Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Embedded Files
Sreela Sengupta
Email: sreela.sengupta@dpsn.org.inSomerita Banerjee
Email: somerita.banerjee@dpsn.org.inStephanie V Atkins
Email: stephanie.v.atkins@dpsn.org.inAmit Dasgupta
Email: amit.dasgupta@dpsn.org.inClass 12
Class 12
Syllabus
Syllabus
The Tempest-Oxford Edition
Chapter: ACT 4, SCENE 1
Short Story - B. Wordsworth
Birches – Robert Frost
About the poet
A short summary
Dover Beach
Dover Beach
Matthew Arnold
About the poet
About the poet
Matthew Arnold (24 December 1822 – 15 April 1888) was an English poet and cultural critic who worked as an inspector of schools. He was the son of Thomas Arnold, the celebrated headmaster of Rugby School, and brother to both Tom Arnold, literary professor, and William Delafield Arnold, novelist and colonial administrator. Matthew Arnold has been characterized as a sage writer, a type of writer who chastises and instructs the reader on contemporary social issues.
A short summary
One night, the speaker of "Dover Beach" sits with a woman inside a house, looking out over the English Channel near the town of Dover. They see the lights on the coast of France just twenty miles away, and the sea is quiet and calm.
When the light over in France suddenly extinguishes, the speaker focuses on the English side, which remains tranquil. He trades visual imagery for aural imagery, describing the "grating roar" of the pebbles being pulled out by the waves. He finishes the first stanza by calling the music of the world an "eternal note of sadness."
The next stanza flashes back to ancient Greece, where Sophocles heard this same sound on the Aegean Sea, and was inspired by it to write his plays about human misery.
Stanza three introduces the poem's main metaphor, with: "The Sea of Faith/Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore." The phrase suggests that faith is fading from society like the tide is from the shore. The speaker laments this decline of faith through melancholy diction.
In the final stanza, the speaker directly addresses his beloved who sits next to him, asking that they always be true to one another and to the world that is laid out before them. He warns, however, that the world's beauty is only an illusion, since it is in fact a battlefield full of people fighting in absolute darkness.
A short summary
One night, the speaker of "Dover Beach" sits with a woman inside a house, looking out over the English Channel near the town of Dover. They see the lights on the coast of France just twenty miles away, and the sea is quiet and calm.
When the light over in France suddenly extinguishes, the speaker focuses on the English side, which remains tranquil. He trades visual imagery for aural imagery, describing the "grating roar" of the pebbles being pulled out by the waves. He finishes the first stanza by calling the music of the world an "eternal note of sadness."
The next stanza flashes back to ancient Greece, where Sophocles heard this same sound on the Aegean Sea, and was inspired by it to write his plays about human misery.
Stanza three introduces the poem's main metaphor, with: "The Sea of Faith/Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore." The phrase suggests that faith is fading from society like the tide is from the shore. The speaker laments this decline of faith through melancholy diction.
In the final stanza, the speaker directly addresses his beloved who sits next to him, asking that they always be true to one another and to the world that is laid out before them. He warns, however, that the world's beauty is only an illusion, since it is in fact a battlefield full of people fighting in absolute darkness.
Analysis
Arguably Matthew Arnold’s most famous poem, "Dover Beach" manages to comment on his most recurring themes despite its relatively short length. Its message - like that of many of his other poems - is that the world's mystery has declined in the face of modernity. However, that decline is here painted as particularly uncertain, dark, and volatile.
What also makes the poem particularly powerful is that his romantic streak has almost no tinge of the religious. Instead, he speaks of the "Sea of Faith" without linking it to any deity or heaven. This "faith" has a definite humanist tinge - it seems to have once guided decisions and smoothed over the world's problems, tying everyone together in a meaningful way. It is no accident that the sight inspiring such reflection is that of untouched nature, almost entirely absent from any human involvement. In fact, the speaker's true reflection begins once the only sign of life - the light over in France - extinguishes. What Arnold is expressing is an innate quality, a natural drive towards beauty.
He explores this contradiction through what is possibly the poem's most famous stanza, that which compares his experience to that of Sophocles. The comparison could be trite, if the point were merely that someone long before had appreciated the same type of beauty that he does. However, it is poignant because it reveals a darker potential in the beautiful. What natural beauty reminds us of is human misery because we can recognize the beauty in nature, but can never quite transcend our limited natures to reach it, we might be drawn to lament as well as celebrate it. The two responses are not mutually exclusive. This contradictory feeling is explored in many of Arnold's poems. Thus, the allusion to Sophocles , a Greek playwright celebrated for his tragedies, is particularly apt.
Such a dual experience - between celebration of and lament for humanity - is particularly possible for Arnold, since mankind has traded faith for science following the publication of On the Origin of Species and the rise of Darwinism. Ironically, the tumult of nature - out on the ocean - is nothing compared to the tumult of this new way of life. It is this latter tumult that frightens the speaker, that has him beg his lover to stay true to him. He worries that the chaos of the modern world will be too great, and that she will be shocked to discover that even in the presence of great beauty like that outside their window, mankind is gearing up for destruction. Behind even the appearance of faith is the new order, and he hopes that they might use this moment to keep them together despite such uncertainty.
The poem epitomizes a certain type of poetic experience, in which the poet focuses on a single moment in order to discover profound depths. Here, the moment is the visceral serenity the speaker feels in studying the landscape, and the contradictory fear that that serenity then leads him to feel. To accomplish that end, the poem uses a lot of imagery and sensory information. It begins with mostly visual depictions, describing the calm sea, the fair moon, and the lights in France across the Channel. "The cliffs of England stand/Glimmering and vast" not only describes the scene, but establishes how small the two humans detailed in the poem are in the face of nature.
Perhaps most interestingly, the first stanza switches from visual to auditory descriptions, including "the grating roar" and "tremulous cadence slow." The evocation of several senses fills out the experience more, and creates the sense of an overwhelming and all-encompassing moment.
The poem also employs a lot of enjambment (the poetic technique of leaving a sentence unfinished on one line, to continue and finish it on the next). The effect is to give the poem a faster pace: the information hits us in rapid succession, forming a clear picture in our minds little by little. It also suggests that Arnold does not wish to create a pretty picture meant for reflection. Instead, the beautiful sight is significant because of the fear and anxiety it inspires in the speaker. Because the poem so wonderfully straddles the line between poetic reflection and desperate uncertainty, it has remained a well-loved piece throughout the centuries.
Dover Beach Summery
Birches
Birches
Robert Frost
About the poet
About the poet
Robert Lee Frost is among the most fecund American writers when it comes to poetry. He was highly appreciated and admired for his realistic portrayal of rural life and his great expertise on American colloquial speech. Most of his astonishing works circle around the rural life settings in New England during early 20th century. He used his own work to analyze complicated social and philosophical themes. His famous works include ‘Fire and Ice’, ‘Mending Wall’, ‘Birches’, ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ and ‘The Road Not Taken’.
A short summary
A short summary
Robert Frost’s icy ‘Birches’ is more than just the fond ramblings of a nature lover. It is also a personal quest to achieve balance between different worlds. Frost expresses this idea using birch trees as an extended metaphor and the recurring motif of a lively lad climbing and swinging down on them. By openly sharing his thoughts and feelings, Frost encourages the reader to identify with the poem and seek out their own harmony. When the narrator looks at the birch trees in the forest, he imagines that the arching bends in their branches are the result of a boy “swinging” on them. He realizes that the bends are actually caused by ice storms - the weight of the ice on the branches forces them to bend toward the ground - but he prefers his idea of the boy swinging on the branches, climbing up the tree trunks and swinging from side to side, from earth up to heaven. The narrator remembers when he used to swing on birches and wishes that he could return to those carefree days.
Explanation of Birches by Robert Frost
Explanation of Birches by Robert Frost
Watch the video from 3 minutes 47 seconds till 10 minutes 2 seconds) Refer to page 9 and 10
Question 2
Question 2
SHOR ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
What did the boy learn from the swinging of the birches? [4]
What does the act of swinging symbolise for the poet? [4]
Do you feel any similarity with “Stopping by the woods”? [2]
Kindly send in your assignment by 25th April, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
sreela.sengupta@dpsn.org.in (XII A and XII C)
somerita.banerjee@dpsn.org.in(XII D and XII G)
stephanie.v.atkins@dpsn.org.in(XII E and XII F)
amit.dasgupta@dpsn.org.in(XII B and XII H)
Watch the video till 3 minutes 46 seconds)Refer to page 9, till line number 27.
Question 1
Question 1
SHOR ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
What changes can be observed in them as the warmth of the sun rises? [2]
Explain the simile used. [2]
What story would the poet like to prefer? [2]
How do the birches look like after a rain on a sunny winter evening? [4]
Kindly send in your assignment by 18th April, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
sreela.sengupta@dpsn.org.in (XII A and XII C)
somerita.banerjee@dpsn.org.in(XII D and XII G)
stephanie.v.atkins@dpsn.org.in(XII E and XII F)
amit.dasgupta@dpsn.org.in(XII B and XII H)
B. Wordsworth
B. Wordsworth
Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul
ISC English | B. Wordsworth | ENGLISH Explanation | Sir V. S. Naipaul.
ISC English | B. Wordsworth | ENGLISH Explanation | Sir V. S. Naipaul.
Refer to page 115-124 (ECHOES)
Question 1
Referring closely to the short story B. Wordsworth:
Describe the interaction between B. Wordsworth and the young narrator. [8]
What did the narrator learn from his friend? [6]
Do you feel B.Wordsworth was an escapist? Give reasons for your answer. [6]
Kindly send in your assignment by 6th April, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
sreela.sengupta@dpsn.org.in (XII A and XII C)
somerita.banerjee@dpsn.org.in(XII D and XII G)
stephanie.v.atkins@dpsn.org.in(XII E and XII F)
amit.dasgupta@dpsn.org.in(XII B and XII H)
The Tempest-Oxford Edition
The Tempest-Oxford Edition
Story line
Story line
Act IV, Scene I of The Tempest is a vigorous celebration scene where Prospero proposes Ferdinand to marry Miranda. The engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand is solemnized. Ferdinand withstands all the trials and tribulations by his fortitude and virility.
Within the play itself, the masque is written in celebration of the betrothal and future marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda, and it provides an allegorical setting for the wedding. Specifically, the masque in The Tempest occurs in Act IV, scene I.
Watch the video from 20 minutes 17 seconds till 39 minutes 35 seconds and
Refer to page 70-76, till line number 264 (Oxford Edition).
Synopsis
Synopsis
Prospero, acknowledging that he has been harsh, now promises a reward that will rectify the young lovers' momentary suffering. Recognizing Ferdinand and Miranda's love for one another — they have passed the trials that Prospero has set before them — he offers Miranda to Ferdinand as his wife. Prospero next calls Ariel to help stage a celebration of the betrothal. The celebration includes a masque, presented by the spirits of the island.
Suddenly Prospero remembers the three conspirators who have set out to murder him and calls a halt to the masque. He then summons Ariel, who reports that he led the three men, all of whom are very drunk, through a briar patch and into a filthy pond, where he left them wallowing. Prospero instructs Ariel to leave garish clothing on a tree to tempt the men.
Soon Caliban, Stefano, and Trinculo appear, foul smelling and wet. Stefano and Trinculo lament the loss of their bottles but are much cheered when they see the clothing hanging nearby. The two ignore Caliban's pleas to continue on their mission and his warnings that their hesitation will lead Prospero to catch them. At that moment, Prospero and Ariel enter with spirits, disguised as hunters and hounds. The three conspirators flee, with the spirits in pursuit. Prospero, acknowledging the power he now holds over all his enemies, promises Ariel that he shall soon be free.
Assignments
Assignments
Week 23rd - 31st March 2020
DATE: 24th March, 2020
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT
Ariel : Thy thoughts I cleave to. What’s thy pleasure ?
Prospero : Spirit , we must prepare to meet with Caliban.
Ariel: Ay, my commander .When I presented Ceres
I thought to have told thee of it, but I fear’d
Lest I might anger thee.
Prospero : Say again , where didst thou leave these varlets ?
For whom is the term varlets being used ? [1]
What comical behaviour of theirs does Ariel narrate now ? [2]
Where had these people being going ? Why ? [2]
Where did Ariel leave them eventually ?What did they do then ? [2]
What does Prospero tell Ariel to do ? Why? [2]
Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage : [1]
cleave
varlets
Kindly send in your assignment by 25th March, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned at bottom of the page.
(Watch the video from 20 minutes 17 seconds till 39 minutes 35 seconds.)
Refer to page 70-76, till line number264 (Oxford Edition)
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
i. Prospers tells about Caliban ‘his mind cankers’...do you agree? Give reasons. [2]
ii. How does Caliban react to the bait put up by Prospero? [2]
iii. What does that reaction suggest about his (Caliban’s) character? [2]
iv. How does Prospero punish the conspirators at the end of the scene? [2]
v. This scene shows the dominance of supernatural. Explain. [2]
Kindly send in your assignment by 25th March, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned at bottom of the page.
Week 17th to 22nd March 2020
(Watch the video till 20 minutes 17 seconds)
Refer to page 64-70, till line number138 (Oxford Edition)
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT
PROSPERO:
If I have too austerely punished you,
Your compensation makes amends, for I
Have given you here a third of mine own life—
Or that for which I live— who once again
I tender to thy hand. All thy vexations
Were but my trials of thy love and thou
Hast strangely stood the test. Here, afore heaven,
I ratify this my rich gift. O Ferdinand,
Do not smile at me that I boast of her,
For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise
And make it halt behind her.
Where is the speaker? Who is being addressed in the above lines? [1]
What punishment is the speaker referring to? [2]
Why was the punishment given to the person addressed? [2]
What did the person being addressed to believe? What did he ‘worthily purchas’d’? [2]
Who enters next in the scene? What was his response? [2]
Give the meanings of : [1]
austerely
vexations
Kindly send in your assignment by 20th March, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Who is Ceres? How is she welcomed? [1+3]
Who is Juno? How does she bless? [2]
How does Ceres bless the couple? [2]
How does Ferdinand respond to this vision? [2]
Kindly send in your assignment by 21st March, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
Referring closely to Act IV, scene i:
Describe the blessings showered by Ceres and Iris on Miranda and Ferdinand. What is the significance of these blessings?[8]
What did Prospero tell Ferdinand just before the masque? What did he emphasize and how did Ferdinand answer him? [6]
What do you conclude about Prospero from the events that occur in the act? [6]
Kindly send in your assignment by 22nd March, 2020 to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below
Kindly send in your assignment & queries to your respective subject teachers. The email addresses are mentioned below:
sreela.sengupta@dpsn.org.in (XII A and XII C)
somerita.banerjee@dpsn.org.in (XII D and XII G)
stephanie.v.atkins@dpsn.org.in (XII E and XII F)
amit.dasgupta@dpsn.org.in (XII B and XII H)
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