Introduction to Prose Special Suggestion

Special Brief Suggestions

1. To which age does Bacon belong?

Ans. Francis Bacon belongs to the Renaissance Age.

2. What does Renaissance mean?

Ans. Renaissance means ‘re-birth’ or ‘revival’.

3. What is antithesis?

Ans. Antithesis: Contrast of ideas or words in parallel structure, creating striking opposition for rhetorical effect.

4. To what does Bacon compare natural abilities?

Ans. Bacon compares natural abilities to natural plants which need care.

5. What was the title given to Bacon?

Ans. Bacon’s title was Viscount St. Albans.

6. What style did Bacon use in writing his essay “Of Studies”? 

Ans. Bacon used an aphoristic style in writing his essay “Of Studies”.

7. In how many classes is a man divided in “Of Studies”? 

Ans. In “Of Studies”, man is divided into crafty, simple, and wise men.

আরো পড়ুনঃ Why Did Tagore Reject His Knighthood? (বাংলায়)

8. What do studies serve?

Ans. Studies serve to give pleasure in the seclusion of private life, for decorating conversation, and for enhancing abilities.

9. Why, according to Bacon, do crafty men scorn studies?

Ans. Crafty men scorn studies because they consider studies useless.

10. What is aphorism?

Ans. Aphorism is a concise statement which expresses a truth or principle.

11. What is the meaning of ‘Abeunt studia in mores’?

Ans. The quotation “Abeunt studia in mores”, taken by Bacon from Latin poet Ovid’s “Heroides” (XV, 83), means studies influence a man’s character and mould his personality.

12. How does Lincoln define democracy?

Ans. Lincoln defines democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

13. What is the name of the battlefield Lincoln talks about in his speech “Gettysburg Address”?

Ans. The name of the battlefield is Gettysburg.

14. What does Abraham Lincoln mean by ‘unfinished task’ in his “Gettysburg Address” speech?

Ans. By unfinished task,’ Lincoln means ensuring liberty and equality for all, regardless of colour or origin.

15. When did Abraham Lincoln deliver his famous speech? 

Ans. Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech on November 19, 1863.

16. What is an epiphora?

Ans. An epiphora is a rhetorical term meaning the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of several clauses.

17. What type of writing is “Gettysburg Address”? 

Ans. It is an oratory.

18. What was the occasion of the “Gettysburg Address”?

Ans. Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of a cemetery.

আরো পড়ুনঃ Why Did Tagore Reject His Knighthood? (বাংলায়)

19. When and why did Rabindranath Tagore reject his Knighthood/ renounce his award? 

Ans. Rabindranath Tagore rejected his Knighthood in 1919 as a protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, condemning the British government’s actions in Amritsar, India, where hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed.

20. When did Rabindranath Tagore write the letter to the Viceroy Lord Chelmsford renouncing the title of Knighthood?

Ans. On 31 May 1919, Tagore wrote his most famous letter to Lord Chelmsford.

21. What, according to Rabindranath Tagore, did the Jalianwa- llahbag massacre reveal to the minds of the Indian people?

Ans. The Jalianwallahbag massacre revealed to the Indian minds the helplessness of their position as British subjects in India.

22. What does the word ‘subjects’ mean in the letter of Rabindranath Tagore? 

Ans. Citizens. 

23. What was the incident that made Tagore write the letter?

Ans. The Massacre of Amritsar

24. What does the ‘dead coolie’ symbolize?

Ans. The ‘dead coolie’ symbolizes the oppressed natives.

25. When did the Jalianwallahbag massacre take place?

Ans. The Jalianwallahbag massacre took place on 13 April,

26. What is Knighthood?

Ans. Knighthood is an honorary title for courage and service, often associated with medieval chivalry, codes of conduct, and nobility.

27. Who was Lord Chelmsford?

Ans. Lord Chelmsford was one of the Viceroys of India.

28. Whom did the narrator refer to as “evil-spirited little beasts”?

Ans. The narrator referred to the Burmese as “evil-spirited little beasts

29. How many shots did it take to collapse the elephant?

Ans. It took three shots to collapse the elephant.

30. What was Orwell’s original name?

Ans. Eric Arthur Blair.

31. What do you understand by the word ‘imperialism?

Ans. Imperialism is a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

32. Whom did the elephant kill?

Ans. The elephant killed a black Dravidian coolie.

33. Who was Martin Luther King Junior?

Ans. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent African-American civil rights movement leader.

আরো পড়ুনঃ Write a Short Note on Eppie’s Character (বাংলায়)

34. Where did Martin Luther King deliver his speech “I Have a Dream”?

Ans. In Washington, D.C.

35. What is an anaphora?

Ans. Anaphora is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis or rhetorical effect.

36. When did the Civil Rights Movement take place?

Ans. The Civil Rights Movement took place in America between 1955 and 1968.

37. Why did Martin Luther King give his “I Have a Dream” speech?

Ans. Martin Luther King gave “I Have a Dream” speech to advocate racial equality and civil rights.

38. What is an allusion?

Ans. An allusion is a brief reference to a person, event, or work of art in literature.

39. What was Martin Luther King’s dream?

Ans. His dream was racial equality.

40. What is an analogy?

Ans. An analogy is a comparison that illustrates a concept by highlighting similarities between different things or ideas.

41. What does Martin Luther King Jr mean by the phrase, “Long night of captivity”?

Ans. Suffering for a long time because of racial discrimination.

42. Who is ‘a great American’ mentioned by Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Ans. Abraham Lincoln.

43. What type of writing is Long Walk to Freedom? 

Ans. Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiographical writing of Nelson Mandela.

44. Why was he expelled from the university?

Ans. He was expelled from the University for joining a student protest.

45. What is the Rivonia trial?

Ans. Rivonia Trial: 1964 South African trial, Nelson Mandela and others charged with anti-apartheid activities and sabotage.

46. When was he relieved of his life imprisonment?

Ans. He was released on 11 February 1990 from Victor Verster Prison from life imprisonment.

47. When did he get his right to vote for the first time?

Ans. On 27 April 1994, he got his right to vote for the first time in his life.

48. How did Mandela’s ‘hunger for freedom’ change his life?

Ans. Nelson Mandela’s quest for freedom evolved from personal to mass level, transforming him from a fearful man to a fearless rebel.

49. Who is called ‘Madiba’?

Ans. Nelson Mandela is called ‘Madiba’.

50. What is the name of Mandela’s political party?

Ans. The African National Congress (ANC) is the name of Mandela’s political party.

51. What type of writing is The Luncheon?

Ans. The Luncheon is a remarkable short story by William Somerset Maugham.

52. Who is the writer of the story?

Ans. William Somerset Maugham.

আরো পড়ুনঃ Write a Note on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (বাংলায়)

53. What is the meaning of ‘Luncheon’?

Ans. The word ‘luncheon’ means a ‘light snack’, but as we can see in the story, a light snack is an abundant and expensive meal.

54. Why could not the author recognize the lady when he saw her for the second time?

Ans. The writer reunited with the guest after 20 years, unable to recognize due to significant weight gain.

55. How did she propose to get a luncheon from the writer?

Ans. The lady also wrote another letter informing the writer that she was passing through Paris and would like to chat with him at a little luncheon at Foyot’s.

56. What is Foyot’s?

Ans. Foyot’s is an expensive restaurant in Paris.

57. How much money did the writer have to run the rest of the month?

Ans. The writer had eighty francs to manage the rest of the month.

58. How was the asparagus?

Ans. Enormous, juicy and delicious asparagus attracted the writer’s senses with its tasty buttery smell.

59. What did the lady order with coffee?

Ans. She ordered an ice cream with coffee.

60. How did the writer get his revenge at last?

Ans. The writer endured torture at the lady’s hands; nature avenged, making her excessively fatty.

61. Who is Jehova?

Ans. Jehovah is a deity in Abrahamic religions, often identified with the God of Israel and Christianity.

62. Where did the author meet the lady for the second time?

Ans. Twenty years later, the author again met the lady in a theatre.

63. How many items of food did the lady guest have at the luncheon?

Ans. The lady guest ate seven items of food: salmon, caviare, asparagus, ice cream, and peach and drank a half-bottle of champagne and a cup of coffee.

64. What type of writing is The Gift of the Magi?

Ans. The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O’Henry.

65. What is the nationality of O’Henry?

Ans. American.

66. Who are the Magi in the story, The Gift of the Magi? Why?

Ans. In the story, The Gift of the Magi, Della and Jim are compared to the Magi.

67. How was Madame Sofronie?

Ans. Madame Sofronie: pragmatic, materialistic, rigid, and composed in her behaviour.

68. How old was Jim?

Ans. Jim was only twenty-two years old.

69. I’m me without my hair, ain’t I?’-Who said it and why? 

Ans. Della told this, fearing that Jim wouldn’t like her sans hair, emphasizing love beyond physical beauty’s significance.

70. What was Jim’s gift for Della?

Ans. Jim bought Della a set of pure tortoiseshell combs with jewelled rims that was highly expensive.

71. What is the original name of O’Henry?

Ans. William Sydney Porter

72. Who are the Magi?

Ans. According to the Christian Bible, the Magi were the three wise men who came to Bethlehem with presents to pay homage to the newborn Christ.

73. Who was Madame Sofronie?

Ans. Madame Sofronie owned the hair shop where Della sold her hair.

74. Where was North Richmond Street?

Ans. North Richmond Street was in Dublin.

আরো পড়ুনঃ Why Did Tagore Reject His Knighthood? (বাংলায়)

75. What is the first thing the girl says to the narrator?

Ans. She asks him if he is going to the bazaar.

76. How does the narrator get to Araby? 

Ans. He takes the train to get to Araby.

77. What does ‘Araby’ stand for?

Ans. Araby stands for an ideal of romance and beauty.

78. What books did the narrator find in his house in the story “Araby”?

Ans. The Abbot by Walter Scott, The Devout Communicant, and The Memoirs of VidocQ.

79. What is the setting of the story ‘Araby’?

Ans. “Araby” is set entirely in Dublin, Ireland.

80. Who was the brother of Laura?

Ans. Laurie was the brother of Laura,

81. How did the dead man look?

Ans. The dead man looked very calm and beautiful, as if he were dreaming

82. What is the real name of Katherine Mansfield?

Ans. Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp.

83. What is criticised in the short story “The Garden Party?

Ans. The class distinction that prevailed in contemporary society is criticized in the short story. “The Garden Party”.

84. Who brought the news of Scott’s death? 

Ans. Godber’s man brought the news of Scott’s death.

85. Who is the central character of “Games at Twilight”?

Ans. Ravi is the central character of “Games at Twilight.”

86. Who was the youngest among the children? 

Ans. Manu was the youngest among the children.

87. What was compared to “mortuary” in “Games at Twilight

Ans. The shed next to the garage was compared to “mortuary” in “Games at Twilight.”

88. What kind of game were the children playing at twilight? 

Ans. In “Games at Twilight”, the game that children play is ‘hide and seek’. 

89. Where did Ravi hide?

Ans. At first, Ravi hid in an upturned flower pot behind the garage. Then he moved from there and hid in the shed next to the garage.

90. Name the games the children play in ‘Games at Twilight’. 

Ans. Hide and seek and funeral game

91. Who is George in the story “Cat in the Rain”?

Ans. George is the husband of the American wife in the story “Cat in the Rain”.

92. Why did the American couple come to Italy?

Ans. The American couple came to Italy to spend their holidays

93. What is ‘Gatto’?

Ans. Gatto’ is an Italian word. The English for the word is ‘cat’.

94. What does the cat stand for in the short story ‘Cat in the Rain’?

Ans. In Hemingway’s “Cat in the Rain”, the cat symbolises a child that the woman desperately wants.

95. What did the maid bring for the Signora?

Ans. The Maid brought a cat for the signora.

96. What is the real name of George Eliot? 

Ans. Mary Ann Evans

আরো পড়ুনঃ How Does Tagore Depict the Colonial Rule in His Letter to Chelmsford? (বাংলায়)

97. Why did George Eliot use a male pen name? 

Ans. She wrote under a pen name, as she felt women writers were not taken seriously.

98. What is the full title of the novel Silas Marner?

Ans. The novel’s full title is “Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe”.

99. What kind of novel is Silas Marner?

Ans. It is a novel of manners.

100. Who is the protagonist of the novel Silas Marner? 

Ans. Silas Marner

101. What is epigraph?

Ans. An epigraph is an extract used as an introduction to a book.

102. What are the moral themes in Silas Marner?

Ans. Those who do good deeds are rewarded, while those who fail in their moral duties to others are punished.

103. Who is Silas Marner?

Ans. Silas Marner is a humble weaver who lives in Raveloe, England. 

104. Who is Eppie?

Ans. Eppie is the daughter of Godfrey Cass in a secret marriage. Silas Marner raises her as his own daughter.

105. Who is Godfrey Cass?

Ans. He is Eppie’s father.

106. What is Raveloe?

Ans. It is a fictional village in the English South Midlands said to be based on the real-life village of Bulkington, Warwickshire.

107. What is foxglove?

Ans. It is a flower prescribed by doctors to cure heart disease.

108. What were the letters on the lardy cakes? 

Ans. I.H.S.

109. What is the meaning of I.H.S.?

Ans. “Jesus, the Saviour of men”.

110. What does Silas name the child?

Ans. The child is named Hepziba.

111. What is the name of Eppie’s cat? Or, What is Puss? 

Ans. Puss is the name of Eppie’s cat.

112. Why is Godfrey absent from the wedding?

Ans. Because he still feels pain for his daughter and has found reason to be out of town.

113. What is the real name of George Eliot?

Ans. The real name of George Eliot is Mary Ann Evans.

114. What does Silas inherit from his mother?

Ans. He has inherited from his mother his knowledge of herbs.

115. Who are the biological parents of Eppie?

Ans. Godfrey Cass and Molly Farren.