RBSE Class 12th 2010 English Literature-SS-20-1-2010 Previous Year Papers
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| Board | RBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12th |
| Exam year | 2010 |
| Subject | English Literature-SS-20-1-2010 |
| Resource type | Previous Year Papers |
| Category | RBSE Previous Year Question Papers |
| Website | RBSE Solution |
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RBSE Class 12th 2010 English Literature-SS-20-1-2010
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Rajasthan Board Class 12th English Literature-SS-20-1-2010 2010 solved Previous Year Question Papers
SENIOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2010
Optional Group I — HUMANITIES
ENGLISH LITERATURE — First Paper
Time: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 60
Roll No.
No. of Questions — 8 No. of Printed Pages — 7
Paper Code: SS-20-1-Eng. Lit. I
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EXAMINEES:
- Candidate must write first his/her Roll No. on the question paper compulsorily.
- All the questions are compulsory.
- Write the answer to each question in the given answer-book only.
- For questions having more than one part carrying similar marks, the answers of those parts are to be written together in continuity.
SS-20-1-Eng. Lit. I SS-538 [ Turn over ]
l. Explain any four of the following extracts with reference to the context, choosing at least two from each group i.e. Poetry and Drama :
4×3=12
(i) Now I am a lake. A woman bends over me,
Searching my reaches for what she really is.
Then she turns to those liars, the candle or the moon —
I see her back, and reflect it faithfully.
Context: This extract is from the poem "The Mirror" by Sylvia Plath. The mirror speaks as a truthful, objective reflector of reality. The woman (the poet) looks into the mirror to find her true self, but then turns to artificial lights (candle or moon) which are deceptive. The mirror faithfully reflects her back, symbolizing the harsh truth of aging and self-perception.
(ii) Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high :
Where knowledge is free :
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by
narrow domestic walls :
Context: This extract is from the poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear" by Rabindranath Tagore. The poet prays for a nation where people are fearless, have self-respect, and knowledge is accessible to all. He criticizes the divisions created by caste, creed, and narrow-mindedness ("narrow domestic walls") and dreams of a united, progressive society.
(iii) Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die:
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.
Context: This extract is from the poem "Ode on Solitude" by Alexander Pope. The poet expresses a desire for a simple, secluded life away from the public eye. He wishes to live and die unnoticed, without any monument or fame, emphasizing the value of privacy and contentment in solitude.
(Note: The fourth extract is not provided in the given page content. Please refer to the full question paper for the remaining extract.)
POETRY
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(iv) You see, sleep or not sleep, hunger or no hunger, tired or not tired, you can always do a thing when you know it must be done.
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(v) My husband has just returned with my future son-in-law; and they know nothing. If they did, the consequences would be terrible.
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(vi) No. Louka: Your poor men can cut throats; but they are afraid of their officers; they put up with insults and blows: they stand by and see one another punished like children: aye and help to do it when they are ordered.
2. Answer any two of the following questions in one sentence each:
2×1=2
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(i) ‘The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower:’What do the words ‘bud’ and ‘flower’ stand for?
(Light Shining Out of Darkness)Answer: The word ‘bud’ stands for the present hardships or trials, while ‘flower’ stands for the future joy or blessing that results from them.
4
(ii) ‘The same whom in my school-boy days I listen’d to;’
What did the poet do in his school days when he heard the cry of the Cuckoo? (To The Cuckoo)
In his school days, when the poet heard the cry of the Cuckoo, he would listen to it with wonder and joy, often stopping to gaze around in search of the bird.
(iii) ‘His soul has in its Autumn,’
What happens when Autumn comes in the life of a man? (The Human Seasons)
When Autumn comes in the life of a man, his soul experiences a time of reflection, quietness, and a sense of maturity, where he enjoys the fruits of his past efforts and prepares for the winter of life.
(DRAMA)
3. Answer any two of the following questions in one sentence each: 2×1=2
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Raina: I must tell you that my father holds the highest command of any Bulgarian in our army.
Why did Raina tell this to The Man?
Raina told this to The Man to impress him with her family's status and to assert her own importance, hoping to gain his respect or admiration.
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Nicola: I shall always be dependent on the goodwill of the family.
What was Nicola’s interest in depending on the goodwill of the family?
Nicola’s interest in depending on the goodwill of the family was to ensure his own security and livelihood, as he relied on their support for his work and survival.
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Raina: I am not here to be sold to the highest bidder.
Who were the bidders?
The bidders were the men who sought Raina's hand in marriage, treating her as a prize to be won through wealth or status.
85-.-20-7-यक्ाक, Lit. I SS-538
4. Answer any four of the following questions in about 30 words each :
4×2=8
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(i) Raina : That was the second time I ever uttered a falsehood. What was the first lie that Raina tell ?
The first lie Raina told was when she claimed that she had never lied before, which was a falsehood because she had previously lied about hiding the man (the chocolate cream soldier) in her room.
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(ii) What were the similarities between ‘The Man’ and Ernani, according to Raina ?
According to Raina, both ‘The Man’ (Captain Bluntschli) and Ernani were fugitives, both were brave, and both had a romantic, adventurous spirit. She saw them as similar in their daring and dangerous situations.
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(iii) Raina : I want to be quite perfect with Sergius. What does Raina mean by ‘quite perfect’ ?
By ‘quite perfect’, Raina means she wants to be completely honest, truthful, and without any deception in her relationship with Sergius. She desires to be an ideal, flawless partner for him.
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(iv) What secret did Sergius tell about successful fighting ?
Sergius revealed that the secret to successful fighting is to never think about the danger or the consequences. One must act impulsively and with reckless courage, without hesitation or fear.
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(v) Raina : Oh! The chocolate cream soldier ! What story did Raina tell about the chocolate cream soldier ?
Raina told a story that the chocolate cream soldier (Captain Bluntschli) was a brave Swiss soldier who, despite being a professional soldier, carried chocolate creams instead of ammunition. She romanticized him as a gentle, kind-hearted man.
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(vi) Why did Louka ask Raina to dress up at once ?
Louka asked Raina to dress up at once because Sergius was coming to visit. She wanted Raina to look her best and be presentable for her fiancé, as it was important for their social standing and relationship.
5. Answer any four of the following questions in about 30 words each :
4×2=8
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(i) Why do the hunters wait for all men to go ? (Muschus Moschiferus)
The hunters wait for all men to go because the musk deer (Moschus Moschiferus) is extremely shy and cautious. It will only come out of hiding when it senses no human presence, ensuring the hunters can catch it unawares.
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(ii) What did David write in his letters to his father ? (In Memoriam)
In his letters to his father, David wrote about his experiences, his feelings of loneliness, and his longing for home. He expressed his love and respect for his father, sharing his thoughts on life and death after the loss of his friend.
6. Answer the following questions in about 30–40 words each:
(iii) What will the poet do when he goes to Innisfree?
(The Lake Isle of Innisfree)
When the poet goes to Innisfree, he will build a small cabin of clay and wattles, plant nine bean-rows, and have a hive for the honeybee. He will live alone in the bee-loud glade, finding peace and tranquility away from the noisy city life.
(iv) How has the poet conveyed her sense of happiness in the poem ‘A Birthday’?
(A Birthday)
The poet conveys her happiness through vivid imagery and similes. She compares her heart to a singing bird, a rainbow shell, and a blossoming apple tree. The poem expresses the joy of love and the celebration of a new beginning, using nature’s beauty to reflect her inner delight.
(v) There is a blend of both pessimism and optimism in the poem ‘On His Blindness’. Give evidence from the poem to support it.
(On His Blindness)
Pessimism is seen in the poet’s lament that his “light is spent” and he feels useless, unable to serve God. Optimism appears when he realizes that “they also serve who only stand and wait,” accepting God’s will with patience and faith. This shows a shift from despair to hope.
(vi) What is life compared with in the poem ‘Life Is But A Walking Shadow’?
(Life Is But A Walking Shadow)
In the poem, life is compared to a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. It is also described as a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. These metaphors emphasize the fleeting and meaningless nature of life.
6. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60–80 words each: (2×5=10)
(i) Describe the appearance of Bluntschli when he first met Raina.
When Bluntschli first met Raina, he appeared as a fugitive soldier, disheveled and exhausted. He was wearing a dirty, worn-out uniform, and his face was covered with dust and sweat. He carried no weapon and seemed desperate for shelter. Despite his rough appearance, his calm and practical demeanor impressed Raina, and he spoke with a sense of realism that contrasted with her romantic ideals.
(ii) Give evidence of wit and humour from the drama ‘Arms And The Man’.
Wit and humour are evident in Bluntschli’s practical remarks about war. For example, he says he carries chocolate instead of ammunition, calling himself a “chocolate cream soldier.” His honest, unromantic view of battle contrasts with Sergius’s heroic pretensions. Also, the scene where Catherine and Petkoff try to hide Bluntschli’s coat creates comic confusion. The witty dialogue between Raina and Bluntschli, especially about her “heroic” lies, adds to the humour.
(iii) Why did Raina decide to marry Bluntschli instead of Sergius?
Raina decided to marry Bluntschli because she realized he was practical, honest, and reliable, unlike Sergius who was romantic but foolish. Bluntschli’s calm nature and his ability to handle situations with common sense appealed to her. Moreover, he saw through her pretensions and accepted her as she was. Sergius, on the other hand, was impulsive and unfaithful, as seen in his flirtation with Louka. Raina chose Bluntschli for his genuine character and stability.
(iv) What did Petkoff say about washing when Catherine complained of her sore throat?
When Catherine complained of her sore throat, Petkoff remarked that she should not have washed her neck so often. He said that washing was a modern fad and that in his youth, people never washed and were healthier. This comment reflects Petkoff’s old-fashioned and somewhat humorous attitude, showing his lack of concern for Catherine’s ailment and his tendency to make light of her complaints.
7. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60–80 words each: 2×5=10
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(i) Discuss the theme of the poem ‘Braided Lives’.
The poem ‘Braided Lives’ explores the interconnectedness of human existence. It highlights how individual lives are woven together like threads in a braid, sharing joys, sorrows, and experiences. The theme emphasizes that no one lives in isolation; our actions and emotions affect others. The poet suggests that this unity and mutual dependence give meaning to life, making it rich and beautiful despite its challenges.
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(ii) What did the peasants say when they came to the poet’s house? (Night of the Scorpion)
When the peasants came to the poet’s house after his mother was stung by a scorpion, they said various things. Some said that with every movement the scorpion’s poison would spread. Others prayed and chanted hymns to calm the poison. They also remarked that the mother’s suffering would reduce the sins of her previous births and that her pain would purify her soul. Their words reflected both superstition and faith.
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(iii) Write a critical appreciation of the poem ‘Autumn’.
The poem ‘Autumn’ is a beautiful depiction of the season of autumn. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the falling leaves, the changing colors, and the quiet melancholy of nature. The poem captures the transition from life to decay, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. The language is simple yet evocative, creating a serene and reflective mood. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to make the reader appreciate the beauty in change and impermanence.
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(iv) Who lives a happy life, according to the poet? (Solitude)
According to the poet in ‘Solitude’, a person who is content with their own company and does not depend on others for happiness lives a happy life. The poet suggests that true happiness comes from within, not from external sources. Those who can find joy in solitude, who are self-reliant and at peace with themselves, are truly happy. The poem emphasizes inner strength and independence as keys to a fulfilling life.
8. Define any two of the following literary terms: 2×2=4
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(i) Lyric
A lyric is a short poem that expresses personal emotions, thoughts, or feelings, often in a musical and rhythmic style. It does not tell a story but focuses on the poet’s inner experiences. Examples include sonnets, odes, and elegies. Lyric poetry is characterized by its subjective and emotional tone.
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(ii) Plot
Plot is the sequence of events that make up a story. It includes the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The plot drives the narrative and creates conflict, suspense, and interest. A well-structured plot keeps the reader engaged and provides a logical flow to the story.
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(iii) Irony
Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning. There are three main types: verbal irony (saying the opposite of what is meant), situational irony (when the outcome is different from expectations), and dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters do not). Irony adds depth and humor to literature.
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(iv) Wit
Wit is a form of intelligent humor that involves clever wordplay, quick thinking, and sharp observations. It often uses paradox, puns, or satire to amuse and provoke thought. Wit is valued in literature for its ability to convey complex ideas in an entertaining and memorable way.