LOYOLA COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), CHENNAI – 600 034
M.A. DEGREE EXAMINATION – ENGLISH LITERATURE
SECOND SEMESTER – APRIL 2012
EL 2955 – BIOGRAPHY AND TRAVELOGUE
Date : 26-04-2012 Dept. No. Max. : 100 Marks
Time : 9:00 – 12:00
- Answer any FIVE of the following not exceeding 50 words each: (5×2=10)
- Define the term ‘biography’ and list down the characteristics of a biography.
- What are the differences between a ‘biography’ and ‘history’?
- Give a precise note on the difficulties experienced by a biographer.
- Distinguish between ‘spiritual’ and ‘secular autobiographies’.
- Point out the salient features of an autobiography.
- Define travel writing and comment on its literary value.
- Briefly describe the seven types and purposes of travel writing.
- Mention the prerequisites for a good travel writer.
- Answer the following questions not exceeding 300 words each: (3×20=60)
- a) Enumerate the psychological conflicts faced by the Franks during the Nazi regime as portrayed in The Diary of Anne Frank.
Or
- b) Sketch the personality of Kiran Bedi as presented in I Dare providing textual insights.
- a) “Indian woman remains the point of unity, unveiling through each single experience … locked in mortal combat…” Elucidate Anees Jung’s remarks on the plight of Indian women as revealed in Unveiling India.
Or
- b) Illustrate Something Beautiful for God by Malcolm Muggeridge as a biographical document that observes the salient features of a good biography in portraying the various aspects of Mother Teresa.
- a) Write about the notable travel writers and their travel works down the ages.
Or
- b) “ S. Naipaul‘s India: A Wounded Civilization (1977) is about a trip that becomes the occasion for extended observations on a nation and people”. Illustrate the statement drawing insights from the essay, India: A Wounded Civilization.
- Answer the following not exceeding 200 words each: (2×15=30)
- Comment on the subject of your choice of biography and explain the process of writing it.
- Observing all the essential features, attempt a piece of travel writing about a place that you have visited.