1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

The poet's old familiar pain or ache returns when

she sees her mother's pale and corpse-like face.
Perhaps she had gone through this fear since she
was a child. Ageing is a normal part of life. Time
and age have not been kind to the poet's mother,
and they may not be kind to her now. With this
ageing, separation and death become inevitable.
2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?
The poet has personified trees in this presentation.
She has given trees an aspect of human nature and
attributes. Sprinting means running over a short
distance in a limited period of time. The poet is driving
to the Cochin airport with her mother. When she
looks outside, the young trees seem to be walking
past them. With the speed of the car they seem to be
running fast or sprinting.
3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the
merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

Death, lifelessness, lethargy, helpless, and gloomy old

age are contrasted by the sight of happy children
spilling out of their home. Children came out in great
numbers from their houses to play with one another, to
rejoice, and to enjoy life.
The poet's mother, on the other hand, is sleeping open
mouthed, uninterested in her surroundings and life.
She is frail and old, ageing and decaying, but the
children represent life's natural flow.
 4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late
winter’s moon’?
The poet compares her mother to the 'late winter's
moon,' since she can see her mother becoming pale, just
like the moon. She has lost her youth glow and strength.
Similarly as the late winter moon gets overshadowed by
the fog and mist in the sky, her mother could be
shrouded by death at any time. Both of them are nearing
the conclusion of their respective seasons and lives.
5. What do the parting words of the poet and her
smile signify?
The parting words of the poet are see you
soon, Amma, all I did was smile, smile,
smile and smile. She is overtaken by grief
and fear. She feels the return of her
childhood fear of losing her mother. She is
scared of losing her mother forever.
But she does not show all this to her
mother. She just smiled and waved bye to
her mother. The way the poem ends with
smile and smile and smile highlights the
pain hidden under smile. She reassures
herself and her mother by saying see you
soon, Amma and hopes to see her mother
again.
My mother at sixty six

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that
follow.
I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile ………
My mother at sixty six
What was the poet’s childhood fear?

In her childhood, the poet was insecure about losing her mother, just
as all young children often are.

What were the poet’s parting words?

The poet’s parting words were, “See you soon, Amma”, which are
suggestive of the hope that they will meet again.

What is the poetic device used in these lines?

The poetic device used in these lines is simile, where the mother’s dull
and lifeless face is compared to a late winter’s moon.
My mother at sixty six

Why did the poet smile and smile?

The poet smiled and smiled (meaning that she smiled

continuously) because she was trying to hide her real
feelings. She feared the fact that she might not see her
mother again, which left her almost in tears.
My mother at sixty six
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions
that follow.
……….but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes……………
My mother at sixty six

What thought did the poet drive away from her mind?

The poet drove away the painful thought of the distressing reality that her
mother was getting old and she might die anytime.

What did she see when she looked out of the car?

When she looked out of the car, she saw young trees on the roadside, which
appeared to be moving. She also saw a group of children, merrily rushing out
of their homes to play.
My mother at sixty six

How do you know that the joyful scene didn’t help her drive away
the painful thought from her mind?
As the poet passed through security check at the airport and
happened to look at her mother, she was again haunted by the
same fear of losing her to death. This shows that the joyful scene
earlier didn’t help drive away the painful thought from her mind.
My mother at sixty six

Why are the trees described as sprinting? (Delhi

2008)

The merry children are symbolic of the exuberance of

youth. The energetic and lively children present a
contrast to the poet’s mother who has grown old and
pale.
My mother at sixty six
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that
follow.
Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother, beside me
doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that ‘
of a corpse and realised with pain .
that she was as old as she looked …
My mother at sixty six
Where was the poet driving to?
The poet was driving to Cochin airport from her
parent’s home.
Why was her mother’s face looking like that of a
corpse?
Her mother’s face had lost all its glow and colour. It
was nearly lifeless. That is why it was looking like a
corpse’s face.
My mother at sixty six

What did the poet notice about her mother?

The poet noticed that her mother was sleeping with

her mouth open. Her face looked like that of a corpse.
She suddenly realised that her mother had become

very old.
My mother at sixty six

Why was the realisation painful?

The realisation that her mother had grown
very old was painful because it brought with
it the distressing thought that she was also
nearing her death, whose cruel hands
would separate the poet from her mother.
My mother at sixty six

What do the parting words of the poet Kamala Das to her

mother signify?
The parting words of Kamala Das to her mother signify her anxiety
and fear about her mother’s frail health. They also express the hope
that her mother would survive till they meet again. .
My mother at sixty six

Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry

children spilling out of their homes?
The young children spilling out of their homes represent the
exuberance and vigor of youth. They are in complete contrast
to the poet’s mother. Perhaps the poet has used the image to
bring out the pangs of old age.
My mother at sixty six

Explain, “that old familiar ache.”

As a child the poet was insecure about losing her mother and the
same fear has come again now when her mother has grown old.
My mother at sixty six

The central idea of the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ composed by

Kamala Das is that –
This poem shows the fear of losing her mother of the poetess. Her
mother is in the last phase of her life. So the poetess feels that she
will pass away soon. Poetess gets scared of this thought. To come
out of this negative thought, she looked outside of car. The world
outside was full of life and activity.
My mother at sixty six

The young trees seemed running fast. Children looked very happy.
At the airport, they had to undergo a security check. The poetess
was standing a few yards away from her mother. She looked again
at her old mother. She felt pained to look at the colourless and pale
face of her mother. But hiding her tears, the poetess said, “See you
soon Amma”.
Keeping quiet

What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

ANSWER: Counting up to twelve takes just a few seconds. Taking a
moment to be still for this short period of time allows us to reflect and
reconsider our course of action. The majority of the world's ills and
troubles are thought to be caused by our haste or hurry. Rage is the
source of violence. Keeping quiet and still will provide us with much-
needed relief and calm.
Keeping quiet

Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

ANSWER: He does not support complete inactivity or death. He
makes it clear that ‘stillness' should not be confused with or
equated with “total inactivity.” Death is the result of complete
inactivity. Neruda, on the other hand, has "no truck with death."
His silence denotes the cessation of all negative and aggressive
human activities.
Keeping quiet

What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

ANSWER: Sadness is a product of a person's own actions and feelings. It's
ironic that a man who knows so much is unable to comprehend himself and
his actions. Harmful and disastrous outcomes result from rash behavior. All
disasters are the product of man's actions. He is always trying to kill himself
as a result of his thoughts and behavior. This is the story of his life's tragedy.
Keeping quiet

What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can
be life under apparent stillness?
ANSWER: The poet wishes to demonstrate that life will exist in the midst
of apparent stillness. To prove his point, the poet uses the earth as a
living metaphor. The world never reaches a state of complete inactivity.
And when there seems to be no activity, nature is still at work. It keeps
the planet alive. The lines "as though something appears dead and later
proves to be alive" beautifully reflect this concept.
Keeping quiet

What is the exotic moment the poet Pablo Neruda wishes for?
ANSWER: Pablo Neruda fantasizes about a time when humanity is free of
greed, cruelty, and destructive deeds. Unnecessary rushing and noise
have resulted in annoyance and problems. The poet wishes for an end to
the noise of engines and machines, and for harmony and tranquility to
reign.
Keeping quiet

How can suspension of activities help?

ANSWER: Suspension of activities would allow us to focus on our
mistakes and introspect. It will provide us with the much-needed time to
forget our differences, to let go of our prejudices, and to enter a world of
harmony.
Keeping quiet

What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem? What is
Neruda’s attitude towards these wars?
ANSWER: Green wars, gas wars, and fire wars are among the conflicts
mentioned by Neruda in his poem. These chemical and nuclear wars, as
well as man's war against nature, according to Neruda, would contribute
to humanity's demise.
Keeping quiet

How is total inactivity on the Earth in the winter months full of life?
(YEAR 2007)
ANSWER: Even if the Earth appears to be dormant during the winter
months, life continues to exist on it. The Earth tells us that, amid the
bleakness of the landscape, nature is still at work, keeping the planet
alive, and new life emerges from the ashes of the dead.
Keeping quiet
How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty? (YEAR 2015)
ANSWER: Because of their glorious deeds and successes, the 'mighty dead' may
be beautiful stuff. Their accomplishments elevate their lives, making them a
source of inspiration for others.
3. What does the poet want us to do in the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’? (YEAR 2011)
ANSWER: In the poem Keeping Silent, the poet needs us to be quiet and still, not
moving our arms and legs too much. This will allow us to reflect on our actions
and contribute to the development of a sense of mutual understanding among
people.
Keeping quiet
How will ‘keeping quiet’ protect our environment ?
Answer:
Keeping quiet helps us to stop wars. In this way it helps to prevent destruction of
environment due to wars. Also, it prevents deforestation. In this way, we can say
that keeping quiet is the only way to prevent our environment from all types of
pollution.
Keeping quiet

What does the poet mean by saying ‘victory with no survivors’ ?

Answer:
According to the poet the wars cause a lot of destruction. A lot of people
die from both the sides. Therefore, no one can claim that their side has
won, since the so called victor also has to face a lot of causalities.
Keeping quiet
What is Neruda’s attitude towards these wars?
Answer:
The poet says that there are green wars. He means t to say that the
people who destroy forests also wage a war against their own
coming generations. There are wars with fire, chemical weapons and
poisonous gases. The wars bring so much destruction that no side
could be called victorious. The poet wants that all these wars should
be stopped. These wars bring nothing but destruction.
Keeping quiet
Write the central idea of the poem.
Answer:
In this poem, the poet tells us about the value of quiet introspection. He
wants us to keep quiet for twelve seconds and stop every movement of the
body. He implores the fishermen not to harm the whales. He also wants the
man gathering salt to stop his activities for a few minutes, since he has hurt
his hands. The poet says that wars are useless.
These wars leave no survivors. However the poet doesn’t advocate total
inactivity. He says that something that appears to be dead now later proves
to be alive. Total inactivity is death, the poet just wants us to suspend our
activities for a few seconds.
A THING OF BEAUTY

List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

ANSWER : Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and a source of
pleasure. Some of them are: the sun, the moon, old and young trees,
daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, mass of ferns and
the blooming musk-roses.
A THING OF BEAUTY

List the things that cause suffering and pain.

ANSWER : There are some sources of pain in this world. Some of them
are : lack of goodness, lack of noble spirit, malice and disappointment,
sadness, hopelessness, sad days, darkened spirits. A thing of beauty lifts
our dampened spirits.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to
earth’ suggest to you?
ANSWER : Every morning when we wake up and look at all the beautiful things
around us, it binds us with a flowery band to this earthly life. This wreath of flowery
band gives us courage to stay in this earthly life against the harmful sadness,
against the savage lack of nobility and good people, against bad days that make us
feel sad and hopeless, against all the unhealthy and extremely dark ways that make
us depressed and seek true happiness.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
ANSWER : It is a thing of beauty that makes us joyful forever. It lifts our
dampened spirits and help us cherish our life. When we see some shape of
a beauty in nature and admire it, it takes our mind away from the sad days,
or the dark thoughts that linger in our mind. It is because of this marvelous
creation and immortal beauty that human beings love life and are bound to
it through the flowery band of beauty.
A THING OF BEAUTY

•Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

ANSWER : The mighty dead were very powerful and dominating persons
during their own times. Their achievements made them ‘mighty’ and great.
Their noble works dazzle our eyes. We imagine that such mighty dead
forefathers will attain more grandeur on the doomsday. Hence ‘grandeur’ is
associated with the ‘mighty dead’.
A THING OF BEAUTY

Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or

do they make a lasting impression on us?
ANSWER : The poem begins with "A thing of beauty is a joy
forever". This shows that according to Keats, a thing of beauty
makes a lasting impression on us. We are forever overjoyed
because of it. Its loveliness and beauty keeps on increasing and
the happiness never fades.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful

bounty of the earth?
ANSWER : The poet uses the image of 'the immortal drink pouring
unto us from heaven's brink" to describe the beautiful, unending
bounty of the Earth. The beauty of the nature is mesmerizing and
is perpetual. It is immortal. It will leave a lasting impression and be
forever inscribed in one's memory and one's surroundings.
A THING OF BEAUTY

•Write a brief summary of the poem ‘A Thing Of Beauty.’

ANSWER: According to the author, it is a thing of beauty that brings joy indefinitely.
The poet then goes on to list several things that are beautiful. The sun, the moon,
beautiful flowers, young trees, and simple sheep, he says, are all beautiful things.
According to the poet, there is so much sorrow on this planet that life will be
unbearable without some kind of beauty.
A THING OF BEAUTY

•It's one thing or another that's beautiful. It is something beautiful that

connects us to the planet. The poet then goes on to characterize the
earth's mighty dead. These individuals have given their lives for the sake
of humanity. They will receive their just reward on the day of judgment,
according to the poet. The poet compares the things of beauty to a
fountain on the edge of heaven pouring out everlasting drink.
A THING OF BEAUTY

•What, according to Keats, casts a shadow of doom over our gloomy spirits?
What is the procedure for removing it?
ANSWER: According to Keats, there is universal sadness on this planet. The life of a
man is full of disappointments and sorrows. Our dark souls tend to be shrouded in
a shroud of disappointment. Only the presence of beauty, in some form or another,
may lift this gloom.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Answer: John Keats uses a very beautiful image to describe the beautiful bounty of
the earth. It is the endless fountain of immortal drink. It pours constantly into our
hearts from heaven. Thus, the beautiful bounty of the earth is called “an endless
fountain of immortal drink.”
A THING OF BEAUTY

What are the things that cause miseries, sorrows and sufferings to man ?
Ans: Man himself is the root cause of all his sufferings. We suffer from malice and
distress because we lack human qualities that makes us inhuman. Our life becomes
gloomy. We cultivate unhealthy and evil ways. All such things bring miseries,
sorrows and sufferings to man.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it
removed?
Ans: Man is the creator of his woes. His own nature and actions make his
life miserable. He faces miseries and pains. A pall of despondence covers
his dark spirits. A thing of beauty provides a ray of hope to man. Some
shape of beauty works wonders amid these sorrows and sufferings. It is a
thing of beauty that removes the pall of despondence over our dark
spirits.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What is the source of the ‘endless fountain’ and what is its effect?
Ans: A fountain of eternal joy' and immortality pours into the heart and
soul of man. It flows right from the heavens brink and pours into the
human heart. It is like an immortal nectar. The immortal drink that
nature’s endless fountain pours into our hearts is a source of immense
joy for us.
A THING OF BEAUTY

What is the message for the theme) of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
Ans: The very first line contains the message that John Keats, the great
Romantic poet, wants to convey. Keats was a worshipper of beauty. For
him beauty was truth and truth, beauty. Hence, for him a thing of beauty
is a joy forever. Beauty never fades. Nor is it ever devalued. It never
passes into nothingness. When we are full of sorrows and sufferings,
some form of beauty comes to our rescue. It removes the pall of sadness
and sorrows and gives us joy and pleasure. Thus, beauty is a boon for
human beings.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. (CBSE QB, 2021)

1. Pick the quote that matches best with— ‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms we have
imagined for the mighty dead.
A) In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
B) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
C) Endings are not always bad, most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.
D) Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste of death but once.
Ans. B) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Pick the option that refers to what ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ suggests.
inspirational deeds of great men
a ceaseless series of dreams
an infinite source of weakness
an elixir of life for upliftment of the soul
an eternal source of delight
a boundless gift of love
A) 1, 4 and 5
B) 2, 3 and 5
C) 1, 2 and 6
D) 2, 4 and 6
Ans. A) 1, 4 and 5
A THING OF BEAUTY
3. Pick the option that pairs the TRUE statements based on the extract, from the list below.
The bushes with fragrant flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
Death is inevitable and everyone faces it no matter how powerful.
Immortality is achieved by man when he drinks the nectar of joy.
Legendary heroes and their heroic deeds instill inspiration in us.
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 4
C) 1 and 4
D) 2 and 3
Ans. C) 1 and 4
4. Pick the option that uses the same literary device as the ‘mighty dead’.
A) sleepless nights
B) deafening silence
C) glaring lights
D) time is a thief
Ans. B) deafening silence
A THING OF BEAUTY
1. Who are the ‘mighty dead’? How do we know about them?
Ans. The mighty dead are our forefathers, who were great in their own right, and the dead
emperors. We learn about them by reading or hearing heroic stories about their numerous
sacrifices. They are a source of inspiration for everyone who goes reads them.
2. What images does the poet use to convey that beauty is everlasting?
Ans. ‘Endless fountain’ of joy is the image that has been used to convey that beauty is
everlasting. Things of beauty are an eternal source of motivation, a precious gift from heaven
which gives us infinite pleasure and delight.
3. What is the effect of the immortal drink?
Ans. The immortal drink that nature’s endless fountain pours on us gives us immense joy and
pleasure.
A THING OF BEAUTY
4. Write the words from the extract which mean
stories
magnificence
Ans. 1) tales, 2) grandeur

D. “Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits,”
1. How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
Ans. Whenever we look at a beautiful object, we are filled with comfort and joy. When we are
burdened with grief, a thing of beauty comes as a ray of hope, and makes us forget our sorrow
and suffering at least for some time.
2. Explain; “Some shape of beauty.”
Ans. Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet here means beauty in some
form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
3. Identify the figure of speech in the above lines.
Ans. The above lines present an example of metaphor. Our souls are steeped in sadness and
disappointment which are compared to a pall or shroud covering the dead.
4. Why are our spirits referred to as ‘dark’?
Ans. Our spirits are dejected due to extreme sadness and disappointment which may be the
result of our own evil actions. So, the poet refers to them as dark, because of the hopelessness
we feel.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q1. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of
Beauty’? (All India 2015)
Answer: Nature is a thing of beauty and pleasure in and of itself. The sun, the moon, old and
young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, fern masses, and the blooming of
musk-roses are among them. All of them are works of art. They are constant sources of
happiness and pleasure.

Q2. What are the things that cause miseries, sorrows and sufferings to man? (All India 2015)
Answer: All of man’s ills are the result of his own actions. We are plagued by malice and distress
because we lack human qualities, which renders us inhuman. Our lives become bleak. We foster
unhealthy and evil behaviors. All of these things bring man misery, sorrow, and suffering.

Q3. How do we bind ourselves to the earth every morning?

Answer: The relationship between man and nature is emphasized by all romantic poets. Keats
believes that man has an unbreakable bond with nature and the earth. Man is captivated by the
earth’s splendors. Every natural object is a source of beauty and happiness. Every day, we weave
a flowery wreath. This flowery band ties us to the earth’s beauty.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q4. How does a thing of beauty provide us shelter and comfort? (CBSE 2013)
Answer: John Keats was a master of sensuous imagery, which he describes in the poem by
explaining how a thing of beauty provides us with shelter and comfort. Nature provides us with
rare and beautiful things. It keeps the bower peaceful for us. A bower is a relaxing spot in the
shade under a tree. A beautiful thing also gives us peace and security. We enjoy a good night’s
sleep that is full of sweet dreams, good health, and peaceful breathing.

Q5. What rich bounty has heaven given us?

Answer: Heaven has blessed us with unending beauty in nature, which encircles and beautifies
our lives forever whenever we think of it. Beauty, like an eternal fountain from the edge of
heaven, showers us with joy in perpetuity.

Q6. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed? (All India
2013)
Answer: According to the poet, man is the source of his problems. His own personality and
actions make his life a living hell. He experiences misery and pain. His dark spirits are shrouded in
gloom. A thing of beauty gives man a ray of hope. Among these sorrows and sufferings, some
shape of beauty works wonders. It is a thing of beauty that lifts the gloom from our dark spirits.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q7. Why and how is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’? (Delhi 2011)
Answer: “The mighty dead” are people who have done brave and noble things. They live on in
the stories and legends, which have now become a source of beauty for us. They will be
rewarded with “grandeur” on doomsday or judgment day because of the noble life they have led.
Q8. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings?
Answer: Keats expresses his discontent by stating that there are only a few people of noble
character who rise above minor differences by being magnanimous and generous. As man is
selfish and self-centered, there is a scarcity of such noble souls on our planet. Life’s trials and
tribulations cast a pall of despondency over our dark spirits. We can remove it by making life
worthwhile by enjoying the beautiful things that nature has bestowed upon us, but we are eager
to destroy them.
Q9. How is a thing of beauty lovelier than all the lovely tales we have heard and read?
Answer: Nature’s beautiful things are a boon to humanity. The magnificence and beauty of
natural objects outweigh the grandeur of dooms imagined for our mighty dead forefathers.
Therefore, It is more beautiful than all the lovely stories we have heard or read.
Q10. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
Answer: Many things cause us to suffer and be in pain. “The greatest source of our suffering” is
malice and disappointment. Another is the absence of noble qualities. Our unhealthy and evil
ways also give rise to a plethora of problems and sufferings. They lower our spirits. They act as a
pall of sadness in our lives.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q1. ‘A Thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what John Keats says in the poem. Do you think
in the present times of acute stress and violence, proximity to beautiful things can lead man to
everlasting happiness? Discuss.
Answer: The message is that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It exists outside of time. It will
never be forgotten. Beauty has the ability to dispel darkness and negativity, and it can help us
survive when there is a “lack of noble nature” or when we are surrounded by evil. It is beneficial
to one’s health. It promotes restful sleep. Furthermore, it emphasizes the fact that beauty is not
only physical but also spiritual, and it appears to flow down from heaven as an ‘immortal drink’
made for man.
In these times of extreme stress and violence, the objects of beauty take on even more
significance. When our minds are anxious and troubled, the sight of beautiful things can provide
us with temporary comfort and happiness. Appreciating beautiful things is synonymous with
appreciating God.
The presence of beautiful things draws us closer to the creator, who possesses the ultimate
power to provide us with relief from all anxieties and troubles. As a result, it is certain to bring
everlasting happiness at all times.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q2. Write in brief the central theme of the poem.
Answer: ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is a passage from John Keats’ poem ‘Endymion: A Poetic Romance,’
which is based on a Greek legend. In this poem, John Keats, a romantic poet, discusses love,
beauty, and youth. The poem, in fact, reflects his attitude towards beauty. The poet believes that
beauty is permanent and provides us with the same pleasure over and over. It brings us eternal
happiness and never fades away. Beauty is very important in our lives because it helps us to stay
happy and joyful in this sad, mundane world.
A thing of beauty is a constant source of joy. There is beauty everywhere. It has the potential to
change people’s lives. It also emphasizes the therapeutic quality of beauty, i.e. its ability to
remove negativity. It can be any object, nature, stories, or even our forefathers’ noble deeds.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q3. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your position on this statement with your rationale,
coupled with ideas in the poem. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer: The poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ by John Keats, conveys the message that beauty is best
left undefined, that beauty is everywhere, and that beauty is also found upon examination. The
theme of this work is primarily concerned with nature. Keats describes the effects that beauty
can have on a person. This beauty, according to Keats, never fades and its impact is felt long after
it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is “Made for our seeking,” implying that some people
will find beauty in places where others will not.
I do believe that beauty should be best left undefined. Since, the definition and the form of
beauty differs from person to person, i.e. It is subjective in nature, making standards or norms for
beauty would tarnish its real value and thus, undermine its effects.
The theme of this poem is that beauty can be found anywhere and, when appreciated, can be
used to lift one’s spirits during difficult times.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Q4. How do things of beauty enrich us? (Delhi 2015)
Answer. Our desire to live on this planet is greatly influenced by the presence of beautiful things
that provide us with a constant source of joy. The earth is depressing and sad without beauty.
There is cruelty, selfishness, and mean behavior everywhere, as well as a lack of good-natured
people. This beauty, a creation of God, cleanses our minds and souls of sadness and darkness.
We have a reason to live longer when we are wrapped up in the beautiful flowery band or this
strong connection with nature. The sun, the moon, and old and young trees are all sources of joy
for us. The trees sprout and spread their branches to provide shade for the sheeps.
Daffodils bloom in the green environment in which they grow. The clear and small streams of
water provide a cooling refuge from the hot season. With their lovely musk roses, the dense
mass of ferns looks magnificent. All of these things enrich our lives to such an extent that we
cannot live without them.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Artists, singers and musicians have a different perception of beauty as compared to people who
are in other professions. Comment. (CBSE QB, 2021)
Answer: Beauty is perceived and responded to by artists, singers, and musicians. It could be awe
and amazement, wonder and joy, or something else. It could be compared to a “peak
experience” or an epiphany. It could happen while watching a sunset or admiring the view from a
mountaintop—the list is endless. It is a type of experience, an aesthetic response to the
representational qualities of the thing, whether manmade or natural. Artists, singers, and
musicians value the core beauty because they understand the effort and time required to
become one of these skilled performers.
Other professions, on the other hand, have a visual appeal for beauty; they value outward
beauty.
A THING OF BEAUTY
Analyse the poetic devices used in the poem.
Answer: The poem is full of images and employs a variety of poetic devices. There is alliteration
in the phrase “simple sheep,” which refers to humanity. Metaphor has been used. In Moves the
pall,’ our souls steeped in sadness and hopelessness are compared to dead bodies wrapped in a
shroud.
In the metaphor of the ‘immortal drink,’ a feeling of immense joy is compared to a drink that
flows down from heaven’s rim like an endless fountain. The words ‘noble natures,’ ‘simple sheep,’
and ‘cooling convert’ all contain alliteration. The poem is filled with imagery, such as ‘flowery
bands,’ ‘daffodils with the green world they live in,’ ‘clear rills,’ and ‘endless fountain.’
A ROADSIDE STAND

1. The city folk who drove through the countryside hardly paid any heed to the
roadside stand or to the people who ran it. If at all they did, it was to complain.
Which lines bring this out? What was their complaint about?
ANSWER: “Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred….
They complained that the disfigured paint of the stall spoilt the beauty of the
landscape, the signposts pointed the wrong way and the stalls were not
maintained.” These are some of the lines that indicate that the drivers stopped in
the countryside only to complain.
A ROADSIDE STAND

2. What was the plea of the folk who had put up the
roadside stand?
ANSWER: The poor farmers pleaded with city dwellers to
stop and buy something from their roadside stalls so that
they, too, could earn a living, not only to make ends meet
but also to be able to afford some comfort in life.
A ROADSIDE STAND

3. The government and other social service agencies appear to help the
poor rural people but actually do them no good. Pick out the words and
phrases that the poet uses to show their double standards.
ANSWER: The poet criticizes the government's and other social service
organizations' double standards in promising to raise poor farmers' living
standards and showing them the bright side of life. When it comes time to
follow through with their promises, they either forget about them or fulfill
them in ways that benefit them. They're called "greedy good-doers" and
"profitable prey beasts" by the author, and they "swarm over their lives."
A ROADSIDE STAND

These greedy people, according to the poet, engage in calculated

and well-thought-out shrewd acts that prey on the naive, ignorant
farmers. Those clever people have taken away the peace of mind of
these poor and simple farmers. As the poet put it, “…..enforcing
benefits
That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.”
A ROADSIDE STAND

4. What is the ‘childish longing’ that the poet refers to? Why is it
‘vain’?
ANSWER: At their roadside stall, the farmers' desire for customers is
defined by the poet as "childish longing." That's because no one
approached, and even if they did, it was just to ask for directions or
buy gas. As a result, this childish waiting is 'in vain.'
A ROADSIDE STAND

5. Which lines tell us about the insufferable pain that the poet
feels at the thought of the plight of the rural poor?
ANSWER: The poet, who is full of empathy, can't bear the plight of
the simple and innocent people of the countryside. The lines
underneath show his excruciating agony:
“Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits for all day in almost open prayer”
A ROADSIDE STAND

1. Where was the little new shed situated?

ANSWER: The location of 'the little new shed' was out in
front of the little old house at the side of the driveway.

2. What attitude does the polished traffic show?

ANSWER: The polished traffic is focused on the road
ahead and pays no attention to the roadside stands.
A ROADSIDE STAND

3. What is the demand for the roadside stand?

ANSWER: The roadside stand was not pleading for a
loaf of bread, but rather for a portion of the money that
keeps cities from sinking and withering.

4. What is sold by the roadside stand sellers?

ANSWER: Wild berries are sold in wooden quarts, as
well as crookneck golden squash with silver warts.
A ROADSIDE STAND

1. What is the Childish longing of the poet?

ANSWER: The poet wishes for the betterment and development of
those poor people, but the selfish good-doers will never meet his
wishes and aspirations.

2. What is the complaint of the poet?

ANSWER: The poet's complaint is about the city's capital, which he
also wants to hold in his hands and use to improve their living
standards.
A ROADSIDE STAND

3. Why those cars are named ‘selfish’?

ANSWER: Cars (vehicles) are constantly passing through that lane,
but not a single one of them makes a pit stop to inquire about the
prices of the farmers' goods.
A ROADSIDE STAND

Why do the cars stop there occasionally?

Answer:
Cars stop at roadside stand occasionally to ask about the
route’s destination or for demanding the fuel (gas) for their
vehicles.
A ROADSIDE STAND
What is the trusting sorrow? What remains unsaid?
Answer:
The country folk trust their rich brethren in the city to come to their
help but they feel sad when their trust is breached by the city
people through their indifference. Although the city people have
said nothing but their silence speaks volumes about their cold
and indifferent attitude to the rural poor, who feel hurt by it.
A ROADSIDE STAND

Which things irritated those passers-by who stopped at the roadside

stand?
Answer:
The passers-by got irritated by the tastelessly painted roadside stand. The
thought that the artless decor of the stand was in disharmony with their
surroundings and it had destroyed the scenic beauty of the landscape. Even
their ‘N’ and ‘S’ on the signboards was wrongly presented. They did not
approve of the things offered for sale.
A ROADSIDE STAND
Why did the people driving along the highway think that the landscape
was marred?
Answer:
The people driving along the highway objected to the tastelessly painted
roadside stand. They thought that the artless decor of the stand was in
disharmony with the surroundings and had destroyed the scenic beauty of
the landscape. Although the shed had been recently renovated but it could
never impress the city dwellers. They were always critical and felt that these
unhygienically maintained roadside stands marred the beautiful mountain
scene.
A ROADSIDE STAND

What would be the great relief for the poet in

reference to these village folks?
Answer:
The poet says loudly that he would be happy to own the
great relief if the pains of these people were removed at
one stroke. Obviously, he is much moved by their pathetic
plight of life. He wants something to be done to improve
their lives economically.
A ROADSIDE STAND

Bring out the contrast between the urban rich and the rural poor.
Answer:
The urban rich are on the move, they are in a hurry, they are speeding
looking ahead. They have no time to inquire about the goods put up by
rural poor for sale. On the other hand, the rural poor are standing and
pleading for help.