MEG 02 Solved Assignment 2023-24: Free PDF

MEG 02 Solved Assignment 2023-24, Solving assignments is a crucial aspect of academic success, and MEG 02 is no exception. To ensure that you submit a high-quality and well-researched assignment for the academic year 2023-24, consider implementing the following strategies.

Understanding the Assignment

Begin by carefully reading and understanding the assignment prompt. Pay attention to the specific requirements, such as word count, formatting guidelines, and any particular instructions given by your course instructor.

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MEG 02 Solved Assignment 2023-24

1. Critically comment on the following passages with reference to the context, in not more than 150 words each:

(a) O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven, It had the primal eldest curse upon’t A brother’s murder! Pray can I not. Though inclination be as sharp as will.

Ans:

“O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven,

It had the primal eldest curse upon’t

A brother’s murder! Pray can I not.

Though inclination be as sharp as will.”

Context: This passage is from Act 3, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” It occurs during a pivotal moment when Claudius, the new king of Denmark, is alone and wrestling with guilt over his heinous act of murdering his own brother, King Hamlet, to ascend to the throne and marry Hamlet’s widow, Gertrude.

Comment: In this powerful soliloquy, Claudius acknowledges the gravity of his sin, comparing it to the first murder ever committed, the biblical story of Cain killing his brother Abel. The use of vivid imagery, such as the phrase “smells to heaven,” emphasizes the intensity of his guilt and the notion that his crime is abhorrent even to divine powers.

Claudius, though remorseful, admits he cannot sincerely pray for forgiveness because he is unwilling to relinquish the crown and the fruits of his crime, indicating his inner conflict between conscience and ambition. This passage showcases Shakespeare’s masterful portrayal of a tormented character struggling with the consequences of his actions.

(b) Galatea never does quite like Pygmalion: relation to her is too godlike to be altogether agreeable.

Ans: In this passage, the author reflects on the relationship between Galatea and Pygmalion from the context of Greek mythology. Pygmalion was a gifted sculptor who created a statue of a woman named Galatea, and through the power of his love and prayers, she was brought to life. The author suggests that while Galatea is grateful for her existence and the gift of life, she cannot fully embrace Pygmalion as a lover due to his godlike status as her creator.

The phrase “relation to her is too godlike” implies that Pygmalion’s role as the divine figure responsible for her existence makes their relationship unbalanced and potentially uncomfortable for Galatea. As a mortal man, Pygmalion cannot truly understand the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Hence, Galatea’s hesitation or unease may stem from her inability to relate to him on an equal level.

The passage sheds light on the theme of human limitations and the complexities of divine intervention in human affairs. It serves as a contemplative reflection on the boundaries between mortal and divine, suggesting that such a union is not without its challenges. The context of Greek mythology and the story of Pygmalion and Galatea provides a rich backdrop for exploring these themes of love, creation, and the interplay between human and divine realms.

(c) What boots it then to think of God or heaven ? Away with such fancies and despair; Despairin God, and trust in Beelzebub … Abjure this magic, turn to God again.

Ans: The given passages are taken from Christopher Marlowe’s play “Doctor Faustus,” which was first performed in the late 16th century. These lines reflect Faustus’ internal conflict and spiritual turmoil as he contemplates the consequences of his actions and choices.

Context: Faustus, the protagonist of the play, is a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for magical powers and worldly pleasures. As he indulges in his newfound abilities, he becomes increasingly aware of the impending damnation and seeks a way to escape his pact with the devil.

Comment: In the first passage, Faustus questions the significance of contemplating God or heaven since he believes he is already damned due to his pact with the devil. He feels trapped in despair, having lost hope in divine mercy. In the second passage, the internal conflict deepens as he considers renouncing magic and turning back to God for redemption.

These lines encapsulate the tragic struggle of Faustus, torn between the allure of power and pleasures offered by the devil and the longing for spiritual salvation. Marlowe’s powerful portrayal of Faustus’ emotional turmoil adds depth to the play’s exploration of the human condition and the consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge.

(d) Astride of a grave and a difficult birth Down in the hole, lingeringly, the gravedigger puts on the forceps. We have time to grow old. The air is full of our cries. But habit is a great deadener.

Ans:

Passage 1:

“Astride of a grave and a difficult birth

Down in the hole, lingeringly,

the gravedigger puts on the forceps.”

Context: These lines are from T.S. Eliot’s poem “East Coker,” which is the second poem in his famous poetry collection “Four Quartets,” published in 1940. The collection explores themes of time, memory, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Comment: In this passage, Eliot uses vivid and symbolic imagery to depict the human condition as being poised between birth and death. The image of being “astride of a grave and a difficult birth” represents the paradoxical nature of life, where we are both coming into existence and moving towards our eventual end simultaneously.

The gravedigger putting on the forceps suggests that even at birth, death and mortality are intertwined with life. This reflection on the cycle of life and death serves as a reminder of the transience of human existence and the inevitability of mortality.

Passage 2:

“We have time to grow old. The air is full of our cries. But habit is a great deadener.”

Context: These lines are also from T.S. Eliot’s “East Coker.” In this section of the poem, Eliot contemplates the passage of time and the impact of habit on human life.

Comment: Here, Eliot explores the notion of time and the monotony of everyday existence. The phrase “We have time to grow old” acknowledges the passage of time and the aging process. “The air is full of our cries” may allude to the struggles, frustrations, and desires that fill human life.

However, Eliot suggests that the repetition of habitual routines can dull the intensity of experiences, becoming a “great deadener.” The poem’s theme conveys the importance of breaking free from habitual patterns to truly engage with life and find meaning beyond the mundane.

The phrase reflects on the human tendency to fall into predictable patterns, leading to a sense of stagnation and complacency. It serves as a call for embracing the present and seeking a more profound and authentic existence.

Section B

1. “Beckett rejects the received logic of form and conventional structure.” Critically comment.

Ans: Samuel Beckett, the renowned Irish playwright and novelist, is indeed known for rejecting the received logic of form and conventional structure in his literary works. His experimental approach to writing challenged traditional narrative techniques, language, and character development, leading to a unique and influential body of work. Here are some critical comments on Beckett’s rejection of conventional structures:

1. Non-Linear Narratives: Beckett’s works often feature non-linear narratives that eschew traditional chronological storytelling. He disrupts the traditional cause-and-effect progression, opting for fragmented and circular structures. In plays like “Waiting for Godot” and novels like “The Unnamable,” Beckett creates a sense of timelessness and existential uncertainty, emphasizing the cyclical nature of human existence rather than adhering to linear plotlines.

2. Minimalism and Absurdity: Beckett’s rejection of conventional structure is evident in his minimalist and absurdist style. He strips his works of excess and external distractions, focusing on the essential elements of human existence. This minimalist approach mirrors the existential themes he explores, emphasizing the emptiness and futility of human existence.

3. Language and Silence: Beckett’s plays and prose often employ sparse and repetitive language, emphasizing the limitations of verbal communication and the inadequacy of language to express profound truths. In doing so, he challenges the conventional notions of language as a tool for clear expression, encouraging readers and audiences to grapple with the ambiguity and complexity of his texts.

4. Deconstruction of Characters: Beckett’s characters are often reduced to archetypal figures or anonymous beings, challenging the traditional idea of fully developed, relatable characters. His characters struggle with identity, memory, and existential dilemmas, embodying the human condition in its most universal form.

5. Absence of Traditional Resolution: Beckett’s works seldom offer conventional resolutions or clear answers. Instead, they explore the human experience through a lens of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving readers and audiences to grapple with the open-ended questions his texts present.

6. Influence on Postmodernism: Beckett’s rejection of conventional structure and his exploration of existential themes have had a significant impact on postmodern literature and drama. His willingness to challenge established norms and his innovative narrative techniques inspired many subsequent writers to experiment with form and push the boundaries of storytelling.

2. Discuss the typical Shakespearean comic elements in the play in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Ans: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare is a classic comedy that exemplifies Shakespeare’s mastery of comedic elements. The play incorporates various Shakespearean comic elements, making it a delightful and entertaining work. Here are some typical comic elements present in the play:

1. Mistaken Identity: Mistaken identity is a common comedic device in Shakespeare’s plays, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is no exception. The play features multiple instances of characters being confused with one another, leading to humorous situations. For example, the fairy Puck’s magic creates confusion among the four lovers, causing them to pursue the wrong romantic partners.

2. Love Triangle and Romantic Entanglements: The play revolves around the theme of love and features multiple romantic entanglements. The love triangle between Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius, along with Helena’s unrequited love for Demetrius, adds a layer of complexity and humor to the story. The tangled relationships and shifting affections create comic misunderstandings and conflicts.

3. Physical Comedy: Physical comedy is prevalent in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The antics of the rude mechanicals, particularly during their comically disastrous performance of “Pyramus and Thisbe,” elicit laughter from the audience. Additionally, the fairy world’s mischievous pranks and tricks add to the physical humor, such as when Puck transforms Bottom’s head into that of an ass.

4. Wordplay and Puns: Shakespeare’s comedies are known for their witty wordplay and puns, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is filled with clever linguistic humor. Characters use puns, malapropisms, and double entendres, adding to the play’s light-hearted and playful tone.

5. Supernatural Elements: The inclusion of fairies and magical beings in the play contributes to its comic elements. The mischievous actions of Oberon and Puck, as well as the humorous encounters between the fairies and the human characters, create a whimsical and fantastical atmosphere.

6. Comic Foils: Shakespeare often employs comic foils, characters whose differences highlight each other’s personalities and traits. In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the mechanicals serve as foils to the elegant and refined Athenian lovers, emphasizing the stark contrast between the worlds of nobility and common folk.

7. Comic Subplots: The play features multiple interconnected subplots, each adding to the overall comedic effect. The subplot involving the bumbling mechanicals and their attempt to put on a play, juxtaposed with the lovers’ tangled romantic affairs, contributes to the play’s sense of farce and humor.

3. What do you think is the dominant quality of Hamlet’s character? Discuss with suitable examples.

Ans: The dominant quality of Hamlet’s character is his indecisiveness and internal conflict. Throughout William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the titular character grapples with moral dilemmas, existential questions, and emotional turmoil, which often hinder his ability to take decisive action. Hamlet’s introspective nature, combined with his deep sense of moral responsibility, leads him to question his actions and motives continually.

Examples of Hamlet’s indecisiveness and internal conflict:

1. Delay in Avenging His Father’s Murder: Hamlet’s most notable struggle is his inability to promptly avenge his father’s murder. After learning of his father’s ghost revealing that he was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet becomes determined to seek revenge. However, he hesitates, questioning the reliability of the ghost and the ethics of committing regicide. This inner conflict results in prolonged delay, which becomes a central theme of the play.

2. Conflicting Emotions: Hamlet experiences a wide range of conflicting emotions, leading to inner turmoil. His love for Ophelia is juxtaposed with his grief over his father’s death and his anger towards his mother’s hasty remarriage. This emotional turmoil further complicates his decision-making process.

3. Soliloquies: Hamlet’s soliloquies provide insight into his introspective nature and illustrate his internal conflict. For example, in the “To be or not to be” soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates the idea of suicide and the nature of existence. His internal struggle over life’s purpose reflects his deep contemplation and indecisiveness.

4. Ambiguity and Doubt: Hamlet’s skepticism and uncertainty play a significant role in shaping his character. He questions the veracity of the ghost’s message, which further muddles his understanding of reality and fuels his indecisiveness. He constantly weighs the consequences of his actions, leading to moments of inaction and hesitation.

5. Feigned Madness: Hamlet’s decision to feign madness complicates his character further. His erratic behavior, intended to deceive others, adds to the confusion and ambiguity surrounding his true intentions. This facade reflects his internal turmoil and his struggle to balance his sense of duty with the complexities of the situation.

4. Can The Alchemist be understood as a satire? Give suitable examples.

Ans: Yes, “The Alchemist” by Ben Jonson can be understood as a satire. The play, first performed in 1610, is a satirical comedy that critiques various social, religious, and cultural aspects of Jacobean society. Jonson uses humor, exaggeration, and irony to expose the follies and vices of his characters and the society they represent. Here are some suitable examples of satire in “The Alchemist”:

1. Satire on Alchemy and Greed: The play revolves around the antics of three con artists, Subtle, Face, and Dol Common, who pose as alchemists to deceive people seeking to make gold or find the philosopher’s stone. Through these characters, Jonson satirizes the foolishness and greed of those who are willing to believe in and invest in fraudulent practices like alchemy, which promised wealth and riches through magical means.

2. Satire on Gullibility: “The Alchemist” features a range of gullible characters who fall prey to the con artists’ schemes. For instance, the characters of Sir Epicure Mammon and Sir Politic Would-Be are easily duped by the false promises of the alchemists. Their willingness to believe in the absurd and their obsession with material gains make them easy targets of satire.

3. Satire on Social Climbing and Pretentiousness: The play also satirizes the social climbers and the pretentiousness of the upper class. Sir Epicure Mammon’s desire to attain wealth and power by any means, including engaging in alchemy, highlights the obsession with social climbing and the pursuit of material wealth prevalent in Jacobean society.

4. Satire on Puritanism: The character of Ananias, a Puritan, is portrayed as hypocritical and overly zealous. He, along with his wife, Tribulation, exposes the sanctimonious and judgmental aspects of Puritanism. Their exaggerated religious fervor becomes a target of Jonson’s satire, criticizing the hypocrisy of those who claim to be pious but are easily deceived by the con artists.

5. Satire on Love and Lust: The play satirizes the theme of love and lust through the character of Dapper, a young lawyer seeking love potions. Dapper’s naivety and willingness to believe in the magical properties of the potion mirror the foolishness and irrationality often associated with love and desire.

Break It Down

Divide the assignment into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline with deadlines for each section to prevent last-minute stress. Breaking down the assignment will help you focus on one aspect at a time, ensuring thorough research and thoughtful responses.

Research

Conduct comprehensive research on the topic provided in the assignment. Utilize academic sources, journals, books, and online databases to gather relevant information. Take notes and organize your findings to make the writing process more efficient.

Plan Your Structure

Create a clear and logical structure for your assignment. Start with an introduction that outlines your main argument or purpose, followed by well-organized body paragraphs, and conclude with a strong summary. Each paragraph should contribute to the overall coherence of your assignment.

Follow Guidelines

Adhere strictly to the guidelines provided for the assignment. This includes formatting, citation style, and any specific requirements outlined in the instructions. Following guidelines not only ensures professionalism but also showcases your attention to detail.

Edit and Proofread

Once you’ve completed the assignment, take the time to edit and proofread your work. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and overall coherence. Consider seeking feedback from peers or professors to gain valuable insights and improve the quality of your assignment.

Plagiarism Check

Before submitting your assignment, run it through plagiarism detection tools to ensure that your work is original. Universities take plagiarism seriously, so make sure to properly cite all sources and provide references.

Time Management

Allocate sufficient time for each stage of the assignment process. Procrastination can lead to rushed work and a lower-quality submission. A well-managed schedule will help you stay on track and produce a polished assignment.

Conclusion

Successfully completing the MEG 02 Solved Assignment for the academic year 2023-24 requires careful planning, thorough research, adherence to guidelines, and effective time management.

By following these strategies, you can enhance the quality of your work and submit an assignment that reflects your academic excellence.