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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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Are you looking for the best HS English Suggestion? You have come to the exact place which can serve you with the best suggestion for Higher Secondary Examination 2022. We have prepared the HS English suggestion’ questions with all answers in order on every Chapter. Each and every student looks for the best suggestion because a pure and authentic suggestion can bring change in his/her life. It also saves time, helps perform well. So, we have worked utmost to prepare this English Suggestion 2022 for you. Our continual effort will bring you success.
Follow this suggestion and prepare yourself so that you can perform better in the Examination Hall. If you follow this suggestion you will never fumble in the Exam centre. We are providing you with this good suggestion totally free of cost. Follow it and prepare yourself and do the best in the Exam Hall. If you don’t follow a good suggestion, you will lose much time in the exam hall and find difficulty in time management.
Bsides providing only suggestions, we also give some tips to the students so that you can perform confidently in the exam centres. So many students from different parts of West Bengal are pleased with the suggestions and tips provided by us. We have marked some most important questions.
HS ENGLISH SUGGESTION WITH ALL ANSWERS-2022
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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“The Eyes Have It”
Ruskin Bond
1.“She had beautiful eyes, but they were of no use to her” – Whose eyes are referred to here? Why were they useless to her? Explain the irony of situation. 1+2+3=6 ******
Ans:- In the story 'The Eyes Have It' the eyes of the girl who travelled with the narrator in the same compartment are referred to here.
The male passenger who entered the compartment after the girl got down revealed to the narrator that the girl had beautiful eyes but they were of no use because she was completely blind.
The narrator of the story was totally blind. His eyes were sensitive only to light and darkness. He met a young girl in the compartment and tried to hide his blindness from the girl through pretence.It was because he thought that the girl was with vision. But at the end of the story, the narrator got to know that the girl had been completely blind too. Thus, the irony is contained in this unexpected situation.
2. “The man who had entered the compartment broke into my reverie "- When did the man enter the compartment? How did he break the reverie ? What was the reverie about? 1+2+3=6 ******
Ans:- In the story 'The Eyes Have It' the man entered the compartment after the girl got down at Saharanpur.
The man who entered the compartment broke the narrator's reverie. He remarked that he was not so attractive a companion as the girl.
After the departure of the girl at Saharanpur Station, the narrator returned to his own seat. The train started again. The song of the moving wheels began. The narrator sat beside the window. He looked outside and thought the bright daylight. But it was complete darkness for him. He was guessing about what was going outside the window. It was his reverie.
3.“I didn't know anyone else was here.” Who said this and to whom? When did the speaker say this? How did the above word affect the person spoken to? 2+2+2=6
Ans:- In the story 'The Eyes Have It' by Ruskin Bond the girl said this to the narrator of the story.
The girl passenger entered the compartment at Rohana. The narrator had already been present there. But the girl didn't notice it. The narrator suddenly asked her if she was going all the way to Dehra. The girl was startled and said this.
When the girl uttered this word, the narrator thought that he must be sitting in a dark corner so the girl was unable to see him. Then he felt that people with good eyesight often fail to see what was before their eyes. In the same way the girl might also have failed to see him.
4.“You have an interesting face”- Who said this? Whose face is referred to here? Why did the speaker say this? How did the person spoken to respond to this comment?
1+1+2+2=6 ******
Ans:- In the story 'The Eyes Have It' the narrator said this.
The face of the girl who got into the train at Rohana is referred to here.
The narrator was blind. His eyes were sensitive only to light and darkness. He was eager to know about the girl's look after some normal conversation about the scenes outside. The narrator became quite daring and made this comment about the girl’s face. He also wanted to pretend that he could see the girl's face.
The girl was happy to hear the narrator's comment and laughed in a clearing ringing tune. And then she accepted that compliment . She told him that she was tired of hearing that she had a pretty face.
5. “You are a very gallant young man”, she said - Who is she? Whom did she call ‘gallant young man’? What led the girl to call the young man ‘ gallant’? What other word was used by her to describe the young man? 1+1+3+1=6
Ans:- In the story 'The Eyes Have It' she is here the girl who entered the compartment of the narrator.
She called the blind narrator the ‘ gallant young man’
The narrator became quite daring to find out about the girl's look. He remarked that the girl had an interesting face. The girl was happy and told him that she was tired of hearing that she had a pretty face. Instantly the narrator told her that an interesting face could also be pretty. At this the girl called him a ‘gallant young man’.
But the girl also asked why he was so serious about this.
6. Describe how the girl left the train. What was the impact of her departure on the narrator ? 2+4=6
The train approached Saharanpur. The girl began to collect her things. When the train drew into the station a female voice shouted near the carriage door. The girl bade goodbye and left.
The narrator realised that he was charmed by the girl very much. He wondered if she had kept her hair in bun or it was plaited or it was kept loose. It should be short. The narrator was lost in a dream. The girl was standing close to him. The perfume from her hair was tantalising. He wanted to raise his hand and touch her hair but she moved away. Only the perfume lingered where she stood.
7.“But her next question removed my doubts” – Who said this and about whom? What were the doubts of the speaker? What was the next question? How were his doubts removed?2+2+2=6
Ans. In the story "The eyes have it" by Ruskin Bond, the blind narrator said this about the girl passenger.
The narrator did not want to reveal his blindness to the girl. Actually, he wanted to play a game of deception with the girl. But at a time he forgot this and being oblivious he asked the girl about the landscape out of the window. The narrator thought that with this question the girl would be able to find out that the narrator had been blind.
The narrator had a doubt that if the girl already noticed that the narrator was blind. But when the narrator saw that the girl seemed to find nothing strange and she asked the narrator to look out of the window, he became doubtless. Thus, the next question removed the narrator's doubt.
8. “Yes, this is the best time.” – Who said this? What is the best time according to the speaker? Give the occasion of the remark? Why does the speaker think so? 1+1+2+2=6 ******
Ans. In the story "The Eyes Have It" the narrator said this.
According to the narrator, October is the best time.
The girl was travelling with the narrator in the same compartment. She asked the narrator about his destination. The narrator replied that he was going to Mussoorie. When the girl expressed her desire to visit Mussoorie. Thus the conversation was going on between the narrator and the girl regarding the hills and the narrator said that October is the best time to visit the hills.
October is the best time to visit the hills because by that time the hills are covered with wild dahlias, the sunshine is pleasant and at night one can sit in front of a log fire and drink a little brandy. The roads also become quiet and deserted as most of the tourists leave.
9. “Oh, how lucky you are.” – Who is the speaker here? Who is "you" referred to? Why is the person spoken to being called "lucky"? 1+3+2=6 ******
Ans. In the story "The Eyes Have It" the girl passenger is the speaker.
The "You" here is the blind narrator of the story.
The girl was travelling with the narrator in the same compartment. The girl expressed her desire to visit the hills especially in October. The narrator, calling on his memories, replied that October is indeed the best time to visit Mussoorie because by that time the hills are covered with wild dahlias, the sunshine is pleasant and at night one can sit in front of a log fire and drink a little brandy. The roads also become quiet and deserted as most of the tourists leave. Hence the girl considered the narrator lucky as he was visiting the hills at the most appropriate time whereas she did not have an opportunity for having touch with the hills.
10. “Then I made a mistake.” – What ‘mistake’ did the speaker make? Why was it a mistake? What removed the speaker’s doubts? What did the speaker do then? 1+1+2+2=6. ******
Ans. The speaker made a mistake of asking the girl passenger what it was like outside the train.
The speaker considered it to be a mistake as it was unusual of people with good eyesight to ask such a question. The speaker was afraid that the girl might discover the truth that he was blind.
When the girl asked the speaker why he did not look out of the window himself, it was then that the speaker's doubts were removed.
To avoid his blindness from the girl, the speaker moved easily along the path and felt for the window ledge. He faced the open window pretending to study the landscape.
11. “You must be disappointed.” – Who said this and to whom? When did the person say this? Why did he say this? 2+2+2=6
Ans. The new passenger who got into the narrator's compartment at Saharanpur said this to the narrator of the story "The Eyes Have It".
The girl had left the compartment. A new passenger entered. The narrator was lost in his reverie. He was still thinking about the short encounter with the girl. The new passenger realised this and he made the above remark.
The girl was beautiful. She was attractive. To a young man she must be a joyful company. The narrator was enjoying the journey with her company. But she had left and her place was taken by a man. The man felt this and made the remark.
12. “Few girls can resist flattery.” – Who made this remark? What was flattery? Why did the speaker say so? How did the person spoken to accept the flattery? 1+2+3
Ans. In the story "The Eyes Have It" the narrator made this remark.
The narrator said that the girl passenger had an interesting face.
Actually the narrotor liked the girl so the speaker said this
The girl was happy to hear the narrator's comment and laughed in a clearing ringing tune. And then she accepted that compliment. She told him that she was tired of hearing that she had a pretty face.
13. "I'm tired of people telling me I have a pretty face." Who said this, to whom and when? What did the person spoken to reply?
Ans. In the story 'The Eyes Have It' the girl passenger, who got into the narrator's compartment said this.
The girl said this to the narrator. After talking with the girl for sometime, the blind narrator became daring for he was desperate to know about the girl's looks. So he remarked that the girl had an interesting face. Flattered by the compliment, the girl made the quoted remark.
The narrator inwardly thought that the girl had a pretty face as he had guessed. But he replied that interesting faces could also be pretty.
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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"Strong Roots"
By APJ Abdul Kalam
1. “This is not a correct approach at all” -Who said this and to whom? What approach is referred to here? Why was it not a correct approach? 2+3+1=6
Ans. Jainulabdeen,the father of APJ Abdul Kalam said this to him.
Here the approach refers to the role of Kalam's father as a go- between in helping people during their distress. Kalam's father tries to appease the demonic forces tormenting a person with special prayers and offerings. According to him, this mediation, however, is not the correct approach at all.
This was not a correct approach as a person had to realize by himself the difference between the vision of a fear- ridden future and the enemy of desire tormenting at the core of his mind.
2. “His answer filled me with a strange energy and enthusiasm”. - Whose answer is referred to here? Who got the answer and to which question? What was the answer? 1+1+1+3=6 ******
Ans. The answer of Jainulabdeen, Kalam's father is referred to here.
Kalam got the answer to his question why his father did not tell the people who came to him for help and advice that they should understand the relevance of their own suffering in their distress.
To his question Kalam got a strange answer from his father. Kalam's father said that troubled people always seek a helper and a guide to show them the wayout. He only plays the role of a go- between to overcome their distress through prayers and offerings.
3. "I normally ate with my mother."-Who ate with his mother? Name his mother. Where did he ate with his mother? What did he ate with his mother? ******1+1+1+3
Ans. The great Indian scientist and 11th President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ate with his mother.
The name of his mother is Ashiamma.
Abdul Kalam usually ate with his mother, sitting on the floor of the kitchen of their ancestral house in Rameswaram.
Kalam and his mother ate authentic South Indian food. Kalam's mother would place a banana leaf before him, on which she then ladled rice and aromatic sambar, a variety of sharp, home-made pickle anda dollop of fresh coconut chutney.
4. "Why don't you say this to the people who come to you..?" - Who says this and to whom? What is referred to by the word 'this'? Why do the people come to the person spoken to? 2+2+2=6
Ans. In APJ Abdul Kalam's "Strong Roots", APJ Abdul Kalam says this to his father.
Kalam was advised to look upon sufferings as opportunities for introspection. In the opinion of Kalam's father, he should not fear troubles and failures. Kalam also felt that there exists a divine power which lifts us up from all misery and failure. Kalam was taught to go above the bond of mind and body so that he could enjoy freedom, happiness and peace. This philosophical teaching of Jainulabdeen is referred to as 'this'.
The district people come to join Jainulabdeen because they consider him to be a go-between to appease the demonic forces with special prayers and offerings.
5. What did Kalam's father tell him about the relevance of prayers?
Or,
What was Kalam’s father’s response to his son’s query about prayer and spirituality? 6 ******
Ans. Kalam's father was a religious person. Once Kalam asked his father about the relevance of prayer. He explained that there was nothing mysterious about prayer. It establishes a communion between people. By prayer one can transcend the body and become a part of the cosmos. It enables one to forget the division of wealth, age, caste or creed. He further said that every human being is a specific element within the whole of manifest Divine Being. Hence one should not be afraid of adversities. One should understand the relevance of their own suffering in their distress. Because adversity always presents opportunities for introspection.
6. Briefly narrate what Kalam remembered about his evenings in the local mosque. 6
Ans. Kalam's father took him to the mosque in the evening for prayer. The prayer was chanted in Arabic in the mosque. He couldn't understand the meaning of the prayers. But in spite of that, he felt convinced that his prayers would reach God. When he came out of the mosque he saw that people belonging to different religions were waiting for his father. They offered bowls of water to his father and he chanted prayers dipping fingers into them. This sanctified water was then taken for invalids at home.
7. Give a brief account of Kalam’s childhood as presented in ‘Strong Roots’.
Or,
Why does Abdul Kalam feel that he had a secure childhood?****** 6
Ans. APJ Abdul Kalam was born and brought up in a middle class Tamil family. His father was neither formally educated nor much rich. But he had great wisdom by birth and true generosity of spirits. Kalam’s mother Ashiamma was a true helpmate to his father. His parents were regarded as an ideal couple. He was a short boy with an undistinguished look but his parents were tall and handsome. Kalam was given everything he needed. All necessities in terms of food, medicine and clothing were provided for Kalam in his childhood. He was brought up in happiness. He had no material or emotional want. So Kalam claims that he had a secure childhood.
8. “Our locality was predominantly Muslim.” – Who said this? How does the speaker describe the locality? What picture of communal harmony do you find in this description? ******
Or,
Give the picture of the locality. 1+2+3=6
Ans. Here, the speaker is APJ Abdul Kalam.
Kalam spent his childhood in their ancestral house in Rameshwaram with his parents. The famous Shiva temple of Rameshwaram was situated in their locality. The locality Kalam lived was predominantly Muslim. Many Hindu families also lived in the locality. There was an amiable relationship among the people.
We get a perfect picture of communal harmony in the locality where Kalam lived. The Muslims and the Hindus lived together in peace. There was no discrimination among religions. Kalam’s father was an intimate friend, the head priest of Rameshwaram, Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry. They both discussed complex spiritual matters. Not only the Muslim but the Hindus offered water-bowls to Kalam's father for making it holy with his prayer. Many people got cured and came to thank Kalam’s father. All these prove that there was a deep-set harmony among the communities in his locality.
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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9. “I have endeavoured to understand the fundamental truth revealed to me by my father.” – Who was the son? Who was the father? What was the fundamental truth revealed to the son? 1+1+4=6 ******
Ans. Here, the father refers to Jainulabdeen, Kalam's father.
APJ Abdul Kalam is the son.
Hare "fundamental truth" refers to the basic principles of life. Kalam learnt these principles from his father. Kalam was advised to look upon sufferings as opportunities for introspection. In the opinion of Kalam's father, he should not fear troubles and failures. Kalam also felt that there exists a divine power which lifts us up from all misery and failure. Kalam was taught to go above the bond of mind and body so that he could enjoy freedom, happiness and peace.
"Three Questions"
By Leo Tostoy
1. How did the Tsar nurse the wounded man? 6 ******
Ans. The bearded man came running to the hermit's hut. He fainted with ache. The man was bleeding profusely. The Tsar noticed a large wound in the man's stomach. He washed his wound and bandaged it with his handkerchief and the hermit's towel. The blood was not stopping flowing. The Tsar washed and rebandaged the wound again and again. Finally, the bleeding stopped through the nursing of the Tsar. When the man came to his senses he asked for something to drink. The Tsar gave him fresh water. Then Tsar with the help of the hermit, carried the man to a bed inside the hermit's hut. In this way, the Tsar nursed the wounded man and saved his life.
2. "You have already been answered"-- Who said this and to whom? How had the person referred to been answered? 2+4=6
Ans. The hermit said this to the Tsar in the story "Three Questions".
The Tsar requested the hermit to answer his questions several times. Later, the hermit explained that the Tsar was answered by his real life experience. The hermit said that when the Tsar had been digging the seed beds, it was the most important time and the hermit was the most important person and doing good for him was the most important work. The hermit further told the Tsar that later when he was attending/nursing the wounded man, it was the most important time and the wounded man was the most important person and helping the man was the Tsar's most important work. By (referring) these examples, the hermit made the Tsar understand the true purpose of life.
3. What were the questions that had occurred to the Tsar? Why did he need the correct answers to those questions? What did he do when he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men?****** 3+1+2=6
Ans. In the story "Three Questions" the questions occurred to the Tsar. They were what was the right time to start every work, who was the right person in life to listen to and what was the most important work to do.
The Tsar needed the correct answers to these questions because he wanted to become successful in every aspect of life.
When he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men he decided to consult a hermit who lived in the woods and was well known for his wisdom.
4. Why did the Tsar decide to meet the hermit and how did he visit him? What was the hermit doing when the Tsar met him?****** 4+2=6
Ans. Being confused and depressed with the answers of the wise men, the Tsar decided to consult the hermit. He was not satisfied with the answer of the wise men. So, with the hope of knowing the answers , he visited the hermit in disguise as the hermit received none but the common folk. The hermit was widely renowned for his wisdom. So the Tsar tried to get his answers from the hermit.
The hermit was digging the seed beds in front of his hut when the Tsar met him.
5. Why did the bearded man become an enemy of the Tsar? What did the man swear and resolve to do? Why did he ask for forgiveness of the Tsar and what did he promise him? 2+2+2=6
Or,
“Forgive me!" said the bearded man in a weak voice.– Why did the bearded man become an enemy of the Tsar? What did the man swear and resolve to do? Why did the man ask forgiveness? 2+2+2=6 ******
Ans. The Tsar executed the bearded man's brother and seized his property. Since then, he became an enemy of the Tsar.
The bearded man swore to take revenge on the Tsar and resolved to kill him to satisfy his retaliation. So, the bearded man was hiding in the forest and waiting for the Tsar to return from the hermit's hut so that he could kill the Tsar.
The day passed and the Tsar was not returning. So, the bearded man came out from his ambush to find the Tsar but he came upon the Tsar's bodyguards. They wounded him badly. He somehow escaped from the hands of the Tsar's bodyguards and reached the hermit's hut. There the Tsar nursed him through the evening and regained consciousness. The bearded man asked for forgiveness when he realised that the Tsar had saved his life.
The bearded man promised the Tsar to serve him as his most faithful slave and would bid his sons to do the same.
6. “Here comes someone running” – Who said this? Who was coming? Why did he come running? What happened to him? 1+1+2+2=6
Ans. In the story "Three Questions" the hermit said this
A bearded man who had a deep wound in his stomach was coming.
He came running because he somehow escaped from the hands of the Tsar's bodyguards.
The bearded man was the Tsar's enemy who swore to take revenge from the Tsar because the Tsar executed his brother and seized his property. In an attempt to kill the Tsar, he came out from his ambush to find the Tsar. Instead of finding the Tsar he came upon the Tsar's bodyguards who recognised him and wounded him.
7. "All the answers being different the Tsar agreed with none of them"- What were the questions to which the Tsar got different answers? Whom did the Tsar decide to consult when he was not satisfied? Where did the person who the Tsar decided to consult? What was he famous for?****** 3+1+1+1=6
Ans. Ans. In the story "Three Questions" the questions occurred to the Tsar. They were what was the right time to start every work, who was the right person in life to listen to and what was the most important thing to do.
When he was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men he decided to consult a hermit who lived in the woods and was well known for his wisdom.
The person whom the Tsar decided to consult lived in a wood which he never quitted.
The hermit was widely renowned for his wisdom.
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HS English Writing Suggestion All common
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"Shall I Compare Thee"
By William Shakespeare
1. “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and gives life to thee,”- How does the poet come to the above conclusion? ******
Or,
What does the poet want to establish here?
Ans. In sonnet No. 18, Shakespeare immortalizes these lines in his poem. The poet compares the beauty of his beloved friend to the beauty of summer which is subject to change or decay with the cyclic change of nature. But his friend's beauty is eternal and cannot be changed. The poet believes that every lovely natural object is changed or decayed but his friend’s beauty. The poet thinks that his poetry is immortal and through this sonnet the beauty of his friend will remain immortal. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty for as long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever.
2. “So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.” - From where is the line taken? Who is the poet? What does ‘ this’ refer to here? How can 'this’ give life to ‘thee’? 1+1+1+3 ******
Ans The line is taken from 'sonnet no 18: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?’
William Shakespeare is the poet.
Here ‘this’ refers to the sonnet of Shakespeare.
The poet compares the beauty of his beloved friend to the beauty of Summer. The poet believes that every lovely natural object is changed or decayed but his friend’s beauty. The poet thinks that his poetry is immortal and through this sonnet the beauty of his friend will remain immortal. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty for, as long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever.
3. Discuss the appropriateness of the title of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18. ****** 6
Ans. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" is the sonnet No. 18 of William Shakespeare. While composing, Shakespeare has not titled any of his sonnets. They were arranged in numerical order. But while reading, the first line of each of his sonnets is considered as the title of that particular sonnet. The Sonnet No. 18 starts with a rhetorical interrogation. It states in a roundabout way that the comparison made by the poet is not justified. The poet feels that he should not compare his friend's beauty to the summer season because his friend's beauty is more lovely and more temperate than that of summer. The poet believes that every lovely natural object is changed or decayed, which is inevitable. But his friend’s beauty is imperishable. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty. Thus this love-sonnet becomes a winner over time. The first line introduces the 'time love' theme, which evolves through the entire poem and makes the title appropriate.
4. "And every fair from fair sometime declines" - From which poem is the line quoted? Who is the poet? Briefly explain the meaning of the quoted line? How does the poet promise to immortalize his friend's beauty? ******
Ans. The line is quoted from the Sonnet "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day.
The name of the poet is William Shakespeare.
The line mentioned above describes that every lovely natural object is changed or decayed with the cyclic changes of time.
The poet will immortalize the beauty of his friend through his verse. As long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever.
5. How does Shakespeare compare the beauty of his friend to that of a summer's day in Sonnet 18? (6)
Ans. In Shakespeare's Sonnet No. 18, the poet compares the beauty of his beloved friend to the beauty of Summer. The poet believes that every lovely natural object is changed or decayed but his friend’s beauty. The poet thinks that his poetry is immortal and through this sonnet the beauty of his friend will remain immortal. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty for, as long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever.
6. “But thy eternal summer shall not fade"- Who is the poet? What is meant by the 'eternal summer'? How does the poet suggest that thy eternal summer shall never fade?
Or,
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade/ No lose possession of that fair the ow'st;” – whose ‘eternal summer’ is referred to here? What do you mean by ‘eternal summer’? What conclusion does the poet draw at the end of the poem? 1+2+3=6 ******
Ans. In sonnet no. 18, the poet is William Shakespeare.
Eternal summer means the everlasting beauty of the poet's beloved friend which is imperishable.
The poet believes that every lovely natural object is vulnerable to change or decay, that is inevitable. But his friend’s beauty is imperishable. The poet's friend's eternal summer shall never fade. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty for, as long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever and this is the conclusion that the poet draws at the end of the poem.
7. “…and summer’s lease hath too short a date” – What is meant by ‘summer’s lease’? In what context does the poet say this? What does this line suggest?
Ans. In Sonnet no 18, summer's lease means the duration of summer.
The sonnet "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" begins with a question. The poet wonders if he can compare the beauty of his friend to a summer's day or not. Then the poet finds the comparison to be inappropriate because his friend's beauty is more lovely and temperate than that of summer. Summer's beauty is irregular. The sun is sometimes too hot and sometimes it is dimmed by the clouds. Even the summer wind often affects the lovely, new buds even now and then in May. Summer doesn't last forever. But the beauty of the poet's friend is not subjected to decay. It will always remain untrimmed in the lines of the poet's varse and it will be read as long as man lives. So his beauty, unlike that of summer, will live forever.
8. “Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade” – Who is referred to here by ‘thou’? How does the poet propose to win over the brag of death?****** 1+4=6
Ans. In Sonnet no 18, the poet's beloved friend is referred to here by thou.
The poet believes that every lovely natural object is vulnerable to change or decay, that is inevitable. But his friend’s beauty is imperishable. The poet's friend's eternal summer shall never fade. Death and time will not be able to snatch his beauty for, as long as men will breathe and eyes will see, his verse will be read and these eternal lines will immortalize the beauty of his friend. In this way the poet's friend will get life and live forever
9. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day”? – Whom does the poet address to? Why does the poet propose to compare him to a summer’s day? How is the question answered by the poet? 1+5=6
Ans. The poet compares his dear friend to a summer day.
The sonnet "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" begins with a question. The poet wonders if he can compare the beauty of his friend to a summer's day or not. Then the poet finds the comparison to be inappropriate because his friend's beauty is more lovely and temperate than that of summer. Summer's beauty is irregular. The sun is sometimes too hot and sometimes it is dimmed by the clouds. Even the summer wind often affects the lovely, new buds even now and then in May. Summer doesn't last forever. But the beauty of the poet's friend is not subjected to decay. It will always remain untrimmed in the lines of the poet's varse and it will be read as long as man lives. So his beauty, unlike that of summer, will live forever.
"The Poetry of Earth"
By John Keats
1. ".... he has never done with his delights “- Who is 'he' ? What does 'he' do? What does the poet mean to say here? (1+3+2) ******
Ans. In 'The Poetry of Earth' the Grasshopper is referred to here as 'he'.
On a hot summer day when the blazing rays of the Sun threaten to sap every drop of energy, the birds get exhausted (tired) and take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat. Just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song alive. As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Nothing can dampen his encouragement(spirit). He flies about the new-mown mead. When he gets tired with his delights, he takes a rest beneath (under) some pleasant weed and again starts to sing with newed vigour (energy).
The poet wants to say that though everything seems to be standstill in Summer, the tiny Grasshopper keeps the poetry of earth alive (going) all through the seasons with energy, loveliness, happiness and rejuvenation.(vigour).
2. How does Keats present winter in his sonnet? (6)
Ans. According to Keats, in Winter, the poetry of earth can be heard in the chirping of a cricket. The atmosphere becomes dull and lifeless. The ground gets covered with frost. Silence prevails everywhere. People take rest at home. Yet, breaking the silence, a cricket chirps shrilly from near the stove. His cheerful (shrill) sound becomes louder and permeates (spreads) the surroundings (everywhere). Thus, his song seems to warm the bitterly cold evening. To the one dozing off by the fireplace, the cricket's song seems to be a continuation of the song of the grasshopper (to be that of the grasshopper) among the grassy hills. Thus, Keats establishes the continuation of nature's music through the cyclic changes of seasons.
3. “The poetry of earth is never dead”- What does the poet mean by it? (6)
Or,
What do you mean by ‘the poetry of earth’? How does Keats justify that the poetry of earth is never dead./ How does the poet show that the poetry of earth never ceases? ******
Ans. By this, the poet means that the songs of nature will never stop. It would continue without any break. Any change in season or the weather will not affect the continuity of the music of Nature. On a hot summer day, the birds getting exhausted (tired), take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat. Just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song alive. As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Similarly, in the midst of frosty and silent winter evenings, the poetry of the earth continues. The shrill cry of the cricket breaks the silence of the winter evening. Thus, the poetry of earth never ceases.
4. Justify the title of the poem "The Poetry of Earth" ******
Or,
Prepare the central Idea, and substance of the poem “The Poetry of Earth”.
Or,
What roles do the Grasshopper and the Cricket play in the poem? (6)
Ans. In the very first line of the poem “The Poetry of Earth”, the poet says ‘The poetry of earth is never dead.’ The music of earth never stops. On a hot summer day, the birds getting exhausted (tired), take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat. Just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song alive. As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Similarly, in the midst of frosty and silent winter evenings, the poetry of the earth continues. The shrill cry of the cricket breaks the silence of the winter evening. Thus, the poetry of earth never ceases. So, the title of the poem is appropriate.
5. “… takes the lead” – Who takes the lead and when? How does he take the lead? (6)
Ans. Here 'he' refers to the Grasshopper and he takes the lead in summer.
On a hot summer day, the birds getting exhausted (tired), take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat. Just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song alive. As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Nothing can dampen his encouragement(spirit). He flies about the new-mown mead. When he gets tired with his delights, he takes a rest beneath (under) some pleasant weed and again starts to sing with newed vigour (energy).
6. “When all birds are faint…” – When are the birds faint and why? What do they do then? How is the poetry of earth sounded in their absence? ****** (6)
Ans. On a hot summer day when the blazing rays of the Sun threaten to sap every drop of energy, the birds get exhausted (faint)
They then take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat.
The music of nature is about to stop just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song going(continuing/alive). As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Nothing can dampen his encouragement(spirit). He flies about the new-mown mead. When he gets tired with his delights, he takes a rest beneath (under) some pleasant weed and again starts to sing with newed vigour (energy).
7. “He rests at ease…” – Where does the line occur? Who is referred to as ‘he’? Where does he rest and when? How does he take part in the poetry of earth?
Ans. The line is taken from the poem "The poetry of Earth" by "John Keats"
Here he refers to the Grasshopper.
When the Grasshopper gets tired, he rests beneath some pleasant weed to get back his energy.
On a hot summer day, the birds getting exhausted (tired), take rest in the cool shade of the trees. They become silent in the unbearable heat. Just then the Grasshopper 'takes the lead' to keep the song alive. As he 'takes the lead' the song of Summer is heard from one hedge to another in the dazzling sunshine. Nothing can dampen his encouragement(spirit). He flies about the new-mown mead. When he gets tired with his delights, he takes a rest beneath (under) some pleasant weed and again starts to sing with newed vigour (energy).
"Asleep in the Valley"
By Arthur Rimbaud
1. Prepare the central idea, title and substance of the poem “Asleep in the Valley”. ******
or,
Describe the soldier after Rimbaud in the poem “Asleep in the Valley".
Ans. Arthur Rimbaud's poem "Asleep In The Valley" is a very beautiful poem in which he has presented the tragedy of war. But the poet does not reveal much about war. He has focused on the scenic beauty. The valley described here is green. A slow stream flows through it. There lies a young soldier. He is asleep. His body is stretched in the heavy bushes.His feet are among the flowers. Putting his hand on the chest, the soldier is sleeping with an innocent smile on his face. It is an image of absolute peace and tranquility. It is only in the last line, when the poet mentions, "In his side, there are two red holes", the readers come to know that the soldier is dead. The poet here, intentionally and ironically uses the title. And hence the title is very much appropriate.
2. “Pale in his warm, green, sun-soaked bed” – Who is referred to as ‘he’? Why is he pale? What is meant by the ‘sun-soaked bed’ ? How does the poet describe the sleeping soldier?
Ans. "He" refers to the young soldier in the the poem "Asleep in the Valley"
The soldier who seems asleep in the small green valley is pale because he is dead because of the war.
"Sun-soaked" bed is a green earth on which the sun rays fall and make it warm. This serves as a bed for the dead soldier.
The young soldier is asleep. His body is stretched in the heavy bushes.His feet are among the flowers. Putting his hand on the chest, the soldier is sleeping with an innocent smile on his face. It is an image of absolute peace and tranquility. It is only in the last line, when the poet mentions, "In his side, there are two red holes", the readers come to know that the soldier is dead
4. “In his side there are two red holes.” – Who is referred to as ‘his’? Why are there two red holes in his side? How is the pity of war reflected through this striking revelation at the end of the poem? 1+2+3=6 ******
Ans. The person referred to here is the dead soldier of the poem 'Asleep in the Valley' written by Arthur Rimbaud.
The 'two red holes' are the marks of bullet wounds, in one side of the sleeping soldier. It singifies that the soldier has been shot to death at war.
War is something futile and brutal. The poet being a soldier himself once knows the horror of war. He establishes the pity of war in his poem ‘asleep in the Valley’. War, in reality, slaughters the young youths and their dreams remain unfulfilled. This meaninglessness of war disturbs the poet immensely and he tries to make us aware of the pity of war through his poetry.
5. Describe the poem "Asleep in the Valley " as an anti-war poem or futility of war. ******
Or,
What is Arthur Rimbaud’s attitude towards war as revealed in "Asleep in the Valley”?
Or,
Write the theme of the "Asleep in the Valley "
Or,
How does the poet express the futility of war through the poem "Asleep in the Valley "
Or,
How does the poet 'Arther Rimbaud' look upon war. (6)
Ans: An anti-war poem exposes the ruthlessness and brutal business of war. Arthur Rimbaud's "Asleep in the Valley " can be called an anti-war poem in the sense that it exposes the horror and futility of war. The war is a slaughter-house for young, prospective soldiers. The poem presents the scene of a helpless young victim of war amid a lovely beautiful natural setting. A soldier, very young lies dead in a warm, graceful, sunlit valley. He is an unfortunate victim of war. Two bullets have pierced his body and destroyed all his future dreams unexpectedly. He looks all innocent, pure, simple without guile. Yet war has not spared him. This is the pity of war and its utter futility which has been expressed through the poem. Through his poem, the poet Arthur Rimbaud leaves a strong voice against the war which brings nothing but the destruction of dreams of young lives nipped in buds.
6. “They fill the hollow full of light” – Who are ‘they’? What does ‘the hollow’ suggest? Describe the hollow. ****** (1+1+4)
Ans. Here 'they' refers to the bright sunrays from the mountaintop.
The 'hollow' referred to is the green valley.
The 'hollow' is small but covered with greenery. It is surrounded by mountains. A stream flows through the valley and it makes the valley look shiny. The sun's rays coming from the mountaintop illuminate the valley. The flowers, bushes, plants, insects all contribute to the beauty of the valley in their own way.
7. “A soldier very young lies open-mouthed” – Where does the line occur? Who is the soldier? Why does he lie open-mouthed? How does nature nourish him in his sleep? Bring out the irony in the line. ******
Ans. The line is taken from the poem"Asleep in the Valley".`
The young soldier is affected by the war and he is dead.
The soldier is lying open-mouthed because he is dead.
Nature takes gentle care of the young soldier. It lures him in her lap and protects him from catching cold. The soldier lies asleep in the warm sunlight peacefully, in the small green valley.
8. “His smile is like that of an infant’s” – Whose smile is referred to here? Why is his smile compared to that of an infant? Bring out the irony in the line. ****** 1+2+3=6
Ans. In the above mentioned line,the smile of a dead young soldier is referred to here.
The poet compared the smile of a young soldier with that of an infant because just like an infant,the young soldier too had an innocent and gentle smile without any guile.
Rimbaud here emphasizes upon the innocence which was on the face of the soldier. He lies peacefully on the green Sun soaked bed of the valley. The poet wishes to draw the attention of the readers over the soldiers ultimately death depicting the unjustified nature of war. The young soldier perhaps has not been aware of the hypocrisy of the world like an infant before he is mercilessly put to death by the bullets shot at him. As the young soldier seems to rest amidst the valley, nature plays the role of an affectionate mother and keeps him warm, sheltering him from the cold.
9. "The humming insects don't disturb his rest." Who rests and where? What put him to rest? Why can't the insects disturb his rest? ****** 1+2+3=6
Ans Here a young soldier is at rest. The young soldier is resting in a small green valley.
The two bullets on the soldier's body put him to rest.
The young soldier is lying dead in a valley. The youth has died with his dream unfulfilled and life unlived. Therefore, nothing could awake him. As the soldier was having his eternal sleep, the constant humming of the insects around him could not disturb him.
"THE PROPOSAL"
By Anton Chehkov
1. Sketch the character of Lomov.
Ans. In the play 'The Proposal' written by Anton Chekhov, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is a young, unmarried landowner of thirty five. He is also an old neighbour of the wealthy landowner Stepan Stepanovich Chukhov. He is described as large and hearty but very suspicious. He is a hypochondriac who is obsessed with his imaginary illness and spends sleepless nights. He wants to marry as early as possible. He likes Natalya, Chubukov's daughter. It is not that he loves her. It is only that he can't wait any longer as Natlya is good at housekeeping and not bad looking. When he comes to propose to her, he gets involved in continual arguments with Natalya over Oxen Meadows and their pets. However, finally his marriage proposal is realised with some help of Chubukov.
2. Sketch the character of Chubukov. ****** 6
Ans. Chubukov was one of the major characters of the play 'The Proposal'. He is a big land owner. He is seventy. He has a marriageable daughter Natalya. Chubukov had lost his wife. Now Natalya manages his household job. But Chubukov is very much anxious about her marriage. But he likes Lomov, a young neighbour of a respectable family. He hopes that one fine morning Lomov and Natalya will get married. So he tries to help Lomov whenever he appeals to him. Anyway he jumps at Lomov's marriage proposal. He is extremely delighted. But as the fight over property starts between Lomov and Natalya, he comes out as a possessive landowner. Later he tries to calm down the situation. The marriage proposal is realised. He feels happy.
3. Sketch the character of Natalya. ****** 6
Ans. In the play 'The Proposal' written by Anton Chekhov, Natalya Stepanovona is the twenty five year old daughter of the wealthy landowner Stepan Stepanovitch Chukov. She is a young unmarried girl. She is well educated and a excellent housekeeper. She is also not bad looking. But she is very quarrelsome and abusive by nature. She begins a bitter quarrel with Lomov over a piece of land that has little value. But when she learns that Lomov has come to propose to her, she forgets all her grievances. She begins to wail over her lost chance. She forces her father to bring him back. But soon, she starts quarrelling with him again over the superiority of their hunting dogs. Natalya is excitable as her father. Since she is the daughter of a landowner, she has the advantage of influence, social position, and money which make her rude and insensitive.
4. "If you like, I will make you a present of them " - Who is the speaker? Who is the person spoken to? What would the speaker make a present of? Why did the speaker say so? 1+1+1+3=6
Ans. . In the play 'The Proposal' written by Anton Chekhov, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is the speaker here.
Natalya Stepanovna is the person spoken to.
The speaker Lomov would make a present of the Oxen Meadows to Natalya.
Lomov and Natalya had a quarrel over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. According to Lomov, the peasants of Natalya's father's grandfather used to bake bricks for his aunt's grandmother. Therefore the Oxen Meadows which Natalya claimed to be her property actually belonged to the Lomovs. As Lomov was going to marry Natalya, he could make a present of them to her.
5. "Forgive us, Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated."- Who is the speaker? Who are referred to by us? Where were the persons referred to 'a little heated' ? Why does the speaker ask for forgiveness? ****** 1+1+2+2=6
Ans. The speaker is Natalya Stepanovna.
The speaker has referred herself and her father
While conversing with each other, Lomov spoke of Oxen Meadows as his property. As a result, both Chubukov and Natalya protested and told him that Oxen Meadows belonged to them. Lomov refused to accept their claim. This led to a bitter argument that made the persons 'a little heated. The bitter argument over who was the real owner of Oxen Meadows turned into abusing each other's Family, which excited Lomov greatly. Lomov felt unwell and stormed out of the room. Later Natalya came to know that Lomov arrived there in order to propose to her. Hearing this, she forced her father to bring him back and when he came back she apologised so that Lomov could forget the quarrel and give his marriage proposal to her.
6. "She's like a love-sick cat," -Who said this and about whom? Analyse the character of the person,referred to here, under the light of the comment above. ****** (1+5=6)
Ans Chubukov said this about his daughter, Natalya Stepanovna.
In the drama, The Proposal", Chubukov is portrayed as a wealthy landowner. He has a marriageable daughter, Natalya Stepanovna. He is very much anxious about her marriage. At that time it was necessary for a girl in her twenties to get married as early as possible and Natalya was already twenty-five. Therefore she was a burden to Chubukov. Though Chubukov disliked Lomov, he readily accepted Lomov's proposal to marry Natalya and encouraged him to talk to her. Natalya did not love Lomov, yet Chubukov expressed her as 'a love-sick cat', so that Lomov could assume that she too liked Lomov. Like an opportunist, he grabbed the chance and tried to convince Lomov about Natalya's feelings in every possible way. Though Lomov did not get the opportunity to propose to her, they finally got engaged only because of Chubukov.
7. "We've had the land for nearly three hundred years…"Who is the speaker? Who is spoken to? What is referred to as the land? What do you know about the land from their conversation? ******
Ans. Here, the speaker is Natalya Stepanovna.
Natalya is speaking to lvan Vassilevitch Lomov.
The Oxen Meadows which are wedged in between birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh are referred to as 'the land'.
According to Natalya, Oxen Meadows are the property of Chubukovs and they have the land for nearly three hundred years. But Lomov says that this land was once a subject of dispute. His aunt's grandmother gave the free use of the Oxen Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of her father's grandfather and in return, they had to make bricks for her. The peasants of her father's grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years and considered those Meadows as their own property. But Natalya does not believe Lomov's words and starts to argue with him regarding this issue.
8. "Bring him! Back! Ah! Bring him here." Who says this to whom? When is it said? Why is the speaker so excited? What light does the line through on the character of the speaker? ** 1+1+1+3+=6
Ans Natalya says these words to her father Chubukov.
She said it when she learned that Lomov came there to propose to her.
The speaker is very excited because receiving a proposal meant a potential prospect of getting married.
This line shows that Natalya is quite desperate to get married. Though she is incompatible with Lomov, and argues with him every now and then, on hearing that Lomov is about to propose to her, she forgets everything and reaches seventh heaven as in those days, marriage was the only means for a woman to gain financial stability and social status.
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