IGNOU MEG 1 Solved Question Paper | June 2021
- Last Updated On August 11, 2025
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Welcome to our blog, In this post, we’re sharing the IGNOU MEG 1 Solved Question Paper of June 2021 examination, focusing on British Poetry.
In this post, we’ll discuss all the answers including the short and long answer questions.
In IGNOU MEG 1 Examination there are total 8 questions out of which students will have to answer 5 questions. Answering question number 1 is compulsory for all the students as it contains the short answer questions.
So whether you are a student of IGNOU MEG 1 looking to ace your examination or a learner willing to increase your knowledge, this blog post will help you in all the ways possible.
Question 1
This question is divided in 4 sub-questions ( a, b, c, d ).
1) Attempt with reference to the context, any two of the following :
(a) As virtuous men pass mildly away,
And whisper to their soules, to goe,
Whilst some of their sad friends doe say,
The breath goes now, and some say, no :
In the opening lines of John Donne’s “A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning,” the poet compares the peaceful death of virtuous men to the quiet, composed parting of lovers. Donne describes how these men “pass mildly away” and “whisper to their souls to go,” indicating their acceptance of death without fear or resistance. Their passing is so gentle that even their friends, who are present, are unsure whether the final breath has been taken—some believe it has, while others doubt.
This serene departure serves as an analogy for how Donne believes he and his beloved should part. Just as virtuous men die without dramatic displays of emotion, Donne urges that their separation should be free from outward signs of grief, such as “tear-floods” and “sigh-tempests.” He suggests that their love is so profound and spiritual that it should not be profaned by public expressions of sorrow.
The comparison between the death of virtuous men and the parting of lovers underscores the poet’s belief in a love that transcends physical presence. By likening their separation to the calm and quiet passing of a soul, Donne elevates their love to a spiritual plane, suggesting that it is enduring and unshaken by physical distance.
In essence, the reference to virtuous men passing away highlights Donne’s argument that true love is eternal and should be approached with the same calm dignity as a virtuous soul’s departure from life. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, where Donne continues to explore the idea of love as a spiritual connection that transcends physical separation.
(b) ‘‘Say Heav’nly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein,
Afford a present to the Infant God ?’’
In the lines “Say Heav’nly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein, / Afford a present to the Infant God?” from John Milton’s poem *”On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity,”* the speaker, Milton, addresses the Muse, a classical symbol of inspiration, asking if she will not provide a gift or hymn to the newborn Christ. The poet seeks divine guidance to compose a worthy tribute for this sacred event, symbolizing the blending of Christian theology with classical literary tradition.
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c) Shut, shut the door, good John ! fatigu’d, I said,
Tye up the knocker, say I’m sick, I’m dead.
The dog-star rages ! nay ’tis past a doubt,
All Bedlam, or Parnassus, is let out :
Fire in each eye, and papers in each hand,
They rave, recite, and madden round the land.
In Alexander Pope’s *”Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot,”* he humorously expresses frustration with the numerous poets and writers who incessantly seek his approval or guidance. Pope begins by instructing his servant John to close the door and feign illness or death to avoid these persistent individuals. The imagery of the “dog-star raging” and “Bedlam or Parnassus being let out” vividly captures the chaotic and irrational behavior of these writers, portrayed as madmen with “fire in each eye” and “papers in each hand.” This hyperbole emphasizes their obsessive need to present their work, regardless of its merit.
Pope’s satire and self-deprecation are evident as he depicts himself as a beleaguered target of these literary figures. He feels overwhelmed by their constant requests for critiques, revisions, or endorsements. The exaggerated comparison of the writers to madmen released from an asylum (Bedlam) or the mythical mountain of the Muses (Parnassus) underscores their desperation and lack of restraint, as well as Pope’s exasperation.
The reference to “Bedlam” symbolizes the madness Pope sees in these writers, while “Parnassus,” associated with the arts, is used ironically to highlight the disconnect between poetic ideals and the frantic reality of these writers. This dual reference critiques both the individuals and the broader literary culture, where the quest for fame often overshadowed genuine quality.
Pope’s command to “tie up the knocker” further illustrates his desire to retreat from the chaos, capturing his weariness and setting the tone for his satirical commentary. Overall, this passage reflects Pope’s disillusionment with a literary culture where quantity often surpassed quality, using humor and hyperbole to critique the writers and the environment that fosters such behavior.
(d) He did not wear his scarlet coat,
For blood and wine are red,
And blood and wine were on his hands
When they found him with the dead,
The poor dear woman whom he loved,
And murdered in her bed.
Oscar Wilde’s passage from “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” poignantly reflects themes of guilt, love, and consequence. The stanza:
“He did not wear his scarlet coat,
For blood and wine are red,
And blood and wine were on his hands
When they found him with the dead,
The poor dear woman whom he loved,
And murdered in her bed.”
introduces a man who has committed the grave crime of murdering the woman he loved. Wilde contrasts the red of blood and wine with the absence of the scarlet coat, a symbol of past honor now tarnished by crime. The color red ties together themes of love, violence, and guilt, emphasizing the tragic irony of the situation.
The “scarlet coat” likely symbolizes a previous life of pride and distinction, possibly hinting at military service or a past of high status. Now, replaced by a “suit of shabby grey,” the coat signifies his fall from grace and the bleakness of his current state.
Wilde’s description of the man found “with the dead” underlines the horror and tragedy of the crime. The phrase “the poor dear woman whom he loved” adds sorrowful depth, contrasting his genuine affection with the brutality of the act. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of human emotions and the tragic irony of his situation.
The poem reflects Wilde’s empathy for the condemned man and offers a critique of the justice system. Through his portrayal of the murderer as a tragic figure grappling with intense guilt, Wilde explores the human capacity for both love and cruelty, ultimately critiquing the harshness of the law and the nature of punishment.
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Question 2
2) Would you agree that the Amoretti Sonnets by Spenser are replete with images of sensuality ? Provide a detailed answer covering the poet, his beloved and the age during which he wrote.
Answer –
Edmund Spenser’s “Amoretti” sonnets, written in the late 16th century, indeed brim with sensual imagery, reflecting both the poet’s personal affection and the broader cultural context of his time. Spenser, a central figure in Elizabethan literature, is renowned for his elaborate use of language and classical influences, evident in his *The Faerie Queene* and *The Shepheardes Calender*. His *Amoretti* collection, composed during his courtship of Elizabeth Boyle, utilizes vivid and sensual imagery to explore themes of love and desire.
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Question 3
This question is divided in 3 sub-questions ( a, b, c ). Students will have to attempt any 1
3) Attempt a critical appreciation of any one of the following poems :
(i) A Nocturnal
(ii) Redemption
(iii) The Garden
(i) “A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy’s Day” by John Donne
John Donne’s “A Nocturnal upon St. Lucy’s Day” presents a rich meditation on despair, love, and the interplay between life and death, all set against the backdrop of the year’s shortest day. The poem, reflecting on the darkness of St. Lucy’s Day, aligns the natural desolation with the speaker’s emotional and spiritual barrenness.
The opening lines set a somber tone: “’Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the day’s,” linking the physical darkness of the winter solstice with the inner darkness of the speaker. The mention of St. Lucy’s Day, known for its association with light amidst darkness, ironically highlights the absence of light in the speaker’s life. Donne uses vivid imagery to convey the idea that the sun, having exhausted its strength, now sends forth only “light squibs” rather than sustaining rays. This metaphor underscores the diminished vitality both in the natural world and in the speaker’s own existence.
The comparison of the speaker’s state to the deadness of the season deepens the sense of isolation and despair. The speaker perceives himself as an epitaph to the world’s deadness, contrasting his profound personal grief with the mere appearance of vitality in nature. This hyperbolic self-deprecation emphasizes the intensity of his emotional suffering and the transformative impact of love. The speaker describes himself as “every dead thing” reanimated by love’s “new alchemy,” reflecting a profound personal transformation wrought by love that has led to his current state of emptiness and loss.
Donne explores paradoxes in the speaker’s experience, such as being “of absence, darkness, death” while simultaneously embodying love’s creative power. This tension highlights the complex nature of the speaker’s relationship with love and its consequences. The final stanzas contrast the speaker’s spiritual desolation with the vibrant life of others, underscoring his isolation and the universal aspect of his lament.
Overall, Donne’s poem reflects deep existential and emotional themes, capturing the speaker’s profound sense of loss and his struggle to reconcile love’s transformative power with the darkness of his own state. The imagery and paradoxes used throughout the poem serve to underscore the intensity of the speaker’s experience and the broader implications of love and despair.
(ii) “Redemption” by George Herbert
George Herbert’s “Redemption” is a profound and evocative poem that explores themes of divine grace, redemption, and the human condition through a vivid allegory. In this poem, Herbert uses the imagery of a tenant seeking a new lease from a wealthy lord to symbolize the soul’s quest for spiritual redemption.
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Question 4
4) Would you agree that Puritanism influenced Milton’s life ? Attempt an answer based on your understanding of the works you have studied.
Puritanism significantly influenced John Milton’s life and work, shaping his intellectual and ideological perspectives. Milton’s engagement with Puritan ideals is evident through his writings, reflecting both alignment with and critique of the religious and political movements of his time.
Raised in a Protestant household during a period of religious upheaval, Milton was deeply affected by Puritan emphasis on personal piety and individual relationship with God. This influence is apparent in his early poetry and prose, where he grapples with themes of divine providence, moral integrity, and spiritual redemption.
Milton’s political writings, such as “Areopagitica” and “The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates,” highlight Puritan values. “Areopagitica,” a defense of free speech and opposition to censorship, reflects Milton’s commitment to individual liberty and personal conscience, aligning with Puritan beliefs in rejecting external authority in matters of faith.
During the English Civil War, Milton supported the Parliamentarian cause and the abolition of the monarchy, aligning with Puritan reformers seeking to purify the Church of England. His writings from this period advocate for religious and political reforms, echoing Puritan calls for a righteous and scripturally-based society.
In “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained,” Puritan influences are evident in Milton’s exploration of theological and moral themes. “Paradise Lost” reflects Puritan concerns with human fallibility, divine justice, and redemption. The epic’s focus on temptation, sin, and salvation aligns with Puritan doctrines of original sin and predestination. Milton’s portrayal of Satan as both a tragic and rebellious figure underscores his engagement with Puritan struggles between good and evil and human free will.
Milton’s personal life and religious convictions also reveal Puritan influence. His ascetic lifestyle, views on marriage, and critique of the established Church reflect Puritan ideals of simplicity and moral rectitude. His writings often critique the perceived corruption within the Church and broader society, reflecting a desire for a purer form of Christianity.
In summary, Puritanism profoundly impacted Milton’s life and work, shaping his political, theological, and literary contributions. His engagement with Puritan values is evident in his advocacy for individual liberty, support for political and religious reforms, and exploration of moral themes in his major works. Milton’s relationship with Puritanism underscores its deep impact on his intellectual and creative endeavors.
Question 5
5) Discuss Mac Flecknoe as a mock-heroic poem.
John Dryden’s *”Mac Flecknoe”* is a prime example of a mock-heroic poem, a genre that uses the grandiose style of epic poetry to satirize a trivial subject. Dryden employs this form to ridicule Thomas Shadwell, a contemporary playwright whom he criticizes for his lack of literary merit.
The poem begins by elevating the theme of succession, mimicking the serious tone of epic tales like Virgil’s *Aeneid* or Homer’s *Iliad*. Dryden presents Richard Flecknoe, a fictionalized version of Shadwell’s father, as a monarch ruling over the realm of “Non-sense,” reflecting the grandiosity of epic kings. Flecknoe, akin to Augustus in epic narratives, decides to pass on his kingdom of dullness to his son, Shadwell, whom he praises for his perfect embodiment of stupidity. This mock-heroic setup parodies the epic tradition of dynastic succession and heroism by substituting it with a farcical transfer of an empire characterized by ineptitude.
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Question 6
This question is divided in 4 questions ( a, b, c, d ). Students will have to attempt any 1
6) Write a detailed answer (based on your readings of Coleridge’s poems), on Coleridge’s contribution to poetry and literature.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s contributions to poetry and literature are significant and transformative, particularly within the Romantic movement. His work is characterized by innovative language use, deep psychological exploration, and a unique blend of the mystical and the real.
Coleridge played a crucial role in shaping Romantic poetry through his imaginative and visionary approach. In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” he masterfully combines supernatural elements with a compelling narrative to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the sublime. The poem’s vivid imagery and symbolic depth reflect Coleridge’s ability to transport readers into a world where nature and the supernatural merge, embodying the Romantic fascination with the mystical and the unknown.
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Question 7
7) Comment on the pre-Raphaelite treatment of women based on your reading of ‘My Sister’s Sleep’ and ‘The Blessed Damozel’.
The Pre-Raphaelite treatment of women in Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s poems “My Sister’s Sleep” and “The Blessed Damozel” provides a nuanced understanding of gender roles, idealization, and the representation of women in art and literature. Through these works, Rossetti explores both the domestic and the ethereal aspects of femininity, reflecting broader Pre-Raphaelite ideals.
In “My Sister’s Sleep,” Rossetti presents a poignant portrayal of a young girl’s death on Christmas Eve. The poem delves into themes of grief and familial love, portraying the deceased sister with a sense of serene beauty and tranquility. The detailed description of the domestic setting emphasizes the deep emotional impact of her loss on the family. Rossetti’s focus on the emotional weight of the sister’s passing highlights a domestic ideal, portraying women as central to the emotional fabric of family life. The mother’s silent grief and the poem’s solemn tone reflect a traditional view of women as bearers of emotional depth and domestic stability.
On the other hand, “The Blessed Damozel” presents a more idealized and mystical vision of womanhood. The poem depicts a heavenly figure, the Damozel, who gazes down from Heaven with a longing for her earthly beloved. Her portrayal is both idealized and passive, embodying the Pre-Raphaelite fascination with medieval and mythological themes. The Damozel’s ethereal beauty, her delicate posture, and her contemplative yearning align with the Pre-Raphaelite ideal of women as pure, otherworldly beings. Rossetti’s depiction of the Damozel emphasizes her spiritual and aesthetic qualities, aligning with the Pre-Raphaelite commitment to representing women as symbols of idealized beauty and virtue.
Both poems reveal the Pre-Raphaelite tendency to place women in roles that emphasize emotional or spiritual significance. In “My Sister’s Sleep,” women are central to the domestic sphere, representing familial bonds and emotional resonance. In contrast, “The Blessed Damozel” portrays women as celestial and idealized figures, reflecting a more detached and artistic vision of femininity.
Rossetti’s treatment of women thus reflects a dual approach characteristic of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: the domestic and the divine. While “My Sister’s Sleep” underscores the role of women in personal and familial contexts, “The Blessed Damozel” highlights their idealization and symbolic representation. This duality underscores the Pre-Raphaelite commitment to exploring the complexities of femininity, blending idealized beauty with profound emotional depth.
In summary, Rossetti’s work illustrates the Pre-Raphaelite treatment of women as embodying both domestic and mystical ideals. Through detailed and evocative portrayals, Rossetti navigates the representation of women as central to both emotional life and spiritual aspiration, reflecting the Pre-Raphaelite fascination with idealized beauty and deep emotional resonance.
Question 8
8) Are ‘poetry, feminine beauty and love’ related to each other in ‘Adam’s Curse’ ? Comment.
In W.B. Yeats’s poem “Adam’s Curse,” the relationships between poetry, feminine beauty, and love are intricately explored, revealing the labor and disillusionment associated with each. Yeats presents these themes as interconnected, reflecting on their mutual demands and inherent challenges.
The poem opens with a discussion on poetry, likening its creation to an arduous task. Yeats suggests that while a line of poetry might appear effortless to the casual observer, it involves significant effort and craftsmanship. This sentiment is expressed in the line, “A line will take us hours maybe; / Yet if it does not seem a moment’s thought, / Our stitching and unstitching has been naught.” Here, poetry is depicted as a demanding pursuit that requires more than just technical skill; it involves a deep, often invisible labor that may not be appreciated by others.
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Question 9
9) Why is Larkin known as an ‘‘uncommon poet for the common man’’ ? Attempt a detailed discussion based on your reading of his works.
Philip Larkin is often regarded as an “uncommon poet for the common man” due to his ability to capture ordinary experiences and existential concerns with a unique and accessible voice. His poetry resonates with everyday realities and anxieties, reflecting a profound understanding of human nature and social conditions.
Larkin’s accessibility stems from his focus on common themes such as love, work, and death, presented through straightforward language and relatable scenarios. For instance, in “Love Again,” Larkin addresses the mundane and often disillusioning aspects of contemporary relationships. The poem depicts a moment of personal reflection, juxtaposing private, mundane experiences with broader existential thoughts. The casual, almost colloquial language (“wanking at ten past three”) grounds the poem in a recognizable reality, making it relatable to many readers who might see their own struggles mirrored in Larkin’s words.
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