ENG 226 Final, Spring 2001

American University of Beirut Dr. Atif Faddul June 20, 2001 Time: 2 1/2 hours Engl 226 (Literary Criticism) Final Examination Part I: Answer one of the following questions: (65%) 1. Elaine Showalter’s program for feminist criticism sums up the obstacles facing this movement and the potentials open for it. Discuss this program and comment on it. In what ways is the program of the French feminists different from Showalter’s program. Provide examples. 2. Discuss the differences between a monologic and a dialogic text (Bakhtin) providing examples from works of literature (poems, novels, plays, etc.) for illustration. Then trace the repercusions of Bakhtin’s theory in the work of Roland Barthes, Julia Kristeva and in post-structuralist theory in general. Part I. Write a critical analysis of the following poem, applying one of the critical approaches that we studied. (35%) My Life had stood—a Loaded Gun— To foe of His—I’m deadly foe— In Corners—till a Day None stir the second time-—— The Owner passed—identified— On whom I lay a Yellow Eye— And carried Me away— Or an emphatic Thumb— And now WE roam in Sovreign Woods— Though I than He—may longer live And now We hunt the Doe— He longer must——than I— And every time I speak for Him— For I have had the power to kill, The Mountains straight reply— Without—the power to die— And do I smile, such cordial light Upon the Valley glow— It is as a Vesuvian face Had let its pleasure through— And when at Night—Our good Day done— I guard My Master’s Head— ‘Tis better than the Eider-Duck’s Deep Pillow—to have shared—