1.

William Shakespeare

- Elizabethan and Jacobean Era: This period in England was marked by prosperity and strong cultural
development. Shakespeare explored universal themes such as power, love, ambition, and betrayal
(Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet).

- Class-based Society: His works reflect the class divisions of his time, from kings and nobles to common
folk.

- Religion and Politics: Shakespeare tactfully avoided direct political opinions, but works like Julius Caesar
and Henry V address issues of power and morality.

- Notable Works by William Shakespeare: King Lear (c. 1605), Romeo and Juliet (c. 1595), A Midsummer
Night’s Dream (c. 1595), Twelfth Night (c. 1601), Henry V (c. 1599), Richard III (c. 1593), The Winter's Tale
(c. 1610),Cymbeline (c. 1610)

2. William Wordsworth

-Romantic Movement: Wordsworth was deeply influenced by Romanticism, emphasizing personal

emotions and the connection between humans and nature. He wrote about natural beauty and simple
life (Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey).

-French Revolution: The revolutionary spirit of liberty strongly influenced Wordsworth, though he later
became disillusioned with its violence.

-Industrialization: Wordsworth expressed sorrow over the encroachment of industrialization on nature

and rural life.

- Notable Works by William Wordsworth

"Lines Composing a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey" (1798) , "The Prelude" (1850, posthumously
published), "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (1807), "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" (1807), "The
Solitary Reaper" (1807), "Lucy Gray" (1799),"My Heart Leaps Up" (1802), "We Are Seven"
(1798),"Michael" (1800)

3. William Somerset Maugham

20th Century and Post-war Instability: Writing during a time influenced by two World Wars, Maugham
depicted human loneliness and existential struggles (Of Human Bondage, The Razor's Edge).

Class Divide: Maugham often criticized the wealthy class and highlighted the virtues of the poor,
criticizing social injustices.

Human Psychology: He delved into complex human psyches, reflecting how society shaped individual
behavior and decisions.

Notable Works by William Somerset Maugham : "Of Human Bondage" (1915), "The Moon and Sixpence"
(1919), "The Trembling of a Leaf" (1921), "Lady Frederick" (1907), "The Summing Up" (1938).

4.O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)

-Late 19th Century American Society: This era saw urbanization and stark wealth inequality. O. Henry
wrote about the lives of the working class and poor in major cities like New York (The Gift of the Magi,
The Last Leaf).

-Realism: He portrayed ordinary people with empathy, using humor and unexpected endings to highlight
human values.

-American Dream: Many of his works reflect the aspiration for a better life while exposing the challenges
and pitfalls of this dream.

- Notable Works by O. Henry (William Sydney Porter): "The Gift of the Magi", "The Ransom of Red Chief",
"The Cop and the Anthem", "A Retrieved Reformation", "After Twenty Years", "The Last Leaf", "The
Skylight Room"

5.Ernest Hemingway

-Lost Generation: Influenced by his experiences in World War I and II, Hemingway wrote about human
emptiness and disorientation (A Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises).

-Realism: Hemingway employed a concise, direct writing style to reflect the harshness of war and inner
conflicts.

-Mid-20th Century American Society: He explored themes such as masculinity. survival instincts, and
human helplessness in the face of societal changes (The Old Man and the Sea).

- Notable Works by Ernest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea (1952),A Farewell to Arms (1929)

,For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), The Sun Also Rises (1926), In Our Time (1925), Men Without Women
(1927), To Have and Have Not (1937)

6.Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was deeply influenced by Victorian society, marked by strict moral codes and class divisions.
He satirized the hypocrisy of the upper class (The Importance of Being Earnest) and challenged moral
conventions through characters who defied societal norms (The Picture of Dorian Gray).

As a leader of the Aesthetic Movement, Wilde celebrated art and beauty, defying social prejudice. His
personal struggles, particularly being ostracized for his homosexuality, were poignantly reflected in
works like De Profundis and The Ballad of Reading Gaol.

With a sharp and satirical style, Wilde boldly critiqued society, leaving a lasting legacy in literature.

-Notable Works by Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890),The Importance of Being Earnest
(1895), An Ideal Husband (1895), Lady Windermere's Fan (1892),A Woman of No Importance (1893)

Salomé (1893),De Profundis (1905, posthumously published)

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3. Renaissance period (1500-16601)

Characteristics, Revival of classical learning and arts, lignificant development in drama and poetry.
- Notable works. "Hamlet", "Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare The Faerie Queenen by Edmund
Spenser.

- Notable authors: William Shakespeare, Chorittopher Marlowe, Edmund Spender

4 Neoclassical Period (1660-785)

Characteristics: Focul on realon, order, and harmony, reflecting Society and politich

-Notable workd, "Paradile Latt. by John Milton, "Gulliver '1 Travellby Jonathan Swift

-Notable authard John Milton, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift

5. Romantic Period (1785-1882)

-Characteriftich. Emphalil on emotion, nature, and imagination, reacting against, neoclassicism -Notable
works: "Lyrical Ballads, by William Wandworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Frankenltein by Mary
Shelley

-Notable authors, William Wordworth Land Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley Samuel Taylor Coleridge

6. Victorious Period (1832-1901).

- Characteristics: Reflects social changes and industrialization, focuses on morality and Social reform.

-Notable works. "Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, "Jane Eyne by Charlotte Bronte

-Notable authors: Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte Thomas Hardy

7.Morden period( 1914-1945)

- Characteristics: Expresses instability and change after World War I, experiments with now forms and
Styles .

-Notable works. "Ulyssel, by James Joyce, To the lighthouse. by Uriginia Woolf

-Notable author: James Joyce, Viginia Woolf, T.S. Elist

8. Postmorden period (1995 -present)

-Characteristics. Reflects Skepticism and Complexity of the modern world, uses nonlinear and
multidimensional techniques .

-Notable works "1984" by George Orwell, "The Golden Notebook by Doris Lelling

-Notable authors. Grange Orwell, Daris Lelling

3. Renaillance period (1500-1660)

-Characteristics Revival of classical learning and arth, dignificant development in drama and poetry.

-Notable works, "Hamlet", "Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare The Faerie Queene by Edmund
Spenser.

-Notable authors: William Shakespeare, Charittopher Marlowe, Edmund Spender

 1. Given the short story The Escape written by W S. Maugham:
- Briefly present the exposition of the story.
- Comment on its role as the foreshadowing technique employed by Maugham.
 In W.S. Maugham's The Escape, the exposition introduces two central characters: Roger Charing
and Ruth Barlow. Roger is a wealthy and charming man who becomes entangled with Ruth, an
attractive but manipulative woman seeking marriage. Set in upper-class England, the story
presents Roger as a man deeply averse to the institution of marriage, while Ruth represents
societal pressures and the pursuit of security through matrimony. Roger’s initial interest in Ruth
evolves into dread as he realizes her true intentions.
Through the metaphorical imagery of "instant flight" and "taking a ship to travel around the
world for one year," Maugham humorously portrays Roger’s internal desire to escape not only
Ruth but also the perceived constraints of marriage. These images vividly reflect Roger’s
mounting desperation and foreshadow his eventual decision to avoid commitment by any means
necessary.
 Comment on Foreshadowing Techniques
1.Drawing Readers to the Theme of Love and Marriage
Maugham uses foreshadowing to juxtapose the contrasting views of men and women on
marriage. Roger’s reluctance symbolizes male apprehension towards marriage as a potential loss
of freedom, while Ruth’s persistence highlights the societal expectation of women to secure
stability through matrimony. By emphasizing Roger’s hesitation and employing metaphors of
escape, the story sets the stage for a satirical exploration of love and marriage as a battlefield of
differing expectations.
2.Creating Curiosity About the Story’s Development
The initial focus on Roger’s exaggerated fear and his elaborate plans to avoid Ruth intrigues
readers about the lengths he might go to escape her. Maugham’s use of metaphorical images—
such as "instant flight"—hints at Roger’s ultimate strategy while leaving readers curious about its
execution. This technique cleverly builds suspense, ensuring that the audience remains engaged
to discover how the conflict between Roger and Ruth resolves.
2. Give the short story Hills Like White Elephant written by Ernest Hemingway
- Briefly present the setting of the story.
- Comment on its role in unveiling the 7/8th part of the iceberg (in the iceberg theory coined by
Hemingway)

Setting of the Story

Ernest Hemingway’s "Hills Like White Elephants" is set at a train station in Spain, located between two
lines of rails and surrounded by contrasting landscapes. An American man and a woman, Jig, sit at a bar
outside the station, sipping drinks and waiting for a train to Madrid. The couple's conversation revolves
around an unspoken issue that dominates their dialogue, with the train's imminent arrival symbolizing a
looming decision. The details of their relationship, the nature of their journey, and their ultimate
destination are intentionally left ambiguous. The landscape, with barren hills on one side and fertile
plains on the other, serves as a symbolic backdrop to their conversation.

Role of the Setting

The setting of the story, marked by Hemingway’s minimalist style and symbolic use of imagery, plays a
crucial role in unveiling the deeper, implied meanings within the narrative—what Hemingway refers to as
the "7/8th part of the iceberg."

1. Minimalism and Reader Engagement

Hemingway’s writing relies on the principle of omission, deliberately withholding explicit details about
the couple's relationship and their conversation topic, requiring the reader to interpret the subtext.

 Unspoken Context: The couple is discussing whether Jig should undergo an abortion. While the
word "abortion" is never mentioned, the implications are clear through phrases such as "it's
really an awfully simple operation" and "you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to."

 Dialogue-Driven Narrative: The dialogue between Jig and the American man is spare, often
cryptic, and laden with tension. For instance, Jig’s observation that the hills “look like white
elephants” suggests an unwelcome burden or an unacknowledged truth.

 Lack of Backstory: By leaving their history and future unresolved, Hemingway creates an open-
ended narrative that engages readers, allowing them to project their own interpretations.

2. Symbolism in the Setting

The setting is rich with symbolic elements that reinforce the story’s central themes of choice, conflict,
and communication.

 The Train Station:

The station represents a transitional point in the couple's journey—both literally and figuratively.

o Choices and Change: The train tracks running in opposite directions symbolize divergent
paths and decisions, underscoring the couple's uncertainty about their future.

o Time Pressure: The train’s arrival emphasizes the urgency of their decision, mirroring the
immediacy of their predicament.

 The Contrasting Landscapes:

The surrounding environment serves as a metaphor for the couple’s situation.

o Barren Hills: Jig compares the hills to white elephants, a symbol of something
burdensome or unwanted. The barren hills evoke a sense of sterility and desolation,
possibly reflecting her fears about the abortion.

o Fertile Plains: In contrast, the fields on the other side of the station suggest life, growth,
and potential, perhaps hinting at Jig’s yearning for a different path.

 The Shade and Sun:

The couple initially sits in the shade, which could symbolize the weight of their unresolved
conflict. Jig’s eventual movement into the sunlight might suggest her desire for clarity or a shift
in perspective.

3. Techniques that Enhance Impact

Hemingway employs specific narrative techniques to create a powerful and enduring impression:

 Subtextual Dialogue: The characters' cryptic exchanges invite readers to infer meanings beyond
the surface. For example, Jig’s passive-aggressive remark, “And you think then we’ll be all right
and be happy,” exposes the fragility of their connection.

 Repetition and Parallelism: Recurrent phrases like “I don’t care about me” and “We could have
everything” highlight the cyclical nature of their argument and their inability to reach resolution.

 Sparse Description: The minimalist depiction of the station mirrors the couple’s lack of
emotional depth in addressing their issue directly.

3. William Somerset Maugham was amongst the highest-paid writers in the 1930s’
- Name at least 4 of his best -selling novels in early 20th century.
- Comment on the social influence of the early 20th century on his writing styles.
I. Industrialism and Capitalism’s Impact on British Society
 Rise of industrialism: Growth of urban centers, wealth disparity, and worker exploitation shaped
societal tension.
 Capitalist values: Emphasis on material success and competition over moral or spiritual ideals.
o Reflected in Maugham’s works, such as Of Human Bondage, where societal expectations
clash with personal fulfillment.
II. Valuing the Modern over Tradition
 Shifting roles of men and women: Women's increasing independence contrasted with
traditional expectations, creating societal friction.
o Maugham depicted these tensions in characters like Mildred in Of Human Bondage, who
embodies instability in new gender dynamics.
 Changes in social structures: Class fluidity disrupted rigid hierarchies, leading to identity crises.
o Maugham critiqued class hypocrisy and moral decay in The Razor’s Edge.
III. Exploration of Human Nature and Society’s Darkness
 Realist approach: Maugham portrayed flawed, self-interested, and morally ambiguous
characters, reflecting societal cynicism.
o Example: The Moon and Sixpence exposes the destructive obsession with artistic or
personal ambition.
 Human struggle in a changing world: His works dissect existential dilemmas—alienation, futility
of ambition, and the search for meaning amid societal shifts.
4. William Wordworth a great poet of Victorian literature , is known as the master of Romantic
Poetry for his literary brilliance and depicition of emotions.
- Name at least 4 of his poems.
- Comment on the influence of childhood on his poetry.
- Name 4 of his poems:

+ the daffodils(1807)

+ My heart leaps up ( 1802)

+ The World is too much with us (1807)

+ The Sun has long been set(1819)

 +….

- Influence of childhood :

+ his landscape : surrounded by beautiful lakes and flower field in Lake District.

+ his sister as his accompany in poetry,..

 Influence of Childhood on His Poetry

Wordsworth's childhood shaped his poetic vision profoundly.

1. Connection to Nature:

o Growing up in the Lake District, surrounded by serene lakes, majestic hills, and
abundant fields of flowers, Wordsworth developed a deep, lifelong bond with nature.

o This idyllic landscape became the essence of his poetic imagery, often symbolizing
innocence, beauty, and emotional depth.

2. Relationship with His Sister:

o Dorothy Wordsworth, his sister, played a pivotal role in his creative life. Her
companionship and shared love for nature and simplicity nurtured his poetic talent.

o Dorothy’s journals often inspired or complemented his works, helping him articulate
his ideas vividly.

3. Romantic Emphasis on Childhood:

o Wordsworth believed childhood experiences were the foundation of human

development and creativity, as seen in poems like My Heart Leaps Up.

o He portrayed childhood as a sacred time when individuals have a pure, untainted

connection with nature and imagination, shaping their later years.

5. Given Act 2, Scene 2 of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet written by W. Shakespeare:

- Choose 5 symbols, which were used by the author, then explain their symbolic meanings

- Compare the meaning of the rose used by Juliet in her utterance "a rose by any other name would
smell as sweet" and its meaning in the Young Student's sentence "She said she would dance with me if
I brought her red rose" in The Nightingale and the Rose written by Oscar Wilde You should write about
350 words

- In Act 2, Scene 2, also known as the "Balcony Scene," Shakespeare uses rich symbolism to convey
themes of love, passion, and the challenges of the lovers' relationship.

1. The Moon:

o Juliet warns Romeo not to swear his love by the moon, as it is "inconstant" and changes
its shape. The moon symbolizes inconsistency, reinforcing the idea that true love should
be steadfast, not fleeting or changeable.
 2. The Stars:

o The stars are referenced as a celestial force controlling fate. Romeo and Juliet’s love is
described as "star-crossed," symbolizing destiny and the forces beyond their control that
ultimately lead to their tragic end.

3. The Night:

o Night serves as a shield and sanctuary for the lovers. It symbolizes secrecy, intimacy, and
protection from the hostility of the outside world.

4. The Light:

o Juliet is described as a source of light by Romeo, calling her the "sun." Light symbolizes
beauty, hope, and the life-giving force of their love, which dispels the darkness of their
feuding families.

5. The Orchard Wall:

o The wall separating Juliet from Romeo symbolizes the obstacles in their love. It
represents societal restrictions and the division caused by their families' enmity.

Comparison of the Rose in Romeo and Juliet and The Nightingale and the Rose

In Juliet’s soliloquy, the rose symbolizes intrinsic beauty and value independent of labels. By arguing that
a rose’s fragrance remains the same regardless of its name, Juliet underscores the idea that love’s
essence transcends societal constructs such as family names. Here, the rose is an emblem of pure,
idealized love.

Conversely, in Wilde’s The Nightingale and the Rose, the rose represents unattainable love and sacrifice.
The Young Student views the red rose as a transactional object, equating it with the girl’s affection.
However, for the Nightingale, the rose becomes a symbol of selfless love, as it sacrifices its life to create
the rose. This act critiques the superficiality of human love, contrasting it with the bird’s spiritual
devotion.

Differences

 In Romeo and Juliet, the rose symbolizes love’s enduring essence, untethered from societal
constraints. It idealizes love as transcendent and pure.

 In Wilde’s tale, the rose critiques human love as conditional and shallow, contrasting with the
Nightingale’s ultimate self-sacrifice.

Both works use the rose as a symbol of love but with distinct thematic purposes: Shakespeare exalts
love’s constancy, while Wilde critiques its fragility and superficiality.