Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. [5×2=10] a. How would you react if you were in the young man’s situation at the end of the story? (Neighbours) b. How was…

a. How would you react if you were in the young man’s situation at the end of the story? (Neighbours)

If I were in the young man’s situation, I would likely feel a profound sense of isolation and existential dread. The story’s climax reveals that the "neighbours" are not just physical entities but psychological projections of his guilt and fear. I would realize that my actions have created a prison of my own making. Instead of fleeing, I would attempt to confront the source of my anxiety, recognizing that true freedom lies in accepting responsibility. The horror of the story is not the external threat, but the internal collapse of sanity. I would seek to break the cycle of paranoia by acknowledging my mistakes, understanding that isolation is a choice, not a fate.

b. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s expectation? (A Respectable Woman)

Mrs. Baroda initially expected Gouvernail to be a charming, sophisticated, and perhaps romantic figure, given his mysterious and quiet demeanor. However, he proved to be the exact opposite. He was awkward, shy, and socially inept, lacking the polished charm she had imagined. His presence was not stimulating but rather stifling and uncomfortable. He did not engage in the witty banter or intellectual stimulation she craved. Instead, he was a passive observer, which frustrated her and highlighted her own emotional emptiness. His difference from her expectation forced her to confront her own superficiality and the hollowness of her social life, leading to her eventual self-awareness and respectability.

c. What does the poet say about God’s greatness? (Every Morning I Wake)

The poet asserts that God’s greatness is not found in grand, distant miracles, but in the intimate, daily act of creation. Each morning, the world is renewed, and this continuous act of bringing light and life is a testament to God’s infinite power and love. The poet suggests that God is immanent, present in the simple beauty of the sunrise and the waking world. This greatness is subtle yet profound, requiring no fanfare, only attention. The poet finds awe in the ordinary, recognizing that the sheer fact of existence, repeated daily, is a miracle that reflects God’s boundless creativity and sustaining grace.

d. Where was the author when he was late for lunch? (On Libraries)

The author was in a library when he was late for lunch. He had become so engrossed in reading that he lost track of time. The library provided a sanctuary from the outside world, allowing him to immerse himself in books. This incident highlights his deep passion for reading and the library’s role as a place of intellectual refuge. The author’s lateness was not due to negligence but to the compelling nature of the material he was studying. This experience underscores the library’s power to captivate and transport readers, making them oblivious to their immediate surroundings and responsibilities.

e. Do you think that August Strindberg portrays despair in a very powerful and realistic way? Give a reason. (Facing Death)

Yes, August Strindberg portrays despair in a very powerful and realistic way. His use of stark, unadorned language and the focus on the protagonist’s internal monologue create an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere. The character’s thoughts are fragmented and repetitive, mirroring the mental state of someone trapped in hopelessness. Strindberg does not romanticize death; instead, he presents it as a mundane, inevitable end, which makes the despair feel more authentic and chilling. The lack of external action forces the reader to confront the character’s psychological torment, making the despair visceral and inescapable. This realism is what makes the portrayal so powerful.