CC-11

Marks: 5
I Cannot Live with You
Q. Emily Dickinson's "I Cannot Live With You" as an anti-love poem./ theme of the
poem/ attitude towards love/ Social picture/ feminist poem/ Why did the poet say ‘I
cannot live you with’/ "And were You - saved - / And I - condemned to be / Where You
were not - / That self - were Hell to Me"/ Our Life – His Porcelain – Like a Cup./
Because Your Face/ Would put out Jesus’.
Ans. Emily Dickinson's "I Cannot Live With You" is a moving meditation of love, death, and
the impossibility of a shared existence. Unlike many love poems, Dickinson adopts a somber
approach to the fundamental contradiction between love and mortality.
The poem begins with a strong statement: "I cannot live with You." This first line quickly sets
the tone for a poem about the intricacies of love and the eventual separation imposed by
death. The poet acknowledges the strength of her affections, but contends that coexistence in
the mortal sphere is impossible as she asserts “Our Life – His Porcelain – Like a Cup”.
The fundamental theme of the poem is the conflict between earthly existence and the
afterlife. Dickinson examines the concept of transcending the boundaries of human existence
to fully be together. The use of the first person establishes a personal and intimate
relationship with the reader, bringing them into the poet's emotional struggle.
Dickinson's vocabulary is both beautiful and reserved, and the poem's tone is melancholy.
The lines "And were You - saved - / And I - condemned to be / Where You were not - / That
self - were Hell to Me" express despondency and acknowledge that separation, even in the
afterlife, would be a type of suffering ‘Because Your Face/ Would put out Jesus’ –This strong
imagery emphasizes the poet's emotional turmoil.
Finally, "I Cannot Live With You" is a powerful anti-love poetry that questions traditional
ideals of love and togetherness. Dickinson faces mortality's unavoidable separation and dives
into the intense inner battle of a love that defies the confines of life and death. The poem
serves as a heartbreaking reminder that, while love might transcend bodily life, it is
frequently accompanied by the misery of unattainability.
I’m Wife I've Finished That
Q. Comment on the title of the poem/ feminist poem/ criticism of the patriarchy/
exploration of life, love, and marriage/ theme of the poem/ role of women
Ans. Emily Dickinson's poem "I’m Wife I've Finished That" can indeed be interpreted as a
feminist work that critiques traditional societal expectations surrounding life, love, and
marriage. The poem challenges the conventional roles assigned to women and explores the
idea of self-discovery and independence.
The title itself, "I’m Wife I've Finished That," suggests a sense of completion or finality
associated with the role of a wife. By claiming to have "finished that," the speaker may be
expressing a sense of liberation from the societal expectations and constraints imposed upon
women within the institution of marriage.
The poem begins with the lines:
"I am Wife; I've finished that—
That other state—"
Here, the speaker identifies herself as a wife and immediately distances herself from "that
other state," implying that being a wife is a distinct condition from something else. This
distinction sets the stage for an exploration of the limitations and expectations associated with
the role of a wife.
The poem goes on to describe the speaker's journey of self-discovery and the realization of
her own identity:
The poem can be seen as a feminist critique of the traditional role of women in marriage,
suggesting that women are more than just wives. By declaring that she has finished being a
wife, the speaker challenges the idea that a woman's identity is solely defined by her marital
status. This assertion aligns with feminist ideals of self-determination and independence.
In conclusion, "I am Wife; I've finished that" can be interpreted as a feminist poem that
challenges the societal expectations placed upon women within the context of marriage. The
speaker asserts her individuality, suggesting that a woman's identity extends beyond her role
as a wife, and she claims agency over her self-discovery and autonomy.

Daddy
Q. Theme of the poem/ feminist poem/ a poem against patriarchy/ symbolism in the
poem/ representation of poet’s father.
Ans. Sylvia Plath's poem 'Daddy' is a strong look at patriarchy and a harsh attack on the
controlling men in the speaker's life." Plath uses colourful and symbolic language to discuss
how a powerful and domineering father can affect a person's emotions, mental health, and
social institutions that promote male dominance.
"Daddy" emphasizes the speaker's emotional and ideological disagreement with her father.
The poem describes what happened after the father died and how his strictness still impacts
the speaker. Plath employs strong symbols to demonstrate the father's oppression. She labels
him a "black shoe" and a "ghastly statue," implying he is too powerful.
Many use the "boot in the face" metaphor to describe how patriarchy traps people. It
symbolizes the speaker's violent and dehumanizing relationship with her father. It also reveals
how society restricts women. Plath's vivid and forceful imagery suffocates, emphasizing how
hard it is to live under a masculine authority figure.
The poem has Holocaust imagery as the speaker compares her father to a Nazi and herself to
a Jew. The criticism becomes more difficult by arguing that the father's tyranny is historical
and societal. Comparing her circumstances to the Holocaust strengthens Plath's denunciation
of patriarchal domination as structural violence.
The speaker metaphorically uses "vampire" to describe the speaker's toxic and draining male
characters. The parent steals the speaker's life and freedom like a monster. This graphic
illustrates the poem's anti-patriarchal theme by showing how unequal power connections
hurt.
Finally, Sylvia Plath's "Daddy" is a forceful and honest critique of male authority. Plath uses
symbols and vivid imagery to highlight how difficult it is to deal with an overbearing father
and how society is designed to maintain men in power. This poem is still a powerful message
against oppression and an important feminist work.

Lady Lazarus
Q. Comment on the title of the poem/ significance of the title/ allusion in the poem/
feminist stylistic approach/ theme of the poem.
Ans. The title "Lady Lazarus" by Sylvia Plath carries significant thematic weight, drawing
upon biblical allusions and resonating with themes of death, rebirth, and a feminist stylistic
approach. Plath, known for her deeply personal and often confessional poetry, uses this title
to set the stage for a complex exploration of identity, resilience, and societal expectations.
The reference to Lazarus, a biblical figure whom Jesus resurrects from the dead, immediately
introduces themes of death and rebirth. In choosing this title, Plath invites readers to
contemplate the notion of resurrection and the cyclical nature of life and death. However, the
use of "Lady" in the title adds a distinct feminist dimension. Plath, as the "Lady Lazarus,"
positions herself as a woman who undergoes her metaphorical deaths and resurrections,
challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
The poem itself delves into the speaker's experiences with suicide attempts and the
subsequent resurrections, both literal and metaphorical. The title, therefore, becomes a lens
through which to view the speaker's struggles with mortality and societal pressures. The
reference to Lazarus serves as a metaphor for Plath's battles with mental health, suggesting
that, like Lazarus, she emerges repeatedly from the darkness, defying the expectations and
limitations imposed upon her.
The feminist stylistic approach in "Lady Lazarus" is evident in the speaker's defiance and
assertion of agency. Plath uses a confessional tone to confront issues of female identity,
portraying the speaker as a woman who resists societal expectations and refuses to be defined
solely by her struggles or her relationships with men. The poem becomes a platform for Plath
to assert her narrative, challenging patriarchal norms and showcasing the strength and
resilience of the female experience.
Moreover, Plath employs vivid and intense imagery throughout the poem, creating a visceral
and emotionally charged atmosphere. The use of Holocaust imagery and the metaphor of the
phoenix further deepen the thematic exploration. The poem becomes a space for Plath to
grapple with the intersections of personal and political, weaving together a narrative that is
both deeply individual and universally resonant.
In conclusion, the title "Lady Lazarus" encapsulates the multifaceted themes of death, rebirth,
and feminist resistance present in Sylvia Plath's poem. Through this title, Plath invites us to
engage with the complexities of her own experiences and the broader societal expectations
placed upon women. The poem stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the female
spirit, challenging traditional narratives and asserting the right to self-definition and resilience
in the face of adversity.

Caged Bird
Q. Write a note on the theme of the poem/ Conflict/ racism/Feminism/symbolism
Ans. Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" is a poignant exploration of themes such as
conflict, racism, and feminism. Through the metaphor of a caged bird, Angelou vividly
captures the struggles and aspirations of individuals, particularly African Americans, in a
society marked by racial oppression and gender inequalities.
1. Conflict:
The poem introduces the notion of conflict through the stark juxtaposition of the caged bird
and the free bird. The caged bird represents those who face societal restrictions, racism, and
discrimination. The conflict emerges from the disparity between the two birds' experiences,
symbolizing the tension and struggle for freedom and equality. The caged bird's song
becomes an expression of defiance, an act of resistance against the constraints imposed upon
it.
2. Racism:
Angelou, a prominent African-American poet and civil rights activist, addresses the theme of
racism with depth and nuance. The caged bird serves as a metaphor for African Americans
who historically faced systemic oppression and racial discrimination. The bars of the cage
symbolize the barriers and limitations imposed by a racist society, restricting the freedom and
opportunities of the marginalized.
3. Feminism:
While the poem primarily addresses racial issues, it also contains elements that resonate with
feminist themes. The caged bird can be seen as a broader symbol for anyone, particularly
women, who grapple with societal expectations and limitations. The feminist undertones
become apparent as Angelou underscores the intersectionality of oppression, acknowledging
that individuals can face multiple forms of discrimination based on both race and gender.
The lines "But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams / his shadow shouts on a nightmare
scream" reflect the resilience and strength of those facing oppression. In highlighting the
impact of racism on dreams and aspirations, Angelou contributes to a broader conversation
about social justice and equality.
4. Symbolism:
The imagery of the caged bird and the free bird serves as a powerful symbol throughout the
poem. The caged bird's song represents the yearning for freedom and equality, while the free
bird's effortless flight symbolizes the privileges and liberties denied to those in marginalized
communities. The use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language enhances the emotional
impact of the poem.
In conclusion, Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" masterfully explores themes of conflict, racism,
and feminism. The poem resonates as a powerful expression of the struggles faced by
marginalized individuals and serves as a call for justice, equality, and the breaking of societal
cages that constrain the aspirations of those yearning for freedom.

Bliss
Q. Imagery in the story
Katherine Mansfield's short story "Bliss," uses images to create a vibrant and evocative
atmosphere that adds symbolic meaning and emotional depth. Story imagery depicts the
outside world, the character's emotions, and concepts of perception and self-awareness.
The pear tree in Bertha Young's yard is full of bright imagery. Mansfield says the tree had
"silver blossom" and "so much beauty it was like a living voice." This imagery depicts natural
beauty and Bertha's idealized life. Bertha's seemingly perfect and abundant life is symbolized
by the pear tree in bloom.
Colours: Mansfield uses a diverse pallet of colours throughout the story, each with symbolic
significance. Red carnations in Bertha's hair, purple plums in the glass dish, and white pear
blooms are eloquently depicted. These colours have symbolic implications and are visually
appealing. Red represents passion and desire, white innocence, and purple richness and
intricacy.
Apples and Forbidden Knowledge: Pearl Fulton's vision of apples is both sensual and
metaphorical. Apples are "round and so red." Red symbolizes temptation, desire, and danger,
like the forbidden fruit. Biting the fruit symbolises Bertha's awakening to forbidden
knowledge.
The Glass Bowl of Plums: Spectacular imagery surrounds the glass bowl of purple plums.
Plums have a "bloom of pale blue," indicating their richness and maturity. Bertha's
enchantment with the plums in the dish suggests unmet desires.
The story ends with a heartbreaking sight of the shifting colours of the sky at sunset. Bertha
watches the sky change from "flame" to "rose" to "copper." Bertha's emotions change as she
faces disclosures and challenges to her joy. Bertha's mental struggle is reflected in the sky.
Mansfield's imagery enhances "Bliss"'s richness. The sensory details and symbolic aspects
help the reader understand the characters' interior landscapes and appearance-reality contrast.
The artwork helps Mansfield examine perception, self-awareness, and the intricacies of
human emotions.

Q. Character of Bertha/ Feminist reading/ Social picture

Ans. Bertha Young, the central character in Katherine Mansfield's "Bliss," is portrayed as a
woman navigating the complexities of social expectations, desire, and self-discovery. Initially
depicted as content and exuberant, Bertha embodies the societal ideal of a happy and
prosperous woman. Her name, "Young," implies a certain naivety, hinting at her innocence
and limited understanding of the complexities of life.
Bertha is an embodiment of the upper-middle-class bourgeois woman, reflected in her idyllic
home, beautiful garden, and seemingly perfect life. However, beneath the surface, Bertha
harbors a yearning for something more profound and meaningful. Mansfield skillfully unveils
Bertha's internal conflicts through vivid imagery, such as the pear tree and the red carnation,
which symbolize her desires and the disruption of her conventional life.
As the narrative progresses, Bertha's emotional landscape becomes more apparent. The
revelations about her husband's affair and her attraction to Pearl Fulton disrupt the illusion of
bliss. Bertha's character evolves, moving beyond societal expectations and hinting at a desire
for a more authentic and liberated existence. Her realization at the end of the story suggests a
newfound awareness of her desires, marking a crucial juncture in her journey toward self-
discovery and a redefinition of bliss. Bertha, initially presented as a conventional figure,
becomes a complex character, reflecting the tensions between societal expectations and
personal fulfilment.

Draupadi
Q. Postcolonial reading of Draupadi/ Feminist reading/ subaltern defiance/
story of resistance/ Character of Draupadi related to Mahabharata’s Draupadi.
Ans. Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi" stands as a powerful literary work that transcends
traditional narratives, offering a postcolonial feminist perspective that challenges dominant
structures and highlights the subaltern voice. The story, a retelling of the Mahabharata,
transforms Draupadi into a symbol of subaltern defiance, weaving together themes of gender,
class, and caste oppression.
In postcolonial feminist discourse, the subaltern refers to marginalized groups, often excluded
or silenced by dominant power structures. Draupadi, a marginalized woman from the lower
caste, becomes a potent symbol of resistance against oppressive forces. Her journey is
emblematic of the struggles faced by subaltern women in a patriarchal and caste-ridden
society.
Draupadi's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of colonial and postcolonial India, where
the intersectionality of her identity – a woman from a lower caste – becomes a site of
multiple oppressions. Through her character, Mahasweta Devi exposes the intersectionality of
gender and caste, illustrating how these systems of power reinforce each other.
Character of Draupadi related to Mahabharata’s Draupadi:
The disrobing of Draupadi in the court, a pivotal moment in the Mahabharata, is reinterpreted
by Mahasweta Devi to symbolize the brutal exploitation and violation faced by subaltern
women. Draupadi's response, however, becomes an act of subaltern defiance. Her refusal to
accept victimhood challenges the established norms and becomes a form of resistance against
both patriarchal and caste-based oppression.
Furthermore, Mahasweta Devi employs a distinct narrative style, incorporating oral traditions
and folklore, giving voice to the subaltern. Draupadi's story is not merely a retelling but a
reclaiming of her agency and identity. Devi's use of language and storytelling techniques
aligns with postcolonial feminist strategies that seek to decenter dominant discourses and
amplify subaltern narratives.
In conclusion, Mahasweta Devi's "Draupadi" emerges as a powerful postcolonial feminist
text, subverting traditional narratives and presenting a defiant subaltern perspective. Draupadi
becomes a symbol of resistance, challenging not only the patriarchal structures but also the
caste-based hierarchies embedded in Indian society. Through this retelling, Devi not only
critiques historical oppressions but also addresses contemporary issues, making "Draupadi" a
seminal work in postcolonial feminist literature.

Amar Jiban
Q. Social picture/ Women’s education/ departure from common patriarchal
belief./ “I was like a cage bird”
Ans. In "Amar Jiban" by Rashsundari Devi, a pioneering autobiographical work in Bengali
literature, the author provides a social picture that challenges prevailing patriarchal beliefs,
emphasizing the transformative power of women's education. Rashsundari's narrative unfolds
against the backdrop of 19th-century Bengal, where societal norms dictated women's roles
within strict patriarchal confines.
Rashsundari's pursuit of education becomes a departure from the common patriarchal belief
that confined women to domestic spaces. Her desire for knowledge transforms her life,
challenging the preconceived notions of her society. The act of learning becomes a
metaphorical departure from the cage of ignorance and subjugation. The phrase "I was like a
caged bird" vividly captures the restrictive nature of traditional gender roles, portraying
Rashsundari's early life as one of confinement and limited opportunities.
Her journey towards education, symbolized by her mastery of the alphabet, becomes a
powerful symbol of liberation. Rashsundari's acquisition of literacy and education allows her
to break free from societal constraints and participate in intellectual and cultural spheres
traditionally dominated by men.
The social picture painted by Rashsundari in "Amar Jiban" illustrates the transformative
impact of women's education on individual lives and societal norms. Her narrative challenges
the prevalent belief that women's primary role is limited to domesticity. Education becomes a
tool of empowerment, enabling Rashsundari to assert her identity and challenge the
established norms that sought to confine her.
Furthermore, Rashsundari's autobiographical work contributes to the broader discourse on
women's emancipation in Bengal during the 19th century. Her story serves as an inspiration
for subsequent generations of women seeking education and independence.
In conclusion, "Amar Jiban" by Rashsundari Devi paints a vivid social picture of a woman's
departure from traditional patriarchal beliefs through the pursuit of education. Rashsundari's
journey from being a caged bird to a literate and empowered individual reflects the
transformative potential of education in challenging and reshaping societal norms. Her
narrative stands as a testament to the resilience of women and their capacity to defy societal
expectations through the pursuit of knowledge.

A Testimony of Our Inexhaustible Treasure

Marks: 10
Q. Spiritual Odyssey./ Significance of the title
Ans. "A Testimony of Our Inexhaustible Treasure," by Pandita Ramabai, is a spiritual journey
that brings readers to a deeper understanding of religion, self-reflection, and salvation.
Ramabai was a great Indian thinker and activist for social change in the nineteenth century.
She wrote this as a memorial to her deep spiritual experiences, showing how belief has a
powerful effect and how the divine and human spirit are forever connected.
"A Testimony of Our Inexhaustible Treasure" is mostly a spiritual autobiography that talks
about Ramabai's personal encounters with God and how her understanding of spirituality has
changed over time. The text goes beyond any one religious theory and instead looks at the
deep connection between the human spirit and the divine in a way that applies to everyone.
Ramabai's spiritual journey starts when she is a child, when she becomes deeply involved
with Hindu rituals and lessons. Her father was a knowledgeable scholar, and he taught her
about different Indian religious practices. These experiences had a big impact on her first
experiences with spirituality. This sets the stage for her spiritual journey and shows how
important it is to accept different religions and be open to them.
Ramabai's spiritual journey goes through a huge change as she faces the trials and problems
of life. The deaths of her parents, the problems she faces as a woman in a society dominated
by men, and the differences she sees in wealth and power all push her to a deeper self-
examination into the meaning of life and the divine harmony of the universe.
Ramabai's spiritual journey goes beyond philosophical ideas and religious limits, showing up
as a real-life experience. People don't see her involvement with different spiritual practices,
including Christianity, as a rejection of her roots, but rather as an expansion of her
understanding of the divine. Spirituality is open to everyone because it recognises that
everyone is spiritual and that different paths may lead to the same final truth.
In addition, the book is a criticism of social norms and faith beliefs that support unfair
behaviour. Ramabai's spiritual journey becomes intertwined with her work to change society.
This shows how true spirituality is inextricably linked to the search for equality, fairness, and
compassion.
Ramabai's quest comes to a head when she has a deep understanding of the limitless wealth
that lives within everyone—a spiritual wealth that is separate from material things. This
understanding isn't separate from the problems she faces; it comes from her ability to get
back on her feet and her unwavering faith in the universe's natural order.
One way to describe Pandita Ramabai's spiritual journey is as a deep and life-changing
journey of the soul. What this story is about is a woman who, despite facing problems, finds a
deep and important connection with the supernatural that goes beyond religious differences.
People who read about her experiences are inspired to think about their own spiritual
journeys and are driven to seek a deeper understanding of the infinite wealth inside.
The main idea of "A Testimony of Our Inexhaustible Treasure" is a spiritual journey that
connects strongly with people's natural desire for meaning, purpose, and connection. The
story by Ramabai makes readers want to go on their own trips of self-discovery and explore
the infinite riches that lie within them.