Dalvoy Logo
Dalvoy
UPSC MainsENGLISH-LITERATURE-PAPER-II201910 Marks150 Words
Q1.

A shudder in the loins engenders there The broken wall, the burning roof and tower And Agamemnon dead.

How to Approach

This question requires a close reading and interpretation of the provided poetic lines. The approach should focus on identifying the imagery, symbolism, and emotional weight conveyed by the words. The answer needs to unpack the connection between the "shudder in the loins" and the catastrophic events described – the broken wall, burning roof, and the death of Agamemnon. A strong answer will demonstrate an understanding of dramatic irony and the potential psychological or emotional state preceding such destruction. The structure should be analytical, moving from the specific imagery to broader interpretations of its significance.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The provided lines, evocative and powerful, present a chilling depiction of destruction and death, culminating in the demise of Agamemnon. The opening phrase, “A shudder in the loins,” immediately establishes a sense of primal, internal turmoil, suggesting that the external devastation is not merely a physical event but is rooted in a deeper, perhaps psychological or moral, disturbance. This imagery hints at a premonition or a suppressed desire for upheaval, which then manifests in the violent collapse of the physical world – the “broken wall, the burning roof and tower.” The lines, steeped in dramatic irony, foreshadow a tragedy of immense scale.

Decoding the Imagery

The phrase “shudder in the loins” is profoundly significant. The loins are traditionally associated with primal instincts, passion, and the continuation of life. A “shudder” suggests a violent disruption of these fundamental forces, a sense of unease or even a perverse excitement at the prospect of destruction. This isn’t simply fear; it’s a visceral reaction that precedes the catastrophic events.

Symbolism of Destruction

The subsequent imagery – “the broken wall, the burning roof and tower” – represents the complete collapse of order and civilization. Walls symbolize protection and boundaries, their breaking signifying vulnerability and invasion. The burning roof and tower, traditionally symbols of power and authority, represent the destruction of the established order. The fire itself is a potent symbol of purification, but also of uncontrolled rage and devastation.

Agamemnon’s Fate and Dramatic Irony

The culmination of this imagery is “And Agamemnon dead.” Agamemnon, the king and leader, represents the apex of this collapsing world. His death isn’t presented as a surprise; it’s the inevitable consequence of the initial “shudder.” The lines suggest that Agamemnon’s downfall wasn’t simply due to external forces, but was somehow preordained by an internal corruption or a moral failing. The lines create a sense of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of the impending doom even before it unfolds.

Psychological Interpretation

The lines can also be interpreted psychologically. The “shudder in the loins” could represent repressed guilt, ambition, or a desire for revenge. These suppressed emotions then manifest as destructive forces, leading to the downfall of Agamemnon and his kingdom. This interpretation aligns with the themes of fate and free will often explored in Greek tragedy.

Connection to Aeschylus’ *Agamemnon*

These lines are, in fact, from Aeschylus’ *Agamemnon*, the first play in the *Oresteia* trilogy. Within the context of the play, the “shudder” can be linked to Clytemnestra’s long-simmering resentment and her plot to avenge the sacrifice of Iphigenia. The lines foreshadow the brutal murder of Agamemnon upon his return from the Trojan War, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and revenge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these lines are a masterclass in poetic foreshadowing and symbolic representation. The “shudder in the loins” serves as a powerful catalyst, linking internal turmoil to external destruction and ultimately leading to the tragic death of Agamemnon. The imagery of broken walls and burning structures underscores the complete collapse of order, while the dramatic irony heightens the sense of impending doom. The lines, deeply rooted in the themes of Greek tragedy, offer a profound meditation on fate, revenge, and the destructive power of suppressed emotions.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Dramatic Irony
A literary device where the audience knows something that the characters do not, creating suspense and a sense of inevitability.
Catharsis
The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions, often through experiencing tragedy in art.

Key Statistics

Aeschylus is considered the "father of tragedy" and wrote approximately 90 plays, of which only 7 complete works survive.

Source: Oxford Classical Dictionary (Knowledge cutoff: 2021)

The *Oresteia* trilogy is the only complete ancient Greek trilogy to have survived to the present day.

Source: Classical Literature Review (Knowledge cutoff: 2021)

Examples

Shakespearean Parallel

The opening lines of Shakespeare’s *Macbeth* similarly establish a sense of foreboding and impending doom through the imagery of storms and witches, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the significance of the "loins" in this context?

The "loins" represent primal instincts, passion, and the source of life. A shudder there suggests a disruption of these fundamental forces, hinting at a deep-seated internal conflict or a perverse desire for destruction.

Back to all ENGLISH-LITERATURE-PAPER-II 2019 questions