Literature & Human Rights — DU B. A. (Hons) English Previous Year Question Papers

Candidates have to answer all the questions in Part A and any three questions in Part B. Questions in Part A carry 10 marks each and questions in Part B carry 20 marks each. 1. (A) Examine how fear was used as a tool of oppression in 1984. How does it affect the behaviours and beliefs of the citizens ? (B) How does Winston and Julia's relationship challenge the Party's control, and what does it signify in the context of personal freedom? 2. (A) Critically comment on the following : "That nigger yonder took advantage of me, an' if you fine fancy gentlemen don't wanta do nothing about it then you're all yellow stinkin' cowards.... (B) Write a short note on Scout as the narrator. 3. (A) Explain with reference to context: "The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom." (B) Discuss "Poem About My Rights" as a powerful indictment against misogyny. 4.. (A) Examine how the Party manipulated history in 1984. In what ways does changing the past help the Party maintain its control? What are the implications for the population's perception of truth and reality? 5. (A) Critically examine the portrayal of moral ambiguity and justice exploring their intersections and conflicts in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. (B) Discuss the theme of childhood innocence and its disillusionment in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. 6. (A) Paulo Coelho's 'In the Prison of Repose' can be read as a personal and creative expression of protest against the curtailment of freedom. Explain. (B) Nadine Gordimer's "Amnesty' explores the dual oppression of race and gender in the lives of black women under Apartheid. Discuss. 7. (A) What are some of the causes of human rights violations in society? How can writers as well as readers contribute towards an effective redressal of the same? Discuss using examples from the prescribed texts. (B) Offer a detailed critical insight into any form of human bondage as an infringement of human rights. Substantiate with reference to the texts from your syllabus.