Text Book Solutions All Class

Introduction

The poem ‘Rain on the Roof’ talks about the poet’s varied reactions to the sound of raindrops falling on the roof of his house. He says that the raindrops at night are like tears shed by the sad, dark night. 

He loves to lie in bed and hear the rain falling on the roof of his room because it brings back sweet memories of the past. He says that the sound of raindrops helps him fall asleep and gives him sweet dreams. He has memories of his loving mother who would put them to sleep. 

Detailed summary

In this poem, the poet describes the arrival of rain by depicting the movement of dark, moisture-laden clouds in the sky. The poet interprets these clouds as “humid shadows” and emphasizes their impending release of rain. The night sky, adorned with stars, serves as the backdrop for this atmospheric transformation.

When the humid shadows hover
Over all the starry spheres
And the melancholy darkness
Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow
Of a cottage-chamber bed
And lie listening to the patter
Of the soft rain overhead!

The poet metaphorically likens raindrops to tears, suggesting a profound connection between the weather and the poet’s emotional perception. The notion of the dark sky weeping is reinforced, portraying a melancholic scene. Finding solace in this natural phenomenon, the poet views lying in bed during the rain as a comforting blessing, relishing the soothing sound of raindrops on the roof.

Try yourself:

What does the poet compare raindrops at night to?

• A.Footsteps on the ground
• B.Whispers of the wind
• C.Songs of joy
• D.Tears of a sad night

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Every tinkle on the shingles
Has an echo in the heart;
And a thousand dreamy fancies Into busy being start,
And a thousand recollections
Weave their air-threads into woof,
As I listen to the patter
Of the rain upon the roof.

Transitioning to the next part, the poet expresses the emotional resonance he experiences when raindrops fall on his house’s roof. Each sound, or “tinkle on the shingles,” reverberates in his heart and becomes a part of his dreams. The poet’s imagination is sparked by the rhythmic fall of raindrops, generating various fantastical images and evoking memories of the past.

Now in memory comes my mother, 
As she used in years agone, 
To regard the darling dreamers 
Ere she left them till the dawn: 
O! I feel her fond look on me 
As I list to this refrain 
Which is played upon the shingles 
By the patter of the rain. 

In the final paragraph, the poet introduces the theme of maternal nostalgia. Rain serves as a trigger for memories of his mother, who is no longer alive. Recollecting her love and care, the poet envisions his mother looking at him as he listens to the rain’s song. The sound of raindrops becomes a poignant link between past and present, stirring deep emotions and leaving the poet profoundly moved. Each instance of rainfall rekindles memories of his mother, creating a bittersweet connection between the soothing sound of rain and the cherished moments of the past.

In conclusion, this evocative poem celebrates the joy of listening to raindrops on the roof. With vivid imagery and tender recollections, the poet weaves a timeless narrative that captures the blissful essence of a rainy night. The patter of rain becomes a poetic melody, echoing in the heart and summoning cherished memories, particularly that of the poet’s mother. In its simplicity, the poem beautifully highlights the profound connection between nature, emotion, and enduring comfort. 

Theme/Message of the Poem

Themes:

• Nostalgia: The poem explores the theme of nostalgia through the speaker’s memories of their mother and past experiences.
• Comfort in Nature: Finding solace and comfort in the natural world, specifically in the sound of rain, is a prominent theme.

Message:

• The poem conveys the idea that simple, everyday experiences like listening to the rain can evoke deep emotions and memories.
• It emphasizes the importance of finding solace and peace in the midst of life’s uncertainties through connecting with nature and memories.

Useful Expressions 

• … starry spheres – An area in the sky where stars appear in a group.
• What bliss — A pleasing movement that the poet is unable to forget.
• … a thousand dreamy fancies’ Into busy starting, — The poet remembers his past and finds himself lost in imagination.
• … a thousand recollections ‘Weave their air-threads into woof, — A chain of memories that visit the poet’s mind during the rainy season.
• … darling dreamers — Refers to children who love and remember their mother equally like the poet. 

Try yourself:

What are useful expressions?

• A.Words that are hard to understand
• B.Common phrases for communication
• C.Sentences without meaning
• D.Expressions only for writing

View SolutionGlossary

1. Hover: To stay suspended in the air at a single point, without moving in any particular direction.
2. Melancholy: A profound feeling of sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
3. Bliss: A state of pure joy and overwhelming happiness.
4. Patter: A light, rapid sound made by repeated tapping or striking, like raindrops hitting a surface.
5. Shingles: Thin, overlapping pieces of material, typically wood or asphalt, used to cover and protect rooftops.
6. Woof: The horizontal threads woven across a fabric, interlacing with vertical threads to form the structure of the textile.
7. Refrain: A line or group of lines regularly repeated in a poem, song, or musical piece, often contributing to its rhythm or theme.

About the Poet

Subramania Bharati is considered a prominent writer and poet in the Tamil literary world. He was also a journalist and an Independence activist. He was regarded as the Father of the modern Tamil style of writing. .     

                   Subramania Bharati

Key Points of the Poem

• As the name suggests, this poem is about wind. However, the wind is a natural phenomenon. 
• In the poem, the poet describes the power of the wind and calls the wind destructive. 
• Further, he links the destructive power of the wind with the difficulties of life. 
• He says that weak people break down easily, but stronger people emerge stronger.  

Detailed Summary

Wind, come softly.
Don’t break the shutters of the windows.
Don’t scatter the papers.
Don’t throw down the books on the shelf.

In the first stanza, the poet requests the wind to blow gently and not destroy anything with its force. He asks the wind not to break the shutters of the windows and scatter the papers here and there. He also requests the wind not to throw the books on the shelf. At that point, he says to the wind, check out the destruction that you bring about. You have tossed everybody down and disarranged everything. Inferable from your power, the pages of the books have been destroyed. You have brought the heavy rain. Furthermore, the poet says that the wind is very good at making fun of weak people. 

There, look what you did — you threw them all down.
You tore the pages of the books.
You brought rain again.

In these lines of the second stanza, the wind does not pay any attention to the poet’s request of not blowing strongly. The poet says that the wind threw everything down from the shelf and it also tore the pages from the books. The poet gets angry and blames the wind to bring rain along with it. By this, the writer implies that when a solid wind blows, all delicate, powerless, and weak things break without any problem. At first, when the writer presented the wind, he contrasted its power with that of a little youngster; that is the reason he requested that the wind come delicately. In any case, later, the wind becomes dangerous, like an adolescent is ready to go, and there is viciousness and destruction. 

You’re very clever at poking fun at weaklings.
Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters.
crumbling wood, crumbling bodies, crumbling lives,
crumbling hearts —
the wind god winnows and crushes them all.

Here, the poet says that the wind is entirely strong, to the point that it breaks all that comes in his manner. He says that the powerless houses are falling, the entryways are separating, the bar that supports the top of the structure is falling, and every one of the things made of wood is falling. In this stanza, the poet is sad as well as has a critical tone. The poet calls the wind clever as it makes fun of all weak things. The strong wind in these lines represents all the hardships and struggles that an individual faces in life. The poet says that the wind destroys all weak things such as houses, doors, rafters, and wood. It even destroys people, their lives, and hearts with its mighty power. The wind God continues to destroy or separate weaklings until they become strong enough to face the challenges.

Try yourself:What does the poet compare the wind’s destructive power to in the poem?

• A.A gentle breeze
• B.A playful child
• C.A powerful storm
• D.A protective shield

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He won’t do what you tell him.
So, come, let’s build strong homes,
Let’s joint the doors firmly.
Practise to firm the body.
Make the heart steadfast.
Do this, and the wind will be friends with us.

In the fourth stanza, the poet addresses the readers and asks them to make themselves strong because the wind will not listen to anybody’s request. The poet asks everyone to build strong houses and lock the doors tightly so that the wind cannot intrude on the house and destroy everything. This is a metaphor by which the poet is encouraging his readers to become bold and strong to face all the troubles in life. The poet asks the readers to practice hard to get a firm mind as well as a strong body so that they can face the wind and any challenge in life. If they can do this, then the wind will become their friend and will not harm them. The poet is tending to the wind as God. He has contrasted individuals and wheat and says that as we winnow the wheat to isolate the grain from the waste, comparatively, the Wind God isolates the resilient individuals from the powerless individuals. Because of the weighty and solid wind, every one of the powerless things falls and gets annihilated.

The wind blows out weak fires.
He makes strong fires roar and flourish.
His friendship is good.
We praise him every day.

In the last stanza of the poem, the poet describes the wind as both a creator and a destroyer. As a destroyer, it blows out the weak fire and as a creator, it encourages and nurtures strong fire. In other words, wind can destroy all things that are weak and feeble and at the same time, it can also flourish a thing that is strong and determined. If we are strong, then wind becomes our friend. That means strong people will stop fearing wind and not allow harming them. We then praise the wind of God every day for building our strength. Through this poem, the poet says that we should be mentally and physically prepared to accept all challenges. The poet says that the wind won’t pay attention to us and do what we say. Thus, rather than training the wind, we ought to set ourselves up. We should fabricate solid homes and close the entryway firmly so that wind doesn’t enter the home. We should make our bodies solid and our hearts firm with the goal of confronting these troubles and conquering every one of the difficulties. He says that by doing this large number of things, the wind will become companions with us. Here, the poet implies that issues would come in our lives; we should make ourselves sufficiently to conquer them. Each obstacle in our life makes us more grounded and assists us with investigating our inward strength.

Try yourself:

Which of the following best describes the poet’s advice in the poem?

• A.To make the wind our friend, we should build strong homes, firm our bodies, and make our hearts steadfast.
• B.To control the wind, we should ask it to be gentle and not harm us.
• C.To be safe from the wind, we should ask for help from others.
• D.To avoid the wind, we should hide inside our homes.

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Title Justification

The title of the poem, “Wind,” is justified because the entire poem revolves around the characteristics and actions of the wind. The wind is portrayed as a powerful force that can be both destructive and nurturing, depending on the circumstances. The poet addresses the wind directly, personifying it as a force that can impact human lives and the environment. 

Theme/Message

The poem gives us a very important message that we should not feel bad that we are facing so many challenges and hardships in life. Instead, we should make ourselves mentally and physically strong to face challenges. The poem gives a very important lesson that we should be mentally tough and physically strong in order to survive the hardships of life. However, a weak person crumbles and breakdown like an old building. So it is necessary that we should make these destructive forces our friends with our determination and strength. 

Literary Devices

• Anaphora – When a word is repeated at the start of two or more consecutive lines, it is the device of Anaphora.
  Lines 2, 3, 4 begin with ‘don’t’.
  Lines 6, 7, 8 begin with ‘you’.
• Personification – wind has been personified. When the poet says ‘you are’, he is referring to wind as ‘you’ that means he is treating wind as a person.
• Repetition – ‘crumbling’ is repeated many times to lay emphasis. The poet wants to say that the wind crushes everything that is weak. That is why he repeats the word crumbling.
• Alliteration – the repetition of a consonant sound in close connection.
  ‘wind winnows’.
  ‘won’t want’
• Symbolism – Symbolism means that the thing refers to some other thing. the wind is a symbol. It refers to the challenges in life. He is using wind as a symbol for the adversities in our life.

Difficult Words

• poking fun: making fun of something
• weaklings: a person who is weak
• crumbling: falling or to cause something to break
• rafter: sloping beam which supports the roof of the building 
• winnows: to broke grain-free of chaff, separate grain from husk by blowing on it 
• steadfast – firm
• flourish: grow

Part 1 Summary: Evelyn Glennie

Key Points of the Story

• A young girl named Evelyn Glennie, despite being completely deaf, gains admission to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London.
• Evelyn’s hearing gradually deteriorates due to nerve damage, and by the age of eleven, she requires hearing aids to compensate for her deafness.
• Refusing to let her condition dictate her future, Evelyn learns to feel music through vibrations in her body, excelling in percussion.
• She achieves tremendous success in music, touring internationally, winning numerous awards, and becoming a world-renowned multipercussionist.
• Despite her deafness, Evelyn’s musical performances leave audiences astounded, showcasing her unique connection to the art.

Detailed Summary

• The Beginning of Evelyn’s Journey:
   Amid the bustling rush-hour crowds on a London underground train platform, a small, thin girl stood, awaiting her train. She looked younger than her seventeen years, her face a mixture of nervous anticipation. This was no ordinary day for Evelyn Glennie—it was her first at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. But unlike most aspiring musicians, Evelyn faced a challenge that made her journey all the more daunting—she was profoundly deaf.
• Early Struggles with Hearing Loss: Evelyn’s journey toward musical greatness was shaped by her early struggles with hearing loss. Her mother, Isabel Glennie, first noticed something was wrong when, at the age of eight, Evelyn failed to respond to a call while waiting to play the piano. Over time, it became clear that Evelyn’s hearing was steadily deteriorating due to nerve damage. By the age of eleven, her hearing had declined significantly, affecting her schoolwork and social interactions. Eventually, she had to confront the reality of her condition and begin using hearing aids.

Evelyn Glennie

• Discovering a New Way to “Hear” Music: However, Evelyn refused to allow her deafness to define her future. After observing a girl playing a xylophone, Evelyn felt a deep connection to the instrument and became determined to pursue music, despite her teachers’ doubt. It was percussionist Ron Forbes who recognized her potential and devised an innovative method to help her “hear” music through vibrations. Instead of listening to sound, Evelyn learned to feel it through different parts of her body—her feet, legs, and even her fingertips.
• A Rising Star in the Music World: Her extraordinary ability to sense music allowed her to excel, and her talent shone brightly. Evelyn transitioned from orchestral performances to solo work and gained recognition for her distinctive style. When she auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music, she earned top scores, event ally winning numerous prestigious awards by the end of her studies. Her accomplishments were remarkable, not only because of her deafness but also because of her dedication and resilience in mastering more than a thousand percussion instruments.

• Performing Without Sound: What’s most fascinating about Evelyn is her ability to live and perform without sound. She communicates effortlessly and with great confidence, explaining that music is something she feels deeply, with the vibrations of each instrument resonating throughout her body. In 1991, Evelyn was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Soloist of the Year, a recognition of her incredible contributions to music. The famous percussionist James Blades once remarked on Evelyn’s ability to convey emotions through music in ways others could only dream of, describing her connection to sound as deeply profound.
• Dedication to Her Craft and Passion for Education: Evelyn’s work ethic is unmatched; she describes herself as a workaholic, devoting countless hours to honing her craft. She performs not only at major venues around the world but also offers free concerts in unusual settings like prisons and hospitals. Her educational work with young musicians is another testament to her passion for music and her desire to inspire the next generation.
• A Legacy of Inspiration: Her story is an inspirational reminder that disabilities are not limitations. Through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, Evelyn has redefined what it means to experience music, transforming the world of percussion and proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

Try yourself:

What technique did Evelyn Glennie use to “hear” music despite being profoundly deaf?

• A.Listening through hearing aids
• B.Feeling vibrations in her body
• C.Reading music notes visually
• D.Memorizing musical compositions

View Solution

Theme/ Message of Part 1

Themes:

• Overcoming adversity is a central theme, as Evelyn’s story demonstrates the triumph of the human spirit over physical challenges.
• Determination and perseverance are key, showcasing Evelyn’s refusal to let her deafness deter her from pursuing her passion for music.

Message:

• The narrative emphasizes that resilience, hard work, and dedication can help one overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, no matter the circumstances.

Difficult Words1. Daunting: causing fear or intimidation. 

2. Aspiring: having ambitions to achieve something. 

3. Impaired: weakened or damaged. 

4. Conceal: to hide or keep secret. 

5. Orchestral: relating to an orchestra or orchestral music. 

6. Solo Performances: musical performances by a single artist. 

7. Workaholic: a person who compulsively works excessively hard. 

8. Handicapped: having a physical or mental disability. 

9. Resonances: choes or vibrations of sounds. 

10. Effortlessly: with ease and without effort. 

11. Tingles: causes a slight pricking or stinging sensation. 

12. Flawlessly: without any fault or mistake. 

13. Lilt: a particular way of speaking. 

14. Prestigious: inspiring respect and admiration. 

15. Triumph: a great victory or achievement.

Try yourself:

What does the word “triumph” mean in the context of the passage?

• A.A great defeat or failure.
• B.A significant challenge or obstacle.
• C.A great victory or achievement.
• D.A difficult situation or predicament.

View Solution

Part 2 Summary: Bismillah Khan 

Bismillah Khan

Key Points of the Story

• The musical instrument pungi was banned by Emperor Aurangzeb, but a barber from a family of musicians invented the shehnai, a more melodious and pleasant instrument.
• The shehnai gained recognition for its auspicious sound, becoming integral to North Indian wedding and temple ceremonies.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan emerged as a master of the shehnai, achieving global recognition and receiving numerous prestigious awards.
• Bismillah Khan’s music transcended borders, earning him international acclaim and helping him shape the landscape of Indian classical music.
• Despite his global fame, Bismillah Khan remained deeply attached to his hometowns, Benaras and Dumraon, and his musical legacy continues to embody India’s rich cultural traditions.

Detailed Summary

• Once upon a time in a land where music was both forbidden and revered, a young barber dared to challenge tradition. In the royal residence of Emperor Aurangzeb, the playing of a musical instrument known as the pungi was strictly prohibited due to its unpleasant, shrill sound. The pungi, a reeded noisemaker, seemed destined to fade into obscurity.

Shehnai

• However, a twist of fate intervened when a barber from a family of musicians, granted access to the royal palace, decided to reinvent the pungi. He crafted a new instrument, with a longer, broader hollow stem and seven holes for producing soft, melodious sounds. This innovation caught the attention of royalty, leading to the birth of a new instrument – the shehnai.
• The shehnai’s enchanting sound soon became associated with auspicious occasions, particularly in temples and North Indian weddings. Originally part of the traditional ensemble at royal courts, the shehnai’s transition to the classical stage was credited to the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan.
• Bismillah Khan, hailing from a prestigious lineage of musicians in Bihar, showed early talent in music. From a young age, he immersed himself in the world of shehnai, learning from his uncle and honing his skills by the banks of the Ganga. His dedication and passion for music blossomed, leading him to captivate audiences both in India and abroad.
• At the Allahabad Music Conference, a pivotal moment arrived when the renowned Ustad Faiyaz Khan recognized Bismillah’s potential, offering words of encouragement that spurred him on his musical journey. Bismillah Khan’s performance at the Red Fort on India’s Independence Day marked a historic moment, symbolizing the nation’s newfound freedom through the soulful notes of his shehnai.

• Internationally acclaimed, Bismillah Khan’s music transcended borders, earning him praises and admiration worldwide. His humility and dedication to his art were exemplified through his refusal to be swayed by the glitz and glamour of the film industry, despite his success in composing music for a few notable films.
• With a string of prestigious awards such as the Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Bismillah Khan’s crowning achievement came in 2001 when he was bestowed with India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. His impassioned plea to preserve and propagate India’s rich musical heritage resonated deeply, emphasizing the universal language of music.
• Despite his global acclaim and travels, Bismillah Khan’s heart remained rooted in his beloved towns of Benaras and Dumraon. His unwavering connection to his cultural roots and his ability to bridge religious and musical divides embodied the essence of India’s diverse and inclusive heritage.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan’s life story serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of India’s cultural legacy, where music transcends boundaries of faith and tradition. His legacy lives on, a reminder of the power of music to unite hearts and souls, creating harmony amidst diversity.
• In a emotional moment of national mourning, Ustad Bismillah Khan bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire and enchant generations to come.

Try yourself:

What is the significance of the shehnai in North Indian culture?

• A.It is used in temple ceremonies.
• B.It is played at royal courts.
• C.It is associated with inauspicious occasions.
• D.It is primarily used in South Indian weddings.

View Solution

Theme/Message

Themes:

• The fusion of tradition and innovation in music.
• The power of music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts globally.
• The significance of cultural roots and personal connections in an artist’s life.

Message:

• Music has the ability to bridge cultural divides and create lasting connections.
• Dedication, passion, and hard work can lead to unparalleled success and recognition.
• One’s roots and heritage should always be cherished and celebrated, no matter the heights of achievement.

Difficult Words

1. auspicious: promising to bring good fortune
2. indispensable: without which a piece of work cannot be done
3. ensembles: things considered as a group
4. melodious: pleasant-sounding
5. maestro: a distinguished musician, especially a conductor
6. coveted: greatly desired or envied
7. celluloid: relating to the film industry
8. replicating: to copy or reproduce
9. devout: deeply religious
10. prolonged: extended in time
11. acclaimed: highly praised or recognized
12. transcend: to go beyond the limits of
13. affection: a gentle feeling of fondness or liking
14. heritage: practices that are handed down from the past by tradition 
15. Reeded: With thin sticks (for sound)
    Try yourself:Which term describes a musician who is highly praised and recognized for their work?
    • A.Maestro
    • B.Devout
    • C.Coveted
    • D.Melodious
    View Solution

Poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost signifies a situation where the poet was walking down a road that had a diversion. He had to choose between the two paths. Here is a brief summary of the poem.

About the Poet 

Robert Frost, who was born in 1874 in San Francisco, experienced early tragedy with his father’s death. He studied at Dartmouth and Harvard but left without completing his degree. Frost married Elinor White and they had six children, which is an important part of his personal story. He became well-known for his poetry while living in England, where he was celebrated for his observations of rural life. Despite facing many personal challenges, including the loss of children, Frost continued to write and became a notable American poet, famous for works like “The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” His legacy, marked by simple yet deep themes of nature and choice, continues to inspire readers around the globe.

Robert Frost

Key Points of the Poem 

• In “The Road Not Taken,” the poet reflects on life’s choices through a symbolic journey in the woods, particularly at a fork in the road. He faces a dilemma about which path to choose.
• Although he wishes to explore both paths, he understands he must select just one. He contemplates his choice and ultimately picks the less travelled route, noting its grassy and less worn look. Though as for that the passing there / Had worn them really about the same.
• He recognises that both paths have likely been taken by others. Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. He opts for the less common path, thinking it will affect his life’s journey.
• Looking back on his decision, he imagines sharing his choice with others in the future and how it shaped his life’s direction. I shall be telling this with a sigh / Somewhere ages and ages hence; Through this story, the poet examines the theme of personal choices and their influence on fate. And that has made all the difference.

Detailed Summary 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

The speaker walks through a forest with yellow leaves in autumn and reaches a fork in the road. Regretting that he cannot travel both paths (as he is only one person), he stands at the fork for a long time, trying to see where one path leads. However, he cannot see far because the forest is thick and the path is not straight.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

The speaker takes the other path, judging it to be just as good a choice as the first, and supposing that it may even be the better option of the two, since it is grassy and looks less worn than the other path. Though, now that the speaker has actually walked on the second road, he thinks that in reality the two roads must have been more or less equally worn-in.

Try yourself:

Which road did the speaker ultimately choose in the poem “The Road Not Taken”?

• A.The road that was straight and well-traveled.
• B.The road that was less worn and grassy.
• C.The road that was curvy and surrounded by undergrowth.
• D.The road that was bustling with other travelers.

View Solution

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

Reinforcing this statement, the speaker recalls that both roads were covered in leaves, which had not yet been turned black by foot traffic. The speaker exclaims that he is in fact just saving the first road, and will travel it at a later date, but then immediately contradicts him or herself with the acknowledgement that, in life, one road tends to lead onward to another, so it’s therefore unlikely that he will ever actually get a chance to return to that first road.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The speaker imagines him or herself in the distant future, recounting, with a sigh, the story of making the choice of which road to take. Speaking as though looking back on his or her life from the future, the speaker states that he was faced with a choice between two roads and chose to take the road that was less traveled, and the consequences of that decision have made all the difference in his or her life.

Try yourself:What central message does the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost convey?

• A.Life is about taking the easy path
   
• B.Choices made in life have significant consequences
• C.There is always a right and wrong path
• D.It is better not to make any decisions
   

View Solution

Title Justification

The title “The Road Not Taken” is fitting for Robert Frost’s poem for a few reasons.

• Firstly, the title reflects the main metaphor of the poem, which explores the importance of choices in life. The phrase “The Road Not Taken” signifies the decision the poet faces between two paths, emphasising the theme of making choices and their impact on one’s life.
• Additionally, the title suggests a sense of reflection and thought, aligning with the poem’s introspective nature. The speaker reminisces about the critical moment of making a decision and considers the importance of the chosen path, as well as the regret of the path not taken. The phrase “The Road Not Taken” invokes thoughts about the options left unchosen, which is a central idea in the poem. A key line that captures this idea is: “I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.”

In summary, the title “The Road Not Taken” effectively encapsulates the key themes of decision-making and the importance of the chosen path in shaping one’s life.

Theme/Message

Theme

• The theme of Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” focuses on the importance of choices in life, the challenges of making decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with them.
• It examines the struggles of decision-making and how our choices affect our future.

Message

• The poem’s message highlights the need for careful decision-making and the understanding that our choices carry significant consequences.
• It warns readers that once a decision is made, it is hard to go back and start over.
• Moreover, it conveys that the speaker realises the difficulty of returning to make another choice, as shown in the line, “Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.”
• Key imagery, such as “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” and “In leaves no step had trodden black,” is vital for grasping the themes of choice and consequence.
• In the end, the poem concludes with the line, “I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference,” underscoring the lasting effects of our choices on life.

Try yourself:What is the central theme of Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken”?
 

• A.The beauty of nature
• B.The significance of choices and their impact
• C.The fragility of life
• D.The importance of friendship

View Solution

Literary Devices 

• Assonance and Consonance –Repetition of vowel sounds (assonance) and consonant sounds (consonance) in nearby words. For example, in “The Road Not Taken,” Frost uses both to create a balanced and rhythmic effect.
• Extended Metaphor –An extended metaphor is developed over several lines and serves as a central theme. In “The Road Not Taken,” Frost’s metaphor of a forked path represents decision-making. This allows readers to connect with the speaker’s dilemma and reflect on their own choices.
• Repetition –Frost uses anaphora (the repetition of a word or phrase at the start of successive clauses) and thematic repetition. Examples include phrases like “way leads on to way” and the repeated opening line, which emphasise the poem’s rhythm and themes.
• Alliteration –Alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, which can be observed in various phrases throughout the poem.
• Anaphora –The word ‘and’ is repeated at the beginning of lines 2, 3, and 4.
• Rhyme Scheme –abaab
• Symbolism –The two roads represent choices in life. The line “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” establishes the poem’s context.
• Emotional Implications –The line “I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference” captures the essence of the speaker’s reflection on choices.

Difficult Words   

• Diverged = branched off, took different directions 
• Wood = forest, dense group of trees 
• Travel = to journey, move from one place to another 
• Traveller = one who journeys, an explorer 
• Undergrowth = Where clarity ends and uncertainty begins, the hidden segment of a choice or path
• Fair = unbiased, equitable, just 
• Claim = assertion, a declaration of truth or belief
• Grassy = covered with grass, verdant 
• Wanted wear = had not been crushed or worn out under human feet, has not been used and worn so frequently 
• Trod = walked upon, stepped on 
• Equally= Similarly, in the same manner, or measure 
• Lay = was situated or placed 
• Sigh = deep breath of sorrow, regret
• Kept = reserved, saved for later
• Telling = narrating, recounting
• Difference = distinction, variation in outcome or results
• Bent = curved, turned 
• Doubted = questioned, was uncertain about 
  Try yourself:Which literary device is used when a vowel sound is repeated in nearby words in a poem?
  • A.Alliteration
  • B.Assonance
  • C.Consonance
  • D.Metaphor
  View Solution

Q.1. Who enters Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. An intruder enters Gerrard’s cottage.

Q.2. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. He wanted to kill Gerrard and disguise himself as Gerrard.

Q.3. How did Gerrard react to find the intruder in his room?
Ans. He was cool and calm to see the intruder.

Q.4. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about his childhood?
Ans. Gerrard told the intruder that in childhood he was stolen by the gypsies.

Q.5. What was Gerrard’s Christian name?
Ans. His Christian name was Vincent Charles.

Q.6. What did the intruder tell Gerrard about his speciality?
Ans. ‘Hie intrudes told Gerrard that his specialty was jewel robbery. ‘

Q.7. What did the intruder want to know of Gerrard?
Ans. lie wanted to know of Gerrard, how he talked and how he met people.

Q.8. Why did the intruder want to hurt but not to kill Gerrard?
Ans. He wanted to hurt him and get an answer to his questions before killing him.

Q.9. What is Gerrard’s profession?
Ans. Gerrard is a playwright.

Q.10. What crime had the intruder committed?
Ans. ‘the intruder had killed a policeman.

Q.11. Where did Gerrard imprison the intruder?
Ans. Gerrard imprisoned the intruder in the cupboard.

Q.12. Describe Gerrard’s appearance.
Ans. Gerrard is a man of medium height and wears horn-rimmed glasses. When the play opens, he is dressed in a lounge suit and a great coat. He talks in a cultured voice and his demeanor is confident.

Q.13. What did Gerrard tell the intruder about himself? Was he telling the truth? Why/Why not?
Ans. Gerrard told the intruder that as a child, he was stolen by the gypsies and now in his thirties, he was all alone in life. He was not telling the truth; he was just being funny as he wished to make it clear that he was not afraid of a gun-toting criminal. In fact,  Gerrard had already started concocting stories about himself.

Q.14. What sort of information does the intruder want from Gerrard?
Ans. The intruder wants personal details from Gerrard like whether in the lives alone, what his Christian name is, whether he has a car and whether people visit him. All this information is necessary for the execution of his plan to dodge the police by disguising it himself as Gerrard.

Q.15. What made Gerrard ask the intruder, Are you an American”?
Ans. Gerrard asked the intruder if he were an American as he had called him a ‘wise guy’. The guy is colloquial American expression for a man. Hence, the usage of this word by the intruder made Gerrard ask him this question.

Q.16. What sort of a person is the intruder? Give examples to illustrate.
Ans. The intruder is a dangerous person as he is carrying a pistol and claims to have killed a cop. He is mean, heartless and crafty, for he plans to kill Gerrard and assume his identity in order to escape the police. He is over-confident because he claims that Gerrard is no match for him. He is also boastful, uncouth and uncultured so as is evident from a remark he makes, ‘Put up your paws’.

Q.17. The intruder announced, “I’m going to kill you”. Was Gerrard in nervous? How would you describe Gerrard’s reactions?
Ans. Confident of his presence of mind, Gerrard remained unruffled of on being threatened by the intruder. He remained so calm and too nonchalant that the intruder was irritated. His sense of humor also enraged the intruder. Thus, Gerrard reacted in a calm and composed way.

Q.18. Why does the intruder intend to kill Gerrard?
Ans. The intruder is a criminal who is being chased by the police for having murdered a cop. As per his plan, the intruder intends to kill Gerrard in order to take on his identity and avoid being caught by the police. In this way, he can lead a peaceful life without being haunted by the fear of arrest and punishment.

Q.19. Who was the intruder in Gerrard’s house? Why did he break into his house?
Ans. The intruder, who broke into Gerrard’s house, was a criminal. He had murdered a cop and was being chased by the police. He intruded into Gerrard’s house with the intention to murder him and impersonate his identity to evade the police.

Q.20. How did Gerrard behave on seeing a gun-toting stranger in his cottage?
Ans. Gerrard kept his cool and remained absolutely unruffled when he saw the gun-toting stranger in his cottage. There was neither any panic nor any ring of tension in his voice. He remained his normal self and talked to him casually.

Q.21. Why does the intruder not kill Gerrard immediately?
Ans. The intruder does not kill Gerrard immediately because he first wants to get all the necessary information from him. Without this information, his plan to disguise and act as Gerrard will not succeed.

Q.22. Where did Gerrard live? Why was it a suitable place for the intruder’s plan?
Ans. Gerrard lived in a lonely cottage in a secluded place in the wilds of Essex. With hardly any population around, it was easy for one to commit a crime without getting detected. In addition, the place was visited by only a few people. Therefore, it was suitable for the intruder to carry out his plan successfully over here.

Q.23. Why does the intruder call himself ‘a poor hunted rat’?
Ans. The intruder describes himself as ‘a poor hunted rat’ because he is being chased by the police and he has to keep dodging them. He has killed a cop and is trying to escape punishment by hiding like a rat being chased by a cat.

Q.24. Why did the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wanted to take on?
Ans. The intruder picked Gerrard because both of them were of the same physical structure. Moreover, as Gerrard lived alone, did not meet any people, and had irregular hours and habits, he thought it would be easy to kill him and assume his identity, and this way lead a life of peace. He will be away from the reach of the law.

Q.25. Why has the criminal been called an intruder all through the play?
Ans. An intruder is a person who forces his way uninvited and unwelcomed like a criminal. He is called an intruder throughout the play as after forcing his way into Gerrard’s cottage, he is trying to grab Gerrard’s identity as well. Moreover, he refuses to tell Gerrard anything about himself, even his name.

Q.26. Bring out the contrast between Gerrard and the intruder.
Ans. Coarse, crude, boastful and an irritable egoist, the intruder is overconfident and thinks that he is the smartest one around. Gerrard, on the other hand, is pleasant, cool-headed, refined, lively and very intelligent, but a modest and humble person. Although Gerrard does not brag, he proves to be much smarter and more intelligent than the intruder.

Q.27. Why did very few people come to Gerrard’s house? Who were the few people who visited him?
Ans. Gerrard lived all alone in a secluded place and his theatrical performances made his schedule irregular. He was hardly at home, so very few people came to his house. He was visited only by his regular suppliers like the baker, the greengrocer, and the milkman.

Q.28.”They cannot hang me twice.” Who says this and why?
Ans. The intruder says this because he is already wanted for having murdered a cop. If he manages to kill Gerrard, as per his plan, the punishment for this murder too, like the first one, will be a death sentence. Hence, he cannot be hanged twice by the police.

Q.29.“A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
Ans. Gerrard, the speaker, proposes to explain the mystery about his queer life in which he has an irregular routine, refuses to see tradesmen, goes away and comes back to the house hurriedly. Gerrard has already concocted a story attributing his strange behaviour to his being a criminal wanted in many cases of crime.

Q.30.”This is your big surprise”. Who says these words in the play? When and where? What is the surprise?
Ans. This has been said by Gerrard when the intruder asks him to clarify how he could still be killed after assuming Vincent Charles Gerrard’s identity. This is a surprise for the intruder who never suspected Gerrard to be a criminal. According to his information, Gerrard seemed to be the perfect person who could be easily eliminated and then impersonated.

Q.31. Why and how did Gerrard persuade the intruder to get into the cupboard?
Ans. Gerrard concocted a story about his own criminal background. He gave the intruder the impression that the police were looking for him and he expected a telephone call from a friend informing the police’s arrival. So when the telephone rang, he hurried the intruder into the cupboard and told him that it was connected to the garage which was an escape route.

Q.32. How does Gerrard propose to use the intruder’s episode?
Ans. Being a man of the theatre, Gerrard is amused at being able to turn the tables on the intruder. He finds the episode of outwitting a criminal by a clever but an innocent man so interesting that he proposes to use it as a plot for his next play.

Q.33. Gerrard describes this encounter with the intruder as an amusing spot of bother’? What light does this attitude reflect on Gerrard?
Ans. Any other person in Gerrard’s place would have been paralyzed with fear under such circumstances. But Gerrard finds it an amusing spot of bother’ as his nonchalant (calm and casual) approach makes him handle the situation comfortably and outwit the intruder with ease.

Q.34. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that
Ans. support your answer. Gerrard is associated with theatre as a writer, producer and director. He also supplies props and makeup materials to other theatre agencies. The following facts reveal his profession clearly.

•  He tells the intruder that his actions are ‘melodramatic’ but not ‘very original’. 
•  He welcomes the intruder as a ‘sympathetic audience’.
•  He comments on the intruder’s ‘inflexion of voice’. 
•  He tells someone over the phone that he cannot deliver the props in time. 
•  He also tells that person that he had ‘an amusing spot of bother’ which he might put into his next play. 

Q.35. Why was Gerrard’s schedule so irregular?
Ans. Having a theatrical background, Gerrard devoted time to writing, producing and directing the plays. He also supplied other theatrical companies with props and make-up items. Therefore, his schedule was irregular as it had to suit the requirements at the theatres.

Q.36. Gerrard said, ‘You have been so modest’. Was Gerrard being ironical or truthful?
Ans. Gerrard’s remark ‘you have been so modest’ was ironical. The intruder had been boasting of his intelligence and smartness. Hence, Gerrard taunted him about his modesty and asked him to say something about himself.

Q.37. Why did the intruder enter Gerrard’s cottage?
Ans. The intruder resembled Gerrard. He had committed a murder. He made a plan to save himself from the police. He decided that after killing Gerrard he would take on his identity and live without any fear. So he entered Gerrard’s cottage,

Q.38. Why did the intruder want Gerrard to speak to him?
Ans. The intruder wanted to take on Gerrard’s identity after killing him. But before killing him he wanted to know how Gerrard talked and how he dealt with people. He could know this only when Gerrard spoke with him. So he wanted him to speak with him.

Q.39. What crime had the intruder committed?
Ans. ‘the intruder was a jewel thief. When he was being chased by the police, he killed a policeman. So he was wanted for murder also

Q.40. Why did he send for the sergeant?
Ans. A jewel thief and murderer entered Gerrard’s cottage. He wanted to kill Gerrard also. Gerrard shut the murderer in a cupboard. Then he phoned the police. Ile sent for the sergeant to get the intruder arrested.

Q.41. How does Gerrard imprison the intruder and save his life?
Ans. Gerrard asks the intruder to run away from there with him because the police may come at any time. He opens a door. He says that this door leads to the garage. The intruder steps in. It was the cupboard door. Gerrard pushes the intruder in and shuts the door. Thus he imprisons the intruder and saves his life.

Q1. Why can’t Lucy see or hear?
Ans: She cannot see or hear because she is dead.

Q2. What does ‘the slumber’ refer to?
Ans: The slumber refers to the death of a lovely child named Lucy.

Q3. What can’t the poet realize?
Ans: The poet cannot comprehend human fears.

Q4. What had sealed the poet’s spirit?
Ans: The death of Lucy sealed the poet’s spirit.

Q5. What is meant by earth’s diurnal course’?
Ans: Earth’s diurnal course refers to the daily movement of the Earth as it rotates on its axis. This rotation causes the cycle of day and night.

Q6. What is meant by ‘human fears’? 
Ans: Human fears refer to the common worries and anxieties experienced by people. These fears can include concerns about failure, rejection, and loss, which are universal emotions that many individuals face throughout their lives.

Q7. What did the slumber do to the poet’s spirit?
Ans: The slumber caused the poet’s spirit to become sealed. This deep sleep signifies a state where he feels no human fears. In this state, he perceives his loved one as a being who cannot feel the passage of time or the effects of the world around her. She is described as having no motion or awareness, existing in a tranquil state, undisturbed by earthly concerns.

Q8. On the basis of reading this poem, how would you describe William Wordsworth?
Ans: In this poem, William Wordsworth expresses his profound love for nature. He envisions it as a source of comfort and peace, particularly when reflecting on the death of a loved one. Wordsworth imagines that if someone dear to him becomes part of nature after their passing, it brings him a sense of relief.

Q9. Explain the line ‘She seemed a thing that could not feel’?
Ans: The line ‘She seemed a thing that could not feel’ suggests that the person is now dead. It implies she lacks any sense of human emotions, meaning she cannot experience grief or happiness. As a result, she is perceived as a lifeless entity, disconnected from the feelings that define living beings.

Q10. What is the theme of the poem ‘A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal’?
Ans: The poem reflects on the death of a loved one. The poet expresses that his soul is sealed in a deep sleep, indicating a profound sense of loss. Despite this sorrow, he finds some comfort in the thought that the child has become a part of nature. This connection to nature brings him a sense of peace, as he believes that the passing of time will no longer affect her.

Q.1. Which two temples did the author visit in Kathmandu?
Ans. The author visited Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu.

Q.2. What signboard is there outside the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The signboard outside Pashupatinath temple is ‘Entrance for Hindus only’.

Q.3. What does everyone do to the Nepalese Princess in the temple?
Ans. Everyone bows to the princess and makes way for her.

Q.4. Which river flows through Kathmandu?
Ans. The Bagmati River flows through Kathmandu.

Q.5. How is the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple is full of confusion.

Q.6. How is the atmosphere at the Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans. At Baudhnath Stupa there is an atmosphere of stillness.

Q.7. Who owned most of the shops in Kathmandu?
Ans. Tibetan immigrants owned most of the shops in Kathmandu.

Q.8. Flow does the author decide to take his return journey to Delhi?
Ans. He decides to come back by the plane of Nepal Airlines.

Q.9. Who does the writer see in at square of Kathmandu?
Ans. He sees a flute seller.

Q.10. Who is the writer of the lesson Kathmandu?
Ans. The author of the lesson Kathmandu is Vikram Seth.

Q.11. Where did the writer stay in Kathmandu? Which two different places of worship did he visit and with whom?
Ans. The writer, Vikram Seth, stayed in a cheap room in the center of Kathmandu town. He visited the Pashupatinath temple, sacred to Hindus, and the Baudhnath stupa, the holy shrine of the Buddhists. He went with his acquaintances Mr. Shah’s son and nephew.

Q.12. What is written on the signboard outside the Pashupatinath temple? What does the proclamation signify?
Ans. Outside the Pashupatinath temple, the signboard announces: “Entrance for the Hindus only”. It signifies the rigid sanctity that this place of worship associates with and the dogmatic discrimination practiced saving this place from being treated like a tourist destination.

Q.13. What does the author imply by ‘febrile confusion’ in the Pashupatinath temple?
Or
What made the atmosphere in and around the Pashupatinath temple full of ‘febrile confusion’?
Ans. The author makes this remark to show the hectic and feverish activity that causes utter chaos. Around the temple, there is a huge crowd of priests, hawkers, tourists, and even cows, monkeys and pigeons. Inside the temple, there are a large number of worshippers who elbow others aside to move closer to the priest. Together, they create utter confusion.

Q.14. Why did the policeman stop the Westerners wearing saffron-colored clothes from entering the Pashupatinath temple?
Ans. The policeman stopped the saffron-clad Westerners from entering the Pashupatinath temple as the entry of non- Hindus is banned in this temple and he didn’t believe that they were Hindus, despite their saffron clothes.

Q.15. How does the author describe the fight that breaks out between the two monkeys around the temple of Pashupatinath?
Ans. The author describes the fight that breaks out between two monkeys in which one chases the other. The monkey being chased jumps onto a shivalitiga, then runs screaming around the temples and finally goes down to the holy river, Bagmati.

Q.16. What activities are observed by the writer on the banks of the Bagmati river?
Ans. The writer observes some polluting activities on the banks of river Bagmati. He notices some washerwomen washing clothes, some children taking a bath and a dead body being cremated on the banks of this sacred river. He also observes someone throwing a basketful of wilted flowers and leaves into the river.

Q.17. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug?
Ans. There is a small shrine on the banks of the holy Bagmati in the Pashupatinath temple. Half of this shrine protrudes from a stone platform. It is believed that when the shrine will emerge completely from the platform, the goddess in the shrine will escape and that will mark the end of the Kaliyug.

Q.18. What are the author’s observations about the streets in Kathmandu?
Ans. The author finds the streets in Kathmandu ‘vivid, mercenary and religious’. Extremely narrow and busy, these streets have many small shrines and some images clad in flowers. Stray cows roam about mooing at the sound of the motorcycles. Vendors sell their wares shouting loudly and radios are played at a loud pitch. In addition, the horns of the cars and the ringing of the bicycle bells increase this din.

Q.19. What picture of the Baudhnath stupa does the author portray?
Ans. The author gives a brief but vivid picture of the Boudhanath stupa. He admires the serenity and calmness of this shrine. There are no crowds even on the road surrounding the stupa which has some shops run by the Tibetan immigrants. The stupa has an immense white dome with silence and stillness as its distinctive features.

Q.20. Describing the streets around the Baudhnath stupa, why does the narrator say this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around?
Ans. The narrator observes a sense of stillness at the Buddhist shrine, the Boudhanath stupa. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road with small shops selling items like felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewelry. The quietness of the stupa stands out amidst the busy business activities that go around it. Thus, the narrator regards this place as a haven of quietness in the busy streets around.

Q.21. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this’ refer to?
Ans. All this’ refers to the eatables that the writer enjoys on the road surrounding the Boudhanath stupa. It includes a bar of marzipan and a roasted corn-cob that he enjoys along with the fizzy, carbonated drinks, Coca-Cola. Besides, he also gets some comics with love-stories and a copy of the Reader’s Digest magazine to indulge himself mindlessly.

Q.22. Which is the longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi? Which route does the author opt for?
Ans. The longer route from Kathmandu to Delhi is to first reach Patna by bus and train. Then go past Benaras, sail on the Ganges and reach Allahabad. Then cross the Yamuna and finally reach Delhi via Agra. The shorter option taken by the author is to fly via air, straight from Kathmandu to Delhi.

Q.23. Why does Vikram Seth decide to buy a ticket directly for the homeward journey?
Ans. Vikram Seth has been away from home since quite some time. He is feeling very exhausted and homesick. Though his enthusiasm for travelling tempts him to take a longer route to reach back home, his exhaustion and homesickness impel him to buy an air-ticket directly for the homeward journey to Delhi.

Q.24. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers?
Or
How is the flute player’s way of selling flutes different from that of the other hawkers around?
Ans. The author points out that while other hawkers shout loudly to attract the customers for their wares, the flute seller plays upon his flute slowly and meditatively. He does not indulge in excessive display nor does he show any desperation to sell his flutes. Although the flute player does not shout, the sound of the flute is distinctly heard above the noise of the traffic and of the hawkers.

Q.25. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?
Or
Where did Vikram Seth find the flute seller? What did he compare his flutes to?
Ans. Vikram Seth found a flute seller in Kathmandu standing in a corner of the square near his hotel. He held a pole in his hand which had an attachment at the top. In this attachment, around fifty to sixty flutes were stuck that bulged out in all directions. The author compares these protruding flutes to the sharp, stiff and standing quills of a porcupine.

Q.26. Name five kinds of flutes.
Or
Listening to the music of the flute in the square, the author is reminded of various kinds of flutes. Which kinds does he describe?
Ans. As the author listens to the music of the flute being played by the flute seller, he is reminded of different kinds of flutes. He mentions certain kinds of them like the ‘cross-flutes’, the ‘reed new’, the recorder, the Japanese ‘shakuhachi’ and the Hindustani ‘bansuri’. Other flutes are distinguished by their tonal quality like ‘the clear or breathy flutes’ of South America and the ‘high-pitched’ flutes of China

Q.27. What is the impact of the music of the flute on Vikram Seth?
Ans. The music of the flute has a hypnotic effect on Vikram Seth. He finds it difficult to ‘tear’ himself away from the square where this music is being played by the flute seller. It has the power to draw him into the commonality of all mankind and he is moved by its closeness to the human voice.

Q.28. Why does the author describe the music of the flute as “the most universal and most particular of sounds”?
Ans. The music of the flute, according to the author, is the most ‘universal’ because this musical instrument, made of hollow bamboo is found in every culture in the world. But at the same time, its sound is the most ‘particular’ because each flute, though played in an almost similar manner, emits a distinct, unique, and individual kind of music.

Q.29. What did the saffron-clad Westerners want?
Ans. The saffron-clad Westerners wanted to go inside the temple of Pashupatinath. But the policeman stopped them. He did not let them go inside the temple because they were not Hindus. The entrance was only for Hindus in the temple.

Q.30. How did the author want to return to Delhi? What made him change his mind?
Ans. From Kathmandu, the author wanted to go Patna by bus or train. Then he would sail the Ganga though Benaras to Allahabad. Then he would sail the Yamuna through Agra to Delhi. But the author was already very tired. So he decided to return to Delhi by air.

Q.31. Describe how the flute seller sells his wares?
Ans. The flute seller has tied fifty or sixty flutes on a pole. He does not shout out his wares. From time to time, he selects a flute and plays on it. He plays slowly and thoughtfully. Sometimes, he makes a sale. But his attitude is carefree.

Q.32. To hear any ‘flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.’ Explain.
Ans. The flute is found in each culture in one form or the other. Thus the sound of the flute draws a person into the commonality of mankind.

Q.1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Ans. simple jab of a knife can certainly not kill a tree. It can merely injure it and cause its sap to ooze out like blood. The real-life of a tree comes from the roots that provide it nourishment and firmly hold it.

Q.2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans. The tree has grown to its full size gradually. It has grown by slowly consuming the earth. It has risen out of the earth and has fed upon its crust. It has also absorbed light, air and water for years. Leaves have sprouted out of its discolored bark.

Q.3. In the phrase ‘consuming the earth’, who consumes the earth and how?
Ans. It is the tree that consumes the earth by drawing its nourishment from the soil through its root. The diet required by the tree lies deep inside the earth and the root sucks and absorbs nutrients and nourishes the tree.

Q.4. What is meant by ‘years of sunlight, air, and water’?
Ans. Years of sunlight, air, and water means that the tree takes years together to grow up fully. In this course of time, it draws energy from sunlight, air and water.

Q.5. Why has the tree’s ‘hide’ been called leprous?
Ans. The bark of the tree is uneven in texture and colour. Leprosy also robs the skin of the leper of its colour and evenness. Hence, the poet has drawn a metaphorical comparison between the discoloured bark of a tree and diseased skin.

Q.6. What is the role of hacking and chopping in killing a tree?
Ans. Hacking and chopping wound the body of a tree causing it great pain. They peel the bark of the tree and it appears to be bleeding when the sap oozes out. However, this pain or bleeding does not manage to kill the tree.

Q.7. What is the meaning of ‘bleeding bark’? What makes it bleed?
Ans. The ‘bleeding bark stands for the sap oozing out of the tree trunk when it is attacked with a knife or an axe. The word ‘bleeding’ is metaphorically used to compare the sap to the blood from a wound of a human being. It signifies the pain of the tree.

Q.8. What will rise from ‘close to the ground’? Why?
Ans. Curled green twigs and miniature boughs will rise from the stump of the tree that is close to the ground. They will rise because the tree rejuvenates and revives itself as long as its root is intact.

Q.9. ’What will happen if the miniature boughs are left ‘unchecked’?
Ans. Unchecked’ here means left free to grow without any harm or danger. If left ‘unchecked’, the new, green, delicate branches from the stump of a tree will expand and regain their original size.

Q.10. “No, The root is to be pulled out.” Why has the poet started this stanza with “No”? Or The poet says “No” at the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Ans. The poet uses ‘No’ to emphasize the fact that merely hacking and chopping are not sufficient for killing a tree. They can injure it, make it bleed, and cause pain. But killing a tree requires more ruthlessness and much more effort.

Q.11. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?
Ans. “Anchoring earth” means the earth which gives a firm grip to the tree and keeps it from falling. Just as a ship anchored in the sea stays in its place securely and steadily, similarly the tree stands secure and stable with the support of the earth. “Earth cave” refers to the depth under the earth where the root of a tree remains sheltered safely for years. It is firmly attached to this point and a cave-like hollow is created when the root is pulled out.

Q.12. How is the root of the tree to be pulled out? What is the result of this pulling?
Ans. The root of the tree is to be tied to a rope and pulled out with a great force. This pulling results in creating a cave-like hollow in the earth and exposes the root to the vagaries of weather that eventually cause the death of the tree.

Q.13. What does the poet mean by The strength of the tree exposed”?
Ans. The expression ‘the strength of the tree exposed’ means the root of the tree is pulled out of the earth and thrown open at the mercy of harsh weather.Root is the source of the tree’s power. Once exposed to the scorching and choking sun and air, it withers away and the tree finally dies.

Q.14. What is ‘the most sensitive’ part of the tree? What is it sensitive to and why?
Ans. The root of the tree is its most sensitive part. It is sensitive to the heat and vagaries of weather on the open surface of the earth. It is so because it remains hidden safely under the earth.

Q.15. How is the exposed root affected by the sun and air?
Ans. Sun and air start drawing life out of the exposed root. It becomes discoloured, dry and hard. It starts withering and becomes gnarled and twisted. Devoid of all its moisture, it gradually becomes lifeless and the process of killing the tree is completed.

Q.16. What finally kills the tree?
Ans. The withering of the pulled out root finally kills the tree. The root of a tree is the source of its strength. Once it is pulled out, it can no longer nurture the tree. The root is sensitive to sunlight and air. Once exposed, it gets dehydrated, brown and twisted. Ultimately it dries up and the tree yields to death.

Q.17. What message is conveyed by this poem?
Ans. The poem conveys the message that human beings have destructive temperament towards nature, but Mother nature has regenerative powers and cannot be destroyed easily. It has the ability to resurrect itself. Also, the tree teaches us that mere physical assaults cannot ruin us. As long as our root, our soul, is intact we can rise again.

Q.18. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Ans. No, a simple jab of the knife does not have the ability to kill the tree. It has to go through various processes. If its root is not removed from the earth, it will sprout again.

Q.19. What finally kills the tree?
Ans. Pulling out the tree from the mother earth and scorching and choking it in the sun and air kills the tree. It becomes brown, dry and gets hard. Eventually, it dies.

Q.20. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans. The tree has grown to its full size by consuming the earth, feeding Upon its crust, absorbing Years of light, air, and water. Consuming, rising, feeding and absorbing are the words suggestive of its life and activity.

Q.21. What are the two important stages for killing a tree?
Ans. There are two stages of killing a tree. First, the tree should be pulled out entirely. Its roots are to be exposed to the sun and the air. Secondly, the roots are to be scorched in the sun. When the roots are scorched, these turn brown, hard and withered. The tree finally dies.

Q.22. Write the meanings of ‘anchoring earth’ and ‘earth cave’.
Ans. ‘Anchoring earth’ implies that the trees are held secure with the help of the roots in the earth. So long as the roots are firmly held by the earth, the tree is safe and cannot be killed by a simple jab of a knife.

Q.23. How will the bleeding bark of trees heal?
Ans. When the blow of knives or axes does not kill trees, its bleeding bark will gradually heal its pain all the time and the green leaves will grow from the boughs. Actually, the strength of trees lies in its roots. When they are not uprooted, they will expand and grow into a complete tree.

Q.24. How is the problem of deforestation raised in the poem?
Ans. Deforestation can be said the important theme of the poem. In our time’s deforestation has become a major issue. Forests are being cleared off to make doors, windows, furniture, and fuel. This act has adversely affected our ecosystem. The poet seems to be an environmentalist and his urge to save trees is felt in the whole poem.

Q.25. What is the central idea of this poem?
Ans. The central idea of this poem is that the uprooting of trees is not easy. Actually, his act is quite painful. In the same way, the human soul never dies. The poem beautifully expresses that before killing trees, we have to cause injury to them. The human soul is also difficult to be killed but external vagaries can mutually damage it. Like human souls, trees can also feel pain and suffering.

Q.1. What is the special distinction of Santosh Yadav?
Ans. Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world who has scaled Mount Everest twice.

Q.2. What does `Santosh’ mean?
Ans. Santosh means contentment.

Santosh Yadav: A Life That Scaled Heights Over and Over
Q.3. What did Santosh tell her parents about marriage?
Ans. Santosh informed her parents that she would never marry unless she received a proper education. This decision reflected her determination to prioritise her learning over societal expectations.

Q.4. Why did Santosh leave home?
Ans. Santosh left home to get herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.

Q.5. Where did Santosh take admission after passing high school?
Ans. After passing high school, Santosh took admission in Maharani College, Jaipur.

Q.6. Where did Santosh enrol herself for mountaineering training?
Ans. She enrolled at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.

Q.7. When did Santosh Yadav scale Mount Everest for the first time?
Ans. Santosh Yadav first scaled Mount Everest in 1992, achieving this remarkable feat at the age of just twenty. Her determination and skills made her the youngest woman in the world to reach the summit.

Q.8. Why is Santosh Yadav mentioned as a passionate environmentalist?
Ans. Santosh Yadav is recognised as a passionate environmentalist because she collected and removed 500 kilograms of waste from the Himalayas.

Q.9. What type of social system was there in the village when Santosh was born?
Ans. At the time of Santosh’s birth, the social system in her village viewed the birth of a son as a blessing, while the arrival of a daughter was often met with less enthusiasm. This cultural perspective reflected the prevailing attitudes towards gender in society.

Reach for the TopQ.10. How did Santosh show the contradiction in her name?
Ans. The girl was given the name Santosh, which means contentment. However, she often felt discontent with her traditional life. From an early age, Santosh chose to live by her own rules. She believed that if she followed a rational path, it was those around her who needed to change, not her.

Q.11. Why was the ‘holy man’, who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings, surprised?
Ans. The holy man expected that, like all other families in the villages, the family would be wishing for the birth of a son. However, when he was told by Santosh’s grandmother that they wanted to have a daughter, he was surprised.

Q.12. What kind of society was Santosh born in?
Ans. Santosh was born in Joniyawas, a small village in the Rewari District in Haryana. The society in this region was rigidly patriarchal and gender-biased. The birth of a girl was generally unwelcome, and people strictly adhered to conservative traditions.

Q.13. Why did the grandmother (in spite of being a member of a family with conservative views) wish her daughter-in-law to give birth to a daughter?
Ans. Despite being a member of a conservative family, the grandmother wished to be blessed with a granddaughter because there were already five boys in the family. Hence, the family now wished for a daughter.

Q.14. Why was Santosh sent to the local school?
Ans. Santosh’s parents were wealthy and could have sent her to a prestigious school in Delhi. However, they chose to send her to the local village school because they strictly adhered to tradition, which dictated that girls should only attend the local school.

Santosh Yadav receiving Padma ShriQ.15. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi, and why?
Or
When Santosh turned sixteen, why did she consider it to be the ‘right moment’ to fight the system?
Ans. Santosh left home for Delhi when she turned sixteen because her parents had begun to pressurise her to get married in keeping with tradition. She decided that it was the right moment to rebel, and she quietly got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi to continue her studies.

Q.16. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought to light by this incident?
Ans. Santosh’s parents agreed to pay for her schooling in Delhi because she told them that she planned to work part-time in order to pay her fees. They realised that their daughter was independent, had strong willpower and firm self-belief. She could make her decisions and stand by them.

Q.17. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
Ans. Santosh Yadav began to climb mountains when she met some mountaineers in the Aravalli Hills, who not only let her join them but also motivated her to mountain climbing. She had gone to the Aravallis after she had seen villagers from her room (at the Kasturba Hostel in Maharani College, Jaipur) cross the hills and disappear beyond.

Q.18. What did Santosh do after being motivated by the Mountaineers to take up climbing?
Ans. Santosh saved money and enrolled herself in a course at Uttarkashi’s Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and after completion of her semester in college, headed straight for the institute to be able to start her training in time.

Q.19. Why did Santosh write a letter of apology to her father?
Ans. Santosh had got herself enrolled in the Uttarkashi Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without seeking her father’s permission. She had thought of talking to her family about this during her holidays. However, there was hardly any time between the end of the semester and her reporting date at the institute. Due to her inability to go home, she wrote a letter of apology to her father.

Q.20. As a climber, what qualities was Santosh Yadav gifted with?
Ans. As a climber, Santosh was gifted with an iron will, great physical endurance and amazing mental toughness. All these qualities, coupled with her resistance to cold and altitude, helped her prove her mettle in climbing mountains again and again.

Q.21. How did Santosh’s seniors and fellow climbers appreciate her?
Ans. Santosh’s seniors appreciated her for her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength. On the other hand, her fellow climbers admired her for her team spirit and her genuine concern for her fellow climbers.

Q.22. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her teammates?
Ans. During the 1992 Everest expedition, one of her teammates was in a very critical condition during the expedition. Col. Santosh made every effort to look after him. Unfortunately, the climber could not be saved. However, she did succeed in saving the life of another fellow climber, Mohan Singh. Santosh shared her oxygen with him and saved his life. These incidents show her concern for her teammates.

Q.23. When did Santosh scale Mt. Everest for the second time?
Ans. Santosh was invited by an Indo-Nepalese Women’s expedition to scale Mt. Everest within a year of her first expedition in 1992. Santosh joined them to climb Everest for the second time. Thus, she scaled Everest twice, setting a record as the only woman to have scaled Everest two times.

Q.24. Why is Santosh Yadav’s name recorded twice for climbing Mount Everest?
Ans. Santosh Yadav earned the credit for being the youngest woman in the world to climb Mount Everest. She was all of twenty years when she scaled the peak for the first time in 1992. She earned another credit when she climbed Mount Everest for the second time soon after. Now her name was recorded again for being the only woman in the world to have climbed the mighty Everest twice.

Q.25. How did the government of India honour Santosh Yadav?
Ans. The government of India recognised Santosh’s achievements as a celebrated mountaineer. Acknowledging her feat as the only woman to climb Mount Everest twice, the government bestowed upon her one of the nation’s top honours, the Padma Shri.

Q.26. What shows Santosh’s concern for the environment?
Ans. Santosh’s fervent concern for the environment is indicated by the fact that she couldn’t stand the sight of the Himalayas littered with garbage. Hence, she collected and brought down as much as 500kg of refuse from the pristine mountains.

Q.27. How did Santosh feel when she found herself on the ‘top of the world’ at the summit of Everest?
Or
How does Santosh describe her feelings at the summit of Everest?
Or
What was the most spiritual and proud moment for Santosh Yadav?
Ans. Santosh Yadav, while standing on the ‘top of the world’, was overwhelmed with emotions of patriotism and ecstasy. She felt proud as an Indian when she unfurled the tricolour on Mount Everest. She was so happy that she experienced a kind of spiritual bliss. She found it hard to articulate her feelings.

Q1. What should we remember about men?

Ans: We should remember that no men are strange. Everyone shares the same basic human experiences, regardless of their background or nationality. Beneath all uniforms, we all breathe the same air and walk on the same earth. 

Q2. What should we remember about countries?

Ans: We should remember that no countries are foreign. This means that all nations share a common humanity. We often perceive others as different, but fundamentally, we are all part of the same world.

Q3. Where shall we all lie in the end? 

Ans: In the end, we all shall lie on the earth.

Q4. What are all men fed by?

Ans: All men are nourished by peaceful harvests and suffer from the starvation caused by war. Their hands and efforts are similar to ours, revealing a shared labour that connects us all. They possess eyes that see and feel, just like we do, and their strength can be gained through love. Across every land, there is a common life that we can all recognise and understand.

Q5. What do you mean by a peaceful harvest? 

Ans: By peaceful harvests, we refer to the crops that are cultivated during times of peace. This period allows for the growth of food without the disruptions caused by conflict.

Q6. What do you mean ‘wars’ long winter? 

Ans: The term war’s long winter refers to the difficult and painful times during a conflict when people are forced to stay indoors. It highlights the suffering and hardship experienced during such periods.

Q7. Why should we not hate others?

Ans: We should not hate others because we are all part of the same human family. Every person is our brother or sister, regardless of their background or beliefs. Hatred only leads to division and suffering, while understanding and compassion can bring us together.

Q8. What do you mean by ‘hells of fire and dust’?

Ans: ‘Hells of fire and dust’ refers to the devastating impacts of war, highlighting the immense destruction and suffering it causes. This phrase captures the chaos and ruin that accompany conflicts, illustrating how warfare leads to both physical and emotional devastation.

Q9. “Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?

Ans: The poet refers to the uniforms worn by the armies of various countries. Despite their different appearances, the bodies beneath these uniforms are fundamentally the same. The poet conveys that the differences among people from different nations are merely superficial. Ultimately, all human beings share a common essence.

Q10. Whom does the poet refer to as ‘our brothers’ and why?

Ans: The poet refers to people from different countries as ‘our brothers’. He believes that the superficial differences in complexion, language, dress, culture, and nationality should not divide us as human beings. Instead, our human wants, needs, hopes, and emotions are fundamentally the same, regardless of where we come from.

Q11. How does the poet suggest (in the first stanza) that all people on earth are the same?

Ans: In the first stanza, the poet conveys that no human is truly strange or different. Beneath our varied appearances, we all possess similar hearts, minds, and souls. We share the same way of breathing and living. The earth is a common asset for all, and ultimately, we will all face death and be buried in a similar manner.

Q12. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘in which we all shall lie’?

Ans: The poet suggests that we all will eventually lie beneath the same earth, indicating that death is a common fate for everyone. The term “lie” refers to being buried after passing away. This serves to emphasise that we all share the same ultimate destiny, and therefore, there is little reason to harbour hatred towards one another.

Q13. Why does the poet call harvests ‘peaceful’ and war as ‘winter’?

Ans: Harvests are described as ‘peaceful’ because they represent abundance and prosperity, flourishing only in times of peace. In contrast, war is likened to the harsh ‘winter’ that devastates crops and leads to starvation. Peaceful periods foster harmony and contentment, while war brings destruction, forcing people to endure hunger, poverty, disease, and death.

Q14. ”…whenever we are told to hate our brothers….” When do you think this happens and why?

Ans: Whenever their own importance or existence is threatened, politicians and religious leaders encourage us to believe that our lives and interests are at risk. This manipulation leads to hatred towards our fellow humans. Such situations arise when we allow our fears and hatred to cloud our judgement.

Q15. In one of the stanzas, the poet finds similarity in human hands. What is it?

Ans: The poet expresses that people from all countries work hard in a similar way to earn their living. This effort is primarily carried out through their hands. It is these hands that perform all the work in the world and serve as a source of creativity for everyone.

Q16. Why does the poet say that people of the world should live in peace and not go to war?

Ans: The poet advocates for living in peace because it leads to progress, prosperity, and happiness in our world. He urges humanity to avoid wars, as they result in death, exploitation, poverty, and starvation. Wars also pollute the earth and the air we share, harming everyone.

Q17. How does the poet propose to win over other countries?

Ans: The poet suggests winning over other countries through the power of love. Love is a universal force that encourages positive responses, fostering kindness and understanding. By promoting love, the poet aims to eliminate hatred and conflict, ultimately creating a peaceful world where everyone can coexist harmoniously.

Q18. Who, according to you, is the speaker in this poem?

Ans: The speaker in this poem is the poet himself, representing the inherent goodness of the human heart. He embodies the values of love, peace, and universal brotherhood. As a champion of these ideals, he promotes joy and connection among all people.

Q19. In four stanzas out of five, the poet uses the word “Remember”. Why do you think he has repeated this word so many times?

Ans: By repeating the word ‘remember’, the poet emphasises the importance of recognising that our ideas, emotions, and experiences are similar to those of people we often consider ‘strange’ or ‘foreign’. He aims to highlight that all human beings share a common nature, and the stages of human life are the same across the globe.

Q20. What is the central idea of the poem?

Ans: The central idea of the poem is that all human beings are similar and equal. Therefore, we should love one another and strive to live in peace and harmony. Embracing universal brotherhood and harmonious co-existence will not only unite us but also help protect our mother earth from pollution and damage.

Q21. When do we defile the earth?

Ans: We defile the earth when we take up arms against one another. Wars bring immense suffering and often achieve nothing.

Q22. How do we defile and outrage the ‘human earth’ that is ours?

Ans: Hate breeds hatred. Narrow ideas pollute and defile our shared earth. The ‘hells of fire and dust’ are creations of our own making, which violate the innocence of air that belongs to us all. We must remember that Mother Earth is a home for all people and lands.

Glossary 

• Superficial: Shallow; only on the surface.
• Complexion: Natural skin appearance.
• Exploitation: Unfair use for personal gain.
• Embracing: Accepting willingly.
• Emphasise: Highlight importance.
• Manipulation: Controlling others deceitfully or influence over others