RBSE Class 12th 2011 English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 Previous Year Papers
English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 from the 2011 exam year is part of the Class 12th previous year papers archive on RBSE Solution. Many learners start here after finishing the textbook to see how questions were actually framed on the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) paper.
Treat this question paper as a mock under gentle timing first, then as a marking exercise the second time. The introduction on this page is written only for this subject-and-year pair, not copied from other pages.
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Paper details
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| Board | RBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12th |
| Exam year | 2011 |
| Subject | English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 |
| Resource type | Previous Year Papers |
| Category | RBSE Previous Year Question Papers |
| Website | RBSE Solution |
The table summarises this Previous Year Papers resource. Confirm RBSE, Class 12th, year 2011, and subject English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 before studying.
RBSE Solution organises previous year papers so each URL carries chapter-specific guidance — better for students and for search engines than one generic paragraph for the whole class.
Turning 2011 papers into insight
One English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 paper reveals style; several from the same year reveal pattern. After this page, open sibling subjects listed below to see whether marks cluster in certain units.
Keep rough work dated in your notebook. Examiners in Class 12th expect clear numbering even in practice sessions.
RBSE Class 12th 2011 English Literature-SS-20-1-2011
Scroll through the Previous Year Papers pages for English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 (2011).
Rajasthan Board Class 12th English Literature-SS-20-1-2011 2011 solved Previous Year Question Papers
SENIOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011
Optional Group I — HUMANITIES
ENGLISH LITERATURE — First Paper
Time : 3¼ 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
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
( POETRY )
(i) “Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.”
Context: This extract is from the poem “Light Shining Out of Darkness” by William Cowper. The poet reflects on the ways of God and human understanding.
Explanation: The poet says that those who do not have faith (blind unbelief) are sure to make mistakes and cannot understand God’s work. However, God Himself will reveal His purpose and make everything clear in His own time. The lines emphasize trust in divine wisdom over human reason.
(ii) “Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring !
Even yet thou art to me
No bird, but an invisible thing,
A voice, a mystery ;”
Context: This extract is from the poem “To the Cuckoo” by William Wordsworth. The poet addresses the cuckoo bird, which arrives in spring.
Explanation: The poet welcomes the cuckoo warmly, calling it the “darling of the Spring.” He says that even now, the cuckoo is not just a bird to him but an invisible presence—a mysterious voice. The poet is enchanted by the cuckoo’s song, which evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
(iii) “They melt into the leaves and, while they scan
The glade below, their comrade starts to play.”
Context: This extract is from the poem “The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth. The poet describes the scene of a reaper singing in the field.
Explanation: The poet says that the reaper’s song seems to blend with the natural surroundings. The birds and leaves appear to listen as the reaper continues her work. The phrase “their comrade starts to play” suggests that nature itself joins in harmony with the reaper’s song, creating a beautiful, unified scene.
( DRAMA )
(iv) “Why, how is it that you’ve just beaten us ?
Sheer ignorance of the art of war, nothing else.
(Indignantly) I never saw anything so unprofessional.”
Context: This extract is from the play “Arms and the Man” by George Bernard Shaw. The speaker is Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary soldier, speaking to Raina and her family after the battle.
Explanation: Bluntschli is surprised that he and his side were defeated. He sarcastically remarks that the victory was due to the enemy’s “sheer ignorance of the art of war.” He is indignant because the enemy did not follow professional military tactics. This line highlights the contrast between romantic ideas of war and the practical, unglamorous reality.
POETRY
- Answer any two of the following questions in one sentence each: 2×1=2
- ‘Signifying nothing.’ (Life Is But A Walking Shadow)
How does life signify nothing?Life signifies nothing because it is brief, full of sound and fury, but ultimately meaningless and devoid of any lasting purpose.
- ‘Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.’ (Where The Mind Is Without Fear)
Give one reason for this wish.The poet wishes for his country to awake into a heaven of freedom so that its people can live with dignity, truth, and reason, free from fear and oppression.
- “Then she turns to those liars, the candles or the moon.” (Mirror)
Why are ‘the candles or the moon’ called liars?The candles and the moon are called liars because they give a soft, flattering light that hides the true, harsh reality of aging and imperfections, unlike the mirror which reflects the truth.
- ‘Signifying nothing.’ (Life Is But A Walking Shadow)
(DRAMA)
3. Answer any two of the following questions in one sentence each :
2×1=2
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(i) Raina : ‘Have you ever seen the opera of Ernani ?’
Why does the heroine ask such a question ?Answer: Raina asks this question to test whether Captain Bluntschli is truly a cultured and refined man, as she associates knowledge of opera with high social standing and sophistication.
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(ii) Nicola: ‘Yes : that’s the secret of success in service.’
What is that secret ?Answer: The secret is to always appear to know less than the master or mistress, and to never let them feel that the servant is more intelligent or capable than they are.
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(iii) Petkoff: ‘I bet you any piece of jewellery ...’
What is the condition of bet ?Answer: Petkoff bets that his wife Catherine cannot pack a soldier’s kit properly, as he believes she will forget to include the essential items like the soap and towel.
4. Answer any four of the following questions in about 30 words each :
4×2=8
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(i) Catherine : Of course : he sends me the news. Sergius is the hero of the hour, the idol of the regiment.
For what reasons has Sergius been raised to this high pedestal ?Answer: Sergius has been raised to this high pedestal because he led a successful cavalry charge against the Serbian army, which was considered a brave and heroic act. The regiment and the public view him as a war hero and idolize him for his supposed courage and leadership.
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(ii) Raina (Touched) : That is very nice of you. I see that you are a gentleman.
What is the occasion ?Answer: The occasion is when Captain Bluntschli, after taking shelter in Raina’s room, returns her photograph and the cloak she had given him. He does this without taking advantage of her kindness, which makes Raina feel that he is a true gentleman.
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(iii) Sergius : ‘Madam : it was the cradle and the grave of my military reputation.’
What does Sergius want to explain here ?Answer: Sergius wants to explain that the cavalry charge he led was both the beginning (cradle) and the end (grave) of his military reputation. He means that this single act made him famous, but he also realizes that it was a foolish and reckless move that could have ended his career or life.
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(iv) Louka: Ha! ha! I expect one of the six of you is very like me, sir; though I am only Miss Raina’s maid.
How does Louka hurt Sergius with this statement?
Louka implies that Sergius, despite his noble rank, is no better than a common servant like herself. She suggests that one of the six soldiers (including Sergius) is morally or socially equal to her, which wounds his pride and sense of superiority.
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(v) Nicola: Indeed ! if the mistress catches you, she'll talk to you.
Why are Nicola and Louka in a conflict?
Nicola and Louka are in conflict because Nicola is cautious and loyal to the Petkoff family, while Louka is rebellious and ambitious. Nicola warns Louka about the mistress's anger, but Louka resents his subservient attitude and wants to rise above her station.
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(vi) Sergius : You may now call me a coward as well I refuse to fight you.
Why does he (Sergius) refuse to fight?
Sergius refuses to fight because he realizes that fighting over a woman (Raina) is beneath his dignity and would be a foolish act. He also wants to appear noble and avoid a petty duel, showing a change in his character from a romantic soldier to a more practical man.
Answer any four of the following questions in about 30 words each :
-
(i) Why has the poet’s request to God been considered foolish? (On His Blindness)
The poet’s request to God to restore his sight is considered foolish because he later realizes that God does not need human work or gifts; true service is patience and submission to His will.
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(ii) Why are the God’s ways considered mysterious? (Light Shining Out of Darkness)
God’s ways are mysterious because He often works through opposites—bringing light out of darkness and good out of evil—which humans cannot fully understand with their limited reason.
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(iii) What are the similarities between winter and old-age? (The Human Seasons)
Winter and old-age both represent a time of decline, stillness, and withdrawal. Just as winter brings cold and bareness, old-age brings physical weakness, loss of vitality, and a retreat from active life.
6. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60–80 words each: 2×5=10
(iv) What does the poet mean by ‘the birthday of my life’? (A Birthday)
The phrase ‘the birthday of my life’ refers to the moment of spiritual awakening or the beginning of a new, joyful phase in the poet’s life. It signifies a rebirth of the heart, where love brings a sense of renewal and celebration, as if life itself is starting afresh with happiness and fulfillment.
(v) ‘When tireless striving stretches its arms …’ Explain ‘tireless striving’. (Where The Mind Is Without Fear)
‘Tireless striving’ means continuous, unceasing effort and hard work without fatigue or giving up. In the poem, it represents the relentless pursuit of knowledge, truth, and perfection. The poet wishes for a nation where people work tirelessly to achieve their goals, constantly improving themselves and their society, never resting until they reach the highest ideals.
(vi) ‘…three in a row, twisting time …’ What does ‘three in a row’ denote? (Braided Lives)
‘Three in a row’ denotes three generations—grandmother, mother, and daughter—whose lives are intertwined like a braid. It symbolizes the continuity of family lineage and the shared experiences, traditions, and struggles that connect them across time. The phrase ‘twisting time’ suggests how their stories and identities are woven together, shaping each other’s destinies.
7. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60–80 words each: 2×5=10
(i) Contrast between Sergius and Bluntschli.
Sergius is a romantic, idealistic, and proud soldier who believes in heroic glory and honor. He is impulsive, dramatic, and easily swayed by emotions. In contrast, Bluntschli is practical, realistic, and professional. He is a Swiss mercenary who sees war as a business, not a romantic adventure. Bluntschli is calm, logical, and down-to-earth, while Sergius is theatrical and self-important. Their contrasting personalities highlight the theme of realism versus romanticism in the play.
(ii) How does Shaw prove that wars are futile?
Shaw proves wars are futile by showing the absurdity and waste of human life. Through characters like Bluntschli, a professional soldier who treats war as a job, and Sergius, whose heroic charge is revealed as a mistake, Shaw mocks the glorification of war. The play’s comic situations, such as soldiers hiding in a bedroom and the ‘chocolate cream soldier’ incident, expose the ridiculousness of military heroism. Ultimately, Shaw suggests that war brings no real victory, only suffering and disillusionment.
(iii) ‘Raina is the real heroine of the drama.’ Write your answer in support of this statement.
Raina is the real heroine because she undergoes significant growth from a romantic, sheltered girl to a mature, practical woman. Initially, she idealizes war and heroism, but her encounter with Bluntschli forces her to confront reality. She learns to value honesty and practicality over romantic illusions. Her courage in hiding Bluntschli, her cleverness in handling situations, and her final choice of Bluntschli over Sergius show her strength and independence. Raina’s transformation drives the plot and embodies the play’s themes.
(iv) Bring out the importance of the ‘coat-incident’ in this drama.
The ‘coat-incident’ is crucial as it reveals the true nature of the characters. When Bluntschli returns the borrowed coat, it exposes Sergius’s hypocrisy and Raina’s romantic lies. The coat becomes a symbol of practicality versus pretence. Bluntschli’s matter-of-fact attitude contrasts with Sergius’s dramatic outrage. This incident leads to the climax where Raina’s illusions are shattered, and she chooses reality over fantasy. It also highlights Shaw’s critique of romantic idealism and the importance of honesty in relationships.
8. Answer any two of the following questions in about 60–80 words each: 2×5=10
(i) Write a short critical appreciation of ‘Life is But A Walking Shadow’.
‘Life is But A Walking Shadow’ is a powerful poem that reflects on the futility and transience of life. The poet uses vivid imagery—a walking shadow, a poor player, a tale told by an idiot—to convey life’s meaninglessness and brevity. The tone is melancholic and philosophical, emphasizing that life is full of sound and fury but ultimately signifies nothing. The poem’s strength lies in its stark, honest portrayal of human existence, leaving the reader to ponder the deeper questions of purpose and mortality.
(ii) What message does ‘To the Cuckoo’ give?
‘To the Cuckoo’ by William Wordsworth conveys a message of the enduring power of nature and memory. The cuckoo’s song brings back the poet’s childhood joys and a sense of wonder. The poem suggests that nature’s beauty and sounds can connect us to our past, offering solace and spiritual renewal. It emphasizes the importance of preserving a childlike appreciation for the natural world, which can bring happiness and inspiration throughout life. The cuckoo becomes a symbol of timelessness and the link between past and present.
7. (iii) Give the central idea of 'Where The Mind Is Without Fear'.
The central idea of Rabindranath Tagore's poem 'Where the Mind is Without Fear' is a prayer for a nation where people are free, enlightened, and united. The poet envisions a world where knowledge is free, truth prevails, and there is no fear or narrow-mindedness. He dreams of a society where people strive for perfection and reason guides their actions, leading to a heaven of freedom.
7. (iv) 'Mirror' is a poem of realistic approach. Explain with three examples.
The poem 'Mirror' by Sylvia Plath is realistic because it presents truth without flattery or emotion. Three examples are:
- The mirror says, "I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions." This shows it reflects exactly what it sees, without bias.
- It states, "I am not cruel, only truthful." This highlights its honest, unemotional nature.
- The mirror describes the woman's aging process factually: "She rewards me with tears and an agitation of hands." It does not soften the reality of growing old.
8. Define any two of the following literary terms: (2×2=4)
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Character
A character is a person, animal, or figure represented in a literary work. Characters can be major (central to the story) or minor, and can be round (complex and developed) or flat (simple and one-dimensional). They drive the plot and convey themes through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
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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 (an outcome opposite to expectations), and dramatic irony (the audience knows something the characters do not).
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Lyric
A lyric is a short poem expressing personal emotions or thoughts, often in the first person. It is musical and subjective, focusing on feelings rather than narrative. Examples include sonnets, odes, and elegies.
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Plot
Plot is the sequence of events that make up a story. It typically includes exposition (introduction), rising action (conflict development), climax (turning point), falling action, and resolution (conclusion). The plot provides structure and drives the narrative forward.