Question

11. Read the source and answer the question given below it. (3)

Ernst Renan,

‘What is a Nation?’ In a lecture delivered at the University of Sorbonne in 1882, the French

philosopher Ernst Renan (1823-92) outlined his understanding of what makes a nation. In this essay

Renan criticizes the notion suggested by others that a nation is formed by a common language, race,

religion, or territory:

‘A nation is the culmination of a long past of endeavors, sacrifice and devotion. A heroic past, great

men, glory, that is the social capital upon which one bases a national idea. To have common glories in

the past, to have a common will in the present, to have performed great deeds together, to wish to

perform still more, these are the essential conditions of being a people. A nation is therefore a large-

scale solidarity … Its existence is a daily plebiscite … A province is its inhabitants; if anyone has the

right to be consulted, it is the inhabitant. A nation never has any real interest in annexing or holding on

to a country against its will. The existence of nations is a good thing, a necessity even. Their existence

is a guarantee of liberty, which would be lost if the world had only one law and only one master.



(11.1) Evaluate Renan’s opinion about what cannot be called as a nation.

(11.2) According to Renan, what assures the existence of nation?

(11.3) State two reasons how the spirit of nation state was instilled in the people?​

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. In a lecture delivered at the University of Sorbonne in 1882, the French philosopher Ernst Renan (1823-92) outlined his understanding of what makes a nation. ... subsequently published as a famous essay entitled 'Qu'est-ce qu'unenation?' ("What is a Nation?')