Best Guide Books for English Honours 4th Semester Calcutta University
Comprehensive Overview of DSC-5, DSC-6, and DSC-8
Are you a Fourth Semester English Honours student under the University of Calcutta? Are you searching for trusted guide books to help you prepare for your exams with confidence? This blog post is specially crafted for you. Based on over 30 years of academic experience in English literature, I bring you a clear and practical overview of three essential guide books – for DSC-5: Popular Literature, DSC-6: Introduction to Indian Writing in English, and DSC-8: English Drama. These guides are designed to support your learning, help you write better answers, and boost your exam performance.
DSC-5: Popular Literature
Published by: Reba Book Society
This guide is a valuable
companion for anyone studying Popular Literature. It covers four major texts:
·
Through
the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
·
Abol
Tabol by Sukumar Ray
·
Tintin
in Tibet by Hergé
·
The
Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
Each chapter includes:
Simple explanations of plot and
characters
Clear discussions on major
themes and literary techniques
Easy-to-follow critical
viewpoints
Well-structured answers for
both 5-mark and 15-mark questions
The language is student-friendly, yet it
maintains academic clarity. This book follows the Calcutta University syllabus
closely. It helps you understand the literary, cultural, and stylistic richness
of these popular texts. Whether you are reading nonsense rhymes or detective
fiction, this guide brings each story alive.
DSC-6: Introduction to Indian Writing in English
Title: Introduction to Indian
Writing in English
Published by: Reba Book Society
This guide book is ideal for
exploring the depth and diversity of Indian writing in English. It includes:
Meenakshi Mukherjee’s essay The
Beginnings of the Indian Novel
Short stories like A Bride for
the Sahib by Khushwant Singh and Another Community by R.K. Narayan
Poems such as To a Lady by
Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt, and Enterprise by
Nissim Ezekiel
A full discussion of Rajmohan’s
Wife by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay
The guide offers:
Critical summaries and close
readings
Thematic and stylistic analysis
Long and short questions to
help develop your writing skills
It is designed to encourage a
deep and critical understanding of Indian English literature. This guide does
not merely offer answers; it invites you to think and engage with the texts.
DSC-8: English Drama
Title: Guide Book to English
Drama
Published by: Reba Book Society
Drama is a vital part of English Honours studies. This guide book covers:
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
The Way of the World by William
Congreve
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Look Back in Anger by John
Osborne
Each play is presented with:
Scene-by-scene summaries
Character studies and thematic
discussions
Notes on style, symbolism, and
historical background
Detailed questions and answers
for exam practice
The guide helps students
explore different types of English drama—from the grandeur of Shakespearean
tragedy to the sharp wit of Wilde and the raw realism of Osborne. It encourages
close reading and develops your understanding of theatrical techniques.
Final Thoughts
All three guide books have been
carefully prepared to meet the academic requirements of Calcutta University’s
Fourth Semester Honours syllabus. They are written in simple, clear English to
support every student—whether you are a fast learner or someone who needs more
time.
FAQs –
English Honours 4th Semester
Guide Books (Calcutta University)
1. What are the best guide
books for English Honours 4th semester under Calcutta University?
The best guide books for 4th
semester English Honours students at Calcutta University are published by Reba
Book Society. These include: The Exam Guide for Popular Literature (DSC-5),
Introduction to Indian Writing in English (DSC-6), and Guide Book to English
Drama (DSC-8).
2. Which texts are covered in
the DSC-5 Popular Literature guide book?
The DSC-5 guide covers Through the Looking Glass, Abol Tabol, Tintin in Tibet, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Each text is explained with clear analysis, theme discussions, and model questions
3. What does the guide book on
Indian Writing in English (DSC-6) include?
The DSC-6 guide includes essays, short stories, poems, and a novel. Key texts include Meenakshi Mukherjee’s essay, stories by Khushwant Singh and R.K. Narayan, poems by Madhusudan Dutt, Toru Dutt, and Nissim Ezekiel, and Rajmohan’s Wife by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay
4. Are short and long questions
provided in these guide books?
Yes, all three guide books
provide both short (5 marks) and long (15 marks) questions. These help students
prepare effectively for exams by improving their analytical and writing skills.
5. Does the English Drama guide
book include analysis of all prescribed plays?
Yes, the guide for DSC-8
includes detailed analysis of Macbeth, The Way of the World, The Importance of
Being Earnest, and Look Back in Anger. It discusses their themes, characters,
historical context, and dramatic techniques.
6. Can these guide books help
in last-minute revision before exams?
Yes, these books are perfect
for both regular study and last-minute revision. Their well-structured format
helps students quickly revise key points, summaries, and question-answer
sections.
