2. Write short answers to the following questions in about 75 words each. a) Why did the writer go back home after twenty years? (My Old Home) b) According to the author, what are the different…

a) Why did the writer go back home after twenty years? (My Old Home)

The writer, Kalidas Nag, returned to his old home in Kathmandu after twenty years primarily to reconnect with his past and rediscover the essence of his childhood memories. His visit was triggered by a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about how his ancestral home and the surrounding environment had changed over time. The house, once filled with warmth and familial bonds, had become a symbol of his lost innocence and simpler times. Additionally, the writer sought to understand the transformation of his neighborhood, which had been shaped by modernization and urban development. His return was also an emotional journey to pay homage to his late parents and to reflect on the impermanence of life and the passage of time.

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b) According to the author, what are the different things that Nepal has given to the West? (The Half Closed Eyes of the Buddha and ...)

In The Half Closed Eyes of the Buddha, the author, Samrat Upadhyay, highlights several contributions that Nepal has made to the Western world, both culturally and intellectually. These include:

1. Philosophical and Spiritual Influence – Nepal’s ancient spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, have deeply influenced Western thought, particularly in meditation, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices.
2. Art and Aesthetics – Nepalese art, including Buddhist thangkas, Newari architecture, and intricate wood carvings, has inspired Western artists and designers, shaping modern aesthetics.
3. Literature and Storytelling – Nepali folklore, epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and modern Nepali literature have enriched global storytelling traditions.
4. Cultural Symbols – The image of the Buddha, with its serene and contemplative expression, has become a universal symbol of peace and enlightenment in the West.
5. Craftsmanship and Handicrafts – Traditional Nepali crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and metalwork, have influenced Western design and craftsmanship.
6. Gastronomy – Nepali cuisine, particularly momos, dal bhat, and Newari dishes, has gained popularity in Western countries, introducing new flavors to global food culture.

The author suggests that Nepal’s contributions are not just historical but continue to shape modern Western culture in subtle yet profound ways.

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c) Whom does the poet call 'poor creature' and why? Give reasons. (Every Morning I Wake)

In the poem Every Morning I Wake, the poet, W.H. Auden, refers to himself as the "poor creature" who is trapped in a cycle of despair and existential dread. The term "poor creature" symbolizes his deep sense of alienation and helplessness in the face of life’s meaninglessness.

The poet calls himself this because:

1. Existential Anxiety – He feels disconnected from the world, unable to find purpose or joy in his daily existence.
2. Fear of Death – The poem reflects a morbid preoccupation with mortality, making him feel like a helpless being in an indifferent universe.
3. Isolation – His loneliness and inability to connect with others amplify his suffering, reinforcing his self-perception as a "poor creature."
4. Loss of Faith – The poem suggests a breakdown of religious or philosophical beliefs, leaving him in a state of despair.

The term is not just self-pity but a reflection of the human condition—struggling with meaning in an uncertain world.

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d) What makes the author conclude that morality, art, spirituality, and creativity are universal human abilities embedded in our DNA? Give your opinion. (Humility)

In Humility, the author argues that morality, art, spirituality, and creativity are fundamental aspects of human nature because they are deeply rooted in our biological and evolutionary development. Several key observations support this claim:

1. Cross-Cultural Universality – These traits appear in all human societies, regardless of geography or history, suggesting they are innate rather than learned.
2. Neurological Evidence – Studies in neuroscience show that the human brain has specialized regions for empathy (morality), aesthetic appreciation (art), and spiritual experiences, indicating biological foundations.
3. Evolutionary Advantage – Creativity and cooperation (linked to morality) likely aided human survival, making them genetically embedded.
4. Developmental Psychology – Children naturally exhibit moral reasoning, artistic expression, and spiritual curiosity without formal instruction, reinforcing the idea that these abilities are hardwired.

My Opinion: While genetics play a role, these abilities are also shaped by culture and environment. However, the fact that they manifest universally across diverse societies strongly suggests that they are biologically predisposed, making the author’s argument compelling.

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OR

Do you agree with the author that wisdom is more important than knowledge? Why, why not? Give reasons. (Knowledge and Wisdom)

The author’s claim that wisdom is more important than knowledge is largely valid, though both have distinct values. Here’s why I agree:

1. Knowledge is Static; Wisdom is Dynamic – Knowledge provides facts and information, but wisdom applies them meaningfully in real-life situations.
2. Wisdom Promotes Ethical Living – While knowledge can be misused, wisdom guides moral decision-making, leading to better personal and societal outcomes.
3. Long-Term Benefits – Wisdom helps in navigating life’s challenges with resilience, whereas excessive knowledge without wisdom can lead to arrogance or ineffectiveness.
4. Human Growth – True progress comes from understanding, not just accumulation. Wisdom fosters humility, empathy, and self-awareness, which knowledge alone cannot.

However, knowledge is the foundation of wisdom. Without a strong base of information, wisdom cannot develop. Thus, while wisdom is superior in application, knowledge remains essential.

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e) What role does the 'letter' have in the play A Matter of Husbands?

In A Matter of Husbands by Terence, the letter plays a crucial dramatic and thematic role:

1. Plot Device – The letter, written by Phaedria to his wife Philia, reveals his infidelity with Sostrata. Its discovery by Philia and Sostrata creates conflict and drives the plot forward.
2. Comic Element – The letter’s exaggerated, almost absurd details (e.g., Phaedria’s boastful descriptions of his affair) heighten the comedic tension.
3. Character Revelation – It exposes Phaedria’s hypocrisy and the true nature of his relationships, leading to humorous and ironic resolutions.
4. Social Commentary – The play critiques marital infidelity and the absurdity of male pride, using the letter as a tool to satirize societal norms.

Ultimately, the letter serves as the catalyst for the play’s comedic resolution, where misunderstandings are clarified, and characters are reformed through wit and cleverness.