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LOYOLA COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), CHENNAI 600 034
M.A. DEGREE EXAMINATION ENGLISH LITERATURE
SECOND SEMESTER APRIL 2017
16PEL2ES02 BIOGRAPHY AND TRAVELOGUE
Date: 28-04-2017 Dept. No. Max. 100 Marks
Time: 01:00-04:00
I. ANSWER ANY FIVE OF THE FOLLOWING IN ABOUT 75 WORDS EACH:

1. Define the term Travelogue and explain its purpose.
2. Write a brief note on the travel of the children from California to Stamps, Arkansas in Know Why
the Caged Bird Sings.'
3. Why was Marguerite called as Maya?
4. Explain the plight of the soldiers of British Expeditionary Force who fought their way to
Dunkirk.
5. Write a short note on the special features which differentiate a 'Biography' and an 'Autobiography.
6. Comment on Sylvia Nasar's portrayal of the socio-cultural document during the life of John Nash
7. Write down the manner in which 'Autobiography' and 'Travelogue' complement each other
8. List out any four recurring themes in the works of Ngugi Wa Thiango.
II. ANSWER ANY TWO OF THE FOLLOWING IN ABOUT 200 WORDS: (2X15=30)
9. Explain the circumstances that made Maya Angelou mute at the age of eight?
10. Describe how the Blacks gave vent to their emotions in the Church in Know Why the Caged Bird
Sings.'
11. How does Maya Angelou justify the anti-social behaviour of her friends and uncles?
12. Explain the manner in which Sylvia Nasar creates awareness about schizophrenia in her biography.
III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING IN ABOUT 400 WORDS EACH: (3X20=60)
13. "John Nash is no ordinary mathematician, and Sylvia Nasar is no ordinary biographer." Elucidate.

Attempt an essay on the recurring themes in "India A Wounded Civilization."
14. Identify the unique cultural practices of a particular place in India which you have come across
during your travel experiences.
Explain in detail Wa Thiango's state of mind during his detention
15. Describe how Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' throws light on racism which was
rampant during the life of the author.
Comment on Harold Evans's role as an editor in 'The Sunday Times' and later in 'The Times.'