ENG401 Final Term Past Papers 2025

Literature: An Everlasting Journey of Human Expression

Literature likely began when humans discovered their unique ability to create and express themselves through words. This realization allowed them to share their deepest emotions and ideas in a manner that not only reflected personal feelings but also conveyed significant messages to society. With this newfound skill, people understood that words held a power beyond mere communication; they became a tool to captivate, entertain, and enlighten those who engaged with them. In ancient times, when travel and communication across vast distances were challenging, preserving a global literary history was impossible. Ironically, this obstacle has become a blessing in disguise, offering us a wealth of diverse literature from various cultures, languages, and time periods.


Each society and era produced literature reflecting its unique environment, resulting in a rich tapestry of works that continue to enrich our understanding of human nature and experience. Despite the staggering volume of written works throughout history, even the most passionate reader cannot hope to explore every single one. Yet, this vast body of literature remains a testament to our collective heritage as a species, revealing the ways in which humanity has grappled with universal themes.

As poet Ezra Pound noted, exceptional literature leaves us with profound insights. But what kind of insights? Insights into life itself. Literature provides answers to the questions we all face: the purpose of life, the complexities of human relationships, and the struggles that define our journeys. It reassures us that we are not alone in our battles; countless others have shared our fears, joys, and sorrows. Through literature, we connect with people across continents and centuries, discovering that our challenges are not unique, but part of a universal human experience. In this way, literature nurtures empathy and binds us together as a global family.

Beyond these philosophical reflections, literature serves two primary roles. First, it offers simple enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure—much like how a beautiful song delights our ears or a vibrant painting captivates our eyes. Second, it provides a window into the social and cultural realities of its time, offering precise observations of society and human behavior. These two aspects enjoyment and social commentary enable literature to transport us into entirely new worlds. As we lose ourselves in the pages of a novel or the verses of a poem, we discover realms far removed from our daily lives, magical and captivating in their unfamiliarity.

Poetry: The Language of Emotions

Defining poetry precisely is difficult, yet we can describe it as an imaginative expression of experience, crafted through meaning, rhythm, and sound to stir emotions within us. While traditional poetry often follows metrical and rhyming patterns, modern poets have pushed boundaries, proving that rigid structures are not necessary for impactful verse. Poetry combines the vivid imagery of painting with the evocative power of music, inviting the mind to see and the heart to feel, all through the medium of words.

Drama: Life’s Play on the Stage

Drama, whether crafted in prose or verse, narrates a story meant for performance, with actors breathing life into its characters through spoken word and movement. Unlike a simple narration, drama re-creates the experiences of life on stage, drawing audiences into its world of conflict and resolution. A well-crafted drama unfolds as a series of interconnected incidents, each building upon the last to maintain the audience’s interest and convey a coherent narrative. Actors embody these characters, expressing their hopes and fears with every gesture and word.

Conflict: The Driving Force of Storytelling

Every engaging plot revolves around conflict; without it, a narrative has no drive or significance. Conflict arises from the clash of opposing forces, driving the narrative forward and linking events together. It can be external such as a physical battle or a heated argument or internal, as characters wrestle with their own thoughts and emotions. In a short story, there may be a single central struggle or several smaller conflicts that enrich the main storyline, weaving a tapestry of tension and resolution.

Omniscient Objective: A Camera’s Perspective

The omniscient objective point of view tells a story in the third person, much like a camera capturing events without offering commentary. The narrator remains invisible, merely recording what can be seen and heard, without revealing the characters’ inner thoughts or feelings. This technique places the reader in the role of observer, encouraging them to interpret the events and draw their own conclusions about the characters’ motives and the story’s themes.

Determined to give Jim a meaningful Christmas present, Della sacrifices her long, beautiful hair her most prized possession to purchase a fine chain for his watch.

In O. Henry’s beloved short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” we meet Della, who has only one dollar and eighty-seven cents sixty cents of it in pennies to buy a Christmas present for her beloved husband, Jim. Despite her meager savings, she refuses to let go of her dream of finding the perfect gift. She counts and recounts her money, overwhelmed by the realization of how little she has. Overcome by emotion, Della throws herself onto the couch and sobs, reflecting on the challenges of life.

This small but profound act exemplifies the depth of love and the spirit of selflessness. She later tries to restore her short hair with curling irons, though her new look is a far cry from her former beauty. This small sacrifice becomes a testament to the power of love and generosity.

A Tale of Sacrifice and Hope: The Last Leaf

Another inspiring story, “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry’s tale centers on Johnsy, a young woman suffering from pneumonia who becomes convinced that her fate is tied to the last leaf of an ivy vine outside her window. Her pessimism grows as she watches the leaves disappear one by one. Mr. Behrman, an aging painter who longs to create a masterpiece, sees an opportunity to inspire hope. He creates a final leaf on the wall, so lifelike that Johnsy believes it to be genuine. This simple act restores her will to live, but Mr. Behrman himself succumbs to pneumonia.

Conclusion

In sum, literature is a mirror of life, capturing the full range of human experience our triumphs and tragedies, our questions and answers. Whether through poetry, drama, or prose, it entertains us, offers solace, and challenges us to see the world in new ways. In its beauty and insight, literature endures as a testament to our shared humanity, guiding us through the ever-unfolding journey of life.