BEGE-108 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview: BEGE-108 Reading the Novel

BEGE-108 Reading the Novel is a core course under IGNOU’s Bachelor of Arts (English and Hindi) programme, designed to cultivate analytical and critical reading skills through an in-depth exploration of the novel as a literary form. This course spans historical, thematic, and structural dimensions, from foundational theories of the novel to close readings of canonical and postcolonial texts. Students engage with narrative techniques, characterisation, and socio-cultural contexts, while developing the ability to contextualise literary works within their historical and ideological frameworks. The curriculum integrates comparative analysis, enabling learners to appreciate the evolution of the novel from 19th-century realism to contemporary postcolonial narratives, thereby preparing them for advanced literary studies and academic writing.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: The Novel: An Introduction: This block examines the origins and evolution of the novel, tracing its development from early proto-novels to 18th-century literary conventions. Topics include the novel’s relationship with other genres, its formal experimentation, and the role of authorship in shaping narrative structures.
• Block-2: A Tale of Two Cities: A critical study of Charles Dickens’ seminal work, focusing on its historical backdrop during the French Revolution, thematic duality, and character archetypes. Students analyse the novel’s portrayal of revolution, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity through close textual engagement.
• Block-3: Things Fall Apart: Chinua Achebe’s foundational postcolonial novel is dissected for its exploration of Igbo culture, colonial disruption, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The block emphasises narrative voice, cultural representation, and the novel’s enduring relevance in postcolonial discourse.
• Block-4: Attia Hosain: Sunlight on a Broken Column: This unit delves into Hosain’s autobiographical novel, examining its feminist themes, colonial legacy, and the portrayal of Muslim women in early 20th-century India. Students analyse the interplay of memory, identity, and societal constraints within the narrative.
• Block-6: The Novel: A Retrospective: The concluding block synthesises key insights from the course, encouraging students to reflect on the novel’s adaptability across cultures and eras. It includes comparative studies of global novelistic traditions and their critical reception, culminating in a project-based assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the BEGE-108 internal assignment, and how many questions are typically assigned?
A: The internal assignment for BEGE-108 carries 30 marks and usually consists of 3–4 questions, requiring students to answer a combination of short-answer and analytical responses based on the prescribed blocks. The marking scheme allocates points for depth of analysis, textual evidence, and adherence to academic conventions.

Q: Are there any specific pass marks or weightage criteria for the term-end examination in BEGE-108?
A: The term-end examination for BEGE-108 is worth 70 marks, and the passing criterion is a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (35/70) across both internal and external assessments. The examination includes objective and descriptive questions, with emphasis on critical interpretation of the prescribed texts.