IGNOU BEGC-134 Assignment 2026
Reading the Novel
Last updated by IGNOU: 25 Aug 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 19 Oct 2026, 05:43 pm.
| Course code | BEGC-134 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Reading the Novel |
| Programme | BA General (English) (BAG)BAG, BAAPS, BAM |
| School | School of Humanities |
| Assignment code | TMA 01/2026 - 26 |
| Session | July 2026 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | — |
| Last date (December exam) |
About the BEGC-134 assignment
This BEGC-134 tutor-marked assignment covers Blocks 1–4. It assesses your understanding of the novel as a literary form, narrative point of view, and critical reading of The Awakening, Paraja and Things Fall Apart. Topics include identity, freedom, indigenous traditions, exploitation, tragedy and social change.
The question paper has three sections, and all questions are compulsory. Section A has two responses of about 200 words each for 20 marks. Section B has four responses of about 350 words each for 60 marks. Section C requires one response of about 600 words for 20 marks.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Section A, Q1 (i) | 10 | Explain the novel’s defining characteristics and distinguish it from the epic and romance. |
| Section A, Q1 (ii) | 10 | Explain narrative point of view and its importance through suitable examples. |
| Section B, Q1 | 15 | Explore Edna Pontellier’s pursuit of identity and freedom in The Awakening and Chopin’s questioning of conventional womanhood. |
| Section B, Q2 | 15 | Analyse how Paraja connects tribal life, nature and exploitation while depicting conflict between indigenous traditions and outside forces. |
| Section B, Q3 | 15 | Examine Okonkwo’s role as a tragic hero in Things Fall Apart and how his strengths contribute to his downfall. |
| Section B, Q4 | 15 | Compare how The Awakening and Things Fall Apart portray society and individual freedom. |
| Section C, Q5 | 20 | Critically discuss how novels represent social change, drawing on The Awakening, Paraja and Things Fall Apart. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.