RBSE 12th English Literature 2024 (SS-20) Question Paper with Complete Solution
| Subject | English Literature |
| Paper Code | SS–20–Eng. Lit. |
| Duration | 3 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Maximum Marks | 80 |
| Total Questions | 31 |
| Board | Rajasthan Board |
| Year | 2024 |
Senior Secondary Examination, 2024
English Literature (SS–20) - Complete Paper
SS-20 English Literature is the English Literature question paper conducted by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education for the Senior Secondary Examination 2024. This comprehensive document contains all 31 questions with complete answers in English and helpful hints in Hindi.
General Instructions
- Candidates must write their Roll No. on the question paper.
- All the questions are compulsory.
- For questions having more than one part, the answers to those parts are to be written together in continuity.
- Write answers of all the questions in your answer-book only.
- Write down the serial number of the question before attempting it.
Section - A (16 Marks)
Unseen Prose Passage
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
By and large people in India desire a democratic way of life. But of late, due to the failure, or suppression, of democratic Government in a number of Asian countries, many people in India have become apprehensive about the future of democracy in this country. The deteriorating economic and political conditions have also made people doubtful about the efficacy of democracy to face critical situation successfully. While there are many who only 'pine for what is not' and thoughtlessly wish for alternative forms of Government, there are others who with their firm faith in democracy, consider the prevalent democratic structure in India only a base imitation of the outward forms of the British parliamentary democracy. They want that the constitutional and political setup should be differently constituted if the goal of true democracy is to be achieved.
The question of forms and formalities may be important but there are certain essentials which have to be guaranteed before any democratic system can hope to succeed. Dr. Radhakrishnan rightly drew attention to these essential prerequisites in the speech he delivered while performing an opening ceremony of the new Orissa Legislature building. Disciplined parties, a devoted and patriotic leadership, he said, were the 'sine qua non' of a successful parliamentary democracy in any country. He also considered a free press, an independent judiciary and a clean and efficient administration necessary for making democracy a success.
However, since in a democratic government, ultimate power rests with elected representatives, they count more than anything else. For unless the people are determined and prepared for an open rebellion, the press, the judiciary and the administration, can be in dubious ways coerced to conform to the wishes of the party in power. Directly or indirectly the press can be gagged, the judiciary weakened by amending legislation to nullify judicial pronouncements and the administration corrupted by the corrupt leaders at the top. The first thing, therefore, is to turn our attention to the political parties if we want to mend our affairs.
There is much to be desired so far as the political parties in India are concerned. The political parties are today organised not on any ideological basis but on personal or group basis. Dr. Radhakrishnan in this regard says: "Politics is after all means to an end; it devises arrangement by which social and economic justice is secured for all. No democracy will be worth the name if it confines its activities only to enabling the elected representatives to squabble for power and jockey for positions and leaves the purpose of the state to be fulfilled by fits and starts".
Question 1: By and large people in India desire: [1]
- A) a peaceful way of life
- B) a democratic way of life
- C) a noble way of life
- D) a luxurious way of life
✍️ Answer:
B) a democratic way of life
💡 हिंट: पहली line में directly लिखा है।
Question 2: 'Sine qua non' means: [1]
- A) easy way
- B) democratic system
- C) a necessary or indispensable requirement
- D) hope to succeed
✍️ Answer:
C) a necessary or indispensable requirement
💡 हिंट: Latin phrase - "absolutely necessary/essential"
Question 3: In a democratic government, ultimate power rests: [1]
- A) with the elected representatives
- B) with the judiciary
- C) with the administration
- D) with the press
✍️ Answer:
A) with the elected representatives
💡 हिंट: Third paragraph की पहली line।
Question 4: Where did Dr. Radhakrishnan deliver his speech? [1]
✍️ Answer:
At the opening ceremony of the new Orissa Legislature building.
💡 हिंट: Second paragraph में clearly mention है।
Question 5: Why have many people in India become apprehensive about the future of democracy in the country? [1]
✍️ Answer:
Due to the failure or suppression of democratic governments in several Asian countries and deteriorating economic and political conditions in India.
💡 हिंट: दो कारण हैं - Asian countries में failure और India में deteriorating conditions।
Question 6: On what basis the political parties are today organised? [1]
✍️ Answer:
On personal or group basis, not on ideological basis.
💡 हिंट: Last paragraph - "personal or group basis"।
Question 7: Find words from the passage which are opposite of: 'Unconcerned' [1]
✍️ Answer:
Apprehensive
💡 हिंट: Worried/concerned का मतलब।
Question 8: Find words from the passage which are opposite of: 'Closing' [1]
✍️ Answer:
Opening
💡 हिंट: "Opening ceremony" में use हुआ है।
Unseen Poetry Passage
Read the given poem carefully and answer the following questions:
"Break, Break, Break" by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Break, break, break,
On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!
And I would that my tongue could utter
The thoughts that arise in me.
O, well for the fisherman's boy
That he shouts with his sister at play!
O, well for the sailor's lad,
That he sings in his boat on the bay!
And the stately ships go on
To their haven under the hill;
But O for the touch of a vanish'd hand,
And the sound of a voice that is still!
Break, break, break,
At the foot of thy crags, O Sea!
But the tender grace of a day that is dead
Will never come back to me.
Question 9: ............. is 'I' in the third line of the given poem? [1]
- A) Sea B) Wave C) Poet D) Poet's friend
✍️ Answer: C) Poet
💡 हिंट: 'I' narrator है जो poet (Tennyson) है।
Question 10: The thoughts that arise in ............. [1]
- A) me B) you C) sea D) none
✍️ Answer: A) me
💡 हिंट: "arise in me" - first stanza।
Question 11: But the tender grace of a day that is ............. [1]
- A) bay B) dead C) hill D) still
✍️ Answer: B) dead
💡 हिंट: Last stanza - past time जो चला गया।
Question 12: Who or what is being addressed in the first line? [1]
✍️ Answer: The Sea is being addressed.
💡 हिंट: "O Sea!" - apostrophe device।
Question 13: What did the poet say about the fisherman's boy and the sailor lad? [1]
✍️ Answer: The poet said it was fortunate for them that the fisherman's boy shouts happily with his sister at play, and the sailor lad sings in his boat on the bay.
💡 हिंट: दोनों खुश हैं - contrast with poet's grief।
Question 14: Where are the ships going? [1]
✍️ Answer: The ships are going to their haven under the hill.
💡 हिंट: "To their haven under the hill"।
Question 15: Who are the people mentioned in the second stanza? [1]
✍️ Answer: The fisherman's boy, his sister, and the sailor lad.
💡 हिंट: तीन characters हैं stanza 2 में।
Question 16: Find the similar word of 'Charm' from the poem. [1]
✍️ Answer: Grace
💡 हिंट: "tender grace" - last stanza।
Section - B (16 Marks)
Question 17: Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the given topic: [8 Marks]
Option A: An Ideal Teacher
✍️ Sample Answer:
An ideal teacher is not merely someone who imparts knowledge but a mentor who shapes the character and future of students. Such a teacher possesses profound knowledge of their subject and communicates it effectively with clarity and passion. They are patient, understanding that each student learns at their own pace, and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
Beyond academics, an ideal teacher serves as a role model, demonstrating moral values, discipline, and dedication. They inspire students to think critically, ask questions, and develop a genuine love for learning. An ideal teacher shows equal respect to all students, encouraging the weak and appreciating the talented, creating an inclusive classroom environment.
Moreover, they are approachable and empathetic, understanding students' problems and guiding them through challenges. An ideal teacher doesn't just prepare students for examinations but equips them with life skills, confidence, and wisdom to face the world. As Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said, "Teachers should be the best minds in the country." Indeed, an ideal teacher leaves an indelible mark on society by nurturing future generations.
💡 Tips: Introduction (definition) → Qualities (knowledge, patience) → Role model aspect → Conclusion (impact)
OR
Option B: Women Empowerment
✍️ Sample Answer:
Women empowerment refers to providing women with the power to make their own decisions and have equal rights in society. It is essential for the holistic development of any nation, as women constitute nearly half of the population. Empowering women means ensuring their participation in all spheres of life - social, economic, political, and cultural.
Education is the cornerstone of women empowerment. Educated women can make informed choices, pursue careers, and contribute meaningfully to society. Economic independence through employment opportunities enables women to stand on their own feet and break free from financial dependence. The Government of India has launched various initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, reservation in local bodies, and legal reforms to protect women's rights.
However, challenges remain. Gender discrimination, social barriers, and traditional mindsets continue to hinder progress. We must work collectively to change these attitudes through awareness and education. When women are empowered, families prosper, communities develop, and nations advance. As Swami Vivekananda said, "There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved." True empowerment comes when women have equal opportunities and the freedom to achieve their full potential.
💡 Tips: Meaning → Education & economic independence → Government schemes → Challenges → Conclusion
Question 18: [8 Marks]
Option A: Speech - Importance of Morning Walk
Context: Vivek/Vaishnavi, Class 12th, Govt. S.S. School Muralipura Jaipur - Prayer assembly
✍️ Sample Answer:
Respected Principal, esteemed teachers, and my dear friends, a very good morning to all!
Today, I, Vivek/Vaishnavi of Class 12th, stand before you to speak about the importance of morning walk in our daily lives. In today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly glued to screens and leading sedentary lifestyles, a morning walk has become more essential than ever.
A morning walk offers numerous physical benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts immunity. The fresh morning air rich in oxygen rejuvenates our body and mind, providing energy for the entire day. It helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of various lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Moreover, morning walks have remarkable mental health benefits. They reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving concentration and mental clarity. The peaceful morning atmosphere provides time for self-reflection and planning the day ahead. It also offers an opportunity to connect with nature, which is increasingly rare in urban life.
Dear friends, let us make morning walk a part of our daily routine. As the saying goes, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." I urge you all to wake up a little earlier and invest this time in your health and well-being. Thank you!
💡 Format: Greeting → Introduction → Physical benefits → Mental benefits → Appeal → Thank you
OR
Option B: Article - The Importance of Games for Students
Context: Sachin/Sunita, Class 12th, Govt. S.S. School Benad, Jaipur - School magazine
✍️ Sample Answer:
THE IMPORTANCE OF GAMES FOR STUDENTS
By Sachin/Sunita, Class 12th
In the modern education system, academic excellence is often prioritized over physical activities, but games and sports are equally important for students' overall development. The old saying "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" holds profound truth even today.
Games contribute significantly to physical fitness and health. Regular participation in sports improves stamina, strengthens muscles, and enhances coordination. It helps prevent obesity and lifestyle diseases that are becoming increasingly common among young people. Physical activity also boosts immunity and promotes better sleep patterns.
Beyond physical benefits, games play a crucial role in mental and emotional development. They help reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and enhance cognitive abilities. Sports teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, time management, and handling both victory and defeat gracefully. They build confidence, foster social connections, and develop a competitive yet sporting spirit.
Moreover, games provide a healthy outlet for energy and emotions, preventing students from falling into negative habits. They promote character building and instill values like dedication, perseverance, and fair play. Therefore, schools must ensure adequate time and facilities for sports, and students should actively participate in games alongside their studies for balanced growth and development.
💡 Format: Title → By-line → Introduction → Physical benefits → Mental/life skills → Conclusion
Section - C (48 Marks)
Question 19: Write on any two literary terms in about 40-50 words: [2×3=6]
i) Indo-Anglian Literature
✍️ Answer:
Indo-Anglian Literature refers to the body of work written in English by Indian authors. It emerged during the colonial period and flourished post-independence. This literature reflects Indian ethos, culture, traditions, and social issues while using English as the medium of expression. Notable writers include R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Raja Rao, and Kamala Das. It represents a unique fusion of Indian sensibility and English language, contributing significantly to world literature.
💡 हिंट: Indian writers + English language + Indian themes। Examples: R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand।
ii) Stream of Consciousness
✍️ Answer:
Stream of Consciousness is a narrative technique that presents the continuous, uninterrupted flow of a character's thoughts and feelings. It mimics the natural thought process, including random associations, memories, and sensory impressions. This technique was popularized by modernist writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. It reveals the inner workings of the mind without logical sequence or structure, providing deep psychological insights into characters.
💡 हिंट: Inner thoughts का continuous flow। James Joyce, Virginia Woolf। Ulysses में best example।
iii) Anglo-Indian Literature
✍️ Answer:
Anglo-Indian Literature refers to works written by British authors about India during and after the colonial period. It presents India from a Western perspective, often depicting the British Raj, colonial administration, and the relationship between British colonizers and Indians. Notable writers include Rudyard Kipling, E.M. Forster, and Paul Scott. Unlike Indo-Anglian literature, this is written by foreign authors observing Indian society and culture from an outsider's viewpoint.
💡 हिंट: British writers about India। Kipling, E.M. Forster। Indo-Anglian से different।
iv) Interior Monologue
✍️ Answer:
Interior Monologue is a literary technique that reveals a character's inner thoughts, feelings, and mental processes directly to the reader. It can be direct (without author's intervention) or indirect (guided by the author). This technique provides deep psychological insight into characters' minds. It's closely related to stream of consciousness but more structured. Writers like William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf extensively used this technique to explore human psychology.
💡 हिंट: Character के inner thoughts directly। Stream of consciousness से related। Direct या indirect हो सकता है।
Read the following passage and answer questions 20-22:
This was a crucial piece of information, because I feared she was an unforgettable woman whose real name I never knew, and who wore a similar ring on her right forefinger which, in those days, was even more unusual than it is now. I had met her thirty four years earlier in Vienna, eating sausage with boiled potatoes and drinking draft beer in a tavern frequented by Latin American students. I had come from Rome that morning, and I still remember my immediate response to her splendid Soprano's bosom, the languid foxtail on her coat collar, and that Egyptian ring in the shape of a serpent. She spoke an elementary Spanish in a metallic accent without pausing for breath, and I thought she was the only Austrian at the long wooden table. But no, she had been born in Colombia and had come to Austria between the wars. When she was little more than a child, to study music and voice. She was about thirty, and did not carry her years well for she had never been pretty and had begun to age before her time. But she was a charming human being. And one of the most awe-inspiring.
Question 20: What type of ring the woman was wearing? [2]
✍️ Answer: The woman was wearing an Egyptian ring in the shape of a serpent on her right forefinger.
💡 हिंट: "Egyptian ring in the shape of a serpent" - right forefinger पर।
Question 21: Where and when had the writer met the woman? [2]
✍️ Answer: The writer had met the woman thirty-four years earlier in Vienna, in a tavern frequented by Latin American students, where she was eating sausage with boiled potatoes and drinking draft beer.
💡 हिंट: Vienna + 34 years पहले + tavern में।
Question 22: Where had the woman been born? And why did she come to Austria? [2]
✍️ Answer: The woman had been born in Colombia. She came to Austria between the wars, when she was little more than a child, to study music and voice.
💡 हिंट: Born: Colombia। Purpose: music और voice की study करने।
Question 23: Answer in about 100 words: [6]
Option A: Character sketch of 'Captain Hagberd' (Tomorrow)
✍️ Answer:
Captain Hagberd is a tragic and pathetic character in Joseph Conrad's story "Tomorrow." He is an elderly sea captain obsessed with the belief that his son Harry, who left home sixteen years ago, will return "tomorrow." This obsession has consumed his life and driven him into a state of delusion. He has meticulously prepared everything for his son's return - bought a house, furnished it, and maintained it for years. His constant refrain of "tomorrow" symbolizes his inability to accept reality. Captain Hagberd has become isolated from society, considered mad by his neighbors. He refuses to accept any suggestion that his son might not return. His character represents the destructive power of hope when it becomes an obsession. Despite his madness, he evokes sympathy as a lonely old man desperately clinging to a dream. His tragedy lies in his complete disconnection from reality and his inability to move forward in life.
💡 हिंट: Obsessed with son's return → "Tomorrow" repetition → Delusion → Isolation → Tragic figure → Pathetic character
OR
Option B: Character sketch of 'Eveline' (Eveline)
✍️ Answer:
Eveline is the protagonist of James Joyce's short story, representing paralysis and the inability to change. She is a young woman trapped in a difficult domestic situation with an abusive father. She works hard to support her family, having promised her dying mother to keep the home together. When Frank, a sailor, offers her love and the opportunity to escape to Buenos Aires, she is torn between duty and desire for freedom. Eveline is characterized by her sense of responsibility, fear of the unknown, and emotional paralysis. She recalls her childhood memories with nostalgia, finding some comfort in the familiar despite its hardships. At the crucial moment of decision at the dock, she is unable to board the ship with Frank. Her face becomes "passive, like a helpless animal," symbolizing her complete inability to act. Eveline represents those who are psychologically paralyzed by fear, duty, and attachment to the familiar, even when it means sacrificing happiness and freedom.
💡 हिंट: Trapped → Duty vs Freedom → Fear of change → Paralysis → Cannot escape → Tragic ending
Question 24: Answer in about 60 words: [4]
Option A: Why is the novel more than Poetry, Philosophy, Science? (Why the Novel Matters)
✍️ Answer:
According to D.H. Lawrence, the novel is superior because it presents the "whole man" - the complete human experience. Poetry deals with emotions, philosophy with ideas, and science with facts, but the novel integrates all aspects of human existence - physical, emotional, intellectual, and social. It presents life in its totality, showing characters who live, grow, and evolve. The novel is the "book of life" that captures the full complexity and wholeness of human experience, making it more comprehensive than any other literary form.
💡 हिंट: "Whole man" concept → Totality of life → All aspects integrated → Book of life
OR
Option B: Who was Maitreyi? What was her question? (The Argumentative Indian)
✍️ Answer:
Maitreyi was the learned wife of the ancient sage Yajnavalkya in the Upanishadic period. When her husband decided to renounce worldly life, he offered to divide his property between his two wives. Maitreyi asked the profound philosophical question: "What should I do with that which would not make me immortal?" She rejected material possessions, seeking instead spiritual knowledge. This question exemplifies India's ancient tradition of critical inquiry and philosophical reasoning, demonstrating that argumentative traditions have deep roots in Indian intellectual history.
💡 हिंट: Yajnavalkya की wife → Property reject किया → Immortality की खोज → Argumentative tradition
Read the extract and answer questions 25-27: [2+2+2=6]
Option A: Extract
When we were children
My brother and I
And always playing on the sands
Drawing birds and animals
Our great - grandmother said one day,
You see this house of ours
Now three hundred years old,
It's falling to little bits
Before our very eyes
The walls are cracked and torn
And moistened by the rain.
Q25: Who used to play on the sands?
✍️ Answer: The poet and his/her brother used to play on the sands when they were children.
💡 हिंट: "My brother and I" - poet और भाई।
Q26: Why is the house falling to little bits?
✍️ Answer: The house is falling to little bits because it is three hundred years old. Time and weather have deteriorated it - the walls are cracked and torn, and moistened by the rain.
💡 हिंट: 300 years old → Time की मार → Cracked walls → Rain damage
Q27: Write the meaning of 'moistened by the rain'.
✍️ Answer: 'Moistened by the rain' means the walls have become wet and damp due to rainwater seeping through the cracks, causing further deterioration of the old structure.
💡 हिंट: गीली/नम हो गई दीवारें → बारिश का पानी घुसा
OR
Option B: Extract (Emily Dickinson)
A Bird sat careless on the fence
One gossiped in the lane
On silver matters charmed a Snake
Just winding round a stone --
Bright Flowers slit a Calyx
And soared upon a Stem
Like Hindered Flags - Sweet hoisted -
With Spices - in the Hem -
Q25: How many creatures are mentioned? What are they doing?
✍️ Answer: Three creatures are mentioned: a bird sitting carelessly on the fence, someone gossiping in the lane, and a snake winding around a stone. They are engaged in their natural, everyday activities.
💡 हिंट: तीन: Bird, Someone (gossiping), Snake
Q26: Where did the bright flowers soar?
✍️ Answer: The bright flowers soared upon a stem, rising up like flags being hoisted.
💡 हिंट: "Upon a Stem" - डंठल पर ऊपर उठे
Q27: Which figure of speech is used in the second stanza?
✍️ Answer: Simile is used - "Like Hindered Flags" compares flowers to flags. Personification is also present as flowers are given human-like qualities.
💡 हिंट: Simile ("Like Flags") + Personification
Question 28: Answer in about 100 words: [6]
Option A: Theme of 'The Divine Image' (Blake)
✍️ Answer:
William Blake's "The Divine Image" explores the theme that divine qualities exist within humanity. The poem presents four cardinal virtues - Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love - as divine attributes that are inherent in human nature. Blake argues that these virtues are not abstract concepts but are embodied in human form. When we pray to these qualities, we are essentially praying to humanity itself, as God exists in man. The poem emphasizes universal brotherhood, stating that regardless of religion, race, or nationality - whether "heathen, turk, or jew" - all humans share these divine virtues. Blake's message is profoundly humanistic: to love and respect humanity is to worship God. The poem celebrates the dignity of human nature and promotes religious tolerance by suggesting that divine essence transcends all religious and cultural boundaries. It reflects Blake's belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and the unity of all mankind.
💡 हिंट: Four virtues (Mercy, Pity, Peace, Love) → God in man → Universal brotherhood → Humanism → Religious tolerance
OR
Option B: Summary of 'On Shakespeare. 1630' (Milton)
✍️ Answer:
John Milton's poem "On Shakespeare. 1630" is a tribute to William Shakespeare, arguing that the playwright needs no physical monument. Milton begins by questioning the need for a "star-pointed pyramid" or elaborate tomb for Shakespeare, suggesting that such monuments would be insufficient for his genius. Shakespeare's poetry itself serves as his eternal monument - his "easy numbers" (effortless verses) have built a "live-long monument" more enduring than any marble structure. The true memorial to Shakespeare exists in the hearts and minds of his readers, who become "live-long monuments" themselves through their astonishment and admiration. Milton argues that the emotional and intellectual impact of Shakespeare's works on readers creates a lasting tribute far superior to physical structures of stone. The poem emphasizes that true immortality comes not from material monuments but from the enduring influence of one's art. Milton's tribute elevates Shakespeare's literary achievement above all physical commemorations, suggesting that great art transcends time and material form.
💡 हिंट: No monument needed → Poetry = eternal monument → Readers = monuments → Art > physical structures → True immortality
Question 29: Answer in about 60 words: [4]
Option A: How genuine is Manjula's love for her sister? (Broken Image)
✍️ Answer:
Manjula's love for her sister is not genuine but superficial and manipulative. While she appears caring and protective on the surface, her actions reveal jealousy, control, and self-centeredness. She is more concerned about her own image and reputation than her sister's well-being. Manjula tries to dominate and control her sister's life while maintaining a facade of sisterly affection. Her behavior reflects hypocrisy, and the title "Broken Image" symbolizes this false persona. True love is absent; instead, there is manipulation masked as concern.
💡 हिंट: Not genuine → Superficial → Jealous → Controlling → Self-centered → Hypocrisy → False facade
OR
Option B: How did the 'Spell of the Earth' affect the monk? (Chandalika)
✍️ Answer:
The 'Spell of the Earth' cast by Prakriti's mother affected the Buddhist monk Ananda profoundly. It drew him irresistibly toward Prakriti, disrupting his spiritual discipline and inner peace. The spell created intense physical attraction and desire, causing him to lose his mental and spiritual control. Ananda experienced inner turmoil as earthly desires conflicted with his religious vows. He struggled between his dharma as a monk and the powerful pull of worldly attraction. Eventually, Buddha had to intervene to break the spell and restore Ananda's spiritual balance.
💡 हिंट: Lost control → Physical attraction → Inner conflict → Dharma vs desire → Buddha intervened → Spell broken
Question 30: Answer in about 60 words (A Tiger for Malgudi): [4]
Option A: What did people say about the Master?
✍️ Answer:
People regarded the Master as a mysterious and spiritual figure with extraordinary powers over animals. They believed he possessed supernatural abilities to understand and tame wild creatures. Some considered him a saint or holy man living in seclusion. There were rumors about his mystical powers and his ability to communicate with animals. People both respected and feared him. His hermit-like lifestyle and the calm authority he exercised over wild animals added to his enigmatic reputation in the community.
💡 हिंट: Mysterious → Spiritual powers → Saint-like → Animal tamer → Respected + feared → Hermit
OR
Option B: How did the Master save the tiger in the school?
✍️ Answer:
When Raja entered the school, causing panic among students and teachers, everyone wanted to kill the tiger. The Master arrived calmly and approached the situation without fear or aggression. He understood Raja's confused mental state and used his spiritual connection with animals to communicate with him. Through his calm presence and authority, he pacified the tiger and safely removed him from the school premises without causing harm to anyone or to Raja. His non-violent approach contrasted sharply with the mob's desire to kill the tiger.
💡 हिंट: Calm approach → No violence → Understanding → Spiritual connection → Safe removal → Saved from mob
Question 31: Answer in about 100 words (A Tiger for Malgudi): [6]
Option A: How can you say the novel revolves around "Raja"? Can he be termed as the Hero?
✍️ Answer:
The novel clearly revolves around Raja, the tiger, as he is both the narrator and protagonist. Raja tells his own story in the first person, taking readers through his journey from the jungle to the circus, and finally to spiritual transformation with the Master. All major events and other characters are presented from Raja's perspective. His experiences, thoughts, and emotions form the core of the narrative. Yes, Raja can definitely be termed as the hero of the novel. He undergoes a complete character transformation - from a wild, instinct-driven predator to an evolved, spiritually awakened being. His journey represents growth and self-realization. Raja is not just a passive character but actively shapes the story through his decisions and actions. The fact that an animal serves as the hero makes this novel unique in literature. Raja commands the reader's sympathy, interest, and emotional investment throughout. His transformation from violence to non-violence, from ignorance to enlightenment, makes him a true protagonist and hero.
💡 हिंट: First-person narrator → All events around him → Character transformation → Protagonist → Yes, hero → Unique animal hero → Journey: jungle → circus → enlightenment
OR
Option B: Character sketch of 'The Captain'
✍️ Answer:
The Captain is the circus master and animal trainer who represents human cruelty and exploitation of animals. He is a brutal, greedy man who captures Raja and forces him to perform in the circus through violence and intimidation. The Captain uses whips, starvation, and punishment to break animals' spirits and make them obey. His only interest is profit; he views animals as commodities to be exploited for entertainment and money. He shows no empathy or compassion toward the creatures under his control. The Captain embodies the negative aspect of human nature - domination, cruelty, and disregard for other living beings. He serves as an antagonist in the novel, representing everything opposite to the Master's philosophy of love and understanding. His character symbolizes humanity's destructive relationship with nature. Eventually, Raja escapes from his oppressive control, rejecting the Captain's cruel world. The Captain's fate demonstrates that cruelty and exploitation ultimately fail against the natural spirit of freedom.
💡 हिंट: Circus master → Cruel + brutal → Exploitation → Greed → Violence (whip) → Antagonist → vs Master → Symbolizes human cruelty → Raja escapes
External Links & References
📌 Note: This document contains complete answers for all 31 questions with detailed English responses and helpful Hindi hints. For official verification, please refer to the original PDF link provided above.
Categories: 2024 Examinations | English Literature | Rajasthan Board | Senior Secondary
संबंधित प्रश्न-पत्र और समाधान — RBSE 2024 / Related papers & solutions
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Tip: इसी बॉक्स को हर संबंधित पोस्ट के नीचे रखें — और प्रत्येक पोस्ट में 2–3 सेम-श्रेणी के आंतरिक लिंक अलग स्थान (content के अंदर) भी जोड़ें।
