RBSE Class 12th 2011 English Literature-SS-20-2-2011 Previous Year Papers

SENIOR SECONDARY EXAMINATION, 2011

Optional Group I — HUMANITIES

ENGLISH LITERATURE — Second Paper

Time : 3 Hours     Maximum Marks : 60

Roll No.  

No. of Questions — 8    SS—20-2—Eng. Lit. II

No. of Printed Pages — 7

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE EXAMINEES :

1. Candidate must write first his / her Roll No. on the question paper compulsorily.
2. All the questions are compulsory.
3. Write the answer to each question in the given answer-book only.
4. Answers of the questions having more than one part are to be given together in continuity.

SS—20-2—Eng. Lit. II   [88-539-]   [ Turn over

SECTION - A

1. Explain with reference to the context any four out of the following six passages. Each passage carries 2 marks. 4×2=8

1. (i) “We too have suffered at the hands of man — not tigers and snakes, not elemental forces of nature, but human beings. Men are ever the greatest enemy of Man.”

   Explanation: This passage is from the essay “The Tiger in the Tunnel” or a similar work highlighting the cruelty of humans. The speaker (often a tiger or a victim of human violence) contrasts natural threats with the deliberate harm caused by humans. The context emphasizes that while nature’s forces are impersonal, human beings inflict suffering intentionally, making them the worst enemy of their own kind.

2. (ii) “A young man should break in upon his rules, to stir up energy and keep it from becoming mouldy and lazy; for no course of life is so foolish and feeble as that which is carried out according to rules and discipline.”

   Explanation: This passage is from “Of Studies” by Francis Bacon. Bacon advises that while rules and discipline are useful, a young man must occasionally break them to maintain vigour and avoid stagnation. A life governed solely by rigid rules becomes weak and foolish, lacking the energy needed for growth and action.

3. (iii) “He sees, at one view, the whole thread of my existence, not only that part of it which I have already passed through, but that which runs forward into all the depths of eternity.”

   Explanation: This passage is from “The Greatness of the Soul” or a similar philosophical text. It refers to God’s omniscience—His ability to see the entire span of a person’s life, past, present, and future, in a single moment. The context highlights the divine perspective that transcends human limitations of time.

4. (iv) “A fallen and prostrate India will not be of any help to herself or to the world. A free and enlightened India can be of help to herself and to the world.”

   Explanation: This passage is from “India’s Message to the World” by Swami Vivekananda. He argues that a colonized, weak India cannot contribute to global welfare. Only a free, educated, and spiritually awakened India can serve both its own people and humanity at large. The context is Vivekananda’s call for national regeneration and self-reliance.

SECTION - B

Answer any two out of the following three questions in 10 to 20 words each (Prose). Each question carries 1 mark. (2×1=2)

1. (i) What punishment was given to Sharada? (A Gift from Mother)

   Sharada was punished by being locked in a room or confined to the house.

2. (ii) What promise did Mrs. Heasant make? (Shock Tactics)

   Mrs. Heasant promised not to interfere with her son’s plans or to let him go out alone.

3. (iii) What did Alice ask the cashier? (The Price of Flowers)

   Alice asked the cashier for the price of flowers or how much they cost.

Extract from the passage (for reference):

(v) “I’m going for a doctor to come and see if anything’s the matter with you. Of course it was all a hoax, but no person in his right mind could have believed all that rubbish about murder and suicide and jewels.”

(vi) Never despise those whom you address, whatever you may think of their intellectual attainments. Give them the best you have to give ...

3. Answer any three out of the following five questions in 0 to 20 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 1 mark. 3×1=3

1. (i) Why did Jagan not use a toothbrush?

   Jagan did not use a toothbrush because he believed in using traditional methods like a neem twig for dental hygiene, as per his principles.

2. (ii) Why did Mali want to go to America?

   Mali wanted to go to America to study and pursue a career in filmmaking, as he was fascinated by modern ideas and opportunities abroad.

3. (iii) How old was Mali when Jagan bought a cycle for him?

   Mali was twelve years old when Jagan bought a cycle for him.

4. (iv) What work did Perai Dorai do?

   Perai Dorai worked as a cook in Jagan's house.

5. (v) What punishment was given to Jagan for joining the freedom movement?

   Jagan was imprisoned for joining the freedom movement.

4. Answer any four out of the following six questions in 20 to 40 words each (Prose). Each question carries 3 marks. 4×3=12

1. (i) Write the description of the boy in the story 'The Goat and the Stars'.

   The boy in the story is a poor, lonely child who tends a goat. He is imaginative and finds solace in the stars, dreaming of a better life. He is gentle and deeply connected to nature, often gazing at the night sky.

2. (ii) In what ways Gandhi has worked for the country and the world? (Mahatma Gandhi)

   Gandhi worked for India's freedom through non-violent civil disobedience. He fought against social evils like untouchability and promoted self-reliance (khadi). Globally, his philosophy of non-violence inspired movements for civil rights and peace worldwide.

3. (iii) What according to Lala Lajpat Rai, did Tilak think the object of passive resistance campaign? (Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

   According to Lala Lajpat Rai, Tilak believed the object of passive resistance was to make the government realize the people's strength and to secure political rights through peaceful, non-cooperative methods, ultimately aiming for self-rule (Swaraj).

4. (iv) How does a man use the natural relation? (Unity in Diversity)

   A man uses natural relations by recognizing the inherent unity among all people despite differences in culture, language, or religion. This fosters mutual respect, cooperation, and harmony, strengthening society through diversity.

Section: Fiction

Answer any five out of the following seven questions in 20 to 40 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 2 marks. (5×2=10)

1. (i) Describe the appearance of Jagan.

   Jagan is described as a thin, elderly man with a gentle face, often dressed in simple white clothes. He has a calm demeanor and is known for his honesty and simplicity.

2. (ii) Why could Jagan not complete his B.A.?

   Jagan could not complete his B.A. because he left college to join the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. He was deeply inspired by Gandhian ideals and chose to participate in the struggle for India's independence.

3. (iii) Why did Jagan avoid people after Mali’s arrival with Grace?

   Jagan avoided people because he felt ashamed and embarrassed by his son Mali's marriage to Grace, a foreign woman. He was also uncomfortable with the modern lifestyle and values that Mali and Grace represented, which clashed with his traditional beliefs.

4. (iv) What were the problems faced by the saint?

   The saint faced problems such as lack of food and shelter, and was often misunderstood by society. He struggled to maintain his spiritual practices amidst worldly distractions and faced criticism from those who did not understand his way of life.

5. (v) What did Chinna Dorai tell Jagan about his work?

   Chinna Dorai told Jagan that his work as a weaver was noble and that he should take pride in it. He emphasized that honest labor, no matter how humble, is worthy of respect and that Jagan should continue his craft with dedication.

6. (vi) What explanation did the cousin give about his long absence?

   The cousin explained that he had been away because he was traveling for business purposes and had to stay longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances. He claimed that he was unable to return earlier because of commitments and lack of communication facilities.

7. (vii) What did Jagan’s sister write to him?

   Jagan's sister wrote to him expressing her concern about his health and well-being. She also shared news about the family and urged him to visit them soon, reminding him of their bond and the importance of family ties.

Section: Prose

Answer any two out of the following four questions in 60 to 80 words each (Prose). Each question carries 4 marks. (2×4=8)

1. (i) What did Dantzig write in his ‘Number’? (Mathematics in Ancient India)

   In his work 'Number', Dantzig wrote about the significant contributions of ancient Indian mathematicians to the concept of zero and the decimal system. He highlighted how Indian scholars like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta developed advanced mathematical ideas, including the use of zero as a placeholder and in calculations. Dantzig praised the Indian numeral system for its efficiency and influence on global mathematics, noting that it revolutionized arithmetic and made complex calculations easier. He also discussed the philosophical and practical implications of zero in Indian thought.

Section: Long Answer Questions (4 marks each)

1. What did the people of Bengal do to fight the partition? (Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak)

   The people of Bengal, under the leadership of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, launched a massive movement against the partition of Bengal in 1905. They observed a day of mourning, boycotted British goods, and promoted Swadeshi (use of Indian-made products). They also organized public meetings, processions, and used the press to spread nationalist ideas. The movement united Hindus and Muslims, and the slogan "Vande Mataram" became a rallying cry. This widespread resistance eventually forced the British to annul the partition in 1911.

2. What brought change in Mrs. Heasant's behaviour? (Shock Tactics)

   In the story "Shock Tactics," Mrs. Heasant's behaviour changed due to the shock treatment given by her son, Jim. She was overly protective and controlling, especially regarding Jim's marriage. To make her realize her mistake, Jim pretended to be engaged to a woman of a lower social class. The shock of this news made Mrs. Heasant reconsider her attitude. She eventually accepted her son's choice and became more understanding and less interfering, realizing that love and happiness matter more than social status.

3. Comment on the law of 'Survival of the fittest'. (Unity in Diversity)

   The law of 'Survival of the fittest' is a concept from Darwin's theory of evolution, meaning that only those organisms best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce. In the context of "Unity in Diversity," this law can be seen in how different communities and cultures coexist. Instead of a ruthless competition, the essay emphasizes that diversity itself is a strength. Different groups, by cooperating and respecting each other's differences, create a more resilient society. Thus, the 'fittest' are not the strongest but those who can adapt through unity and mutual understanding.

Section: Answer any two out of the following four questions in 60 to 80 words each (Fiction). Each question carries 4 marks. (2×4=8)

1. What arrangements did Jagan make to stay apart from the unmarried couple?

   Jagan, the father, was deeply disturbed by his son Mali's relationship with a woman named Grace, as they were living together without marriage. To maintain his traditional values and avoid the situation, Jagan decided to move out of the house. He arranged to live separately in a small room above his shop. He also stopped interacting with the couple and focused on his own work and spiritual practices. This physical separation was his way of coping with what he saw as a moral lapse.

2. "A new son in the house is a true treasure in this life and beyond." Comment.

   This statement reflects the traditional Indian belief that a son is not only a source of joy and support in this life but also ensures the spiritual well-being of the parents after death. A son is expected to perform the last rites and carry forward the family name. In the context of the novel, this belief creates pressure on characters like Jagan, who values his son Mali immensely. However, the statement is ironic because Mali's actions (living with Grace without marriage) bring shame rather than treasure, challenging this traditional view.

3. Highlight the qualities of Grace.

   Grace is a modern, independent, and outspoken woman. She is educated and has her own views on life and relationships. She is confident and does not hesitate to express her opinions, even when they clash with traditional values. Grace is also caring and supportive of Mali, but she values her freedom and equality in the relationship. She is practical and realistic, often challenging the older generation's beliefs. Her qualities make her a symbol of change and modernity, though she is often misunderstood by traditional characters like Jagan.

4. The writer has used the flashback technique of narration at several places in the novel. Illustrate any one of them.

   One prominent use of the flashback technique is when Jagan remembers his own youth and his marriage to his wife. He recalls how he was a strict follower of Gandhian principles and how his wife was a traditional homemaker. This flashback is triggered when he sees the modern relationship between Mali and Grace. Through this memory, the reader understands Jagan's conservative mindset and his struggle to accept change. The flashback effectively contrasts the past with the present, highlighting the generation gap and the conflict between tradition and modernity.

SECTION - C

8. Write a critical appreciation of the following passage:

I had flattered myself that my contribution to the woman’s case definitely began with the discovery of Satyagraha. It is believed that the fair sex requires treatment different from men. If it is so, I do not think any man will find the correct solution. No matter how much he tries he must fail because nature has made him different from woman. Only the toad under the harrow knows where it pinches him. Therefore ultimately woman will have to determine with authority what she needs. My own opinion is that, just as fundamentally man and woman are one, their problem must be one in essence. The soul in both is the same. The two live the same life, have the same feelings. Each is a complement of the other. The one cannot live without the other’s active help.