BEGC 134
Reading the Novel
IGNOU BEGC 134 Solved Free Assignment
BEGC 134 Solved Free Assignment July 2024 & January 2025
Section A
Write short notes On The Following
(i) Narrative Modes
Ans. Narrative modes refer to the different ways a story is told in literature. These modes encompass the perspective from which the story is presented, the structure of the narrative, and the techniques used to convey the plot.
The primary narrative modes include first-person, second-person, and third-person narration.
First-person narrative: In this mode, the story is told from the perspective of a character within the story, typically using the pronoun “I.” This allows readers to gain insight into the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of intimacy with the narrator.
Third-person narrative: This is the most common mode in literature, where an external narrator tells the story using third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” or “they.”
Third-person narration can be omniscient (where the narrator knows everything about all characters) or limited (where the narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of one or a few characters).
Second-person narrative: In rare cases, the second-person narrative uses “you” to address the reader directly. This style creates a unique, immersive experience, though it’s less commonly used in fiction due to its demanding nature.
Additionally, there are stream-of-consciousness and epistolary narratives (story told through letters, diary entries, or other documents), each offering a distinct way to engage readers in the inner workings of characters’ minds or the progression of events.
(ii) Novel of the Diaspora
Ans. The novel of the diaspora refers to a genre of literature that explores the experiences of people who have migrated from their homeland and live in foreign countries, often dealing with themes of identity, displacement, belonging, and cultural assimilation.
These novels often depict the struggles and challenges faced by individuals or communities as they navigate life between two cultures.
Diasporic writing can encompass various forms of migration, including exile, voluntary immigration, or forced displacement.
Such novels explore how individuals cope with being “in-between” cultures—caught between the country of origin and the adopted homeland.
Key themes in diaspora literature include the search for identity, the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to new environments, and the challenges of racial, social, and cultural integration.
Prominent examples include works like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, which traces the life of a Bengali-American man, or The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, which touches on themes of cultural displacement in post-colonial India.
Diasporic novels often use multiple perspectives, time frames, and narrative techniques to highlight the complex realities of migration, showing how personal identity is shaped by both the homeland and the host culture.
(iii) Origins of the Novel
Ans. The novel, as a literary form, has its origins in early modern Europe, though the roots of the novel can be traced back to earlier narrative forms.
The novel developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced by the rise of the middle class, the development of printing, and the increased value placed on individual experiences and subjectivity.
Early precursors to the novel include works such as The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (11th century), and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605).
These works shared characteristics with modern novels, such as complex characters and extended narratives, though they were often episodic or written in verse.
The novel truly came into its own in the 18th century, particularly in England, where writers like Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe), Samuel Richardson (Pamela), and Henry Fielding (Tom Jones) developed the form.
These early novels were often focused on individual development, social issues, and moral lessons, reflecting the emerging ideas of the Enlightenment and the shift towards individualism.
The novel was distinct in its emphasis on prose rather than poetry, its exploration of psychological depth, and its focus on character development.
Over time, the form grew in complexity, with novels becoming vehicles for social, political, and philosophical commentary, establishing the novel as one of the most important literary forms in modern literature.
(iv) Literary Trends in 18th and 19th Century England
Ans. The 18th and 19th centuries in England witnessed significant shifts in literary styles and themes, reflecting the social, political, and philosophical changes of the periods.
In the 18th century, the Age of Enlightenment shaped literary trends. Writers emphasized reason, clarity, and social order.
This was the era of the Augustan period, which was characterized by a return to classical ideals of symmetry and order.
Poets like Alexander Pope (The Rape of the Lock) and Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels) used satire to comment on social and political issues.
Prose fiction began to emerge, with authors like Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) and Samuel Richardson (Pamela) exploring individual morality and social class.
In the 19th century, the period was marked by the Romantic movement, which rejected the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason in favor of emotion, nature, and individualism.
Poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron celebrated the imagination and the sublime, focusing on personal expression and the power of nature.
This was followed by Victorian literature, with authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, and Thomas Hardy examining the complexities of society, class, and morality, often responding to the Industrial Revolution’s social consequences.
The Realist movement in the late 19th century sought to depict life as it truly was, focusing on everyday people and their struggles.
Writers like George Eliot and Henry James brought attention to the psychological depth of their characters and the societal forces shaping them.
Additionally, the Pre-Raphaelite movement in art and literature focused on the return to medieval themes and the exploration of beauty, often with an idealized and emotional quality.
Section B
Q 1. Critically comment on the nineteenth century which may be helpful in understanding The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
Ans. The nineteenth century was a time of significant change, with various social, political, and cultural transformations shaping the lives of individuals, especially women.
In understanding The Awakening by Kate Chopin, it is essential to critically examine the context of the nineteenth century, particularly in terms of the roles and expectations placed on women, as well as the prevailing cultural ideologies.
This period, marked by the Industrial Revolution, the rise of women’s rights movements, and growing shifts in societal norms, provides the backdrop against which Chopin’s protagonist, Edna Pontellier, embarks on her journey of self-discovery and emancipation.
One of the most critical factors in understanding The Awakening is the role of women during the nineteenth century.
Women were largely confined to the private sphere of domesticity, expected to fulfill roles as wives and mothers.
This concept of womanhood was often associated with self-sacrifice, emotional restraint, and a devotion to family.
Women were generally seen as dependent on their husbands for financial and social stability. The ideal woman was supposed to be devoted to her family, obedient, and selfless.
In many ways, this societal construct of the “perfect woman” was internalized by women themselves, who often measured their worth through their ability to adhere to these expectations.
Edna, the central character of The Awakening, is an upper-middle-class woman living in Louisiana, and much of the novel explores her dissatisfaction with this prescribed role.
As we delve deeper into Edna’s character, it is important to note that the nineteenth century was also a time of rising social awareness, particularly surrounding the issue of women’s rights.
The early feminist movement began to take shape, with figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony advocating for women’s suffrage and legal rights.
However, in much of mainstream society, these ideas were still considered radical.
In The Awakening, Edna’s eventual rejection of her traditional role as a wife and mother reflects a desire for autonomy and a break from the constraints imposed on women.
Her emotional and physical awakening can be seen as a metaphor for the larger struggle that women were beginning to face in terms of asserting their independence and challenging the dominant gender norms of the time.
The novel’s setting in the late nineteenth century also points to the complex relationship between class and gender.
While Edna is financially comfortable and freed from the struggles that lower-class women faced, her experience is not without its limitations.
Her privilege allows her to explore her desires for independence and self-expression, but these desires are still bound by societal conventions.
Chopin’s portrayal of Edna’s relationships with men, particularly with her husband, Léonce, and her lover, Robert, underscores the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
While Edna’s marriage to Léonce initially seems to provide her with material comfort, it becomes clear that emotional and intellectual fulfillment are lacking.
Léonce’s indifference to her emotional needs and his focus on his own business and social concerns represent the ways in which women were often seen as possessions or extensions of their husbands rather than as individuals in their own right.
The nineteenth century was also a period of intense social stratification, and this is reflected in the novel through Edna’s interactions with other characters.
The social structures that defined gender, class, and race were deeply entrenched, and even Edna, with her relative wealth and privilege, faced limitations.
For instance, the novel highlights the sharp contrast between Edna’s life and that of other women, such as her servant, Adele, who remains entirely dedicated to the role of wife and mother.
Adele’s adherence to the traditional roles of women contrasts with Edna’s burgeoning desire for more, illustrating the different ways in which women experienced societal constraints.
Additionally, the novel’s exploration of race, through the presence of characters like the Creole women and African-American servants, reveals the intersecting systems of oppression that shaped the lives of women, particularly women of color.
At the same time, the late nineteenth century was marked by increasing industrialization and urbanization, which contributed to changes in the structure of families and communities.
While these shifts offered new opportunities for women, they also created tensions. The rise of urban life and the increasing demands of industrial work eroded the traditional family unit.
Many women began to find employment outside the home, and the concept of the “ideal” domestic life began to evolve.
However, for women like Edna, who were largely insulated from economic hardship, the desire for a different kind of life was more intellectual and emotional than practical.
Edna’s self-discovery in the novel is partly a reaction against the emotional numbness and dissatisfaction that her comfortable yet restrictive life provides.
The cultural and social changes of the nineteenth century were also reflected in the emerging interest in psychology and the inner workings of the human mind.
Sigmund Freud’s theories on repression, the unconscious, and sexual desire would later become important in analyzing the ways in which characters in works of literature struggled with their internal conflicts.
In The Awakening, Edna’s emotional and sexual awakening can be viewed through the lens of Freudian psychology, as she begins to explore her desires, emotions, and sexual identity outside the bounds of her prescribed role.
Her growing awareness of her own desires, as well as her pursuit of personal freedom, is emblematic of the period’s exploration of the complexities of human psychology and identity.
Q 2. Give a detailed comment on the style used by Chinua Achebe in Things
Ans. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is widely regarded as a masterful novel, not only for its compelling story but also for its innovative use of style.
The author’s style, marked by a combination of traditional African storytelling techniques and the English language, makes the narrative both unique and accessible to a global audience.
Achebe’s distinct style contributes significantly to the thematic concerns of the novel, such as colonialism, cultural conflict, and identity.
The novel is a narrative about the decline of the Igbo society due to external forces, primarily European colonization, and internal dynamics.
Achebe’s style, with its precision, clarity, and deep understanding of Igbo traditions, creates a bridge between cultures, offering an intimate portrayal of the Igbo world and the disintegration caused by colonization.
One of the most important aspects of Achebe’s style in Things Fall Apart is his use of language. Achebe is known for writing in English, a language that was imposed on Nigeria during British colonial rule.
However, Achebe uses English in a way that retains the essence of the Igbo language and culture.
He integrates proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and oral traditions, giving the text a unique rhythm and resonance. The proverbs, in particular, are integral to the novel.
They are used not only as a cultural artifact but also to express moral teachings and the wisdom of the elders.
For instance, Achebe frequently uses the Igbo proverb, “The moon is never seen in the same place as the sun,” which represents the theme of duality in Igbo society, the interplay between the traditional and the modern, and the inevitable conflict between cultures.
By incorporating such sayings, Achebe enriches the text with layers of meaning that would resonate deeply with an African audience, while also making it comprehensible to readers unfamiliar with the culture.
Another characteristic of Achebe’s style is his portrayal of characters and the way he captures their inner thoughts and struggles.
Achebe’s use of third-person omniscient narration allows readers to access the inner worlds of his characters, particularly Okonkwo, the protagonist.
Through this narrative technique, Achebe delves deep into Okonkwo’s mind, showing his fears, his pride, and his internal conflict.
Achebe does not shy away from revealing the flaws of his characters, particularly Okonkwo’s struggles with his insecurities stemming from his father’s legacy of laziness and irresponsibility.
Achebe’s portrayal of Okonkwo as a complex character helps convey the idea that the downfall of the Igbo society is not only caused by external forces like colonialism but also by the internal contradictions within the culture itself.
The novel’s style also includes a careful balance between description and dialogue.
Achebe uses vivid descriptions of the physical and social landscapes of Igbo society, giving readers an immersive experience of the village of Umuofia and its surrounding areas.
He meticulously describes the customs, the rituals, and the everyday lives of the Igbo people.
The imagery, from the description of the yams in Okonkwo’s fields to the rituals performed by the egwugwu, evokes a world full of vibrant detail.
These descriptions are often counterbalanced with sharp, concise dialogue.
The dialogue in Things Fall Apart is not only a means of character development but also serves as a medium for conveying the values and philosophies of the society.
Through conversations, Achebe conveys the importance of kinship, respect for tradition, and the role of the elders.
These dialogues also become an essential way of illustrating the tension between traditional beliefs and the encroaching influence of European colonialism and Christianity.
Achebe’s style also stands out because of his use of irony and foreshadowing. One of the more powerful techniques that Achebe uses to convey the tragic trajectory of Okonkwo’s life is foreshadowing.
For example, Okonkwo’s fears of being like his father, Unoka, and his obsession with appearing strong and successful lead him to make rash decisions that eventually contribute to his downfall.
Achebe subtly foreshadows the tragic consequences of Okonkwo’s actions through the novel’s structure, reinforcing the idea that fate and personal choices are intricately linked.
This foreshadowing is especially evident in the earlier parts of the novel when Okonkwo’s violent outbursts and his desire to maintain power seem to set him on an unavoidable path toward his demise.
In addition to foreshadowing, Achebe skillfully uses irony to highlight the contradictions in the Igbo society.
For instance, Okonkwo’s unrelenting belief in the strength and success of individualism ultimately leads to his isolation from his community.
Despite his desire to be respected and feared, Okonkwo’s need for control and his failure to adapt to change bring about his personal and social downfall.
Achebe’s ironic treatment of Okonkwo’s character also underscores the larger theme of the collapse of traditional societies under the weight of colonialism.
Okonkwo’s tragic end, which occurs after the arrival of European missionaries, represents the inevitable disintegration of the Igbo culture.
Achebe’s storytelling also emphasizes the notion of cultural conflict. While the novel begins with a portrayal of the Igbo culture’s strength, unity, and resilience, the arrival of European colonizers disrupts this equilibrium.
Achebe does not present the colonizers as purely villainous; instead, he highlights the complexities of the encounter between the two cultures.
The missionaries bring new religious ideas, but they also dismantle the fabric of Igbo society.
Achebe’s style of presenting both cultures with empathy, showing the flaws and strengths of both, contributes to the novel’s nuanced exploration of colonization and its effects on indigenous societies.
The pacing of the narrative in Things Fall Apart is another key feature of Achebe’s style. Achebe controls the narrative tempo, gradually building up to the point of crisis.
The first part of the novel, which focuses on Okonkwo’s life in the traditional Igbo society, is rich in detail and provides a sense of normalcy.
The novel’s pace quickens with the arrival of the Europeans and the subsequent disruptions, heightening the sense of tension and conflict.
This careful manipulation of time and pacing builds to the tragic conclusion, where Okonkwo’s death symbolizes the destruction of his world.
Q 3. Analyse critically the socio- political structure in Paraja, giving suitable examples from the text.
Ans. In the novel Paraja by Gopinath Mohanty, the socio-political structure of the tribal society is intricately depicted, highlighting the deep-rooted traditions, customs, and power dynamics that govern the lives of the Paraja tribe.
Set in the tribal region of Odisha, the novel offers a critical exploration of the socio-political structures that shape the lives of indigenous communities, particularly focusing on how these structures are challenged and transformed due to external and internal factors.
Through the character of Raitu, the protagonist, and the unfolding events within the community, Mohanty provides a nuanced analysis of tribal governance, social hierarchies, and the struggle for justice.
One of the key aspects of the socio-political structure in Paraja is the village council, which holds significant power in tribal governance.
The council, made up of the elders of the village, is responsible for making decisions that affect the entire community. The system is largely patriarchal, where the authority of the elders, particularly the headmen, is unquestioned.
They wield a considerable amount of power, often making decisions regarding marriage, land disputes, and other important matters.
The council’s influence extends beyond just governance; it also represents the moral authority of the community, as it is often called upon to mediate conflicts and settle disputes.
However, this traditional governance system faces challenges when external forces such as colonial rule and the introduction of capitalism disrupt the established order.
The tribal people, who were once self-reliant and independent, begin to experience the harsh realities of exploitation by outsiders, including moneylenders, landlords, and colonial officials.
One of the central conflicts in the novel arises from the tension between the traditional power structure of the village and the intrusion of these external elements that disrupt the harmony and stability of tribal life.
This is particularly evident in the way the villagers, led by Raitu, face the exploitative practices of moneylenders and landlords, who impose unjust demands on the tribe, driving them into debt and poverty.
The novel also highlights the intersection of social and political hierarchies within the tribal society. The Paraja tribe is organized into clans, and each clan has its own leaders and customs.
These clans, while ostensibly equal, often have internal power structures that can be hierarchical.
For instance, within a clan, the leader holds significant power, but this power is not always exercised fairly or justly.
The character of Raitu, as a member of the lower stratum of society, is deeply aware of the injustices perpetuated by the more powerful members of the tribe.
His personal struggles are representative of the broader issues faced by the marginalized in the tribal society.
Raitu’s resistance to the exploitation of his community serves as a critique of the hierarchical nature of both tribal and external socio-political systems.
The dynamics of caste, though less explicitly stated, also play a role in shaping the socio-political structure of the tribe.
The Paraja people are at the bottom of the social ladder, and their status within the larger society is marginal.
The exploitation they face from outside forces such as landlords and moneylenders is exacerbated by their low social standing.
The external socio-political system, which includes the colonial administration and the feudal landlords, reinforces the social hierarchy by positioning the Paraja people as subjects to be dominated and exploited.
The novel depicts how these external systems often align with traditional power structures within the tribe, creating a complex web of oppression.
The role of women in the socio-political structure of the Paraja society is another critical aspect explored in the novel.
Women in the tribal society are generally subjugated to the authority of men, both within the family and in the community.
While they are integral to the functioning of the household and the upkeep of tribal traditions, their social and political agency is severely limited.
The character of Raitu’s wife, for example, is portrayed as a strong and resilient figure within the family, but her voice is often silenced in the larger political matters of the tribe.
This reflects the larger patriarchal structure of the tribal society, where women’s roles are often confined to the private sphere, while men hold power in the public domain.
Raitu’s journey in the novel can be seen as an allegory for the larger struggle of the Paraja people against both internal and external forces.
His transformation from a man who is largely passive and accepting of his fate to one who actively resists the exploitation of his community highlights the potential for change within the socio-political structure of the tribe.
Raitu’s resistance is not just personal but collective, as he seeks to challenge the injustices faced by his community.
His actions spark a movement that questions the traditional power structures and the ways in which external forces manipulate them for their own benefit.
The tension between tradition and modernity is central to the socio-political analysis in Paraja.
The novel examines how traditional tribal customs and governance systems are increasingly undermined by the forces of colonialism and capitalism.
The arrival of outsiders, particularly the colonial administrators and the exploitative moneylenders, represents the intrusion of modernity into a world that was previously governed by its own customs and ways of life.
The tribal community is caught between the old and the new, struggling to maintain their identity and autonomy in the face of overwhelming external pressures.
Q 4. Attempt a detailed note on Africa’s first contact with the outside world in the context of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
Ans. In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe provides a profound exploration of Africa’s first contact with the outside world, particularly focusing on the arrival of European missionaries and colonizers in the Igbo society of Umuofia.
Achebe’s novel depicts this encounter not as a sudden or isolated event but as a complex, multi-layered process that brings about significant cultural, social, and political upheaval.
The novel illustrates how the intrusion of the Western world disrupts the traditional ways of life in Igbo society, leading to the breakdown of their cultural fabric and the eventual collapse of the indigenous power structures.
The first encounter between the Igbo people and the Europeans is presented in Things Fall Apart as a gradual process, beginning with the arrival of Christian missionaries.
These missionaries, driven by a sense of religious zeal, arrive in the Igbo village of Umuofia with the goal of converting the “heathen” population to Christianity.
The initial reaction to their arrival is one of curiosity and cautious indifference, as the Igbo people are initially unaware of the broader colonial ambitions behind the missionaries’ presence.
The people of Umuofia have their own belief systems and practices, which they view as integral to their identity and daily lives.
In the context of Igbo cosmology, the arrival of the missionaries is perceived as an external, foreign element that does not immediately threaten their way of life.
The significance of this first contact lies in the missionaries’ strategy of undermining and deconstructing the Igbo belief systems and traditional practices.
The missionaries target the Igbo religion and customs, branding them as barbaric and backward.
They convince a few members of the community, particularly younger and marginalized individuals, to abandon their traditional beliefs and embrace Christianity.
This initial success, symbolized by the conversion of Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, reflects the broader psychological and cultural warfare that the colonizers would wage—an assault on the indigenous identity and way of life.
The missionary’s influence is not just religious but also social, as they promote a new set of values that are alien to the Igbo culture.
Achebe uses the character of Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist, to demonstrate the societal clash between the old and the new.
Okonkwo, a respected warrior in his community, is deeply threatened by the arrival of the Europeans.
He views the missionaries and their religion as a direct challenge to his authority, the traditional norms, and the Igbo way of life.
Okonkwo’s personal struggles with this cultural invasion reflect the larger societal conflict that unfolds in the novel.
He is unwilling to tolerate the disruption of the old social order and is deeply invested in preserving the customs and practices that have sustained his people for generations.
However, his personal resistance is doomed from the start, as the forces of colonization and Christianity spread rapidly throughout the village, gradually dismantling the social and political structures that have long defined Igbo life.
The introduction of European colonial powers intensifies the external pressure on the Igbo society.
The arrival of colonial officials and their use of military force to impose British rule further accelerates the erosion of Igbo autonomy.
The British government establishes a formal presence in Umuofia, enforcing laws and regulations that are alien to the traditional legal and political systems of the Igbo people.
The district commissioner and his officials serve as instruments of British authority, treating the Igbo people as subjects to be ruled rather than as equals.
The establishment of British colonial rule further entangles the Igbo people in the economic, political, and cultural systems of imperialism.
The devastating impact of these external forces on the Igbo community is highlighted in the final moments of the novel.
Okonkwo, unable to reconcile the old world with the new, ultimately takes his own life in a tragic act of defiance against the forces that have destroyed his world.
His death symbolizes the ultimate collapse of the Igbo way of life in the face of colonialism and the spread of Christianity.
The novel ends with the district commissioner contemplating writing a book about the colonization of the Igbo people, reducing their complex history and experiences to a mere chapter in his book, symbolizing the erasure of the richness of their culture.
Achebe’s portrayal of Africa’s first contact with the outside world is a deeply critical and reflective examination of colonialism’s dehumanizing effects.
The missionaries’ arrival and the subsequent colonization of Umuofia highlight the devastating consequences of European expansionism for indigenous cultures and societies.
By focusing on the Igbo people’s perspectives, Achebe allows the reader to see the effects of colonialism not as a distant or abstract concept but as a painful, personal experience that changes the lives of individuals and communities irrevocably.
The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural, social, and political devastation caused by the imposition of foreign values and systems on indigenous peoples.
IGNOU BEGC 133 Solved Free Assignment
IGNOU BEGC 132 Solved Free Assignment
IGNOU BEGC 131 Solved Free Assignment