Previous Year Questions

Who is Orpheus?

What is the spirit of Renaissance?

Why does Lady Macbeth wish to drive away her feminine qualities?

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd" - Who is the speaker?

Name the good characters in "Volpone".

Why did Shylock break the agreement with Antonio?

Who are the two English travellers in "Volpone"?

What do Faustus and Lucifer have in common?

Who are the university wits in English literature?

Why does the Duchess reveal the identity of her husband to Bosola?

How does Cariola die?

What makes Corbaccio different from other legacy hunters?

What are the terms of Faustus's agreement with Lucifer?

"O soul, be changed into little water drops", what does this expression signify in Dr. Faustus?

How is "Macbeth" different from a classical tragedy?

Elucidate Macbeth's state of mind after committing the murder of Duncan.

Provide a brief account of the trial scene in "Volpone".

How does Mosca describe the beauty of Celia to Volpone?

In which context does this utterance occur - "The misery of us that we are born great! We are forced to woo, because none dare woo us"

What is poetic justice? Trace the elements of poetic justice in "The Merchant of Venice".

Comment on the inner conflict expressed by Faustus in "Dr. Faustus".

How far is Lady Macbeth responsible for the tragic calamity in "Macbeth"?

"Dr. Faustus has only beginning and end but no middle" - Discuss.

Explain how greed has been shown as the master passion in "Volpone".

Evaluate "The Duchess of Malfi" as a portrait of a corrupt society.

Analyze "Macbeth" as a tragedy of ambition.

Assess the role of Portia in the play "The Merchant of Venice".

The moral problem supersedes the revenge theme in the Duchess of Malfi. - Discuss. \`\`\`

What is Trinity?

Who continually urges Faustus to repent for his sins?

Why does Faustus wound his own arm during the play?

What are the names of Duncan's sons in Macbeth?

Which character kills Macbeth at the conclusion of the play?

How do the witches greet Macbeth?

Which religion does Shylock follow in "The Merchant of Venice"?

How is Shylock punished for his demands in court?

Who is the Duke of Calabria?

How did the Cardinal bring about Julia's death in the play?

What is the profession that Volpone particularly admires or enjoys?

What gift does Voltone bring for Volpone?

What parallels can be drawn between Faustus and the myth of Icarus?

Critically comment on the master-servant relationship in "Doctor Faustus".

Discuss, in short, the significance of Macbeth's soliloquies in revealing his character and inner conflicts.

Provide a brief account of the events in the bond-story of The Merchant of Venice.

Describe the key elements of Volpone's Morning Prayer and its significance.

Write a short analysis of Bosola's character in The Duchess of Malfi.

Briefly discuss the significance of the Duchess's defiance of her brothers.

How does Faustus reflect Renaissance values and aspirations?

Discuss the role and impact of the comic scenes in Doctor Faustus.

How would you convince the modern audience that the influence of the three witches over Macbeth is credible?

Analyze the role of Banquo in Macbeth.

Examine the character of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.

Explain how Volpone can be interpreted as a beast fable.

How does Webster's use of imagery enhance the thematic depth of The Duchess of Malfi?

How do the Duchess's hardships portray her as a figure of nobility and strength?

What fault does Faustus find in medical science?

What is hell, according to Mephistophiles?

Why did Lady Macbeth wish to drive away her feminine quality?

How did Antonio express his hatred towards Shylock?

What beasts do the legacy hunters stand for?

What do you mean by "decadent play"?

Why does Volpone feign illness?

Why was Portia compared to Daniel?

Who is Bellona's bridegroom?

Who says "I am a tomb maker"?

What is Antonio's conception of marriage?

What is the name of Macbeth's castle?

What role does Mephistophiles play in "Doctor Faustus"?

Discuss the significance of the dagger scene in Macbeth.

What is dramatic irony? Give some examples of dramatic irony from "Macbeth".

Do you find any poetic justice in the "Merchant of Venice"? Discuss in brief.

Write a short note on the role of law in "The Merchant of Venice".

How are the evil characters punished in "Volpone"?

Describe the wooing scene in "The Duchess of Malfi".

Explain with reference to the context: "I will be Paris, and for love of thee, / Instead of Troy, shall Wittenberg be sacked".

Delineate the character of Dr. Faustus as a tragic hero.

Consider "Doctor Faustus" as a morality play.

What role does Lady Macbeth play in guiding the action of the play "Macbeth"?

Evaluate "Macbeth" as a tragedy of overweening ambition.

Narrate the trial scene of "The Merchant of Venice".

Examine "Volpone" as a comedy of humours.

"Volpone is a satire on the contemporary English society." - Elucidate.

Discuss the theme of corruption as reflected in "The Duchess of Malfi".

What is the spirit of Renaissance?

Why does Faustus want to see Valdes and Cornelius?

What is the cause of Lady Macbeth's madness?

What does Lady Macbeth pray to the spirits when she hears the approaching of Duncan?

What is the agreement between Shylock and Antonio?

Why does the Duke delay the judgement in the Merchant of Venice?

What is comedy of Humours?

How does Ben Jonson express his aim of writing in the prologue to "Volpone"?

With what are Cardinal and Ferdinand compared by Bosola?

Why does Ferdinand pretend to sleep in the court of law?

Who was Tantalus?

What was inscribed on the golden casket?

Why is Dr. Faustus compared to Icarus?

What is the significance of the Seven Deadly Sins in "Doctor Faustus"?

Describe Lady Macbeth's sleep walking scene.

Write a note on the significance of the soliloquies of Macbeth.

Do you think Shylock deserves what happens to him in the play?

Discuss the role of Mosca as a master manipulator.

How does Bonario protect Celia in "Volpone's" room?

What are the tortures inflicted upon the Duchess during imprisonment?

Comment on the inner conflict experienced by Faustus.

Write a composition on Shakespeare's use of supernatural elements in Macbeth.

Evaluate "The Merchant of Venice" as a tragi-comedy.

Write a note on the theme of friendship and loyalty in "The Merchant of Venice".

Discuss the theme of avarice in "Volpone".

What is dramatic irony? Write a synopsis on the use of dramatic irony in "Volpone".

Comment on Webster's use of imagery in "The Duchess of Malfi".

Sketch the role of Bosola as a Machiavellian villain in "The Duchess of Malfi".

How do the three witches address Macbeth?

On what pretext does Lady Macbeth refuse to kill Duncan?

What hinders the singing of the contract between Dr. Faustus and Lucifer?

Who is Mephistophilis?

Why does Shylock hate Antonio?

What happened to Shylock at the end of the suit?

Name the good characters in "Volpone".

How is Volpone punished at last?

What gift does Volpone bring for Volpone?

Whose ring does the Duchess give Antonio?

Why did Bosola give some apricots to the Duchess?

Why does Ferdinand visit the Duchess in a dark room?

What are the five conditions Faustus sets down in the contract?

What prophecies do the witches make about Macbeth and Banquo?

Describe "Bond-story" in brief in "The Merchant of Venice".

What is poetic justice? Trace the elements of poetic justice in "The Merchant of Venice"?

Discuss comedy of humours in the play "Volpone".

What was the last piece of advice of the Duchess to Cariola regarding her children?

Write a short note on "Melodrama".

"O what a world of profit and delight, / Of power, of honour, of omnipotence, / Is promised to the studious artizan." - Locate and explain.

Justify Dr. Faustus as an embodiment of Renaissance spirit.

Evaluate "Macbeth" as a tragic hero.

To what extent do the witches influence Macbeth's decision and action? Discuss.

Narrate the trial scene of "The Merchant of Venice".

Trace the development of the character of Mosca.

Discuss "The Duchess of Malfi" as a revenge tragedy.

"Volpone is a satire on the contemporary English society." - Elucidate.

Is Faustus's damnation justified? Discuss.

Which literary age does Christopher Marlowe belong to?

Who utters the statement "Fair is foul and foul is fair"?

Who are the legacy hunters in "Volpone"?

What is the original name of the play "The Duchess of Malfi"?

What was the name of the Cardinal historically?

What is Corvino by profession?

Name the sons of King Duncan.

What does the phrase "Achilles heel" mean?

"But now I die eternally." - Who is the speaker?

Who kills Macbeth?

Why does Mosca suggest suicide?

Why does Portia disguise herself as a lawyer?

Describe the Helen episode in "Doctor Faustus".

How does Volpone worship his gold?

Describe the scene in which Macbeth was killed.

How is "Volpone" a beast fable?

What is Ferdinand's reaction to the Duchess' death?

What role does Mephistophiles play in "Doctor Faustus"?

How do the evil-doers get their punishment at the end of "Volpone"?

Comment on Lady Macbeth's sleep-walking scene.

Justify Doctor Faustus as an embodiment of Renaissance spirit.

"Volpone is a satire on the contemporary English society." - Elucidate.

How has the personality of the Duchess been glorified through her untold sufferings? Discuss.

To what extent do the Witches influence Macbeth's decision and action? Discuss.

Analyze the role of Portia in the play "The Merchant of Venice".

Sketch the role of Bosola as a Machiavellian Villain in "The Duchess of Malfi".

Narrate the trial scene of "The Merchant of Venice" in brief.

Sketch the character of Mosca as illustrated in the play "Volpone".

"All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand" - Who is the speaker?

Who is the peerless dame of Greece?

What gift does Volpone bring for Volpone?

"Give me my principals and let me go." - Who made this remark?

What was the parting request from the Duchess to Cariola?

Why did Bosola give some apricots to the Duchess?

Describe the wooing scene in "The Duchess of Malfi".

Comment on the opening scene of "Volpone".

"Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles." - Locate and explain.

What is poetic justice? Do you notice any poetic justice in "The Merchant of Venice"?

What melodramatic elements do you find in "The Duchess of Malfi"?

What prophecies do the Witches make about Macbeth and Banquo?

What do Good Angel and Evil Angel allegorise in the life of "Doctor Faustus"?

How does Volpone earn money and gold?

Evaluate "Macbeth" as a tragedy of ambition.

Sketch the character of Lady Macbeth.

Write on "The Duchess of Malfi" as a portrait of a corrupt society.

Discuss "Volpone" as a Comedy of humour.

"The Merchant of Venice" is the finest example of tragic-comedy that we possess. - Discuss.

Depict the character of Lady Macbeth.

Write on the dramatic importance of the "Ring-episode" in "The Merchant of Venice".

Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene of "Doctor Faustus".

What is the sub-title of the play "Volpone"?

What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?

Who is Icarus?

What is Ancona?

Who witnesses the Duchess' remarriage?

What do Faustus and Lucifer have in common?

Who are the legacy hunters in "Volpone"?

Who is Bassanio?

What is Renaissance?

Who is Portia?

Describe the function of choruses in "Doctor Faustus".

Write a short note on decadent play.

How do the evil-doers get their punishment at the end of the play "Volpone"?

Describe the "Bond-Story" in brief in "The Merchant of Venice".

Comment on Lady Macbeth's sleep-walking scene.

How does Bosola become sure that the Duchess is pregnant?

"O Soul, be changed into little water drops, / And fall into ocean, ne'er to be found." - Identify and explain.

What was the last piece of advice of the Duchess to Cariola, regarding her children?

Evaluate Macbeth as a tragedy of ambition.

Discuss Doctor Faustus as a tragic hero.

Write on "The Duchess of Malfi" as a portrait of a corrupt society.

Discuss "Volpone" as a Comedy of humour.

"The Merchant of Venice" is the finest example of tragic-comedy that we possess. - Discuss.

Depict the character of Lady Macbeth.

Write on the dramatic importance of the "Ring-episode" in "The Merchant of Venice".

Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene of "Doctor Faustus".

What is a prologue in a play?

From what animal does the play "Volpone" take its name?

Name the seven deadly sins in "Doctor Faustus".

What is Inverness?

What gift does Volpone bring for Volpone?

Why did Shylock break the agreement with Antonio?

Who is the peerless dame of Greece?

Who is Wagner?

Why does Bassanio want to marry Portia?

Where did the three witches meet?

What message does Delio give the audience in his last words?

What is the dramatic significance of Good Angel and Evil Angel in Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus"?

What melodramatic elements do you get in "The Duchess of Malfi"?

How naturally does Shakespeare handle the supernatural elements in "Macbeth"?

Why does Shylock hate Antonio?

How does Antonio accuse Cariola of betraying him and the Duchess?

Do you find any poetic justice in "The Merchant of Venice"?

Draw a pen-picture of Volpone's morning prayer.

What were the things Dr. Faustus asked Mephistophiles to give him after singing the contract with the devil?

What are the Renaissance elements you find in "Doctor Faustus"?

Evaluate "Macbeth" as a tragic hero.

Narrate the trial scene of "The Merchant of Venice" in brief.

Discuss "Volpone" as a satire on the contemporary English society.

How has the personality of the Duchess been glorified through her sufferings? Discuss.

Justify "Volpone" as a beast fable.

Analyse the role of Portia in the play, "The Merchant of Venice".

What is the function of the comic senses of Dr. Faustus?

What is the sub-title of the play "Volpone"?

Who were the friends of "Doctor Faustus"?

What was the gift of Rosalinda to Orlando when he won the wrestling?

What is Rosalind's name in disguise?

What does the name "Volpone" mean?

What is soliloquy?

Who kills Macbeth?

Who are the three legacy hunters?

Who is Oliver?

Who is Cariola?

What kind of play is "The Duchess of Malfi"?

Who is the professional fool in "As You Like It"?

What prophecies do the Witches make about Macbeth and Banquo?

Write a short note on Revenge Tragedy.

Why did the brothers of the Duchess disagree to her second marriage?

"Good morning to the day, and next, my gold! Open the shrine that I may see my saint." - Explain.

What are the seven deadly sins in "Doctor Faustus"?

What is a beast fable?

What role does Mephistophiles play in "Doctor Faustus"?

How does Volpone earn money and gold?

Discuss Doctor Faustus as a tragic hero.

How far Lady Macbeth is responsible for the tragedy of Macbeth?

Sketch the character of Rosalind.

Discuss "Volpone" as a comedy of humour.

Consider Macbeth as a tragic hero.

Write a note on the contrasting pictures between court life and pastoral life in "As You Like It".

Discuss "The Duchess of Malfi" as a revenge play.

Write a note on the role of Bosola in "The Duchess of Malfi".