MEG - 01

BRITISH POETRY
ASSIGNMENT July 2024 – January 2025
(Based on Blocks (1 - 10)

Max. Marks: 100

Answer all questions.

1. Explain any two of the excerpts of poems given below with reference to their
context: 10 X 2 = 20

(i) Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes
For Goddess love, as taak som laxative.
Up peril of my soule and o lif,
I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,

(ii) My loue is now awake out of her dreams (s),

and her fayre eyes like stars that dimmed were
With darksome cloud, now shew theyr goodly beams
More bright then Hesperus his head doth rere.

(iii) I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I

Did, till we lov’d? were we not wean’d till then?

(iv) Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,

And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike

2. Highlight the salient features of Romanticism with illustrations from the poems
prescribed for study. 20

3. Attempt a comparison between the Epithalamion and the Prothalamion as wedding

songs. 20

4. Would you agree that Milton reflects on blindness in Sonnets 19 & 23? Give a
reasoned answer. 20

5. Would you consider Sylvia Plath’s Daddy to be an expression against the voice of
patriarchy? Comment critically. 20

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MEG-01
SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2024-25

Q.1 - Explain any two of the excerpts of poems given below with
reference to their context:
(i) Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes
For Goddess love, as taak som laxative.
Up peril of my soule and o lif,
I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,
ANS.- The lines come from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, specifically the Nun's Priest's Tale.
Understanding the context requires knowing a bit about the story.

Here's a breakdown:

 Characters:

o Sire: Refers to the rooster, Chauntecler, the main character.

o She: This is Pertelote, Chauntecler's wife.

 Situation: Chauntecler has just woken up from a terrifying dream where a fox chased him. He's
quite shaken.

Analysis:
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Pertelote, being a practical bird, offers a solution to Chauntecler's fear. Here's a closer look at the lines:

 "Now, sire," quod she: Pertelote addresses Chauntecler, calling him "sire" which shows respect,
but also a touch of exasperation.

 "When we flee fro the bemes": "Bemes" is the Middle English word for "beams," most likely
referring to the rays of the sun. Pertelote seems to be implying that Chauntecler's fear is
unfounded because it happened in a dream.

 "For Goddess love, as taak som laxative": This is a surprising suggestion! Pertelote advises
Chauntecler to take a laxative, a purgative medicine.

 "Up peril of my soule and o lif": Here, Pertelote emphasizes the seriousness of her advice,
swearing "on peril of my soul and life" that it's the best course of action.

 "I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye": Pertelote assures Chauntecler that her advice is the
best, and she isn't lying.

Humor and Medical Beliefs:

On the surface, Pertelote's suggestion seems ridiculous. Why would a laxative be the answer to a bad
dream? This is where the humor of the passage comes in.

 Medieval medicine: In medieval times, bodily fluids or "humors" were believed to be responsible
for health and temperament. An imbalance of these humors could lead to illness. Pertelote might
believe Chauntecler's fear is due to a build-up of negative humors, and a laxative would cleanse
him.

 Irony: The seriousness with which Pertelote offers this illogical advice adds to the humor.

 Characterization: Pertelote's suggestion also reveals her character. She might be a bit naive and
overly focused on practical solutions.

Importance in the Tale:

This passage serves multiple purposes in the story:

 Develops Characters: It reveals aspects of Chauntecler's and Pertelote's personalities.

 Humor: The ridiculous medical advice creates a humorous scene.

 Foreshadowing: Pertelote's dismissal of dreams foreshadows the danger that actually awaits
Chauntecler later in the tale.
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While the laxative advice itself might seem nonsensical to a modern reader, understanding the context
and medieval beliefs allows us to appreciate the humor and character development within the Nun's
Priest's Tale.

(ii) My loue is now awake out of her dreams (s),

and her fayre eyes like stars that dimmed were
With darksome cloud, now shew theyr goodly beams
More bright then Hesperus his head doth rere.
ANS.- The excerpt you provided comes from the poem "Epithalamion" by Edmund Spenser, a celebratory work
written for his own wedding. Understanding the context of a wedding poem helps us appreciate the speaker's
emotional state and the deeper meaning behind the description of his beloved's awakening.

The Power of Awakening:

The lines begin with a declaration of joy: "My loue is now awake out of her dreams." This signifies more
than just physical awakening. It suggests the bride's emergence from a dreamlike state, perhaps the
anticipation and preparations leading up to the wedding day. Her awakening symbolizes her readiness to
embark on a new life with the speaker.

Starlight Metaphor:

The comparison of the bride's eyes to stars is a beautiful and common metaphor in love poetry. Stars
represent light, hope, and heavenly beauty. Here, Spenser adds another layer by mentioning "darksome
cloud," implying that her eyes, though inherently radiant, might have been veiled by the anxieties or
uncertainties surrounding the wedding.

Hesperus, the Evening Star:

Hesperus, also known as Venus, is the brightest planet visible in the evening sky. By stating that her eyes
shine "More bright then Hesperus his head doth rere," the speaker elevates her beauty beyond anything
earthly. It's a hyperbole, emphasizing that her eyes outshine even the brilliance of the evening star.

Combined Effect:
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These lines together create a vivid picture of the bride. Emerging from a pre-wedding reverie, her eyes
sparkle with newfound joy and commitment. They are compared to celestial bodies, suggesting a beauty
that transcends the physical.

Context of the Epithalamion:

Spenser's "Epithalamion" is not just a love poem; it's a celebration of marriage and marital love. The
poem is divided into sections, with the beginning focusing on the bride's awakening and preparation for
the ceremony. These lines establish the importance of the bride and foreshadow the joyous union about
to take place.

Spenser's Style:

Spenser is known for his use of rich imagery and allegory. The language here is elevated, with archaic
words like "fayre" and "rere." The use of personification ("Hesperus his head doth rere") adds a touch of
magic and wonder to the description.

In Conclusion:

The excerpt captures the speaker's awe and excitement at seeing his beloved awake and ready for their
wedding. The use of metaphors and allusions elevates the bride's beauty and significance on this
momentous day. Understanding the context of the "Epithalamion" allows us to appreciate the deeper
meaning behind the description and its role in celebrating a joyful union.

Q.2 - Highlight the salient features of Romanticism with

illustrations from the poems prescribed for study.
ANS.- Salient Features of Romanticism: A Journey Through Prescribed Poems
Romanticism, a vibrant artistic and intellectual movement spanning roughly 1790 to 1850, championed a
distinct set of values that revolutionized various art forms. This movement emphasized the power of the
individual, the beauty of nature, and the exploration of emotions over reason. Let's delve into some of
these salient features, drawing illustrations from poems you might encounter in your studies.

1. Celebration of Nature:

Romantics believed nature held a profound power to inspire awe, evoke emotions, and connect us to
something larger than ourselves. They saw nature as a source of solace, wisdom, and even spiritual
connection.
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 Illustration: William Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" perfectly captures this. The
speaker encounters a "host of golden daffodils" that leave him "tranquil" and fill his "heart with
pleasure." Nature's beauty transcends the ordinary, offering a timeless experience.

2. Focus on the Individual and Emotion:

Romanticism placed the individual at the center, valuing their unique perspective, emotions, and
experiences. It championed the exploration of the inner world, giving voice to a wide range of emotions,
from joy and wonder to melancholy and despair.

 Illustration: John Keats' "Ode on a Nightingale" showcases this beautifully. The speaker,
overwhelmed by the song of the nightingale, contemplates mortality, beauty, and the fleeting
nature of experience. The poem is a deeply personal exploration of emotions.

3. The Power of Imagination and Subjectivity:

Romantics believed imagination was a crucial faculty, allowing us to transcend the limitations of reason
and access deeper truths. They emphasized subjective experience, valuing individual interpretations and
perspectives over a singular, objective reality.

 Illustration: William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" use contrasting
imagery to depict the world through a child's innocent eyes and the disillusionment of adulthood.
This highlights the subjective nature of experience.

4. Idealization and The Sublime:

Romantics were drawn to the sublime, the awe-inspiring beauty or terrifying power that nature can
possess. They also idealized certain figures, such as the noble savage living in harmony with nature or the
solitary genius creating art from their unique perspective.

 Illustration: Lord Byron's "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" presents a brooding, disillusioned hero
wandering through Europe. This Byronic hero embodies the Romantic ideal of the isolated
individual grappling with existential questions.

5. A Gothic Turn and the Supernatural:

Romanticism wasn't all about idyllic landscapes. It also embraced the dark, mysterious, and unsettling
aspects of human experience. The Gothic genre flourished during this period, exploring themes of death,
decay, and the supernatural.

 Illustration: Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a prime example. The
poem features a supernatural mariner haunted by his crime against nature, highlighting the
consequences of human actions and the power of the unseen.
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6. A Look Back: The Past and the Folk

Romantics often looked back to the past, particularly the Middle Ages, for inspiration. They found value
in folklore, myths, and legends, believing they held cultural truths and a sense of national identity.

 Illustration: Sir Walter Scott's epic poem "Lady of the Lake" is steeped in Scottish folklore and
history. It romanticizes the medieval past, featuring chivalric knights and damsels in distress.

7. A Critique of Progress and Social Issues:

While Romantics appreciated some aspects of modernity, they also critiqued the perceived
dehumanizing effects of industrialization and social change. They advocated for social justice and
individual freedom.

 Illustration: William Blake's poem "London" from Songs of Experience scathingly criticizes the
harsh realities of poverty and social injustice in a rapidly industrializing England.

8. The Power of Language and Expression:

Romantics believed language had the power to capture the essence of human experience and emotions.
They experimented with form and structure, often using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey their
ideas.

 Illustration: John Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn" explores themes of beauty, truth, and mortality
through evocative imagery and metaphors. The language itself becomes a vessel for the speaker's
contemplation.

By studying these features and the poems that exemplify them, you gain a deeper understanding of
Romanticism's core values. These poems don't just tell stories; they transport you to a world where
emotions reign supreme, nature holds profound meaning, and the individual imagination is a powerful
tool for exploration.

Q.3 - Attempt a comparison between the Epithalamion and the

Prothalamion as wedding songs.
ANS.- A Song of One and a Song of Two: Comparing Spenser's Epithalamion and Prothalamion
Edmund Spenser's "Epithalamion" and "Prothalamion" stand as testaments to the power of poetry to
celebrate love and marriage. Both poems, though sharing the genre of the epithalamion (a wedding
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song), offer distinct perspectives on the joy and significance of marital union. This essay delves into their
differences and explores how each poem shapes the experience of the wedding day.

The Personal and the Public: Focus on the Couple

The most striking distinction lies in the focus of each poem. "Epithalamion" is a deeply personal song,
chronicling the entirety of Spenser's wedding day to Elizabeth Boyle. The poem follows a chronological
structure, beginning with the anticipation of dawn and culminating in the consummation of the
marriage. We witness the bride's awakening, her preparation, the ceremony itself, and the jubilant
festivities leading to the wedding night.

Spenser becomes both participant and observer, weaving his emotions and observations into the
narrative. He addresses Elizabeth directly, expressing his love and anticipation. This intimacy creates a
sense of shared experience, allowing the reader to vicariously participate in the couple's joy.

In contrast, "Prothalamion" celebrates the double weddings of the noble sisters, Elizabeth and Katherine
Somerset. The poem adopts a more public and celebratory tone. While acknowledging the individual
brides and bridegrooms, the focus is on the broader significance of these unions. Spenser praises the
virtue and beauty of the sisters, highlighting the social and political implications of their marriages. The
poem functions as a public pronouncement, wishing prosperity and blessings upon the newly formed
families.

Imagery and Symbolism: Creating a Celebratory Atmosphere

Both poems rely heavily on rich imagery and symbolism to create a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.
"Epithalamion" draws heavily from classical mythology, invoking figures like Diana, the goddess of the
hunt, and Venus, the goddess of love. These allusions elevate the poem, associating the couple's union
with timeless ideals like beauty and fertility.

Nature imagery abounds, with descriptions of blooming flowers, singing birds, and the gentle breeze.
These elements symbolize the blossoming of love, harmony, and new beginnings. Additionally, the poem
uses light and darkness imagery, contrasting the anticipation of dawn with the consummation of the
marriage night.

"Prothalamion" also employs rich imagery, but with a different emphasis. The poem evokes a sense of
grandeur, referencing the River Thames and the surrounding landscapes. The use of geographical
references ties the weddings to a specific place and social context. Additionally, the poem uses a great
deal of water imagery, symbolizing purification, new life, and the flow of time.

Structure and Form: Reflecting the Occasion

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The structure of each poem reflects the nature of the marriage it celebrates. "Epithalamion" utilizes a
complex and varied structure, mirroring the emotional and logistical complexity of a wedding day. The
poem shifts between different verse forms, including quatrains, sestets, and sonnets. This dynamic
structure mirrors the day's unfolding events, keeping the reader engaged and reflecting the changing
pace of emotions.

"Prothalamion," on the other hand, adopts a more unified structure, utilizing a series of twelve-line
stanzas throughout the poem. This structural consistency reflects the public and celebratory nature of
the double wedding. The poem progresses with a sense of order and formality, befitting the social
occasion.

Celebrating Love: A Universal Theme

Despite their differences, both "Epithalamion" and "Prothalamion" share a core theme – the celebration
of love and marriage. "Epithalamion" offers a deeply personal expression of love, capturing the joy and
intimacy of a specific couple's union. "Prothalamion" takes a broader perspective, celebrating the social
and symbolic significance of marriage within a specific social context.

Ultimately, both poems transcend their immediate circumstances. They capture the universal human
experience of love, commitment, and the hope for a happy future. "Epithalamion" allows the reader to
witness the private joy of a new marriage, while "Prothalamion" invites the reader to participate in a
public celebration of love and social connection.

Conclusion

Spenser's "Epithalamion" and "Prothalamion" stand as enduring examples of the power of poetry to
commemorate and elevate the experience of marriage. Through their contrasting approaches, they offer
a rich and multifaceted exploration of love, commitment, and the significance of marital union in both
private and public spheres. Whether celebrating the intimacy of a single couple or the social importance
of a double wedding, these poems celebrate the enduring human desire for love and lasting connections.

Q.4 - Would you agree that Milton reflects on blindness in Sonnets

19 & 23? Give a reasoned answer.
ANS.- Absolutely, John Milton's Sonnets 19 and 23 both undeniably reflect on his blindness, though they
approach the subject from distinct angles.:

Sonnet 19: When I consider how my light is spent

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 Opening Line: A Metaphor for Lost Sight - The very first line, "When I consider how my light is
spent," establishes the central theme. "Light" is a powerful metaphor for sight, and its "spending"
signifies the loss of vision. This initial image sets the stage for the sonnet's exploration of
blindness.

 Loss and Frustration - The speaker contemplates how his blindness restricts his ability to
contribute through traditional means. He might be referring to his diminished capacity to write
due to his condition, a particularly poignant issue for a poet. Lines like "Ere half my days in
darkness were begun" (line 2) and "Talent misapplied" (line 4) hint at frustration and a sense of
lost potential.

 Religious Context and Acceptance - Despite the initial despair, the sonnet takes a turn towards
faith. The speaker questions God's purpose in taking away his sight, but internal dialogue leads
him to a state of acceptance. Lines 7-8 state, "They serve him best who stand and wait with
patience." This newfound acceptance suggests that Milton seeks meaning beyond physical sight
and finds solace in serving God through his remaining talents.

Sonnet 23: Methought I saw my late espoused Saint

 A Dream Vision - This sonnet uses a dream as a vehicle to explore the speaker's relationship with
sight and loss. The opening line, "Methought I saw my late espoused Saint," establishes the
dream state. The "late espoused Saint" is believed to be his deceased wife, bringing a layer of
grief and longing into the poem.

 The Limits and Power of Dreams - The speaker describes seeing his wife vividly in the dream,
with details like her "veiled face" and "saintly shape" (lines 3-4). This temporary restoration of
sight highlights the emotional impact of his blindness. However, the dream's fleeting nature
underscores the limitations of this regained vision.

 The Power of Memory and Imagination - Despite the dream ending, the speaker feels a sense of
comfort and closeness to his wife. Lines 9-10 state, "So spake my very friend, her nightly visitant."
Here, memory and imagination take over, suggesting that the power of love and emotional
connection transcends physical sight.

Evidence from Historical Context

 Milton's Personal Experience - It's crucial to consider the historical context. John Milton himself
went blind in his mid-40s. Sonnets 19 and 23 were likely written around this period, making it
highly likely that his personal experience with blindness heavily influenced their content.
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 The Importance of Sight for a Poet - Furthermore, Milton was a renowned poet who relied
heavily on his sight for his craft. The act of composing poetry would have been significantly
impacted by his blindness, lending a layer of personal struggle to the sonnets.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Exploration

In conclusion, both Sonnets 19 and 23 undeniably reflect on John Milton's blindness. Sonnet 19 delves
into the initial frustration and grapples with finding meaning in the face of loss. It culminates in a state of
acceptance through faith. Sonnet 23 uses a dream to explore the power and limitations of memory and
imagination in navigating the loss of sight. Together, these sonnets offer a multifaceted exploration of
blindness, encompassing emotions like frustration, acceptance, longing, and ultimately, the enduring
power of internal landscapes.

Further Points of Consideration:

 Analyze the use of specific imagery in each sonnet and how it relates to the theme of blindness.

 Explore the role of the Petrarchan sonnet form in structuring the exploration of blindness.

 Discuss the possible influence of other literary works dealing with blindness on Milton's sonnets.

 Consider the broader philosophical and religious questions raised by Milton's reflections on
blindness.

By delving deeper into these aspects, you can create an even richer understanding of how Milton reflects
on blindness in Sonnets 19 and 23.

Q.5 - Would you consider Sylvia Plath’s Daddy to be an expression

against the voice of patriarchy? Comment critically.
ANS.- "Daddy": A Scathing Deconstruction of Patriarchy
Sylvia Plath's "Daddy" is a potent and controversial poem that rages against the suffocating grip of
patriarchy. Through a torrent of imagery and metaphor, Plath confronts the loss of her father, Otto Plath,
and the symbolic absence of a nurturing male presence. The poem transcends personal grief to become
a fierce indictment of societal structures that limit and diminish women.

The Crushing Weight of a Father, a Symbol of Patriarchy

From the outset, Plath establishes her father as an embodiment of patriarchal control. He is a "black
shoe" that confines her, a "ghastly statue" representing a stifling authority. The potent metaphor of the
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"vampire" who "sucked my blood for a year" suggests an emotional and psychological depletion by a
domineering force. These images create a sense of suffocation and powerlessness, reflecting the
limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society.

The Holocaust and the Oppression of the "Other"

Plath's use of Holocaust imagery is particularly striking and controversial. She compares her father to a
Nazi, with his "Luftwaffe" and "Aryan eye," associating him with a system of oppression and genocide.
This radical metaphor highlights the speaker's sense of being utterly dominated and dehumanized. While
some criticize the appropriation of such a horrific historical event for personal experience, it can also be
seen as a powerful way to express the emotional devastation of a controlling father figure.

Furthermore, by identifying with the persecuted "Jew," Plath explores the experience of being "othered"
within a patriarchal system. The line "I think I may well be a Jew" suggests a sense of alienation and
vulnerability within a dominant culture that prioritizes the male experience.

Breaking Free from the Patriarchal Bind

Despite the initial despair, the poem progresses towards a sense of liberation. The speaker declares,
"Daddy, I have had to kill you." This symbolic act of violence represents the speaker's attempt to sever
ties with the controlling influence of her father and, by extension, patriarchy. Plath's imagery becomes
more assertive. She throws off the "black shoe" and cuts the "black telephone's cord," severing the
connection that previously bound her.

The Ambiguity of Freedom and the Legacy of Patriarchy

However, the poem's ending is not one of unbridled joy. The line, "Daddy, you can lie back now,"
suggests a lingering sense of unease. The speaker may have broken free, but the experience has left its
mark. The final image of the "suicidal dagger" hanging "naked" on the wall hints at the potential for
further violence, both internal and external.

Critical Reception and the Power of Voice

"Daddy" remains a complex and contested poem. Feminist critics have lauded its raw portrayal of female
oppression and the struggle for autonomy. Others have critiqued the poem's focus on rage and the
potentially insensitive use of Holocaust imagery.

Regardless of these interpretations, "Daddy" undeniably gives voice to a silenced experience. Plath's raw
and confrontational style allows women to confront the limitations placed upon them by a patriarchal
structure. The poem's power lies not in offering easy solutions, but in its unflinching exploration of
anger, grief, and the yearning for freedom.

Beyond the Personal: A Societal Critique

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The poem's impact extends beyond the personal. "Daddy" serves as a broader critique of a society that
prioritizes the male voice and experience. Plath challenges the notion of the idealized, nurturing father
and exposes the potential for a controlling and domineering masculinity.

Conclusion

Sylvia Plath's "Daddy" is a powerful and provocative poem that dismantles the myth of the benevolent
father figure. Through a tapestry of dark imagery and potent metaphor, Plath explores the emotional
devastation of a controlling father and, by extension, the limitations of a patriarchal society. While the
poem may be unsettling, its unflinching portrayal of anger and alienation offers a crucial voice for those
struggling to break free from societal constraints. "Daddy" serves not only as a deeply personal
exploration of grief, but also as a defiant cry for female autonomy and a lasting critique of patriarchal
structures.