its influence has been felt across the continent and beyond.
The novel has been translated into over fifty languages and has been taught in schools and universities around the world.
Its portrayal of pre-colonial Africa has also been influential in shaping global perceptions of Africa and challenging stereotypes and prejudices.
Q 3. Write a critical note on the significance of songs in Paraja.
Ans. Paraja is a novel by Gopinath Mohanty that tells the story of the Paraja tribe in the Eastern Ghats of India.
The novel is significant for its portrayal of the Paraja’s traditional way of life and their struggles to adapt to the changes brought about by modernity.
One of the key features of the novel is its use of songs, which play a significant role in the Paraja’s culture and in the novel’s narrative.
Songs are an integral part of the Paraja’s culture, and they serve a variety of functions.
They are used to celebrate important events, such as weddings and festivals, and they are also used to express the Paraja’s emotions and beliefs.
In Paraja, songs are used to convey the history and mythology of the Paraja tribe, and they are an important means of passing down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Through the use of songs, Mohanty is able to provide readers with a vivid and immersive portrayal of the Paraja’s culture and traditions.
One of the key functions of songs in Paraja is to express the Paraja’s emotions and beliefs.
The novel is set at a time when the Paraja are facing significant challenges, including the encroachment of modernity and the loss of their land and resources.
Songs are used to express the Paraja’s feelings of sadness, anger, and hopelessness in the face of these challenges.
For example, when the Paraja are forced to leave their ancestral lands, they sing a song that expresses their grief and despair:
“Our land is lost, our spirits are low,
The world seems empty, where can we go?
Our trees are felled, our streams are dry,
Our hearts are heavy, we want to cry.”
Through the use of songs, Mohanty is able to convey the Paraja’s emotional state in a powerful and poignant way, and readers can empathize with their plight.
Another important function of songs in Paraja is to convey the history and mythology of the Paraja tribe.
The Paraja have a rich cultural history, and their songs are an important means of preserving and passing down this history from one generation to the next.
Through the use of songs, Mohanty is able to provide readers with a detailed and immersive portrait of the Paraja’s mythology and folklore. For example, one of the songs in the novel tells the story of the Paraja’s creation myth:
“In the beginning, the Paraja were born
From the dust of the earth, they were formed
They were given the land, the sky, and the sea
And they lived in peace, happy and free.”
Through the use of songs, Mohanty is able to create a vivid and compelling portrayal of the Paraja’s cultural history and traditions.
Lastly, songs in Paraja serve a symbolic function, representing the Paraja’s identity and culture. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
The novel is set at a time when the Paraja are facing significant challenges to their way of life, and their songs serve as a symbol of their cultural identity and resistance.
For example, when the Paraja are forced to leave their ancestral lands, they continue to sing their songs, even in the face of adversity.
The songs serve as a powerful symbol of the Paraja’s resilience and determination to preserve their culture and traditions in the face of external pressures.
Q 4. Would you agree that Things Fall Apart is just a simple story of the rise and fall of one man? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a novel that depicts the rise and fall of Okonkwo, a prominent member of the Igbo community in Nigeria. While on the surface, it may seem like a simple story of one man’s rise and fall, the novel is much more complex than that.
At its core, Things Fall Apart is a story of the Igbo community and its struggle to maintain its cultural identity in the face of British colonialism.
Achebe uses the character of Okonkwo as a lens through which to explore this larger theme. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Okonkwo is a proud and ambitious man who has achieved a great deal of success in his community, but he is also deeply invested in the traditional culture of the Igbo people.
When the British arrive and begin to impose their culture and way of life on the Igbo, Okonkwo is resistant, and he urges his fellow community members to resist as well. However, his attempts to resist ultimately fail, and he is left a broken man.
While Okonkwo’s story is central to the novel, it is not just a simple story of the rise and fall of one man.
Rather, it is a story of the clash between colonialism and traditional culture, and the consequences of this clash on a community.
Through the character of Okonkwo, Achebe explores the impact of colonialism on the Igbo community, and the challenges that they face as they try to maintain their cultural identity in the face of external pressures.
One of the key ways that Achebe explores the clash between colonialism and traditional culture is through his portrayal of the British colonizers.
The British arrive in the Igbo community with the intention of imposing their culture and way of life on the Igbo people.
They believe that their culture is superior to the traditional culture of the Igbo, and they make no attempt to understand or appreciate the unique traditions and customs of the Igbo people.
Achebe uses the character of Mr. Brown, the British missionary, to represent this attitude. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Mr. Brown is portrayed as a sympathetic character who genuinely wants to help the Igbo people, but he is ultimately unable to bridge the gap between the two cultures.
Another way that Achebe explores the clash between colonialism and traditional culture is through his portrayal of the Igbo community itself.
The community is deeply invested in its traditional culture and way of life, and it resists the imposition of British culture and values.
However, the community is also deeply divided, and there are many internal conflicts and tensions that threaten to tear it apart.
Achebe uses Okonkwo’s story to highlight these internal conflicts and tensions, and to explore the impact of colonialism on the community as a whole.
In addition to exploring the clash between colonialism and traditional culture, Things Fall Apart also explores a number of other themes, including the role of religion in society, the importance of family and community, and the impact of social change on individual identity. BEGE 144 Solved Free Assignment 2023
These themes are all interwoven with the larger theme of the clash between colonialism and traditional culture, and they contribute to the complexity and richness of the novel.