EnglishNEB 2082 (partial)
Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each. [2×5=10] a) In the essay 'On Libraries' Oliver Sacks talks about two types of libraries. Of them, which library impresses you…
10Write long answers to the following questions in about 150 words each. [2×5=10]
- a) In the essay 'On Libraries' Oliver Sacks talks about two types of libraries. Of them, which library impresses you much ? Why ? (On Libraries) OR How does the essayist differentiate between a married couple and a cohabiting couple ? (Marriage as a Social Institution)
- b) How do both perspectives presented in the story reflect good qualities of Nepal ? (The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun)
Answer
a) On Libraries – The “Living Library” that impresses me
Oliver Sacks describes two kinds of libraries: the “static” library, a repository of printed books that remains unchanged, and the “living” library, a collection of people whose memories, experiences and stories constitute a constantly evolving archive. The living library impresses me most because it embodies the very purpose of a library – the preservation and transmission of knowledge – but does so through human interaction rather than inert pages.
In a living library, each visitor becomes both a reader and a writer; the stories shared are immediate, personal and adaptable to the listener’s context. This dynamism mirrors the way knowledge grows in real life: it is questioned, re‑interpreted and enriched by successive generations. Moreover, the living library breaks the barriers of literacy, language and culture, allowing oral traditions, songs and gestures to be archived alongside printed texts. For a society like Nepal, where oral heritage remains vital, such a library offers a powerful model for safeguarding intangible cultural assets while fostering empathy and community cohesion.
a) Marriage as a Social Institution – Difference between a married couple and a cohabiting couple
| Aspect | Married Couple | Cohabiting Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Recognised by law; rights and duties are codified (e.g., inheritance, property, maintenance). | No formal legal recognition; rights depend on personal agreements or limited statutes. |
| Social sanction | Generally accepted and celebrated by family and community; rituals (wedding) confer legitimacy. | May face social suspicion or stigma, especially in conservative settings; lacks ritual endorsement. |
| Economic security | Access to joint tax benefits, spousal pension, and legal claim to partner’s assets. | Economic ties are informal; separation can be financially precarious without legal safeguards. |
| Commitment symbolism | Public vows and a binding contract signal long‑term commitment. | Commitment is private; may be perceived as provisional or experimental. |
| Rights on dissolution | Clear procedures for divorce, alimony, child custody, and division of property. | No statutory process; separation can lead to ambiguous property and child‑care arrangements. |
The essayist uses these contrasts to argue that marriage, as a social institution, provides a framework of stability, responsibility and communal recognition that cohabitation alone cannot guarantee.
b) How both perspectives in “The Half‑closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun” reflect good qualities of Nepal
The story presents two complementary viewpoints: the Buddhist monk’s serene acceptance of impermanence and the villager’s resilient optimism as the sun sets over the Himalayas. Both perspectives highlight virtues that are deeply rooted in Nepali culture.
Spiritual humility and mindfulness – The monk’s half‑closed eyes symbolize a contemplative attitude that values inner peace over material gain. This reflects Nepal’s long tradition of Buddhist practice, where mindfulness and compassion are cultivated and passed down through monastic education.
Endurance and hope – The villager’s observation of the “slowly sinking sun” conveys a belief that darkness is temporary and that each new dawn brings renewal. This optimism mirrors the Nepali people’s ability to persevere through natural disasters, political upheavals and economic challenges, always looking forward to reconstruction and progress.
Harmony with nature – Both characters respect the natural cycles of light and darkness, embodying Nepal’s reverence for the environment, from the sacred mountains to the river valleys. Their attitudes encourage sustainable living and ecological stewardship.
Collective identity – The monk’s detachment does not imply isolation; rather, it is a service to the community through teaching. The villager’s hope is shared among neighbours, reinforcing the Nepali value of “samajik sahayog” (social cooperation). Together, they illustrate a society that balances individual spiritual growth with communal responsibility.
Thus, the dual perspectives in the narrative celebrate Nepal’s blend of spiritual depth, resilient optimism, ecological reverence, and social solidarity, qualities that continue to shape the nation’s identity.
Discussion
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