1
LOYOLA COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), CHENNAI 600 034
B.A.DEGREE EXAMINATION ENGLISH LITERATURE
FIFTHSEMESTER APRIL 2018
EL 5405- COMPARATIVE LITERATURE-THEORY AND PRACTICE
Date: 10-05-2018 Dept. No. Max. 100 Marks
Time: 09:00-12:00
Part A
I Answer any EIGHT of the following in about 100 words each: x 40)
1. DefineTranslation. Give examples.
2. What are the different types of translation?
3. What is Comparative Literature?
4. Explain the concept of Tinai in Sangam literature.
5. What is epic poetry?
6. What is the difference between epic and tragedy according to Aristotle?
7. Define Realism. Give examples.
8. Write a note on Bible Translation.
9. How did translation studies originate?
10. What is the relationship between translation studies and comparative literature?
Part B
II Answer any TWO of the following in about 250 words each: x 20=40)
11. Compare Shakespeare's portrayal of Miranda in 'The Tempest' and Kalidasa's portrayal of Shakuntala in 'Abijnanashakuntalam'.
12. What are the major themes and motifs in Comparative Literature?
13. Trace the history of translation from the classical times to the 20th century.
Part C
III Answer any ONE of the following in about 250 words: x 20
14. Compare the two tales given below in terms of content, theme and structure:
Androcles and the Lion
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about there he came upon a lion lying down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that the lion did not pursue him, he turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding, and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a dog. Then the lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day used to bring him meat from which to live. But shortly afterwards both Androcles and the lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the lion, after the latter had been kept without food for several days. The emperor and all his court came to see the spectacle, and Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the lion was let loose from his den, and rushed bounding and roaring towards his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles he recognized his friend, and fawned upon him, and licked his hands like a friendly dog. The emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him, who told him the whole story. Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the lion let loose to his native forest.
The Lion and the Mouse
ONCE when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him.
2
"Pardon, O King," cried the little Mouse: "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who knows
but what I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of
the Mouse being able to help him that he lifted up his paw and let him go. Sometime after the Lion
was caught in a trap, and the hunters, who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree
while they went in search of a wagon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by,
and seeing the sad plight, in which the Lion was, sent up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes
that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse.
15. Translate the following poem from Tamil to English and discuss the problems in translating
it.