Q4 of 13 Page 223

‘Shadow, mist, storm’ on the one hand, ‘flames, fire,’ on the other. Comment on the effect of these and similar images of contrast on the viewer/reader.

The author brings the effect of opposites in parlance yet destructive in action to the story of Prakriti, her mother and Ananda the monk in the narrative. The powerful effect of these phrases is relevant to the similar nature of the social order which discriminates equal human beings by virtue of their house of birth. The play makes many such mentions of opposite and contradictory narratives. When we read such instances, we are moved by the powerful connotation of these words individually. However, the comparative appears less distant as opposed to individual dissimilarities.


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6

‘Acceptance of one’s fate is easy. Questioning the imbalance of the human social order is tumultuous.’ Discuss with reference to the play.

 1

How does the dramatic technique suit the theme of the play?

 2

By focusing attention on the consciousness of an outcast girl, the play sensitises the viewer/reader to the injustice of distinctions based on the accidents of human birth. Discuss how individual conflict is highlighted against the backdrop of social reality.

 3

‘I will enthrone you on the summit of all my dishonour, and build your royal seat of my shame, my fear and my joy’. Pick out more such examples of the interplay of opposites from the text. What does this device succeed in conveying?