ISC EXAMINATION PAPER - 2025

ENGLISH PAPER-2
[LITERATURE IN ENGLISH]
Class-12th
(Solved)
Maximum Marks: 80 Time Allotted: Three Hours Reading Time: Additional Fifteen Minutes

Instructions to Candidates:
1. You are allowed an additional fifteen minutes for only reading the question paper.
2. You must NOT start writing during reading time.
3. It has five questions in all.
4. Answer all questions.
5. While answering Question 1 in Section A, you are required to write only ONE option as the correct answer.
6. Internal choice has been given in the long answer question on Drama, Prose and Poetry.
7. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions in Section B.
8. The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [].

SECTION A- 20 MARKS

Question 1  [10]
Choose the correct options for the following questions.
(1) How does Ross describe Macduff to Lady Macduff in Act IV Scene ii of the play, Macbeth?
(a) Noble, wise and judicious
(b) Dishonest, cowardly and foolish
(c) Ambitious, cruel and secretive
(d) Loyal, brave and trustworthy
(ii) In his soliloquy in Act III Scene i of the play, Macbeth, which one of the following does Macbeth refer to
as a reason for fearing Banquo?
(P) Banquo is close to Lady Macbeth.
(Q) Banquo is royal in nature.
(R) Banquo’s descendants will become kings.
(S) Banquo is a poor advisor.
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (Q) and (R)
(c) Only (R) and (S)
(d) Only (P) and (S)
(iii) “Nought’s had, all’s spent,
Where our desire is got without content;”
What does this quote by Lady Macbeth in Act III Scene ii of the play, Macbeth, reveal about her mental
state?
(a) She feels Duncan’s murder was worth the effort.
(b) She is greedy for power.
(c) She is afraid of spending money.
(d) She realises the futility of power.
(iv) In Act V Scene v of the play, Macbeth, what is Macbeth’s first reaction when the messenger informs him
that “the wood began to move”?
(a) He disbelieves the messenger and calls him a “liar.”
(b) He wants to see the sight for himself.
(c) He sends a message to his General.
(d) He loses all hopes.
10 ISC, ENGLISH PAPER-2 (Language), Class-XII

(v) Why did Charushashi smash Tarapada’s flute in the short story, Atithi?
(a) Sonamani had gifted the flute to Tarapada.
(b) She felt the sound of the flute was not sweet.
(c) She wanted to give Tarapada another flute.
(d) She was overcome with jealously and anger.
(vi) What does the ever-ticking clock in the short story, There Will Come Soft Rains, symbolise?
(a) Mankind has been destroyed.
(b) Punctuality is important.
(c) Time is all powerful and ever present.
(d) Humans can win over time.
(vii) Read the following two statements from the short story, The Medicine Bag, and choose the correct option
from the ones given below.
Statement I: “Tomorrow,” he said, “when you come home, it will be time to give you the medicine bag.”
Statement II: I felt a hard squeeze from where my heart is supposed to be and was scared, but I answered,
“OK, Grandpa.”
(a) Statements I and II are similar.
(b) Statements I and II are not related to each other.
(c) Statement II is the reason for Statement 1.
(d) Statement I is the reason for Statement II.
(viii) Which one of the following BEST describes Beethoven’s father’s attitude to him in the poem, Beethoven?
(a) He was overbearing.
(b) He was rude.
(c) He drove Beethoven to perfection.
(d) He wanted him to be successful.
(ix) In the poem, Small Towns and the River, what is the river compared to?
(a) A waterfall
(b) The sky full of stars
(c) A torrent of grief
(d) A meadow of flowers
(x) In the poem, Tithonus, what does Tennyson illustrate through the image of ‘the woods decay and fall....
Man comes and tills the field and lies beneath,”?
(a) Nature’s bias against humans
(b) The natural cycle of life and death
(c) The concept of immortality
(d) Humans’ command over nature
Question 2 [10]
Complete the following sentences by providing a reason for each in brief. Do not write the question.
(i) In Act III Scene v of the play, Macbeth, Hecate is angry with the three witches because _______________.

(ii) In Act IV Scene iii of the play, Macbeth, Malcolm is suspicious of Macduff ’s intentions because _______.

(iii) In Act V Scene i of the play, Macbeth, the doctor says, “This disease is beyond my practice” because ____.

(iv) In Act IV Scene i of the play, Macbeth, Macbeth gets angry at the witches when they show him the vision
of the line of kings because ________________.

(v) In the short story, The Medicine Bag, Martin and his family felt guilty when ‘Grandpa’ travelled all alone
to their home because ________________.

(vi) In the short story, The Cookie Lady, when Bubber informs Mrs. Drew that it would be his last visit, she is
stunned because ________________.

(vii) In the short story, Atithi, Motilal Babu is initially reluctant to marry his daughter to Tarapada because
________________.

(viii) In the poem, Tithonus, Tithonus terms his immortality ‘cruel’ because ________________.

(ix) In the poem, Beethoven, the musicians made fun of Beethoven’s madness because ________________.

(x) In the poem, Telephone Conversation, the speaker on the phone makes a ‘self-confession’ because
________________.
 SOLVED PAPER - 2025 11

SECTION B - 60 MARKS
MACBETH – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Question 3
(i) How does Lady Macduff respond to her husband’s sudden departure in Act IV Scene ii? What does her [5]
response suggest about her nature?
Incorporate the following details and write your answer in a short paragraph of 100–150 words.
• Lady Macduff ’s accusations
• Aspects of her nature
(ii) What secrets does Lady Macbeth reveal as she walks in her sleep in Act V Scene i? What changes do you [5]
notice in her from the Banquet scene in Act III?
Incorporate the following details and write your answer in a short paragraph of 100–150 words.
• Utterances in sleepwalking
• Her conduct in the Banquet scene and the Sleepwalking scene
(iii) (a) Do you think that Malcolm has the kingly qualities that Macbeth lacks? Justify your answer in 200–250 [10]
words by referring to the Acts studied.
OR
(b) The minor characters in the play act as commentators to the events that unfold in Scotland. Discuss the [10]
statement in 200–250 words with reference to the Acts studied.

PRISM – A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES

Question 4
(i) In the short story, Indigo, Bhola Babu warns Aniruddha against undertaking a solo car journey from [5]
Calcutta to Dumka. Describe the consequences of Aniruddha’s decision.
Incorporate the following details and write your answer in a short paragraph of 100–150 words.
• Obstacles faced by Aniruddha in the journey
• Effect on him
(ii) Referring closely to the short story, There Will Come Soft Rains, describe any four routine activities [5]
performed by the automated devices. Comment on their significance.
Write your answer in 100–150 words incorporating the following details.
• Description of any four activities
• Significance of the activities
(iii) (a) Why do Martin’s friends appreciate his ‘Grandpa’ in the short story. The Medicine Bag? How does [10]
peer pressure affect Martin’s attitude towards his ‘Grandpa’? Answer in 200–250 words.
OR
(b) Explore Tarapada’s relationship with Annapurna and Charushashi in the short story, Atithi. Why, in [10]
your opinion, does Tarapada leave Kathaliya? Answer in 200–250 words.

RHAPSODY – POETRY
Question 5
(1) How does the poet depict the eternal nature of the river in the poem, Small Towns and the River? [5]
Write your answer in 100–150 words incorporating the following details.
• Journey of the river through the land and the town
• Poet’s view of the river
(ii) Describe Beethoven’s efforts to live up to his father’s expectations. Write your answer in a short [5]
paragraph of about 100 incorporating the following aspects incorporating the following aspects.
• His father’s expectations and treatment of Beethoven
• Difficulties Beethoven faced in fulfilling those expectations
(iii) (a) The poem, Telephone Conversation, does not unite but separates the two individuals engaged in a [10]
telephone conversation. Analyse the statement in 200–250 words.
OR
(b) With reference to the theme of immortality, analyse the portrayal of Eos/Aurora in the poem, Tithonus, in [10]
200–250 words.
12 ISC, ENGLISH PAPER-2 (Language), Class-XII

Answers
SECTION A clock’s persistence also serves as a stark reminder of
Answer 1 the fleeting nature of human existence in the face of
(i) Correct Option: (a) Noble, wise and judicious the vastness of time.
Explanation: In Act IV, Scene ii, Ross describes (vii) Correct Option: (d) Statement I is the reason for
Macduff to Lady Macduff as someone who Statement II.
possesses wisdom and good judgment. He says Explanation: Grandpa’s announcement in
that Macduff is “noble”, “wise” and “judicious”, Statement I about passing on the medicine bag
highlighting his honourable character and ability to triggers Martin’s emotional and fearful reaction in
make sound decisions. Statement II. The weight of the tradition and the
(ii) Correct Option: (b) Only (Q) and (R) responsibility of receiving the medicine bag cause
Explanation: In his soliloquy in Act III, Scene i, Martin to feel scared, making Statement I the reason
Macbeth expresses his fear of Banquo because for Statement II.
of Banquo’s noble nature and the prophecy that (viii) Correct Option: (c) He drove Beethoven to
Banquo’s descendants will become kings. Macbeth perfection.
sees Banquo as a threat to his own power and fears Explanation: The poem depicts Beethoven’s father
that Banquo’s lineage will eventually usurp him. as a harsh and demanding figure. He constantly
(iii) Correct Option: (d) She realises the futility of power. pushed Beethoven to play better, never deeming
Explanation: Lady Macbeth’s quote in Act III, Scene his efforts “good enough”, even resorting to
ii, reveals her growing disillusionment with the physical punishment. This relentless pressure,
pursuit of power. She recognises that even though although abusive, was ultimately aimed at making
she and Macbeth have achieved their desire of Beethoven a musical genius, effectively driving him
becoming king and queen, they have not found to perfect his craft.
contentment. The word ‘content’ is used to suggest (ix) Correct Option: (c) A torrent of grief
‘substance’ and ‘satisfaction’ at the same time. This Explanation: In the poem “Small Towns and the
realisation highlights the emptiness and futility River”, the river is compared to a “torrent of grief”
of their ambition, suggesting that the cost of their in summer. This comparison suggests the river’s
actions outweighs the rewards of power.
powerful and overwhelming nature, mirroring the
(iv) Correct Option: (a) He disbelieves the messenger intensity of sorrow and loss. The image also evokes
and calls him a “liar.”
a sense of the river’s relentless flow, carrying away
Explanation: In Act V, Scene v, when Macbeth hears the burdens and sorrows of the town, much like
that Birnam Wood is moving towards Dunsinane,
grief can wash over and consume a person.
his initial reaction is of disbelief. He refuses to
believe the messenger’s report and accuses him (x) Correct Option: (b) The natural cycle of life and
of lying. This reaction stems from Macbeth’s death
overconfidence and the emptiness of his ambition. Explanation: The lines describe the cyclical nature of
(v) Correct Option: (d) She was overcome with jealously existence in the natural world. Woods decay, vapours
and anger. fall as rain, humans till the land and die and even the
Explanation: Charushashi smashed Tarapada’s long-lived swan eventually succumbs to death. This
flute out of jealousy and anger. She was envious imagery emphasises the universal and inevitable
of the attention and affection he received from her process of birth, growth, decay and death that all
parents and others in the village. Feeling threatened living things experience, highlighting the contrast
by his presence, she resented his talent and with Tithonus’s unnatural, unending existence.
popularity. Her destructive act was a manifestation Answer 2
of her frustration and her desire to regain control (i) they interfered with Macbeth’s fate without
and attention. consulting her, undermining her authority and
(vi) Correct Option: (c) Time is all powerful and ever disrupting her plans.
present.
(ii) he fears Macduff might be an agent of Macbeth,
Explanation: The ever-ticking clock in the story sent to lure him into a trap and betray him.
symbolises the relentless and indifferent nature of
time. Even though humanity has been destroyed, (iii) Lady Macbeth’s condition is psychological and
the clock continues to mark time, oblivious to the spiritual, stemming from guilt and madness, rather
absence of humans. This highlights the idea that than a physical ailment he can treat.
time marches on regardless of human events, (iv) it reveals that Banquo’s descendants will inherit the
emphasising its power and omnipresence. The throne, threatening his own power and legacy.
 SOLVED PAPER - 2025 13
(v) they realised how lonely and frail he had become “starting”. However, in the sleepwalking scene, her
after their visits. subconscious exposes her true feelings of remorse,
(vi) she has become reliant on Bubber’s visits to restore guilt and fear, revealing the profound psychological
her youth. toll of her and Macbeth’s actions. She is no longer
(vii) Tarapada comes from a poor family. Motilal the strong, ambitious woman orchestrating events,
Babu, being a wealthy zamindar, desires a but a broken figure haunted by guilt.
more advantageous match for his daughter (iii) Malcolm demonstrates several kingly qualities that
and is concerned about the social and financial Macbeth conspicuously lacks, making Malcolm a
implications of marrying her to someone from a more suitable ruler. While Macbeth is driven by
lower economic background. ambition and resorts to violence and deception
(viii) it prevents him from experiencing the natural cycle to attain and maintain power, Malcolm displays
of life and death. integrity, wisdom and a genuine concern for
(ix) they were trying to understand the connection his kingdom. In Act IV, Malcolm initially tests
between his perceived insanity and his extraordinary Macduff’s loyalty, pretending to have vices to
talent. They mimicked his movements in an attempt gauge Macduff’s true motivations. This reveals
to decipher the source of his genius, particularly the Malcolm’s prudence and his understanding of
relationship between his deafness, his “intimacy the dangers of courtly deceit, a lesson Macbeth
with silence”, and his profound musical creations. never learns. He is cautious, unlike the impulsive
Macbeth. Furthermore, Malcolm’s conversation
(x) he anticipates racial prejudice from the landlady.
with Macduff reveals his deep love for Scotland.
He knows that revealing his African identity might
He laments the suffering under Macbeth’s tyranny
lead her to refuse him housing, so he chooses to
and expresses a sincere desire to restore order and
disclose it upfront rather than waste time and effort
justice. This patriotic sentiment contrasts sharply
if she is unwilling to rent to him because of his race.
with Macbeth’s self-serving ambition.
SECTION B Malcolm also demonstrates strategic thinking and
Answer 3 leadership in planning the invasion of Scotland.
(i) Lady Macduff responds to Macduff’s departure with He forges alliances with England, secures military
anger and disbelief, accusing him of abandoning his support and carefully considers the best course of
family. She questions his wisdom and love, stating, action. Moreover, Malcolm acknowledges his own
“He loves us not; he wants the natural touch”, weaknesses and seeks counsel, demonstrating
humility and a willingness to learn—qualities
comparing him unfavourably to even the smallest
absent in the increasingly arrogant and isolated
bird that protects its young ones. Her accusations
Macbeth.
reveal her feelings of betrayal and vulnerability,
as she believes Macduff’s flight has left them Finally, Malcolm’s declaration at the end of the
play, outlining his plans for restoring peace and
defenceless. This response highlights her forthright
order, shows his commitment to good governance.
and passionate nature, as she openly criticises her
He promises to reward those who served the state
husband’s actions without hesitation. Additionally,
and to punish the guilty. This sense of justice and
her conversation with her son showcases her wit
responsibility is the mark of a true king and stands
and resilience, as she engages in playful yet poignant
in stark contrast to Macbeth’s tyrannical reign.
banter with him, even in the face of impending
OR
danger. Her final line, “I have done no harm”, reflects
(b) Minor characters in Macbeth act as a chorus,
her innocence and moral integrity, underscoring her
reflecting Scotland’s decline and deepening
tragic role as a victim of Macbeth’s tyranny. Overall,
the play’s themes. Their observations highlight
Lady Macduff’s response reveals her as a strong,
Macbeth’s tyranny. For instance, in Act III, Scene
outspoken and loving character, deeply hurt by her
vi, Lennox and a Lord subtly express doubt
husband’s absence but determined to face adversity about Macbeth’s actions, signaling the growing
with courage. atmosphere of fear, distrust, and oppression in
(ii) In Act V, Scene i, Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking Scotland. They subtly question his motives for
reveals her deep guilt and tormented conscience. Banquo’s murder and Macduff’s flight, recognising
Her utterances betray her involvement in the the growing atmosphere of fear and distrust. Their
murders of Duncan, Banquo and Lady Macduff. She guarded language reflects the pervasive paranoia
compulsively tries to wash imaginary blood from her and the danger of speaking openly against the king.
hands, crying, “Out, damned spot!” This contrasts In Act IV, Scene ii, Lady Macduff’s lament to her
sharply with her composed and manipulative son about her husband’s abandonment and the
demeanour at the banquet in Act III, where she perilous times reflects the widespread suffering
skilfully deflects attention from Macbeth’s erratic of innocent people under Macbeth’s reign. The
behaviour. During the banquet, she maintains messenger’s warning to Lady Macduff underscores
a facade of control, even chiding Macbeth for his the pervasive fear and the arbitrary nature of
14 ISC, ENGLISH PAPER-2 (Language), Class-XII

Macbeth’s violence. Even the doctor in Act V, watering the plants and maintaining the exterior,
Scene i, observing Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking, symbolising the house’s care for its environment.
recognises the “unnatural deeds” and the “infected These activities are significant as they underscore
minds” plaguing the royal household, suggesting the house’s relentless adherence to routine, even in
that the moral corruption extends beyond Macbeth the absence of human life. They reflect humanity’s
and his wife. His inability to cure her highlights reliance on technology and the eerie persistence of
the limitations of earthly medicine in the face of automation after human extinction. The house’s
spiritual and moral decay. mechanical efficiency contrasts with the emptiness
Similarly, Ross reports to Macduff in England in Act and devastation around it, serving as a poignant
IV, Scene iii, about the rampant suffering and the reminder of humanity’s fragility and the enduring,
loss of all sense of order in Scotland emphasising yet futile, legacy of its creations. The routines, once
the extent of Macbeth’s destructive impact. These meaningful, now highlight the absence they were
minor characters, through their observations meant to serve.
and reactions, act as witnesses to the tragedy, (iii) (a) In the short story ‘The Medicine Bag’ by
amplifying the play’s themes of ambition, guilt and Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Martin’s friends
the consequences of evil. They provide a broader appreciate his Grandpa because of the romanticised
perspective on the events, highlighting the play’s image of Native American culture that Martin and
universal themes of order and chaos. his sister Cheryl have created. They tell exciting
Answer 4 stories about their Grandpa and the reservation,
(i) Aniruddha’s decision to undertake a solo car often exaggerating to make them sound glamorous.
journey from Calcutta to Dumka, despite Bhola Their friends, who only know about Native
Babu’s warning, leads to a series of challenging Americans from movies and TV, are fascinated by
consequences. Early in the journey, he faces a flat these tales and the authentic Sioux artefacts, such as
tyre near Panagarh, forcing him to stop and replace the moccasins and the rawhide drum, that Martin
it under the scorching sun. Later, a norwester storm and Cheryl bring back from their visits. These
stories and items make Grandpa seem like a figure
strikes, making driving perilous and heightening
of wisdom and tradition, which captivates their
his anxiety. To make matters worse, a second tyre
friends’ imaginations.
bursts near Massanjore, leaving him stranded in the
However, peer pressure significantly affects Martin’s
rain with no spare tyre and no repair shops nearby.
attitude toward his Grandpa. When Grandpa
Lost and disoriented, Aniruddha eventually
unexpectedly arrives in their neighbourhood,
finds shelter in an old dak bungalow, where he
Martin is embarrassed by his appearance and
experiences a surreal transformation into a 19th-
behaviour. Grandpa’s old-fashioned clothing,
century English indigo planter, reliving the man’s
frail appearance and traditional ways clash with
tragic final moments. the modern, urban environment, making Martin
The journey leaves Aniruddha physically exhausted feel ashamed in front of his friends. He fears that
and emotionally shaken. The obstacles highlight his his peers will laugh at Grandpa, who does not fit
unpreparedness and the risks of travelling alone in the stereotypical image of a “TV Indian” they had
remote areas. The eerie experience at the bungalow imagined. This fear of judgement causes Martin to
deepens his understanding of the historical initially distance himself from Grandpa and avoid
exploitation tied to indigo plantations, aligning introducing him to his friends.
with his earlier research. The journey serves as a Despite this, Martin’s attitude begins to change
humbling lesson, reinforcing Bhola Babu’s advice when his friends finally meet Grandpa. They are
and leaving Aniruddha with a profound, unsettling impressed by his stories, wisdom and traditional
memory. attire, and they express admiration for him. This
(ii) In ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’, Ray Bradbury positive reaction helps Martin see Grandpa in a new
depicts a fully automated house performing light, allowing him to feel pride in his heritage and
routine activities despite the absence of its human overcome his earlier embarrassment. Ultimately,
inhabitants. Four key activities include: (1) The peer pressure initially creates conflict for Martin,
voice-clock announcing the time and tasks, such but it also leads to a deeper appreciation of his
as “seven o’clock, time to get up”, emphasising the Grandpa and his cultural legacy.
house’s programmed precision. (2) The kitchen OR
stove preparing breakfast—producing toast, eggs, (b) In Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Atithi’, Tarapada’s
bacon and coffee—showcasing the house’s ability relationships with Annapurna and Charushashi
to cater to human needs. (3) The robotic mice are central to understanding his character and his
cleaning the house, darting out to remove dust and eventual departure from Kathaliya. Tarapada, a free-
debris, highlighting the house’s self-sufficiency. spirited wanderer, forms a bond with Annapurna,
who sees him as a surrogate son. Her maternal
(4) The garden sprinklers activating at ten-fifteen,
affection is evident in her attempts to care for him,
 SOLVED PAPER - 2025 15
feed him and uncover his past. However, Tarapada father’s cruelty, Beethoven strived to meet these
remains emotionally detached, appreciating her expectations, practising tirelessly to earn even a
kindness but never allowing himself to be tied down moment of approval. However, his father’s anthem
by her love. His relationship with Charushashi, on of “not good enough” echoed constantly, leaving
the other hand, is more complex. Charu, a jealous Beethoven in a perpetual state of inadequacy.
and possessive child, sees Tarapada as her exclusive The difficulties Beethoven faced were immense.
property. Her envy manifests in destructive Not only did he endure his father’s abuse, but he
behaviour, such as breaking his flute or disrupting also struggled with his growing deafness, which
his studies. Despite her antics, Tarapada finds her threatened his most precious tool as a musician: his
amusing and endures her tantrums with patience,
hearing. Despite this, he continued to compose and
though he never fully reciprocates her attachment.
perform, even amputating the legs of his piano to
Tarapada leaves Kathaliya because his innate desire feel the vibrations through the floor. His father’s
for freedom outweighs the bonds of affection relentless demands and his own physical limitations
and societal expectations. Throughout the story, made his journey agonising, yet Beethoven’s
Tarapada is portrayed as a wanderer who cannot
perseverance and genius ultimately transcended
be confined by love, care, or even the prospect of
these challenges, leaving a legacy that defied his
marriage. His departure is foreshadowed by his
father’s harsh criticisms.
history of leaving behind those who grow too
attached to him. In Kathaliya, he is on the verge (iii) (a) The poem ‘Telephone Conversation’ by Wole
of being ensnared by the familial and romantic Soyinka indeed highlights how a seemingly
expectations of Motilal Babu and Annapurna, ordinary interaction can deepen divisions rather
who plan to marry him to Charu. However, the than foster unity. The conversation between the
sight of the bustling fair and the call of the open African speaker and the landlady is marked by
river reignite his longing for the unattached, racial prejudice, which creates a stark separation
wandering life. Tarapada’s departure symbolises between the two individuals. The poem begins with
his rejection of societal norms and his commitment the speaker’s attempt to rent an apartment, but the
to a life of freedom, unbound by relationships or conversation quickly devolves into an interrogation
responsibilities. His character embodies the tension about his skin colour. The landlady’s repeated
between human connections and the allure of questions, “HOW DARK?” and “ARE YOU LIGHT
boundless liberty, making his exit both inevitable OR VERY DARK?” reveal her deep-seated racism,
and poignant. reducing the speaker’s identity to a mere shade of
Answer 5 skin tone. This dehumanising line of questioning
(i) In Small Towns and the River, Mamang Dai depicts underscores the societal divide between races, as
the river as an eternal, living entity with a soul, the landlady’s prejudice overshadows any potential
for mutual understanding or connection.
symbolising continuity and permanence amidst
the transient nature of life. The river moves The speaker’s response, laced with sarcasm
through land and town, surging like a ‘torrent and wit, further emphasises the separation. By
describing his skin tone in exaggerated terms,
of grief’ in summer, yet longing for the peaceful
such as “West African sepia” and humorously
‘land of fish and stars.’ This contrast connects it to
detailing the colours of his palms, soles and
nature and human emotions. The poet views the
even his bottom, he exposes the absurdity of the
river as a timeless force, aware of its immortality, landlady’s fixation on race. However, this sarcasm
stretching from the first drop of rain to the mist on also serves as a defence mechanism, highlighting
mountaintops. It embodies the cyclical nature of the emotional and psychological distance created
existence, contrasting with the fleeting lives of the by her discrimination. The landlady’s inability to
townspeople. For the poet, the river is not just a comprehend his descriptions and her clinical tone
physical presence but a spiritual one, representing further alienate the speaker, making it clear that
the eternal flow of life and the rituals that bind the the conversation is not a genuine exchange but a
living and the dead. Its permanence offers solace confrontation of racial biases.
and a sense of connection to something greater, Ultimately, the poem illustrates how prejudice can
as the townspeople aspire to “walk with the gods” turn a simple interaction into a divisive encounter.
alongside its enduring waters. The telephone, a tool meant to connect people,
(ii) Beethoven’s father had high expectations for him, becomes a medium for highlighting societal
driven by a desire to mould his son into a musical inequalities and racial tensions. Instead of uniting
genius. He was harsh and abusive, often hitting the two individuals, the conversation reinforces
the barriers between them, leaving the speaker
Beethoven and demanding perfection in his
marginalised and the landlady entrenched in her
performances. This relentless pressure created a
discriminatory views. Through this interaction,
toxic environment where Beethoven’s worth was
Soyinka critiques the pervasive racism that separates
tied to his ability to play flawlessly. Despite his individuals and perpetuates social divisions.
16 ISC, ENGLISH PAPER-2 (Language), Class-XII

(iii) (b) In ‘Tithonus’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the blinds her to the natural order, making her gift of
theme of immortality is explored through the tragic eternal life a tragic mistake.
consequences of eternal life, as experienced by
Eos’ portrayal emphasises the futility of defying
Tithonus. Eos (or Aurora), the goddess of dawn, natural laws. Tithonus laments that “the gods
embodies the duality of eternal beauty and the themselves cannot recall their gifts”, underscoring
divide between mortal and immortal realms. Her the irreversible nature of his plight. Eos’ beauty
portrayal underscores the poem’s meditation on and immortality, though awe-inspiring, alienate
the burdens of immortality and the natural cycle of Tithonus, who longs to return to the mortal world.
Her presence serves as a constant reminder of his
life and death.
unnatural state, trapped between life and death,
Eos is depicted as eternally youthful and radiant, unable to share in her eternal youth or the peace of
symbolising perpetual renewal. Each morning, she mortality.
rises with renewed vigour, her “pure brows” and
Through Eos, Tennyson critiques the desire for
“bosom beating with a heart renew’d” reflecting immortality, suggesting it disrupts the natural
her immortal vitality. This cyclical rejuvenation harmony of existence. Her immortal beauty,
contrasts sharply with Tithonus’ decay, as he withers while captivating, becomes a source of sorrow
into a “gray shadow” while she remains unchanged. and isolation for Tithonus, illustrating the poem’s
Her immortality, though a gift, becomes a curse central message: mortality, with its finite span, is
for Tithonus, highlighting the incompatibility a necessary and meaningful part of life. Eos’ role
between mortal and immortal existence. Eos’ tears highlights the tragic consequences of transcending
reveal her compassion but also her inability to fully human limits and the wisdom in accepting the
understand the human condition. Her immortality natural cycle of life and death.