S. P. Dubey English Studies

With Special Reference to the Second Edition of Lyrical Ballads (1800) Useful for UGC/NTA NET/ PGT/ Ph. D Entrance and PG Examinations  Table of Contents Introduction Historical Background Definition of Poetry Poetic Process Subject Matter of Poetry Language of Poetry Concept of the Poet Function of Poetry MCQs Answer Key I. Introduction William Wordsworth is regarded as one of the most influential literary critics of the Romantic age. His critical views are chiefly expressed in the Preface to the Second Edition of Lyrical Ballads (1800), which serves as a manifesto of Romantic literary theory. As a critic, Wordsworth reacted against the artificiality, rigid rules, and poetic diction of Neo-classical criticism. He emphasized emotion, imagination, simplicity, and a close relationship with nature as the true foundations of poetry. His ideas redefined the purpose, language, and subject matter of poetry, making him a pioneer of modern literar...

10 MCQs on Romantic Period – UGC NET / PG Level 10 MCQs on Romantic Period in English Literature Interactive MCQs suitable for UGC NET / PG level exams focusing on Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Byron, and Keats. 1. Romanticism in England officially begins with the publication of: Prelude Lyrical Ballads Defence of Poetry Biographia Literaria Correct Answer: Lyrical Ballads 2. Wordsworth defines poetry as: Imitation of nature Product of reason Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings Ornamented language Correct Answer: Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings 3. “Negative Capability” is associated with: Keats Shelley Coleridge Byron Correct Answer: Keats 4. “Primary and Secondary Imagination” appears in: The Prelude Defence of Poetry Prometheus Unbound Biographia Literaria Correct Answer: Biographia Literaria 5. Shelley calls poets: Makers of beauty Unacknowledged legislators of the world Prophets of...

Table of Contents Introduction Background of the Essay Eliot’s Concept of Tradition The Historical Sense Tradition and the European Literary Canon The Role of the Individual Talent Impersonality of Poetry The Theory of the Catalyst (Chemical Analogy) Eliot’s View of Poetic Creation Critical Evaluation of the Essay MCQs with Answers 1. Introduction T. S. Eliot’s essay Tradition and the Individual Talent (1919) is one of the most influential critical statements of the twentieth century. It reshaped modern literary criticism by redefining the relationship between the poet, tradition, and poetic creation. Eliot challenges the Romantic idea that poetry is primarily an expression of personal emotion and instead emphasizes discipline, impersonality, and historical consciousness. Go to Top 2. Background of the Essay The essay was first published in The Egoist in 1919 and later included in The Sacred Wood (1920). Written in the context ...

Table of Contents Introduction Author Background Summary Characters Themes Setting Literary Devices Moral / Message Critical Analysis Conclusion MCQs: The Last Leaf Introduction "The Last Leaf" is a short story by O. Henry, known for his twist endings. It explores themes of hope, friendship, and sacrifice, set in Greenwich Village, New York. Go to Top Author Background O. Henry (William Sydney Porter, 1862–1910) was an American short story writer famous for his witty stories and surprise endings. His works often depict ordinary life with compassion and irony. Go to Top Summary The story revolves around two young women, Sue and Johnsy, who live together. Johnsy falls ill with pneumonia and loses hope, believing she will die when the last leaf falls from the vine outside her window. Behrman, an elderly artist, paints a leaf on the wall during a storm. Johnsy sees the leaf still there, regains hope, and recovers. Behrman contracts ...

 A Comprehensive Guide for PG and UGC-NET Students Samuel Taylor Coleridge occupies a central position in English literary criticism due to his profound philosophical interpretation of poetic creativity. His theory of Fancy and Imagination , articulated mainly in Biographia Literaria (1817), marks a decisive break from the mechanical view of poetry held by earlier critics. For PG and UGC-NET students, understanding this distinction is essential, as it frequently appears in examinations and forms the foundation of Romantic literary theory. Table of Contents Introduction Philosophical Background of Coleridge’s Theory Coleridge’s Concept of Fancy Coleridge’s Concept of Imagination Primary Imagination Secondary Imagination Difference Between Fancy and Imagination Imagination as the Essence of Poetry Critical Evaluation of Coleridge’s Theory Importance for UGC-NET and PG Students Conclusion Introduction Coleridge's theory of imagination is o...

Ecocriticism is an important contemporary approach in literary criticism that examines the relationship between literature and the physical environment. With increasing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainability, ecocriticism has become one of the most relevant critical theories for students of literature, particularly at BA, MA, and UGC-NET levels. Table of Contents What is Ecocriticism? Ecocriticism Defined Historical Development of Ecocriticism Phases (Waves) of Ecocriticism Indian Scenario Indian Literature and Ecocritical Concerns Postcolonial Ecocriticism Conclusion What is Ecocriticism? Ecocriticism is a branch of literary criticism that examines the relationship between literature and the physical environment. It raises a fundamental question: how do literary texts represent nature, environmental crises, and human responsibility toward the natural world? Emerging prominently in the late...

Contents Introduction Detailed Summary Key Points to Remember कहानी का सारांश: “द डायमंड नेकलेस” Exam-Oriented Questions with  Answers Exam-Oriented MCQs with Answers Introduction Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893) was a renowned French writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest short story writers in literary history. Born in Normandy, France, he was influenced by realism and naturalism. His writing is known for economy of style, psychological depth, and keen observation of human behaviour.  His short story The Diamond Necklace (1884) is a classic realist tale with a powerful ironic ending that exposes human vanity and material obsession. ⬆ Go to Top Detailed Summary One day, her husband brings home an invitation to a grand party at the Ministry. While he is delighted, Mathilde becomes distressed because she has no suitable dress or jewellery. To please her, her husband spends his savings on a new gown. Still unhappy, Mathilde borrows a diamond ...