Class IX - Beehive - Poem - The Road Not Taken by Rober Frost

Complete Poem Text

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence;

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Summary

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is a well-known poem that describes the speaker's decision to take a less traveled path through a yellow wood. The speaker comes to a fork in the road and must choose between two paths. The first stanza describes the speaker's internal conflict as he reflects on both roads. He notices that both roads are equally worn and desirable and he cannot travel both. He looks down one path as far as he can, but it disappears into the undergrowth.

The second stanza describes the speaker's decision to take the road less traveled, despite the other road having perhaps a better claim because it is grassy and less worn. However, the speaker realizes that the passing of travelers has worn both roads about the same. In the third stanza, the speaker reflects that both roads were equally untraveled that morning and were covered in black leaves. He decides to keep the first road for another day, but doubts if he will ever come back.

The final stanza reflects on the speaker's decision and the impact it has had on his life. The speaker imagines telling the story of his decision with a sigh many years in the future. He claims that choosing the road less traveled has made all the difference in his life.

In conclusion, the poem is about making a difficult decision and choosing a unique path that leads to a different outcome. The poem reflects on the idea that life is full of choices and the impact those choices can have on one's life.

Thinking About the Poem

Question 1. Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?

Answer:

The traveller in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" finds himself at a fork in the road in a yellow wood. The problem that the traveler faces is the decision of which road to take as both roads appear equally desirable and worn. The speaker must choose between two paths and reflect on the potential consequences of each choice. The decision of which road to take symbolizes the many choices one must make in life and the impact they can have on one's future.

Question 2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

(i) a yellow wood

(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear

(iii) the passing there

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black

(v) how way leads on to way

Answer:

(i) A Yellow Wood: The phrase "a yellow wood" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a description of the forest the speaker finds himself in. The color yellow often symbolizes change or decay, suggesting that the wood may be autumnal in nature. The yellow wood serves as the setting for the speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take. The use of the color yellow also adds a sense of warmth and richness to the description of the forest, emphasizing the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

In this context, the yellow wood represents a place of transition, where the speaker must make an important choice. The image of the yellow wood is also a metaphor for the speaker's life journey, suggesting that the decision he makes will have a lasting impact on his future. Overall, the phrase "a yellow wood" is a vivid and evocative description that contributes to the overall tone and meaning of the poem.

(ii) ‘It was grassy and wanted wear: The line "it was grassy and wanted wear" from Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" refers to one of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The line is describing the physical appearance of the road and suggesting that it is more appealing to take because it is grassy and has less wear and tear than the other road. The phrase "wanted wear" suggests that the road is in a more natural state, with grass growing and less evidence of heavy use.

In the context of the poem, the line serves to highlight the speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take. On one hand, the speaker is drawn to the less traveled road because it appears to offer a unique and different experience. On the other hand, he is considering taking the more worn road because it seems to have a better claim. The line "it was grassy and wanted wear" adds to the description of the choices the speaker faces and the impact they may have on his life.

(iii)’the passing there’: The phrase "the passing there" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" refers to the travelers who have walked along one of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The phrase is used to describe the effect that the travelers have had on the appearance of the road. The road has been worn down by the passing of travelers and appears to be more traveled than the other road.

In this context, "the passing there" is a metaphor for the experiences and events that shape one's life journey. The road represents the path of life, and the passing of travelers suggests that life is influenced by the choices and actions of others. The speaker's internal conflict as he decides which road to take is symbolic of the many decisions one must make in life and the impact those choices can have on one's future.

(iv) leaves no step had trodden black: The expression "leaves no step had trodden black" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a description of the condition of the roads the speaker is considering taking. The expression means that neither road has been traveled recently, as the leaves covering the road have not been disturbed or crushed by the steps of travelers. The image of the undisturbed leaves suggests a sense of serenity and untouched beauty.

In the context of the poem, the expression serves to highlight the idea that both roads are equally desirable and untraveled. The speaker is faced with the decision of which road to take and the uncertainty of what may lie ahead. The expression "leaves no step had trodden black" adds to the tension of the speaker's internal conflict and the weight of his decision.

(v) how way leads on to way: The expression "how way leads on to way" in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" is a reference to the idea that the choices we make in life often lead to further choices and decisions. The phrase suggests that the road we choose, whether literally or metaphorically, can have a profound impact on the direction of our lives and determine the paths we take in the future.

In the context of the poem, the speaker is reflecting on the idea that the road he takes will shape his life journey, leading him to new experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The expression "how way leads on to way" highlights the idea that the road we choose can have a lasting impact and that each decision we make can lead to a chain of events and consequences.

Question 3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
(i) in stanzas two and three?
(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?

Answer:

(i) in stanzas two and three: In stanzas two and three of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the poet describes the two roads as being "just as fair" and "worn them really about the same." At first glance, there doesn't seem to be a significant difference between the two roads as the speaker describes them. Both roads appear to be equally desirable and well-worn, with the only notable difference being that one road is "grassy and wanted wear."

However, the speaker's ultimate decision to take the road "less traveled by" suggests that there may be more to the two roads than meets the eye. The idea that one road is "less traveled by" implies that there may be a difference in terms of their popularity or level of familiarity, even though the speaker does not explicitly state this.

The speaker's choice to take the road "less traveled by" also suggests that he values uniqueness or individuality and is drawn to the idea of exploring a path that is less traveled.

(ii) in the last two lines of the poem: In the last two lines of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the poet writes "I took the one less travelled by,/And that has made all the difference." Here, the speaker is reflecting on the impact of his decision to take the road "less traveled by."

In this context, the difference between the two roads is clear: one road is less traveled, and the other is more frequently used. The speaker's decision to take the road "less traveled by" is described as having "made all the difference" in his life journey, suggesting that this choice had a profound impact on his experiences and outcome.

These lines suggest that taking a unique and less traveled path in life can bring new opportunities, experiences, and perspectives that might not have been possible if the speaker had taken the more well-trodden road.

Question 4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?) 

Answer:

The last two lines of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken" can be interpreted in a few different ways, but in general, the speaker seems to accept and embrace his choice to take the road "less traveled by."

The lines "I took the one less travelled by,/And that has made all the difference" suggest that the speaker is content with his decision and views it as having positively impacted his life journey. This interpretation is supported by the tone of the poem, which is generally reflective and contemplative, rather than regretful or melancholic.

It's also worth considering that the poem is written in the first person and the speaker is looking back on his life journey. This perspective allows the speaker to reflect on the impact of his decision, but it's possible that the speaker's view of his choice may have changed over time.

In conclusion, while the last two lines of the poem can be interpreted in different ways, the overall tone of the poem and the positive language used in the final lines suggest that the speaker is satisfied with his decision to take the road "less traveled by" and does not regret it.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What was the poet’s dilemma?

Answer:

The poet in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost faces a dilemma of choosing between two roads in a yellow wood, both appealing in their own way. He ultimately decides to take the road less traveled, reflecting the uncertainty and difficult choices in life.

Question 2. What was the poet’s opinion about both the roads?

Answer:

The poet in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost views both roads as equally attractive and desirable. He has a difficult time choosing between them and ultimately decides to take the road less traveled.

Question 3. What do the roads represent?

Answer:

The two roads in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost represent the choices and paths one can take in life. The decision to take one road over the other symbolizes the impact of the choices we make and the significance of taking a unique path.

Question 4. Did the poet take his decision haphazardly?

Answer:

No, the poet did not take his decision haphazardly in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. He stands and ponders for a while before choosing the road less travelled, reflecting on the careful consideration and thought put into his choice.

Question 5. Why did the poet choose that road?

Answer:

The poet chose the road less travelled in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost because he wanted to forge his own path and have a unique experience. He believed that taking the road less travelled would make all the difference in his journey.

Question 6. What is the message of the poem?

Answer:

The message of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is about the power of choices and the impact they have on our lives. The poem encourages readers to think about the significance of the choices they make and to choose the path less travelled, as it can make all the difference in their journey.

Question 7. Did the poet make the right choice?

Answer:

The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost does not explicitly state if the poet made the right choice or not. The message is more focused on the idea that life is full of choices and the impact they have on our journey, rather than determining the "right" or "wrong" choice.

Question 8. Why did the poet take the ‘other’ road? Why did the ‘other’ road have a better claim than the first road?

Answer:

The poet took the "other" road in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost because it was less traveled and had a grassy appearance, indicating it may have been less worn. The "other" road had a better claim because it offered a chance for a unique journey, as opposed to the more traveled first road.

Question 9. Describe the conditions of both the roads that lay open before the poet on that morning.

Answer:

The two roads both lay open before the poet on that morning in "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, with leaves untouched and not yet trodden black. Both roads were equally fair and looked well-worn, but the poet chose the road less travelled.

Question 10. Was the poet certain to come back on the road he had left for another day?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the poet expresses doubt about whether he will ever come back to the first road he left for another day. The poem suggests uncertainty about the future and the potential consequences of one's choices.

Question 11. How does the outcome of our life depends on the choice we make to reach our destinations?

Answer:

The outcome of our lives can be greatly influenced by the choices we make to reach our destinations. In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the poet's decision to take the road less traveled has made all the difference in his journey. Our choices shape the path we take and ultimately determine the experiences and memories we create along the way.

Long Answer Type

Question 1. In the poem “The Road Not Taken,” what do the woods symbolise?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, the woods symbolise the multitude of choices and paths available in life. The poet finds himself at a fork in the road, where two roads diverge in a yellow wood, representing the different directions one can take in life. The decision to take the road less travelled, rather than the more conventional path, symbolises the choice to forge one's own path and not conform to societal norms. The woods in the poem represent the various options and possibilities available in life, and the roads symbolise the paths we choose to follow. The poem highlights the importance of making a deliberate choice and taking ownership of our life's journey rather than blindly following a path chosen by others.

Question 2. According to the poem, how does the poet feel about his or her decision in the end?

Answer:

The poet does not express regret or disappointment about the choice made in the poem "The Road Not Taken." Instead, the last two lines "And that has made all the difference," suggest a sense of satisfaction with the choice made. The poet feels that taking the road less travelled, the "other" road, has added meaning and significance to their journey. This idea of the value of taking a unique path, even if it's uncertain, is the central message of the poem. The poem encourages readers to embrace individuality and make choices that define their own path in life, rather than blindly following the path of others.

Question 3. What is the theme or the message of the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?

Answer:

The theme of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" is the idea of choice and its consequences. The poem presents a speaker who finds himself at a fork in the road, with two paths to choose from. The speaker reflects on the choice he must make and decides to take the road less traveled by, despite the fact that both roads appear to be equally appealing and well-trodden. Through the poem, Frost suggests that life is full of choices and that the outcome of our lives depends on the choices we make. The message is that sometimes, taking the road less traveled by can lead to experiences that are unique and fulfilling, and can ultimately make all the difference. This theme of individuality and self-discovery is a central motif in Frost's work and underscores the idea that we are each responsible for shaping our own lives.

Question 4. How does one way lead on to another? Is it easier to come back to the path we have left for another day?

Answer:

In "The Road Not Taken," the idea of "way leading on to way" refers to how our choices and actions can shape and determine the path of our lives. It implies that every decision we make leads to a chain of events, shaping our future and leading us down a certain path. The poet acknowledges that once a choice is made, it is difficult to come back to the path that was left behind. This idea suggests that our choices have a profound impact on the direction of our lives and that it is not always easy to reverse the consequences of our decisions. The message is that the choices we make have a lasting impact and should be made carefully and thoughtfully.

FAQs on the Poem Road Not Taken

1. What is the title of the poem and who is the author?
   
   The title of the poem is "The Road Not Taken" and the author is Robert Frost.
   
   
2. What is the poem about?
   
   The poem is about a traveler who comes to a fork in the road and has to make a decision on which path to take.
   
   
3. What is the central theme of the poem?
   
   The central theme of the poem is the idea of choice and decision-making. It explores the consequences of the choices we make in life and how they shape our future.
   
   
4. What is the meaning behind the line "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by"?
   
   This line represents the speaker's decision to take a less popular or unconventional path in life. It symbolizes the idea of taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
   
   
5. What is the significance of the title "The Road Not Taken"?
   
   The title refers to the path that the speaker did not take. It highlights the idea of missed opportunities and the choices we make in life that lead us down a certain path.
   
   
6. Is the poem meant to be taken literally or metaphorically?
   
   The poem is meant to be taken both literally and metaphorically. While it describes a physical journey, it also represents a larger metaphor for life and the choices we make.
   
   
   
7. What is the overall tone of the poem?
   
   The overall tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative. The speaker is looking back on a past decision and considering its impact on his life.
   
   
   
8. What is the message of the poem?
   
   The message of the poem is that the choices we make in life have consequences and shape our future. It encourages readers to take risks and choose the less popular path, as it can lead to unexpected opportunities and experiences.

Class 12 English Flamingo Poem My Mother at Sixty Six by Kamala Das

Complete Text

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 but soon

put that thought away, and

looked out at Young

Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling

out of their homes, but after the airport’s

security check, standing a few yards

away, 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......

Summary

The poem by Kamala Das reflects the poet's emotions as she drives with her aging mother and realizes the fragility of life. The poet sees her mother doze beside her, her face looking ashen, and is struck with a deep pain and ache for her mother's aging and vulnerability. The sight of the merry children and young trees outside the car window tries to ease the poet's thoughts, but after the airport security check, the poet sees her mother again, pale and wan, and feels the familiar ache and fear from her childhood. Despite these emotions, the poet tries to hide her feelings and merely says goodbye, smiling.

Watch/Listen to the above summary on YouTube

Imagery Used in the Poem

Mother's appearance as a corpse: The appearance of the poet's mother as a corpse symbolizes the poet's fear of losing her and the fragility of life. This image highlights the contrast between life and death and underscores the pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging.

Young trees sprinting: The image of young trees sprinting symbolizes energy, vitality, and growth. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Merry children spilling out of their homes: The image of merry children spilling out of their homes symbolizes youth, innocence, and happiness. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.

Late winter's moon: The comparison of the poet's mother to a late winter's moon symbolizes her pale and wan appearance, as well as her vulnerability and distance. This image emphasizes the poet's fear of losing her mother and underscores the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Smile: The image of the poet smiling serves as a mask for the deep pain and fear she feels. It expresses the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The smile also expresses the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.

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

Answer:

The poet feels a deep pain and ache for the aging and vulnerability of her mother. She compares her appearance to that of a corpse and is reminded of his childhood fear of losing her. Despite this pain, the poet tries to mask his emotions and merely says goodbye and smiles.

Question 2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

Answer:

The young trees are described as "sprinting" because she is fast moving in her car, as she drives from her parent's home to Cochin. The use of the word "sprinting" also implies a sense of liveliness and swift movement, which contrasts with the tired and vulnerable appearance of the poet's mother. The sight of the young trees provides a momentary distraction for the poet, but does not ease the deep pain and ache she feels for her mother's aging.

Question 3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

Answer:

The image of the merry children is brought in by the poet to provide contrast to the vulnerability of her aging mother and to show the energy and joy of youth. The sight of the children spilling out of their homes, full of life and happiness, provides a momentary distraction for the poet and a contrast to her own feelings of pain and fear. The children symbolize youth, vitality, and innocence, and the sight of them serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.

Question 4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

Answer:

The poet compares the appearance of her mother to a "late winter's moon" to describe her mother's pale, wan appearance after the airport security check. The comparison to a "late winter's moon" emphasizes the mother's fragile and vulnerable state and the poet's fear of losing her. The image of the moon also suggests a sense of distant coldness and detachment, which mirrors the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to say goodbye with a smile. The comparison serves to underscore the deep pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging and to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.

Question 5. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Answer:

The parting words of the poet, "see you soon, Amma," and her smile signify her attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The words and smile serve as a mask for the deep pain and fear the poet feels, as she is reminded of the inevitability of loss and the fragility of life. The words and smile are a way for the poet to maintain a sense of hope and optimism, despite her feelings of sadness and fear. They also express the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate.        

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poem, My Mother at Sixty Six, describes the scene where a mother and daughter are driving to their hometown Cochin. The mother dozes off and when the daughter looks at her ashen unmoving body, she suddenly gets frightened that she is dead. The daughter realizes that her mother is quite old and she could lose her to death at any time. This makes her pensive and she reflects on the love for her mother. The poet narrates the bonding between the duo and brings forth the pain and fear experienced by the daughter of losing her mother due to the inevitable reality of life which is death.

Question 2. Comment on the tone of the poem with reference "My Mother at Sixty Six".                

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The tone of this poem is predominantly pensive and sorrowful. The poet suddenly notices that her mother looks as old as she is. However, it does not surprise her because she has always been aware of the certainty of her mother's death. As she does when she turns away from her mother to look at the Q.7. trees and the children, she has simply chosen not to think about losing her mother anytime soon. Yet that fear has always plagued her and it plagues her still. This saddens her and one can see her silent tears even when she has forced herself to smile.

Question 3. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the "merry children" and mother. Comment.

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poet has used the image of merry children spilling out of their homes to bring a contrast between old age and childhood. Her mother's pale, colourless face stands for old and fading age. Merry children symbolise the spring of life, vigour and happiness. They also symbolize the spontaneity of life in contrast to the passive and inactive life of her aged mother.

Question 4. The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother's death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss.

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' is rich in imagery. Kamala Das uses the devices of comparison and contrast. The use of simile is very effective. The face of the poet's old mother is described as 'ashen'. This ashen face is 'like that of a corpse'. The poet uses another simile. The "wan, pale' face of the mother is compared to 'a late winter's moon'. The poem excels in contrasts. The old ‘dozing’ lady inside is contrasted with the young tress ‘sprinting’ and merry children ‘spilling’ out of their homes.

Question 5. Kamala Das speaks of an old familiar ache...' What do you think is the reason for this feeling?

[CBSE SQP, 2020-21]

Answer:

As a child, Kamala Das had a fear of losing her mother. She always felt sad when she was separated from her mother and was scared that she might not be alive the next time she came back.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020-21]

Question 6. What kind of pain does Kamala Das feel in 'My Mother at Sixty-Six?

[Delhi Set-1, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: -pain of separation - losing her mother-childhood fear-mother getting old.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das feels pained at the thought of her mother getting old. She was pained to think that she may lose her mother soon. She had the fear of losing her mother and getting separated from her permanently.

Question 7. Why are the young trees described as sprinting?

[Delhi Set-II, 2017, Comptt., Delhi Set-II, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: - Image of youthfulness energy -vitality-full of life-contrast to mother's pale/ old face.

(Any two) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: The young trees running spiritedly in the opposite direction stand in sharp contrast to the poetess' aged and pale-looking mother. The trees symbolize youth and life, whereas the old mother represents old age and is moving towards the grave. They symbolise the quick passage of time that has brought old age to her.

Question 8. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children?

[Outside Delhi Set-1, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: to drive away pain-fear of separation from her mother-children symbolic of life/energy/ dynamism/happiness-to distract from thoughts of her ageing mother.

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017)

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das looked at the young children, as they represented youth, which is full of life and energy. She wanted to drive away the fearful and disturbing thought that her mother was getting old and weak and might die soon.

Question 9. Why has the mother been compared to the 'late winter moon'?

[Comptt., Outside Delhi Set-I, 2017]

Answer:

Value Points: Pale wan colour/mother had lost her glow on her face.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: The mother has been compared to the 'late winter moon' because she has become pale like the moon in the winter. She is dull and lifeless. Her face has lost her glow and is misted with wrinkles, as the winter of moon shrouded with clouds.

Question 10. What did Kamala Das think when she looked at her mother?

[Comptt. Outside Delhi Set-III, 2017]

Value Points: - dozing like a corpse/as old as she looked-fear that she may not meet her mother.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Detailed Answer: Kamala Das' mother was dozing, as she was sitting in the car. Her face looked pale and like a dead body. Kamala Das thought that her mother would not live long and felt pain that she might not meet her again.

Question 11. What were the poet's feelings as she drove to Kochi Airport?

[Comptt., 2015]

Answer:

Value Points: Fear of separation/worried about her ageing mother/fear of losing her mother/ anxiety.

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

Detailed Answer: Her feelings at the airport were of fear because she was afraid that her mother was going to die because she was looking very weak and she was not sure whether she would be able to meet her mother again. She hid her fear by smiling and assured her mother that they would meet again.

Long Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in 120-150 words:

Question 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona's fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.

You may begin this way:

Pallipuram

Cochin, Kerala

22 August' 60

My dear Kamala

I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right. Judging by how little you spoke that day………………………………………………… (continue) ………………………………

With love

Amma

[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]

Answer:

Value Points: poet's words and smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real feelings- parting words: "See you soon, Amma", give an assurance to the mother- poet's continuous smiles are an attempt to overcome the ache and fear inside her heart- latent fear of losing mother could be felt at the surface- mother grown weak and frail- effect of old age- ageing is a natural process-time and ageing spare none- with this ageing, separation and death become inevitable- the advice: don't be pained and frightened by the idea that she (poet) may have to face all these things herself- everyone has to face this situation one day or the other- human life is transient and people are mortal beings who have to suffer through the pangs of death

Detailed Answer:

Pallipuram

Cochin, Kerala

22 August '60

My dear Kamala

I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right Judging by how little you spoke that day, I understand that you were trying to hide your fears. You are afraid that you are going to lose me and I am going to die soon. My child, you can put your fears to rest as I am enjoying the prime of my health. I am doing my daily chores actively and I do not feel tired so soon. I am looking forward to meet you soon. If all my plans work, I will be shifting near you in another month or so.

Having said that, my child, you need to understand that the death is the ultimate truth of life. The one who is born has to die. All of us have to meet this fate sooner or later. So, as your guide and mentor, I would advise to face this truth boldly as a day will come when this truth will be realised in my case also. Remember, when that day comes, I want you not to grieve but to cherish the happy moments we shared and move on with your life.

Looking forward to see you soon.

With love

Amma

Question 2. Imagine you are the poet's friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be -to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?

Q[CBSE Question Bank 2021]

Answer:

Value Points: Aged people usually undergo pangs of loneliness and need companionship The pes simistic approach they develop towards life can be. shunned only if we provide them with abundant love, care, importance and empathy. They expect their children to sit calmly and talk to them about the happenings of their lives and to take their sug- gestions for making significant decisions. Their lost vitality can thus be easily rejuvenated. This happiness will encourage them to live life enthu- siastically

Detailed Answer:

Poet        : Hi, how are you doing?

Friend        : I am good, but you are not your usual self What happened? You seem lost somewhere

else

Poet        : I met my mother over the weekend. She is just sixty-six but was looking older than her age

Friend        : O, they all look like that. My father is only fifty-nine but he already looks like seventy. Poet        : Not only that, but her health was also looking deteriorated I had to shift over here due to professional work. It was a pain leaving her alone at home I have not spent enough time with her lately. There is so much I want to discuss with her, but don't have time

Friend: Don't worry, she will be well. We all seem afraid of the impending truth. But, come on, face your fears boldly. Take a week's off and spend time with her. At least, you will not regret later in life.

Poet: But, boss will not allow me to take off. You know the work pressure we have right now at office

Friend: Don't worry, I will take care of that. I will work overtime couple of days and cover up for you

Poet: Thanks dear, you are truly a friend indeed. I will talk to boos in the morning. Thanks and good night

Friend: So, cheer up now! All will be well Good night.

Other Poems of class 12 syllabus with in-depth analysis, explanation, themes and Summary

1. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum by Stephen Spender
2. Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
3. A Thing of Beauty by John Keets
4. A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost
5. Aunt Jennifer's Tigers by Adrienne Rich