Academic Year 2025-26

Class: X
PROJECT

Literature in English

Answer the following in approximately 650- 750 words. (Marks: 10)

DRAMA​
1. In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare explores the consequences of political ambition, manipulation, and
betrayal. From Act 3 onwards, the play shifts from conspiracy to chaos, showing how power struggles and
personal conflicts lead to downfall.

In this assignment, examine the theme of betrayal and its consequences in Julius Caesar. Analyse how
the assassination of Caesar sets off a chain reaction of deception, conflict, and tragedy. Discuss how
betrayal affects key relationships, such as Brutus and Cassius, and how it ultimately leads to the downfall
of the conspirators.

Consider how Shakespeare presents betrayal as a destructive force in politics and leadership. Does the
play suggest that betrayal is justified for the greater good, or does it always lead to disaster?

Answer any one of the following in approximately in 650- 750 words

2. Stephen Leacock’s With the Photographer is a satirical commentary on human vanity, the artificiality
of photography, and the absurdities of human expectations versus reality. The narrator’s experience with
the photographer highlight’s themes of self-perception, control, and the contrast between how we see
ourselves and how others perceive us.

In this assignment, analyse how Leacock uses humour and satire to critique both the photography
industry and human nature. Discuss how the photographer’s actions reflect society’s obsession with
idealized appearances. Examine the narrator’s reaction to the altered photograph and what it reveals about
personal identity and self-image.

Consider how the story reflects the broader idea of appearance vs. reality and whether Leacock’s satire
remains relevant in today’s world of digital editing and social media.

OR

3. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Haunted Houses explores the idea that spirits of the past linger
in the spaces they once inhabited. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem presents a
perspective on the supernatural that is both eerie and philosophical.
In this assignment, analyse how Longfellow portrays the theme of the supernatural and memory in
Haunted Houses. Discuss how the poet uses imagery, symbolism, and tone to convey the presence of
unseen spirits. Examine the contrast between the physical and spiritual worlds and how Longfellow
suggests that ghosts are not necessarily meant to be feared but are remnants of the past.

Consider how the poem reflects deeper themes of time, loss, and human connection to the past. How
does Longfellow’s perspective on haunted houses differ from traditional ghost stories? Does the poem
suggest that the past is inescapable?

General Instructions:
1.​ You are required to write the project in blue/ black ink.
2.​ You are required to file the project. Use a simple plastic file.
3.​ Pictures are not required except (ideally) for the cover page. However, if you wish to add pictures
to the content, kindly keep them minimal, extremely relevant to the content and provide captions
to the pictures.

Instructions for the content:

1.​ Word limit- 650- 700 words
2.​ The assignment must follow the structure given below:

Prompts for Question 1

Introduction:
●​ What is the significance of betrayal in Julius Caesar?
●​ How does the assassination of Caesar serve as the central act of betrayal?
●​ Introduce key figures involved in betrayal (Brutus, Cassius, Antony).
●​ Present your thesis: Does Shakespeare portray betrayal as necessary for political change or as a
destructive force?

Main Body:
●​ The Betrayal of Caesar (Act 3, Scene 1)
o​ How does Brutus justify his betrayal of Caesar?
o​ What are Cassius’ motivations for turning Brutus against Caesar?
o​ How does Caesar react to his assassination, especially Brutus’ involvement ("Et tu,
Brute?")?
o​ How does this moment mark the turning point of the play?
●​ The Aftermath of Betrayal: Antony’s Revenge (Act 3, Scene 2-3)
o​ How does Antony use Caesar’s death to betray Brutus and the conspirators?
o​ Analyse Antony’s funeral speech: How does he manipulate the crowd?
o​ How does the mob’s reaction demonstrate the consequences of betrayal?
●​ The Breakdown of Trust: Brutus and Cassius (Act 4, Scene 2-3)
o​ How does betrayal extend beyond Caesar’s death to the conspirators themselves?
 o​ What causes the major argument between Brutus and Cassius?
o​ How does their trust in each other weaken, leading to their downfall?
●​ The Final Betrayal and Downfall (Act 5, Scene 1-5)
o​ How do Brutus and Cassius face betrayal from their own soldiers and fate?
o​ What role does Caesar’s ghost play in Brutus’ decisions?
o​ Does Brutus’ suicide reflect his ultimate realization of betrayal and failure?

Conclusion:
●​ Summarize how betrayal influences the downfall of the conspirators.
●​ Does Shakespeare suggest that betrayal is justified in politics, or does it always lead to
destruction?
●​ How does the play warn against unchecked ambition and manipulation?
●​ End with a reflection: What lessons does Julius Caesar offer about loyalty, power, and betrayal?

Prompts for Question 2

Introduction:
●​ What is the central theme of With the Photographer?
●​ How does Leacock use humour and satire to critique photography and vanity?
●​ Briefly introduce the narrator’s experience with the photographer.
Main Body:
1.​ The Photographer’s Attitude and Methods
o​ How does the photographer’s behaviour reflect arrogance and control?
o​ What techniques does he use to "fix" the narrator’s appearance?
o​ How does this reflect society’s obsession with perfection?
2.​ The Narrator’s Reaction and Self-Perception
o​ How does the narrator’s frustration grow throughout the interaction?
o​ What does his reaction to the altered photo reveal about identity and self-image?
o​ How does this scene highlight the contrast between how we see ourselves and how others
perceive us?
3.​ Satire and Relevance to Modern Society
o​ How does Leacock use satire to comment on human vanity?
o​ How does the story relate to today’s world of photo editing and social media filters?
o​ Does the story suggest that perfection is an illusion?
Conclusion:
●​ Summarize how Leacock critiques artificial beauty and societal expectations.
●​ How does With the Photographer serve as a timeless commentary on self-image?
●​ Reflect on whether people today still struggle with the same issues.

Prompts for Question 3

Introduction:
●​ What is the central theme of Haunted Houses?
 ●​ How does Longfellow present the supernatural—not as terrifying but as a lingering presence of
the past?
●​ Briefly introduce the poet’s perspective on spirits and memory.
Main Body:
1.​ Imagery and Symbolism of the Supernatural
o​ What imagery does Longfellow use to depict the presence of spirits?
o​ How does the poem create an atmosphere of mystery and reflection?
o​ What symbols in the poem suggest that spirits remain tied to their past lives?
2.​ The Contrast Between the Physical and Spiritual Worlds
o​ How does Longfellow contrast the living and the dead in the poem?
o​ Does the poem suggest that spirits interact with the present, or are they simply memories?
o​ What is the poet’s message about the connection between the past and the present?
3.​ Tone and the Poet’s Perspective on Ghosts
o​ How does the tone of the poem differ from traditional ghost stories?
o​ Does Longfellow present ghosts as something to fear or something to accept?
o​ How does this perspective reflect on human memory and nostalgia?
Conclusion:
●​ Summarize how Longfellow portrays haunted houses as places of memory rather than horror.
●​ What does the poem suggest about the inescapable presence of the past?
●​ Reflect on whether the poem’s message remains relevant in how we perceive history and
remembrance today.

Order/ Sequence of the file

●​ Cover page
●​ Project Certificate
●​ Acknowledgement
Topic Page
●​ Index
●​ Content
●​ Bibliography
ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Q2. Oral and Aural Skills activities (10+10 marks) will be conducted during school hours.

Assignment Submission Date Submission Date Marks

Date (Rough Draft) (Final Submission)

24th April 4 June 2025 10 June 2025 Internal External

Examiner Examiner

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