ENG 215 Final, Spring 1999

English 215 Final Exam- Spring 1999 PART ONE ce ...........Allis not theirs, it seems; One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge called, Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden? Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their lord Envy them that? Can it be sin to know? Can it be death? And do they only stand By ignorance, is that their happy state, The proof of their obedience and their faith?” Paradise Lost (Book IV, Il. 513-20) beceees If they all things, who enclosed Knowledge of good and evil in this tree, That whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains Wisdom without their leave? And wherein lies The offence, that man should thus attain to know? What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree Impart against his will, if all be his? Or is it envy, and can envy dwell In heavenly breasts?” Paradise lost (Book IX, 11.722-30) Questions A. Who is the speaker in the above two quotations? B. What do the above two quotations reflect about the character of the speaker? C. Analyse the two passages, relating them to two major themes in the epic. D. Is there any distinctive stylistic pattern in the two passages? II. PART TWO Choose one of the following topics and write a well-organised essay: A. Discuss the treatment of man’s relationship with God in two of the following writers: John Donne, George Herbert, Robert Herrick, Thomas Browne, John Milton. B. Discuss the theme of love in two of the following writers: John Donne, Thomas Carew, Andrew Marvell, John Milton. C. Whom do you think is the writer who best represents the seventeenth century in its political, religious, scientific and cultural conflicts? Discuss the work of this writer as a reflection of his age. GOOD LUCK Fe a en j MORIOAN Gs Wrrsrpy P LEBER Ry a